Travels

Copenhagen 2025 🧜🏻‍♀️

Posted by markhadland on
A calm water view reflecting buildings along a waterfront, with clear blue skies above.

Our trip to Copenhagen in March was planned around Carter’s and Mitch’s birthdays, March 15th and 19th, respectively. It’s become a tradition for the Hadlands and Morgans to take a trip to celebrate both birthdays. This trip was centered around dining. I secured reservations at Geranium and Alchemist, both three-starred restaurants, which would complete our Copenhagen hat-trick for the famed three-starred restaurants. We enjoyed Noma last August.

We typically stay at the 25hours Hotel Indre By, located in the heart of the city’s pedestrian area. Located in a former porcelain factory and law school, the boutique hotel is quirky and artful, resembling a building that could be set in the Tintin universe. It’s across the square from the famous Round Tower and has a fun, casual bar and funky decor. It makes a great home base in the city for exploring on foot, and most areas are very walkable.

Interior view of a boutique hotel with a glass skylight, plants, and colorful decor, featuring a bar area and unique seating.
A large, hanging sculpture of a pterosaur in an indoor space with large windows.
A cozy hotel room featuring a double bed with white linens, colorful bedside lamps, and a whimsical artwork on the wall. There are two armchairs, a small round table with a newspaper, and a warm throw blanket draped on one side of the bed.
I love the flying pterodactyls and cozy rooms.
A creatively designed bookshelf sculpture made of numerous books arranged in a twisting fashion, set in a stylish lounge area with soft seating and warm lighting.

After getting settled into our hotel, I set off for some sightseeing and window shopping.

A stylish Bang & Olufsen Riva speaker displayed next to an informational sign detailing its features and price.
A modern audio display featuring tall speakers and a central console, showcased in a stylish interior space.
A decorative portable speaker designed by Bang & Olufsen, featuring a wood-like striped design and a handle.

Bang & Olufsen’s flagship store is always a favorite stop. Carter and I saw the Riva collab last October when we visited their factory on the shores of Lago d’Iseo in Italy. I love how many of our trips have interwoven themes. The staff there are always amazed that I return knowing their products before they launch.

Two Bang & Olufsen Riva audio products displayed on a black pedestal in a retail setting.

From Riva in Italy, below.

Exterior view of the Riva building with a modern design, featuring large windows and a sign in bold letters. Surrounding area includes flower beds with colorful blooms.
Riva Factory
A modern building with a unique architectural design beside a docked luxury yacht in a misty setting.
The famous Riva CEO’s office, which resembles a cruise ship’s bridge.
A sleek boat docked on calm waters during early morning or dusk, surrounded by a misty atmosphere.
Aspirations.
A person wearing sunglasses and a black puffy jacket stands in a busy Copenhagen street, with colorful buildings in the background and pedestrians walking by.
A stylish logo featuring pointed shapes and a bird-like design illuminated against a textured stone background.
My pilgrimage to the local Moncler shop.
An illustrated menu cover featuring a cartoonish smiling man with a plate of open-faced sandwiches topped with various spreads, surrounded by playful text and artistic elements.
A colorful artwork depicting a stylized female torso surrounded by vibrant flowers against a green background.
A visit to Victor, a traditional European Brasserie, where I usually get a chicken sandwich and a beer.
Illuminated exterior of Hotel d'Angleterre in Copenhagen at night, showcasing its architectural details and surrounding area.
The majestic Hotel D’Angleterre
Close-up of a card with the word 'goldfinch' written in elegant red script, accompanied by a small illustration of a bird.
A detailed illustration of a small bird perched on a branch surrounded by colorful leaves and flowers.
A close-up of a teal-colored restaurant menu titled 'goldfinch' with a gold embroidered design, placed on a textured surface.
Dinner was once again at Goldfinch. I like this place as we have a restaurant in Seattle with the same name, and it’s also the Washington State bird.

The next morning, Carter and I had jet lag, so we woke up early and set out on foot to visit the Hart bakery for some pastries and explore the Opera and the area near Noma and Alchemist. We were building our appetites for Carter’s birthday lunch at Geranium.

