8 T e Travel Guide Design for life


Taking the title of World Capital of Architecture for 2023, Copenhagen is a model of responsible urban living. Words: Anna Melville-James


H


ighly strollable, reassuringly low-rise and reliably effi cient: Copenhagen is built


with people at its heart. And this architectural experience is being celebrated this year, with the city designated the UNESCO/UIA World Capital of Architecture for 2023. T e initiative, launched in 2020 by UNESCO and the International Union of Architects (UIA), aims to highlight the role of architecture, city planning and culture in shaping urban identity and responsible development. In other words, it’s about reminding us how good, thoughtful design makes for a better life. T e city has been a crucible


for ambitious urban planning and architecture since the 1930s, when Danish architect and designer Arne Jacobsen changed the landscape with buildings and furniture that merged functionality with aesthetic simplicity. T is was followed a few decades later by the disruptive brilliance of Jan Gehl, who spearheaded the move from car-choked streets to pedestrianisation, sparking a period of urban development that prioritised


residents’ wellbeing. Today, you can see the legacy of that innovative gear change all around the city, from the energy plant and urban ski slope CopenHill to the striking 8 House development and the sweeping, pedestrianised Israel Plads plaza. Copenhagen’s tenure as World


Capital of Architecture will focus on the ability of considerate design to help us respond to modern challenges, particularly those of meeting net-zero targets. A series of events, hosted with the Danish Association of Architects, will examine how urban design can contribute to meeting the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. T ere will also be a programme of tours to initiatives such as the city’s fi rst rooftop farm, the cooperative housing association of AB Skydebanen, and Sankt Kjelds, Copenhagen’s fi rst climate change- adapted neighbourhood. Other talks and tours will focus


on the city’s architectural history, and Open House Copenhagen (25-26 March) will off er access to buildings, including the historic Brønnums Hus, usually closed to the public. arkitekturhovedstad.kk.dk


Promotional Content • Saturday 13 May 2023 FOUR TO TRY


Guided architecture bike tours Take in Copenhagen’s architecture on two wheels. T ree-hour, four-hour, half-day and full-day guided bike tours from £66 per person, leaving from beCopenhagen at Fortunstræde 1. becopenhagen.dk


Guided walk in Nordhaven Explore quirky takes on urban living, including Konditaget Lüders, an exercise space atop a multi-storey car park. Private tours cost £219 (minimum party of 10). slowtourscopenhagen.dk


Treasure hunt Follow the clues on a free treasure hunt, taking in 12 historic locations. A padlock at each spot provides site details, plus a riddle to lead you onwards. urbexplorer.dk


Starchitect: Arne Jacobson Denmark’s most famous designer left his mark on the seaside suburb of Klampenborg with an array of buildings. Tours cost £215 (minimum party of 10). slowtourscopenhagen.dk


First published in the April 2023 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).


Grundtvig’s Church PHOTOGRAPH: SOPHIA BERGHOLM


Kalvebod Fælled, Amager island PHOTOGRAPH: ASTRID MARIA RASMUSSEN


Bikepacking essentials


A cross between multi-day cycling and backpacking, bikepacking requires some quality kit. Here’s what to pack for a two-wheel trip. Words: Amy Sedghi


RAPHA + POC OMNE AIR HELMET


Swedish brand POC has partnered up with Rapha to produce a limited- edition helmet. It’s optimised for road and gravel riding, with comfort, ventilation and weight being key components. Available in three colourways. £150. rapha.cc


ALBION ZOA INSULATED JACKET


Albion has got warmth, visibility and wind resistance covered with this ultra-lightweight insulated model, its outer fabric crafted from a 100% recycled Pertex Quantum. T ere’s even a zippable concealed rear pocket. £185. albioncycling.com


SMARTWOOL MERINO 150


BASELAYER LONG SLEEVE T e importance of a good base layer shouldn’t be underestimated. Cue Smartwool’s long-sleeve merino base layer. Garments are designed with smooth fl atlock seams to reduce chafi ng. £40. smartwool.co.uk


LEZYNE ZECTO DRIVE 250/80


BIKE LIGHT SET T is set of handy bike lights from Lezyne off ers high visibility — the front light off ers up to 250 lumens and the rear light up to 80. Rechargeable via USB, too. £59.95. halfords.com, ride.lezyne.com


BIG AGNES FLY CREEK HV UL2


BIKEPACKING TENT Big Agnes has gone the extra mile by creating bikepacking-specifi c tents, with shorter pole sections and a custom storage bag that means the tent can be stuff ed into a pannier or strapped onto handlebars. It helps that it’s lighter than your average tent too. £469.95. ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk


VANGO COBRA 200 SLEEPING BAG


Vango’s Cobra 200 is super comfy, ridiculously light (it weighs a mere 700g) and packs down into a tiny four-strap compression stuff sack. It’s also fi lled with ethically sourced goose down and has an


aluminised layer to refl ect heat. £225. outdoorgear.co.uk


ALPKIT KRAKU ULTRA-COMPACT TITANIUM MICRO CAMPING STOVE Weighing just 45g, this ultra-compact stove is small but mighty — it can deliver the power output of a stove twice its size. Also, you’ll be happy to learn that 1% of its sales go to the Certifi ed B Corp brand’s independent charity, the Alpkit Foundation. £24.99. alpkit.com


RESTRAP SADDLE BAG


Handmade in its Yorkshire workshop, Restrap’s bags are a top choice among bikepackers for their ease of use. It only takes moments to attach the holster to the bike; then, secure the accompanying 14-litre dry bag with a magnetic buckle to keep all your kit safe. £109.99. restrap.com


First published in the Jan/Feb 2022 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).


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