Copenhagen

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Copenhagen, where the living is easy

With its profuse green space, Copenhagen was named the world city with the best quality of life in 2008 by the British magazine International Life. It’s thanks to its citizens, who cultivate hygge – the Danish outlook on living well – to perfection. At nightfall, while candles light up on windowsills, the bars and restaurants are still filling. The Danes cycle to work and shopping and seem impervious to stress, perhaps because their life amid the colourful façades and numerous canals of the city is both healthy and enjoyable. Enjoy our tour through the capital of well-being.

For organic beer: Norrebro Bryghus brewery

One of the city’s five microbreweries, Norrebro Bryghus operates in a disused factory converted into lofts. All their beers are brewed on site; try the Globe Ale, Denmark’s first carbon-neutral beer. A modern Nordic cuisine is served in a New York ambiance.
Ryesgade 3

For organic soups and drinks: Soupanatura

This “soup bar” is both stylish and founded on solid values. Its proprietors use only organic products. The menu offers a daily selection of unique soups, fair-trade coffee, smoothies, and numerous cocktails to enjoy there or to take out. A percentage of the price is donated to an organization for the homeless, and all wrappings are completely recyclable and compostable. If you want to dine responsibly, you’ve come to the right place.

Gulbergsgade 7A
2200 Copenhagen

For original organic cuisine: BioMio

The chef prepares your meal with the freshest ingredients in an open kitchen while you watch. There are no waiters; instead, you choose a symbol according to your mood: “macho,” “energy booster,” or even “comfort after shopping.” Recipes are original and completely organic.

Halmtorvet 19
1700 Copenhagen

For recycled products: Sonny Boy

One Dane’s trash is another one’s treasure at this shop in the antiques district. Sonny Boy sells unique used products such as souvenirs, collectibles, stuffed animals, and DVDs amid sleek modern Danish furniture. A great place to find the perfect gift.

Nordre Frihavnsgade 86
2100 Copenhagen

For bike repair: TrackBike Shop

This warehouse store is the address for cyclists who want to repair or detail their ride. The most remarkable recent custom jobs are displayed in a gallery. You may find a technical bicycle dictionary useful for blending in with the aficionados.

Ryesgade 30C
2200 Copenhagen

For Chef Bo Bech’s fine cuisine: Paustian

Bo Bech is shaking up the Danish cuisine scene by uniting unusual pairs of flavours. He’s also known for his wildly popular organic yeast bread. His restaurant is a haven of peace and pleasure in the industrial landscape of Copenhagen harbour. Meanwhile, the generous chef shares his healthy, seasonal recipes on his website, including the recipe for his famous bread. Foodies take note!

Kalkbrænderiløbskaj 2
2100 Copenhagen

For a green breakfast: the Climate + menu at Julian

The chef at the National Museum’s restaurant advocates for the use of local organic products. A fervent “locavore,” he uses ingredients produced nearby and reduces the use of imported goods as much as possible. His latest creation is the Climate + menu, with grilled fish and herb and root vegetable salads served under the glass roof of the restaurant. Reduce your carbon output with a serving of nature and simplicity.
Ny Vestergade 10

For environmentally friendly clothes: Force of Nature

In 2007, Force of Nature burst onto the scene with a popular collection of ecologically produced T-shirts, described as a “throwback to the early Scandinavian Iron Age.” Since then, designers and owners Stine Kinch and Mads Jonassen have opened a gallery and a boutique, with labels such as Soulland, UBIQ, Vacances Permanentes, Hans Madsen and atmos. Located in the old town, this concept store is worth a look in itself, as are the frequent showings by the Force of Nature collective in the gallery.

Birkegade 25
2200 Copenhagen