A QUINTESSENTIAL BLEND OF MODERNITY AND HYGGE
words by WIES KUIJPERS
Copenhagen invites you to breathe deeply, unwind, and savour every moment. Do not mistake the calm for boring – Danes are known for persevering through unpredictable weather and indulging in cosy cafes, exquisite dining, and visits to world-class museums. The city’s blend of modernity and tradition will intrigue and excite you as you explore its unique character. Copenhagen is a gorgeous city that can be enjoyed during any season. Its diversity and attention to detail make it a place anyone can get lost in. It is the perfect size for exploring different neighbourhoods: cycle through the city and marvel at its architectural, artistic, and design heritage, bask in the rare Scandinavian sun, or find solace in the warmth of indoor havens during the rain.
Spend rainy days exploring neighbourhoods such as Kødbyen or Vesterbro, where you can embrace the hygge spirit by hopping between cafes, tasting delectable pastries and aromatic coffees. Indulge in a delightful lunch at DELPHINE, a renowned Mediterranean restaurant in Vesterbro, before exploring vintage boutiques like JEROME VINTAGE and the chic interiors of DANSK. Make your way to Kødbyen, the meatpacking district, to finish your day among Copenhagen’s artistic and creative people. This neighbourhood is a hotspot for culinary lovers and artists, with modern restaurants – such as ABEN, a modern beer distillery with new interesting beer flavours and pop-up kitchens – galleries and nightlife. End your day with a stay at HOTEL GRANDE JOANNE in Vesterbro. This magnificent 17th-century structure is a contemporary oasis that combines traditional exterior elegance and contemporary interior comfort to rejuvenate your spirit.
To enjoy every minute of sunshine, stay at BRYGGEN GULDSMEDEN - 4-star Urban Eco Resort, located just outside the city centre on Bryggen Island. This exquisite resort combines Indonesianinspired aesthetics with a contemporary Danish sustainability mindset. The combination creates a unique four-star experience where nature and human connection are paramount. Enjoy your time at their spa and pool, or rent a bike to explore Copenhagen’s stunning waterfront. Enjoy your morning by getting a bolle med ost while dipping your toes in the water at the harbour bath. A 15- minute bike ride will lead you to COPENHAGEN CONTEMPORARY, a magnificent museum with a delicious cafe upfront. As the day winds down, head to REFFEN COPENHAGEN STREET FOOD MARKET and enjoy your chosen dish at the waterfront while watching the sky turn to warm orange hues.
Every corner in Copenhagen reveals a new facet of its enchanting character. Whether basking in the sun, exploring vibrant neighbourhoods, or indulging in world-class cuisine, Copenhagen offers a luxurious and serene experience where you can recharge your soul and get inspired by the hygge lifestyle. The city creates an unforgettable journey and invites you to slow down, enjoy the moment, and immerse yourself in its unique charm.
Shopping:
1. Baum Und Pferdgarten (clothing brand - women - store interior)
Location: Vognmagergade 2, 1120 København,
Denmark Fun, playful and yet durable, the Baum Und Pferdgarten flagship store represents the brand's essence. Upon entering the store, you are greeted with an immense store that will make your mouth water. A feeling that every fashion girl will understand, an elegant, colourful and most of all spacious closet. The flagship store is modelled to feel like an endless closet with corridors filled with printed pants, sequin tops and cherished basics. The space feels wide and endless, with high ceilings, big mirrors, and fitting rooms where you can comfortably try on anything you like. The staff is incredibly kind and will offer you your first glass of bubbly of the day. Sipping from your glass, they will help you find the perfect fit and size. A gorgeous, durable space just like the cloths, Baum and Pferdgarten believe in the importance of circularity and are working to become more responsible in all its operations.