A vibrant pink door with a brass doorknob, situated near a sign that reads 'OPEN'.
Bakery at Hotel D’Angleterre
Colorful buildings lining the waterfront in Copenhagen, with their reflections visible in the calm water.
Nyhaven
A view of colorful buildings along a canal in Copenhagen, reflecting in the still water.
Scenic view of Nyhavn in Copenhagen, featuring historic colorful buildings reflected in the calm water, with boats docked in the harbor.
A selfie of two men smiling in front of colorful historic buildings and boats in a harbor on a sunny day.
A picturesque view of colorful buildings lining a canal in Copenhagen, with boats docked in the foreground and a streetlamp illuminating the scene.
A serene waterfront view of Copenhagen's buildings, reflecting in the calm water under a clear blue sky.
Imagine living here!
A view of a calm waterfront in Copenhagen, featuring modern buildings reflecting in the water under a clear blue sky.
View of Copenhagen canal.
A modern black building exterior with a large rectangular window showcasing potted plants and interior decor.
Modern residence on the dock.
A circular, modern structure sits on the water's edge in Copenhagen, reflecting the clear blue sky. The building features large glass panels and a brown metal exterior.
Ferry pickup.
Modern architectural building with a distinctive overhanging roof, set against a clear blue sky, featuring a landscaped area in front.
Opera house.
A whimsical octopus figure made of transparent material is displayed in front of a window, overlooking a serene waterfront with wooden loungers and tables in the background.
A close-up of a chocolate pastry on a gray plate, resting on a napkin, with a wooden table in the background.
A black hand-shaped mural with two large white eyes, set against a plain wall.
Hart Bakery and the famous cardamom croissant.
Two men sitting on a bench in a sunny outdoor setting, wearing sunglasses and casual jackets, with a market backdrop.
Unkle Marko and Mitch are enjoying the sun.

Next up was Carter’s Birthday lunch at Geranium.

Geranium ✿✿✿

After a truly amazing lunch, I found myself with an hour of leisure time to tour a bit of the neighborhood.

A wooden shelf displaying various food products, including bottles of hot sauce, jars of pumpkin seed praline, and several copies of 'The Noma Guide to Fermentation' alongside a tote bag with 'HART BAGERI' printed on it.
Exterior of the Hart bakery with a striped awning and a neon octopus sign, featuring three people sitting outside and two others standing nearby.
A historic building with a green dome, featuring statues and detailed architecture, situated in a public square.
Frederik’s Church
A view of historic buildings in Copenhagen under a clear blue sky, showcasing architectural details and a bustling street scene.

Later, we met up with Sebastian for drinks at our hotel and other spots..

View of the interior atrium featuring a glass ceiling and artistic flying bird sculptures hanging above, surrounded by elegant architecture.
A humorous and colorful product display featuring various adult items with playful names and descriptions, organized in a grid format. The display is vibrant, with varying shades of orange and pink and includes items such as 'Small Buttplug', 'Heartshaped Buttplug', and 'Finger vibrator'.
A close-up of a leather menu book with a stylized 'H5' logo, placed on a brass tray next to a lit candle and a glass of water.
Two friends smiling and holding drinks in a cozy, dimly lit bar decorated with patterned fabric.
A vibrant poster advertising 'Erotic World' event on a street corner in Copenhagen, featuring bold text and an eye-catching red background.
A window display of a gentlemen's club featuring silhouettes of women and neon pink lighting, with the text 'BADA BING STRIPCLUB' visible.
Storefront display of 'NAKED COPENHAGEN' featuring various clothing items and accessories in a glass showcase.
Oh the sights of Copenhagen!
Two men posing for the camera in a vibrant setting, each holding a cigar. One man is wearing a patterned shirt, while the other is dressed in black. The background features a red decorative wall.
Licorice pipes are a thing in Copenhagen, apparently.

Roskilde

Our great friend Sebastian was kind enough to invite Carter and me to his home for a proper Danish lunch and tour of his town, Roskilde, home to the fantastic music festival, where over 150,000 people converge on this tiny hamlet to rock and roll for eight days.. It was also home to a Viking museum, where the Dane’s built their warcraft for pillaging.

