If there’s one Nordic city that truly comes into its own at this time of year, it has to be Copenhagen. A winning combination of long days, great food and wonderful traditions, spending Easter in the Danish capital is always a magical and memorable experience.
So, whether you’re heading over there for the first time or already a frequent visitor, traveling solo or taking a break with the kids, who better to give us an insider’s guide to what to see, eat and do than Alexander Kølpin, the Founder and Creative Director of Kølpin Hotels.
With a background in classical ballet and an internationally acclaimed career as a director, producer and performer in numerous theatre, film and documentary productions, Alexander now divides his time between the award-winning
Sanders Hotel and Sanders Residence located in the heart of Copenhagen, the historic Helenekilde Badehotel on the beautiful North Zealand coast, as well as being a part of the creative reimagining of Roberta’s Society, a newly opened cultural centre and hotel in a former 1930s library in Denmark’s second city, Aarhus.
A place to stay
Our Sanders Residence offers a local stay like no other. A place where comfort meets timeless elegance, it will instantly become your home away from home. Located overlooking the King’s Garden, and with uninterrupted park views, be sure to enjoy a stroll through the rose garden or take your kids to a puppet show at the playground.
A place to dine
Graziano on Møllegade is a small Tuscan restaurant that blends authentic rustic cuisine with a cosy, homely atmosphere. Named in honour of owner Jonathan Basløw Sørensen’s grandfather, I love going here with my kids as it’s the perfect place to enjoy good flavourful food, good Italian wines and good company.
A place for coffee
Capturing the warm welcome you’d find in any French village Beau Marché in Ny Østergade is where you’ll find me sipping a coffee during the day, or on a Friday night having a glass of wine with a few friends. A store as well, it has become quite the meeting place and where you’ll find a great selection of vintage and contemporary design objects to take home too.
A place to shop
In the spring I usually feel like updating my wardrobe so always head to Lot 29 in Gothersgade. This small, exclusive multi-brand store is in a beautiful old building and has the most eclectic selection of Danish and international clothes, footwear and accessories – and it also happens to be run by my sister.
A place of culture
For me the Thorvaldsen Museum is one of the most inspiring historical spaces in Copenhagen. Dedicated to the life and work of Danish-Icelandic sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, when it opened its doors in September 1848 it was the first public museum in Denmark and still makes the perfect place to go to on cold or rainy days.
A place to escape
The Botanical Garden is a beautiful green oasis in the heart of Copenhagen. Covering 10 hectares and filled with rare trees, shrubs and plants it has an amazing cactus house where I often stop in particularly when the city starts to transform. Children also love the enchanting Butterfly House too, as you can watch the fascinating lives of these incredible insects up close.
Want to know more?
Many thanks to Alexander for his Easter recommendations, there are certainly some favourites of my own included as well as others I can’t wait to try when I head back to Copenhagen in June for 3 Days of Design.
To find out more about Alexander and all three Kølpin Hotels, visit their website.
Images 1, 12 and 13 courtesy of Visit Copenhagen, 2-4 Kølpin Hotels, 8-11 Thorvaldsen Museum, 5-7 and 14 by Nicola Capper.
Enjoyed this post? Then read my insider’s guide to Oslobukta, the Norwegian capital’s must-visit district.
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