09:30 · Morning
Holmen by Bike
09:30 · Leave hotel on bikes
Hotel bikes, slow scenic ride through Christianshavn
No schedule yet, you have until 10:15 at Hart Bageri. Take your time. Christianshavn is one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Copenhagen and this is the best way to see it. Ride along Overgaden Oven Vandet, the canal-facing street lined with old houseboats and little waterside cafes. Stop when something catches your eye. Look for Vor Frelsers Kirke (Our Saviour’s Church) on Sankt Annæ Gade, the baroque tower has a golden spiral staircase climbing up the outside of it, one of Copenhagen’s strangest and most beautiful landmarks. Follow the old ramparts along Christianshavns Voldgade, the star-shaped earthworks and moat that once defended the city. There’s no rush here. Stop, look, wander.
10:00 · Holmen ride-through
Kanonbådsskurene & Mastekranen, don’t stop, just ride
The old Danish naval base at Holmen is now home to architecture schools, creative studios, and artists. Ride through past the 32 rhythmic black wooden Gunboat Sheds (Kanonbådsskurene), all identical, slightly eerie, remarkable. Look for the Mastekranen: a bizarre 1749 wooden tower crane built to lift ship masts. No need to stop, just ride through and take it in.
10:15 · Hart Bageri
Coffee and cardamom bun in a former naval building
Galionsvej 41, Hart Bageri occupies a stunning high-ceilinged former naval building right on the water. One of the best bakeries in Copenhagen. Order the cardamom bun. Sit down properly. 30 minutes.
10:45 · Bike to Copenhagen Contemporary
10 minutes across Refshaleøen
Continue riding east across the island. Copenhagen Contemporary opens at 11:00, aim to arrive right on opening to get ahead of the crowds.
11:00 · Midday
Art, Food & Views
11:00 · Copenhagen Contemporary
Massive-scale installation art, old shipyard welding hall
One of the most interesting art spaces in Scandinavia, the scale of the building is part of the experience. Huge industrial ceilings, raw concrete, and rotating immersive installations. Arrive at opening. Don’t miss the gift shop for design books and prints. 1.5 hours.
12:30 · Reffen Street Food
40+ stalls in shipping containers by the water
Right next door to Copenhagen Contemporary on Refshalevej. Enormous variety, Nepalese dumplings, Vietnamese bánh mì, Danish smørrebrød, French crêpes, grilled meats and more. All outdoors by the water. Everyone picks something different. ~1 hour.
13:45 · Bike to CopenHill
3 minutes from Reffen, watch for the Alchemist doors
3-minute bike ride from Reffen. On the way, watch for the massive bronze doors of the Alchemist restaurant, one of the world’s best restaurants, operating out of what looks like a bunker. The doors are extraordinary.
13:45 · CopenHill
Hike the ski slope on a rubbish-burning plant
Vindmøllevej 6, CopenHill (Amager Bakke) is a waste-to-energy plant with a ski slope on its roof. Walk the exterior mountain path to the summit for 360° views over Copenhagen and out to Sweden on a clear day. Then take the glass elevator back down, a slow descent on the outside of the building through a glazed cabin. On the side: the world’s tallest climbing wall at 80 metres. Free to hike. Opens 12:00.
14:45 · Bike back toward hotel
Optional: DAC Danish Architecture Center (30 min pop-in)
Bryghuspladsen 10 sits on this route back. Worth a 30-minute stop if the group has energy, their building has a spectacular 4-storey indoor spiral slide. Otherwise, ride straight back to the hotel for the reset.
15:30 · Hotel power reset
2 hours back at NH Collection
Showers, feet up, charge phones, change into something comfortable. Leave at 17:05 for GoBoat.
Evening
GoBoat & the Canals
17:05 · Short bike ride to Islands Brygge
10 minutes south to Islands Brygge
10-minute bike ride south to Islands Brygge 10.
17:15 · GoBoat
Self-drive solar boat through the Christianshavn canals
Pilot your own solar-powered boat through the canals at golden hour. No captain, no guide, completely self-drive. The evening light on the canals is spectacular. 75 minutes on the water.
18:30 · Dinner
Christianshavns Færgecafé, 10 min walk from GoBoat
Walk north along the Christianshavn waterfront to Strandgade 50. Traditional Danish smørrebrød, roast pork, and a maritime atmosphere that fits the day perfectly. Originally a meeting place for sailors. Reservation strongly recommended. Open until 23:00.
20:00 · Walk back to hotel
5-minute stroll along Strandgade
The hotel is on Strandgade, dinner is also on Strandgade. A 5-minute walk home along the waterfront to end the day.