Outdoor view of traditional wooden Viking ships displayed on grass in front of a modern building.
A peaceful view of a marina featuring moored boats, reflecting in still water, with a clear blue sky overhead.
A traditional Viking ship on wooden supports in a harbor area, with clear blue skies in the background.
A picturesque view of a harbor with a partly cloudy sky, featuring a wooden boat moored by the pier and several Danish flags waving in the breeze.
A large blue crab mural painted on a textured wall, showcasing intricate details and vibrant colors.
A large, white industrial door with red accents featuring the text 'HAL 9' prominently displayed on it, set against a gray concrete floor.
The entrance of a modern art museum featuring a unique golden pyramid-patterned facade under a clear blue sky.
Close-up of a blue shipping container with various design elements, including a sign for 'Dansk Design' and hazard warning labels.
A bartender in a black t-shirt labeled 'MUSICON' pours a drink from one of the multiple beer taps, with a colorful chalkboard menu displaying various beer options and names in the background.

The Round Tower

After another entertaining evening, I set off on foot the next morning to see some more sights.

The Round Tower, a historic brick building in Copenhagen, is bathed in golden sunlight with people walking nearby.

I finally visited The Round Tower on my third visit, which is ironic as it’s just across from our hotel. The Round Tower is the oldest functioning observatory building in Europe. King Christian IV erected the tower to enable astronomers from the University of Copenhagen to gaze at the stars far above the city’s lights and smoke. For centuries, it was the centre of Danish astronomy and the point of departure for meteorological observations and surveying. Every point in Denmark was measured from the tower. The walkway spirals up the tower and is supposedly wide enough for the king’s horse and carriage to ascend to the top. At its peak, there is an astronomy and a telescope. It’s definitely worth a visit as they also host astronomy exhibits and photography from the telescope.

Interior view of a circular hallway with light streaming through arched windows, featuring white walls and a wooden floor.
Interior view of The Round Tower in Copenhagen, featuring a large window casting shadows on the brick floor.
Interior view of the Round Tower in Copenhagen, showcasing its curved walls, brick floor, and large windows allowing natural light to filter in.
I love the curves of the arches and the way the sunlight plays through the arched windows.
Interior of The Round Tower featuring a curved brick floor and a large arched window with colorful stained glass.
A panoramic view of Copenhagen showcasing its rooftops, churches, and modern buildings against a clear blue sky.
View from the top.
A storefront window featuring the graffiti-style sign 'DRIPS CPH' in blue, with a selection of colorful products displayed inside the shop.
A sign for an exhibition titled 'Fabric of Hjerterum' discussing sustainability in the textile industry, displayed against a purple background with geometric white line art.
A yellow storefront sign for 'birdle,' a fresh air company, hanging outside a building on a street in Copenhagen. The blue sky is visible in the background.
City art.
View of a tall brick tower under a clear blue sky, showcasing its architectural details and clock.
Sankt Pauls Kirke
Narrow street view in Copenhagen featuring bright orange buildings, an outdoor dining area with tables, and a clear blue sky.
A poster advertising the exhibition 'Fabric of Change' at the Design Museum Denmark, featuring abstract line art and details about the event, including dates and descriptions in Danish.

After a good morning walk in the chilly sun, we revisited a favorite lunch spot and classic Danish destination, Schønnemans!

Restaurant Schønnemann 👨🏻‍🍳

It was Saint Patrick’s Day, and the main Irish Pub in town was out of Guinness, of the horror! Fortunately, we found another pub that was stocked correctly, and met up with Sahand, Mitch’s friend, to sample the Guinness on tap.

Three people posing for a selfie outside near a statue, with one person wearing sunglasses and a blue jacket, smiling widely.
TheHad, Mitch, and Sahand.
Three men standing close together in a lively pub, each holding a glass of dark beer. They have serious expressions on their faces, surrounded by green lighting and festive decorations.
Three men posing with glasses of Guinness in an Irish pub, decorated with green lights and St. Patrick's Day decorations.
A person wearing sunglasses and a hat with a Guinness logo, standing in a bar with green lighting in the background.

After draining the pub of Guinness, we explored a bit more in search of post-drinking food.