2. Wette Mille (handmade jewellery)
In a world where design comes and goes, this jewellery designer has found a way to immortalise the wilting of life. Honouring memories and evolving experiences, she can cast them in precious metals and highlight them with valuable gemstones. Mette is a young Jewellery designer in Copenhagen who sells handmade jewellery. Inspired by the natural amber her father used to collect when she was younger, she started to create her experiences in natural fluent lines around the gemstones. Now, she creates jewellery you can order directly, or she can create something personal for you. Visit her beautiful atelier by appointment to see and try on the pieces yourself, or share your story to create a custom piece. Connect with her via Instagram @wette__mille
3. Studio Stars (mens and women’s fashion / upcoming small designers)
Location: Kronprinsensgade 9, 1114 København, Denemarken Studio Stars is a concept store where Casper (the owner) shares his passion for young, creative national and international brands. A store where you can find unique young brands, handmade pieces for your wardrobe, interior design or a place where you can connect and be inspired. Studio Stars started with Casper as a young business owner. Before Studio Stars became what it is today, Casper sourced and sold rare vintage clothing pieces. As this online business grew, Casper felt he was missing out on more of a connection with his community and the industry. Studio Stars become a project, an excuse to meet with other young business owners and brand designers. A place that has now grown into a place where young creatives can find a basis to grow from and to grow together.
Restaurants:
1. Åben
Location: Slagtehusgade 15, 1715 København, Denemarken
A modern jungle of stainless steel pipes and barrels in shimmering silver with laughing and happy people filling the building and terras. Åben is a modern beer brewery that brings people together from all over Copenhagen with new and exciting beer flavours and a pop-up kitchen. Their first beer took 61 tries to make the recipe just right. Now, they create three new releases every month. Experimenting and innovating are at the core of Åben. As soon as the beer is finished brewing, it flows directly to one of the 14 tanks hanging from the roof of the bar and into your glass. As fresh as it gets. They aren’t just a brewery; they are a community that brings people together through hosting events such as festivals, tastings and pop-up kitchens. Besides delicious beers, enjoy a rotating menu designed by different chefs. Every menu has a bit of love, passion, and good food poured in.
2. Delphine
Location: Vesterbrogade 40, 1620 København, Denemarken
Step into Delphine, a restaurant that captivates with its exquisite design and delicious array of dishes. The moment you enter, you are greeted by the warm charm of the restaurant, with impressive high ceilings decorated with murals and large ambient lights, making the room light up. The imposing bar area provides seating where you can watch the bartenders shake up various sweet and savoury cocktails. Or enjoy a calm dinner under the murals or beside the big windows. The extensive menu is split into smaller and bigger dishes, allowing customers to customise their dinner. This flexible approach will allow you to customise your experience, whether you want a light snack or a big feast. Enjoy the blend of Greek and Italian cuisine artfully prepared over a large parilla grill. Whether you choose the big seafood spread or smaller meat and vegetable dishes, the grill makes the food delicious and gives it a unique smokey taste.
3. Frama studio store (Café, furniture and soaps)
Location: Fredericiagade 57, 1310 København, Denemarken
Frama Studio Store is precisely what the name suggests—it is more than just a store. Frama is a lifestyle of beautiful, durable interior design pieces and healthy and natural self-care products made of limited stock and mindful of craftsmanship. The lovely studio store is a calm and tranquil place, built in an old apothecary, bringing together the store's and the brand's old and modern aspects. In 2020, they added another element to their studio store, Apotek 57. The menu, curated by chef Chiara Barla, focuses on simplicity, seasonal ingredients, and the highest quality. Offering drinks alongside house-made baked goods, snacks, and other foods, It is a place to get inspired and refuelled or to pick up a small souvenir to remind you of the smells of Copenhagen.
Museums:
1. Copenhagen Contemporary Exhibitions
Location: Refshalevej 173A, 1432 København, Denmark
2. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
Location: Dantes Plads 7, 1556 København, Denemarken
3. Statens Museum for Kunst exhibitions
Location: Sølvgade 48-50, 1307 København K, Denemarken
You see unique Danish touches in every aspect of the city. If you enjoy art, try to find the stubbornly modern touches they add to their exhibitions. Each museum has a different collection, but no matter the time or season, every museum offers something unique. Exhibitions and installations feel like an intimate discussion between the artist and the viewer. You can easily come up close and personal with the artwork (without touching or damaging it). The pieces are thoughtfully placed not to overwhelm but to intrigue the viewer. Spots of uncommon colour placement add humour, easing the viewer's consciousness and keeping them returning for more. For example, the Staten Museum for Kunst has two buildings sandwiching this beautiful hall with windows. The windows let through an oasis of natural light, creating a calming sensation while you pass through the exhibitions; Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek plays with fun colours, highlighting specific parts of each exhibition, which keeps you curious and engaged or Copenhagen Contemporary puts the viewer at the centre of its exhibitions. By exhibiting in enormous rooms, the viewer becomes so tiny, constantly looking up and around as if you are looking around the world.
