COPENHAGEN
German designer Sebastian Herkner, whose studio is known for an eclectic range of furniture, lighting and lifestyle products, loves Copenhagen for its food and design inspiration
enmark’s capital is one of the cities I love most in Europe. From my hometown, Offenbach, it’s a two-hour flight, just right for a nice weekend trip. I want to discover real life when I travel. I prefer to explore a city on my own and to avoid the touristy attractions. I rent a bike to get around. There are a lot of interesting areas near the harbour, the city centre and the up-and-coming meatpacking district. I often buy something to eat and a bottle of wine, and ride my bike to the wharf to watch the ships roll in.
I love to visit Kunsthal Charlottenborg, the official exhibition gallery of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, and the Danish Museum of Art and Design. These places are always good for inspiration, especially since I like to interact with fine art. On a sunny day it’s fantastic to go to the beach—there are many beach clubs in the city—to watch the waves. I like how the wind surrounds me as I look towards Sweden, watching the birds and smelling the salt of the sea. I also love to visit the different city parks to relax and read.
On Saturdays, I would go to explore the the street food market at Trangravsvej. In the Christianshavn neighbourhood you’ll find the excellent restaurant Kadeau, whose food is inspired by the specialties of Bornholm, an island in the Baltic Sea. The cuisine is amazing. I would have an aperitivo at Lou Lou on Ny Østergade in the city, a new place with a nice menu. I like spending my afternoons there enjoying a French 75.
You can find a lot of wonderful shops in Copenhagen touting Scandinavian design, like Tortus or the huge design department store Illums Bolighus. Hay, &Tradition, Storm and Acne Archive are also worth a visit. Etage Projects is a fantastic gallery with limited editions by unique designers.
Outside Copenhagen, maybe 30 minutes by local train, you can find one of the best museums. The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is set on a cliff on the coast. The art is showcased in several pavilions that fit harmoniously into the natural environment. On sunny days, you’ll appreciate the lovely view of Sweden from the terrace of the cafe. It’s worth staying the whole day.