A street scene in Copenhagen at sunset, featuring brick buildings, parked cars, and a tree silhouetted against the colorful sky.
A view of a Copenhagen street at dusk, showcasing buildings with European architecture, parked bicycles, and a few pedestrians walking along the empty road.
View of a tree among buildings with a clear sky in Copenhagen, showcasing architectural details and a warm color palette.
A vibrant pink display featuring the words 'BE LOVE' in bold black letters.
A graffiti-style artwork depicting a skull with yellow hair, the word 'OBEY' prominently displayed above it, and the word 'POWER' below. The background features crumpled paper and red graffiti marks.
A wooden sign on a cobblestone pavement that reads 'ALL YOU NEED IS LESS'.
A white, featureless mannequin standing in a store with a slightly wet glass display in front of it, showcasing a modern interior.
Illuminated Copenhagen sign featuring the Danish flag and the text 'world of memories' at night.
An illuminated window sign displaying the text 'COPENHAGEN' along with the street name 'FREDERIKSBERGGADADE 1' at night, with a bustling city scene in the background.
A take-away sign for a food stall labeled 'CHINA BOX' with prices displayed and a neon sign reading 'SING ALONG' above.
Night view of a modern building in Copenhagen with illuminated company logos displayed on its glass facade.

The next morning, Carter, Mitch, and I walked off our salute to St. Patrick. We toured the Christiania neighborhood of Copenhagen, home to Noma, Alchemist, CopenHill, and numerous design studios and stylish accommodations. This is a wonderful area to explore on foot.

View of a modern building with banners for an art exhibition, surrounded by geometric sculptures and a cloudy sky.
A black and white mural depicting a hand with a rounded top and two large eyes, resembling a stylized octopus or ghost, painted on a wall.
Modern waterfront buildings with wooden facades along a canal, featuring a mix of contemporary architecture and traditional design elements.
A harbor scene in Copenhagen featuring a tall ship with sails, boats, and buildings under a partly cloudy sky.
A signpost for Noma, featuring a no-kayaking symbol and a text placard, with a backdrop of a waterway and a building emitting smoke.
Interior view of a greenhouse featuring lush plants, wooden planters, and a decorative hanging light.
A visit to an old friend.
A modern architectural building with a distinctive patterned facade and a tall chimney emitting smoke, set against a cloudy sky.
CopenHill – An energy plant, powered by refuse, and doubling as a grass ski hill – Danish innovation. Even the design is amazing as expected.
A low-angle view of a modern, architecturally unique building featuring a curved facade and a prominent chimney, set against a cloudy sky.

We then made our way to the Christiansborg Palace for a tour of the Tower and the dungeons below.

Neon sign reading 'Blaataarn' in a dimly lit indoor setting with a metallic background.
Relief sculpture of a lion on a wall, labeled with Danish and English text indicating 'The Tower'.
A view of the Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, featuring a large tower and ornate architecture against a blue sky with fluffy clouds.
A view through an ornate archway showing a parked luxury car in a cobblestone courtyard, framed by green doors and classic architectural details.
A bronze statue of a mounted figure against a clear blue sky, featuring a tall spire in the background. The structure shows intricate architectural details amidst city buildings.
A scenic view of colorful buildings along a waterfront in Copenhagen, with a flower arrangement in the foreground and boats docked nearby under a partly cloudy sky.
A vibrant orange building with a symmetrical facade featuring multiple windows, a black entrance, and a parked white car on the street.
A vibrant blue mural featuring playful artistic characters with exaggerated features, wearing hats and smiling. The mural is part of a special art edition for beer brand 1664, created by artist André Saravia.
A bronze statue of a figure with a pig's head wearing a long coat, surrounded by partially obscured headless figures, set in an outdoor plaza.

Glyptotek

The boys determined that a proper nap was in order, as we were set to dine at Alchemist in a few hours—a six-hour culinary tour and adventure awaited. I had energy and wanted to visit the Glyptotek, a museum founded by Carl Jacobsen, the founder of Carlsberg beer. It was designed to house his vast collection of sculptures and antiquities. Often, I walk briskly through museums as I get bored easily. I enjoy them, but do not need a week-long lecture on the art history of ancient kings and queens and the hundreds of painters who painted thousands of paintings, blah, blah , blah.

