Silkeborg, Denmark

Capital City

With just 43,158 residents, Silkeborg is a sleepy provincial town in the middle of Jutland. The tax burden is heavy, and the bureaucracy is a persistent headache. While the lush surrounding forests and lakes make it Denmark's "outdoor capital," the long, dark winters can be a slog. Still, for those seeking a quiet, affordable escape from the big city grind, Silkeborg might just fit the bill.