P
ancake-flat and pockmarked with canals, rivers and lakes, Copenhagen dramatically blends
land with water. These opposing elements merge together in the ancient port; it feels as if nature is still in charge despite centuries of intriguing planning and architecture creating one of the world’s most modern, forward-thinking cities. Moody skies loom overhead while po- faced Danes brood at hip cafés and bars, seemingly unaware that they live in what many people consider the world’s best city – a place renowned for its liveability and eco-credentials. Politicians and architects beat a path to the Danish capital’s door to get ideas for how to improve their own cities, and today’s short-break travellers flock here for relaxation in an urbane setting. After a weekend in small but stylish Copenhagen – with its pedestrianised streets and one- off boutiques, galleries, bars and scenery –
you might feel like moving to live here too. But what sets Copenhagen apart in 2016 is something that’s harder to put your finger on. Somehow, a place that was considered rather prosaic just 20 years ago is now the epitome of Scandinavian cool. Television shows like The Bridge, Danish pop music and design, and a thriving hotel and fine dining scene have propelled Copenhagen into pole position in the style stakes. In such a green, healthy city, the way to
really get your bearings is on two wheels. Since 2014, Copenhagen has had a brand- new city bike scheme (
bycyklen.dk) where you can rent a fresh, shiny bike from dozens of docking stations (more are opening every month) around the city. “Pay as you go” rental is Kr25 (US$4) per hour and you simply swipe your credit card at the docking station. The bikes are packed with all sorts of technological gizmos, like GPS to make sure you’re going in the right direction, and even an electric motor in case you feel lazy. But you certainly won’t need it to get up any hills – Copenhagen doesn’t have any. What it does have is miles of cycle paths, and many of them have recently taken dramatic new turns.
NO BRIDGE TOO FAR A two-wheeled tour of the city should head to the harbour and include the slew of new bridges that are providing fresh ways to cross the water and enjoy the briny from a safe distance. There’s the famous new Cykelslangen or Bicycle Snake, an innovative “elevated highway” for bikes that threads its way over the Bryggebroen Bridge. There’s also the even newer Circle Bridge by designer Olafur Eliasson in Christianshavn, which is formed from circular bridge pieces flying over one of Copenhagen’s many canals – in fact, if you squint, sometimes it can seem more like you’re in Amsterdam, such are the number of canals here. Finally, there’s the just- completed Inner Harbour Bridge by Studio Bednarski, which leaps an impressive 180 metres right across Copenhagen harbour. Because it crosses a channel used by so many boats, the bridge opens up in the middle to let ships pass – just like London’s
Clockwise from main: Nyhavn waterfront with 17th
Arken Museum of Modern Art; Bicycle Snake bike track Visit
www.businesstraveller.asia JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 57 -18th century buildings; Circle Bridge; city bicycles;
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