Glypotek was different. The design of the building was magnificent, not in a regal, flowery way, but true to the ethos of Danish design. Every element of the structure was intentional in preserving the art it was meant to protect. I am a fan of architecture, so a museum designed with this intention was of great interest to my curiosity.

A bronze lion statue in front of the Glyptotek museum, showcasing intricate architectural details of the building facade.
The Lion is guarding the entrance.
View of the interior courtyard of the Glyptotek museum, featuring lush greenery and a glass roof letting in natural light.
The atrium.
View of a grand staircase leading down with ornate decorations on the walls, showcasing classical architectural details, and people walking at the bottom.

I love symmetry in all things, especially in three space. What really caught my attention were the transitions between rooms and the colors of the spaces. I almost liked these more than the art.

A framed painting depicting a volcanic eruption at night, with a dark sky and boats near the shore, set against a vibrant green wall.
A colorful painting of a standing female figure, depicted in soft brushstrokes with abstract backgrounds, framed in gold.
A view of multiple doorways leading into other rooms at a museum, with a person walking in the background.
A marble sculpture of a muscular male figure sitting on a pedestal, displayed in a museum setting with a minimalist design and wooden flooring.
A long corridor with archways and large windows, featuring a light wooden floor and dark walls.
A large painting depicting a dramatic sky filled with clouds, set against a landscape. The artwork is framed in an ornate gold frame and displayed on a maroon wall in an art museum.
A grand staircase leading down with ornate architectural details, featuring intricate wall carvings and a skylight overhead.
A long hallway with dark purple walls and a wooden floor, featuring large windows on one side and an arched entrance at the end.

Soon, my curiosity was rewarded. There was an entire room dedicated to the design of the museum, including its layout, spaces, architectural styles and influences, and, most importantly, the color palette chosen for all the spaces. My design itch was finally scratched.

A display of colored pigments showcased in glass containers, organized in rows with corresponding labels on the side, highlighting various shades and hues.

They even provided take-home swatches of the color palette, a valuable future reference for my home design. My childhood dreams of paint-by-number artworks finally had their adult counterpart.

A sculpture displayed in a museum with intricate detailing and a patterned floor.

I especially appreciated the juxtaposition of the art, the wall color, and tiled floor designs. To me, this is a most stunning photo with the natural light cascading into the room.

A white marble sculpture of a couple embracing, seated on a textured stone base, set in a museum with smooth, neutral walls and polished flooring.

To the ever So Young lovers.

Interior view of a museum corridor featuring ornate ceilings and various sculptures on display. Two people are examining a sculpture in the foreground.
Interior view of a large glass-domed atrium, with lush greenery and architectural columns.
An interior staircase in a modern museum with a large glass roof, leading to a statue draped in cloth at the top, surrounded by minimalist architecture.
Haunting statue.
An architectural interior view of a corridor with a glass roof and marble floor, featuring arched windows on the left and smooth white walls on the right.
Elegant staircase featuring marble steps and glass railings in a contemporary architectural space.
More symmetry.
Modern staircase design with minimalist aesthetic, featuring concrete steps and glass railings, viewed from the bottom.
The staircases were works of art.
A close-up of a metallic sign that reads 'TELEFON' on a blue background, capturing the reflection of the photographer.
Even the elevators were colorful.

I eventually ascended the stairs and found myself in the rooftop bar. Brilliant. But of course.

A panoramic view of Copenhagen's skyline featuring the rooftops of buildings, including a green dome structure and a clock tower, under a partly cloudy blue sky.
A white marble sculpture depicting two figures draped in flowing, textured fabric, suggesting a sense of intimacy and mystery, set against a neutral brick wall.
A detailed sculpture of a lion made from colored bricks, displayed on a wall in a museum setting.
A large abstract artwork featuring blue zigzag lines on a reflective surface, set in a modern architectural space.
A statue of an angel with large wings, intricately detailed, located in an indoor setting with bright glass roofing and lush greenery surrounding it.
A stone lion sculpture displayed in a museum, with detailed features and a proud stance. The background features white walls and a staircase.
View of a modern entrance with an arched glass ceiling and minimalist design, leading to an outdoor area in a museum or gallery.
A view through an arched doorway leading into a museum gallery, showcasing classical sculptures displayed on pedestals against a brightly lit background.
I do love my archways.

