COPENHAGEN Denmark
Ask most Danes why they get the day off for Store Bededag on 12 May and they will shrug. Although the origins of the ‘great prayer day’ may be murky, locals embrace the traditions of eating warm wheat buns and going for walks in the sun with gusto. In Copenhagen, residents choose routes that take them through blushing cherry blossom trees, such as the famous alley at Bispebjerg Cemetery. It seems nothing can dampen the spirits of the happiest city in the world as, in spring, even cemeteries, such as Assistens, become meeting places for picnics, exercise classes and friends sharing flasks of coffee. The poster girl for Nordic cool, Copenhagen is particularly alluring at this time of year, when the windows of the apricot-painted houses on Amagergade are thrown open and boats bob on the three lakes that punctuate the city centre. Locals jump at the chance to shed overcoats that have swathed them all winter and to show off their renowned sense of style. Expect to see them clad in T-shirts made with sustainable cotton, revealing tattoo sleeves, sunglasses and tailored blazers paired with flowing trousers.
WHAT TO DO
GoBoat is a solar-powered boat hire company based next to the Islands Brygge harbour baths. Pack lunch and spend the day exploring the canals, which are especially pretty around Christianshavn. No licence necessary. goboat.dk Ravnsborggade is a street in the happening Nørrebro district which has a Sunday antiques market from March. Soak up some sunshine while looking out for Royal Copenhagen china and mid-century furniture. ravnsborggade.dk
Tivoli Gardens welcomes spring with open arms. This year the flower displays will be gloriously kitsch El Nino tulips, and the Philharmonic Orchestra will play its first concert of the season here on 27 May. tivoli.dk
WHERE TO MEET AND EAT
Copenhagen Street Food is the place to see and be seen on spring evenings. Pick from Nordic stews or Korean bibimbap, then take your spoils outside where hundreds of deck chairs boast views of the harbour. copenhagenstreetfood.dk
Illum Rooftop is a food court in Denmark’s most modish department store. Opt for shellfish and champagne from Skagen Fiskerestaurant and admire Copenhagen’s spires. illum.dk Østergro is an urban farm. What was once the roof of a car auction lot is now an organic oasis. In May, its new restaurant, Spiseri, will be launching in one of the greenhouses. oestergro.dk