The Glow Guide to Copenhagen

Copenhagen is exceptionally bike friendly with 50% of the inhabitants biking to work. There are more bikes than people in Copenhagen and you need to look where you go as the Danish ride fast! It’s not surprising that health and wellness is a priority in this uber hip Danish city. Split by pristine lakes and surrounded by the sea there’s an unavoidable waterside vibe in this city that simply oozes Scandi cool.

EAT

Not only is Copenhagen home to six Michelin starred restaurants, there’s an equally impressive new wave of eateries concentrating on pure, organic plant-based produce.

42 Raw

If you are looking for plant-powered perfection then head to 42 Raw.
It’s a Copenhagen vegan landmark and even meat eaters enjoy eating here. From their matcha bowls to organic green juices, it’s a must eat on your glow list.  We love their burger which is a fantastic combo of quinoa patty, romaine salad, sprouts, tomato, marinated onions, aioli dressing and sweet potato fries with chili “mayo” on the side. Their smoothies and refined-sugar free treats are also worth a try.

We visited the Frederiksberg branch:
Frederiksberg Centret, Falkoner Allé 21, 2000 Frederiksberg/3211 3212

There are also branches in Pilestræde, Waterfront Shopping and the airport

Souls

Founded by two Aussies and Denmark’s best vegan Chef, Neel Engholm, Soul’s focus is on quality, soul food, sourced locally.  Their motto is “Eat like you give a fork”. They have an extensive menu. We love the delicious Pancake Stack with seasonal fruit, maple syrup, homemade chocolate sauce and peanut butter and the Avo Smash on rye bread with cress, radish, thyme, pickled onion and cherry tomatoes.

They have two branches. We visited Østerbro:
Melchiors Plads 3, 2100 København Ø/ 34 10 01 01

There’s also a branch in Nørreport.

Grød

Grød was the world’s first porridge bar when it opened in 2011. It now has five locations in CPH. Choose from seven sweet bases and a variety of toppings  including cocoa nibs, roasted coconut flakes, banana, caramel sauce, roasted almonds and skyr yoghurt. They also do savoury meals throughout the day including delicious dahls and warming oat mylk lattes.

We visited their Torvehallerne branch:
Hal 2, Stade 8A, Linnésgade 17, 1362 København K

There are other branches in Jægersborggade, Broens Gadekøkken, Vesterbrogade and Frederiksberg

SHOP

Copenhagen isn’t just home to uber cool design shops, you’ll find organic, plant-based and artisanal products everywhere.

Self Care Shop

Amidst the broad boulevards and design shops of Østerbro lies our favourite organic perfumery and beauty clinic.  The aptly titled Self Care Shop  specialises in organic skin care brands, hair care, organic cosmetics and fragrances. Plus they have a great selection of nutritional supplements and herbal remedies and books.

Nordre Frihavnsgade 25, 2100 København
77 99 06 95

Pure Shop

In the pretty, old street of Grønnegade is the flagship store of Pure Shop – Europe’s largest beauty store.  It sells organic, plant based products which are free of synthetic ingredients and not tested on animals. Plus on the first floor there’s an organic make-up department with on hand advice.

Grønnegade 36, 1107 København
33 17 00 70

Torvehallerne KBH

This super sized market is a foodie heaven. Choose from 60 stands selling fresh, artisanal products from seasonal herbs and berries to gourmet chocolate and exotic spices. There’s also a branch of Grød inside for a warming porridge hit.

 

MOVE

Six out of ten inhabitants of Copenhagen don’t own a car, but they are always on the move.

Bike the Havneringen

Bike this 13 km route around the Harbour Circle and take in the city’s waterfront,  landmark architecture, rickety houseboats, harbour baths and waterside living. It’s a great way to combine a workout and sight seeing.

We suggest hiring your bike from ethical bike shop Baisikeli who also send used bikes to Africa for re-use in the community.

Hike the Amager Strandpark

Five kilometres away away and an easy metro ride., you’ll find miles of beach backed by dunes, bracing sea baths and a view of the iconic Oresund bridge (for fans of Scandi Noir). There’s a lagoon for paddling and the rest of area is essentially an outdoor gym for runners, skaters, surfers, swimmers and kayakers. It’s also a great picnic spot in the Summer.

Hit the gym

If you like to work out then grab yourself a day pass at Vesterbronx Gym. This New York inspired mega-gym occupies the 1300 square metre top floor of the iconic Vesterbrø Building. Admire the panoramic view whilst you work out.

SPA

Kastrup Søbad

Situated on the Øresund Sound overlooking Sweden, this swimming area is a design gem. The public swimming area is surrounded by a stunning shell like structure at the end of a wooden decked pier. There’s a selection of diving boards, the water is clean, but deep but there’s an adjacent beach for dipping in the shallows.

Amager Strandvej 301, 2770 Kastrup
30 76 02 35

CopenHot

Denmark is dotted with spas and hot tubs and CPH is home to some of the very best. CopenHot provides a bracing variety of unique hot tub and sauna experiences.  From the a floating hot tub cruise at sunset to stationary barrel tubs on the dockside and a selection of fire heated panoramic saunas on the harbour. Book a slot and take in the stunning sea views whilst relaxing  in 40℃ of hot clean salt water.

Refshalevej 325, 1432 København
31 32 78 08

Skodsborg Spa

Just out of town lies the upmarket and state of the art Skodsborg Spa with a spectacular view over lush woods and the Øresund Sound. It boasts two steam baths, seven Finnish saunas, light and colour therapy, warm pools and adjacent cooling off in the sea.

Skodsborg Strandvej 139, 2942 Skodsborg
45 58 58 00

SLEEP

Hotel SP34 -style on a budget

On the hip, west side of the old town, Hotel SP34 is a flagship of new Danish design. There are slate grey rooms, brass detailing and really comfortable beds above the buzzing lobby.

Sankt Peders Stræde 34, 1453 København
33 13 30 00

Hotel Sanders – upgrade

In pole position, just around the corner from the infinitely instagrammable  Nyhavn is possibly the hygge central of CPH. Hidden behind a facade of three townhouses you enter to roaring log fires and clean lines complete with candlelight and snuggly blankets. The luxury boutique hotel oozes casual luxury and simple elegance.

Tordenskjoldsgade 15, DK – 1055 København
46 40 00 40

Nimb – splurge

The fairy tale façade of Nimb blends seamlessly into the dazzling Tivoli Gardens to which it has private access. The opulence continues in the exotic interiors with high ceilings and chandeliers complementing the tasteful Danish design. Home to a stunner of a roof top terrace with an emerald green tide pool. If you want to really splash out, it’s an unbeatable place to stay.

Bernstorffsgade 5, 1577 København
88 70 00 00