It was now time to travel back in time to the subterranean layer of the underworld of the undead.

A dimly lit staircase leading down, lined with small lights along the sides, culminating in a display of an ancient statue at the bottom.
An ancient Egyptian stone relief depicting two figures, one seated and the other standing, with hieroglyphics above them.
Display of ancient Egyptian coffins and artifacts in a museum setting.
Mummies. Scooby Doo, where are you?

I love ancient Egyptian history, so this was an especially cool exhibit for me.

Ancient Egyptian sarcophagus displayed in a museum, featuring a detailed, stylized human face and traditional design elements.
Close-up view of an ancient Egyptian sarcophagus, featuring intricate hieroglyphics and a gilded face.
An ancient Egyptian sarcophagus displaying intricate hieroglyphics and decorative features, showcased in a museum setting.
A detailed ancient Egyptian sarcophagus featuring intricate paintings and hieroglyphics, displayed in a museum setting.
Interior view of the Glyptotek museum showcasing a glass roof, marble floor with geometric patterns, and classical statues along the walls.
A marble statue of a young man with a spear, standing between two ornate columns in a museum setting with a red wall.
A classical sculpture depicting a muscular male figure kneeling and holding a column above his head, set against a red wall with intricate flooring.
A long, well-lit gallery in a museum featuring numerous ancient sculptures displayed on pedestals along the sides, with intricate tile flooring and a glass ceiling.
I love it when I get photos with no one else in them, living!
Inside a museum showing a spacious gallery with sculptures displayed on pedestals, featuring natural light streaming through a glass ceiling.
A partially intact marble statue draped in flowing garments, displayed on a pedestal against a blue wall.
A marble sculpture depicting a muscular man wielding a sword, standing over a defeated figure on a circular base. The background features a decorative patterned floor.
In all, there were about 10 such rooms with hundreds of marbles.
Interior view of a spacious atrium with a glass ceiling, featuring lush greenery and a central fountain, showcasing a mix of architectural elements and natural light.
I enjoyed a cold Carlsberg in the café, concluding my visit to the museum in the atrium.

After touring Glypotek, I made my way back to the hotel following the beautiful waterways in the city. I could definitely retire here.

A scenic view of a canal in Copenhagen, lined with historic buildings and colorful houses, featuring several boats docked along the water's edge and bright red buoys floating in the water.
A scenic view of a canal in Copenhagen, Denmark, featuring historic buildings lining the waterfront under a clear blue sky with fluffy clouds.
View of an ornate archway with decorative carvings, framing a glimpse of a black luxury car parked in a courtyard.
Proper storage for a BMW.
A colorful building with a blue facade and outdoor dining area, featuring tables and chairs with blankets, surrounded by red and yellow buildings under a clear blue sky.
A cozy bookshop window display with a variety of travel magazines, a grey lamp hanging overhead, and a white shopping bag labeled 'NEW MAGS' in the foreground.

Alchemist

Now it was time for perhaps the most anticipated restaurant experience in our collective dining experience—finally, the 3rd of the three Michelin-starred restaurants in Copenhagen.

Alchemist ✿✿✿

We flew out the next day, but I had time for a few parting pictures of the buildings in Copenhagen I love so much.

A vibrant cobblestone square in Copenhagen, showcasing colorful historic buildings bathed in sunlight, with a prominently placed sculpture in the center and outdoor seating at nearby cafes.
Colorful buildings in Copenhagen's historic district on a sunny day, featuring shades of red and orange, with outdoor seating and bicycles visible.
Colorful buildings along a cobblestone street in Copenhagen, featuring yellow and red facades under a clear blue sky.
A colorful LEGO model of Nyhavn, featuring several buildings with distinctive red and yellow roofs, displayed under glass.
Lego Nyhavn, only in Danmark.
Polaroid photo of three friends posing together with drinks on a table, featuring handwritten text at the bottom.
Someone was kind enough to take a Polaroid of the boys 🤣

It was an amazing, action-packed, dining-excessive, 15,000 daily step-filled, adventurous, fun birthday week for Mitch and Carter. I love you guys, Dad, aka Uncle Marko.

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