Latest news with #Copenhageners
Spectator
23-07-2025
- General
- Spectator
London is due a lido renaissance
There are 1,000 spaces available for the 6-9 a.m. lane swimming session at Tooting Bec Lido in south London. On Sunday it was fully booked. After a few frantic lengths (at 91m, it is Europe's longest), we are all shooed out at 8.50 a.m. by the lifeguards to make way for the daytime swimmers. Those slots are like gold dust and sell out within minutes of becoming available. Across London it's the same story: swimming spaces are a precious commodity. After three heatwaves so far this summer and the warmest June on record for England, it's easy to see why so many people are craving access to outdoor water. In total, the capital has just 15 lidos (if one includes a couple of ponds). Even the Serpentine is fully booked on good days. When people are queueing up to wade through duck poo it's hard not to wonder whether maybe there should be more facilities available. Other cities in Europe are way ahead of us. Zurich and Geneva have their lakes. Paris has opened up areas of the Seine for swimming for the first time in a century. In Munich's English Garden, one can paddle in the Eisbar (officially verboten, but this is widely ignored, in contrast to the stereotype of strait-laced Germans) or surf on the artificially constructed wave. Even the northern Europeans are at it: Copenhageners are diving off the docks, Amsterdamers are cooling off in the canals and Berliners have more than 50 lakes and pools from which to choose. It wasn't always like this. In the 1930s, the golden days of lidos, London had 68 public outdoor pools. Many were magnificent art deco constructions that became hubs of glamour and entertainment. But with the growth of foreign holidays in the postwar years, the popularity of lidos declined, and the council financial constraints of the 1980s and 1990s meant many closed. A similar picture is replicated across the country. The website All the Lidos lists 150 or so public outdoor pools across the UK, down from a peak of more than 300. Many cities, particularly in Scotland and Wales, have none at all. (For anyone wanting a more in-depth history of the rise and fall, Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style is on at the Design Museum in Kensington until 17 August.) But a group of lido evangelists are working to reverse the decline. Future Lidos was set up during lockdown to bring together existing and planned projects, share resources and co-ordinate campaigns. Its co-founder Deborah Aydon tells me that 2023 was a high point, with new pools opening in Hull, Bath and Brighton. It was even dubbed the 'year of the lido'. In total, Future Lidos counts 38 different revival campaigns. In Macduff, Aberdeenshire, 'Friends of Tarlair' are making progress in redeveloping the art deco pool where Wet, Wet, Wet played in the 1990s. In London, architects Studio Octopi have proposed an ambitious plan to replicate the floating lidos that once graced the Thames. There are also more straightforward options: Battersea, Richmond and Regent's Park all contain lakes and ponds, but at present their use is limited to the birds. Sadly, most projects tell the same story of wading through the bureaucracy and inertia that seems to make any construction in this country so slow and expensive. The recently opened Sea Lanes pool in Brighton is doubly notable: as well as being the first new public outdoor pool to be built in the UK since the 1990s, it was fully funded by private investment. Combining seafront swimming with a gym, sauna, pilates and several cafes and bars, it already gets more than 100,000 annual visitors. According to Duncan Anderson, who helped develop the business plan and now runs the centre, it's a model that could be replicated elsewhere: 'As long as the council is open to a partnership pools can be built with zero public money.' It's not just fair-weather swimming that is rising in popularity, either. London Fields Lido in Hackney is heated all year round; in January you can find bobble-hatted swimmers sliding into the steamy water. Elsewhere, inspired by various apparent health benefits, and possibly a touch of self-flagellation, thousands of people are visiting unheated lidos in all months. At Brockwell Lido in south London – which narrowly survived the 1990s purge through the hard work of local volunteers – I've joined throngs of swimmers in sub 8°C water, and hundreds turn out for their Christmas Day swim. Sian Richardson, an enthusiastic year-round swimmer, set up the aptly named Bluetits for like-minded masochists in 2014; today it has more than 150,000 members. Swimming makes us physically fitter, but it also helps many people with their mental balance. Charles Sprawson, in his superb social and cultural history of swimming, Haunts of the Black Masseur, wrote: 'Like Narcissus many of the swimmers suffered from a form of autism, a self-encapsulation in an isolated world, a morbid self-admiration, an absorption in fantasy.' He may have been talking about the Romantic poets who repopularised swimming in Britain, but his words feel fitting for today's urbanites. Perhaps with more access to swimming, we might be a bit more resilient (working title for the campaign: more dips, fewer PIPs). The UK is surrounded by water but too few of us have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in it regularly. London could be one of the world's great swimming cities and lead the nation's aquatic renaissance. It already has some of the finest parks and lots of natural waterways. There is ample space and enormous demand. Surely it's time to open up the ponds and start digging the pools. The way things are going we are all going to need a place to help cool us down and keep us sane.
Sydney Morning Herald
27-06-2025
- Climate
- Sydney Morning Herald
My city is now the world's most liveable – apart from the 171 days of rain a year
The weather is mostly miserable. It rains every second day, with a whopping 171 days of precipitation a year. As I write this, it's pouring horizontally midsummer. During the brutal winters, the wind gets into your bones, and the darkness saps your soul. As British comedian Conrad Molden noted, there are no sunrises in December – it's an 8.30am 'greyrise' and then dark again by 4pm. And can a city that charges up to $11 for a cafe-bought latte be considered the world's most liveable? The cost of living is on steroids here. There is little bang for buck at the supermarket, but it's always soup weather, so I make the most of those overpriced, anaemic-looking vegetables. Another factor the global rankings don't measure is human interactions. The Danish capital can be a lonely place for newcomers. Copenhageners are typically introverted – they rarely talk to strangers or say good morning to passersby on the street. Many have had the same circle of friends for decades and don't have room on their dance cards for new mates. I've met expats who have lived here for years without making a single Danish friend. But on the flipside, get some beers into Copenhageners and you're in for a memorable night and an epic hangover. They're 'one last drink' dangerous like Dubliners ... before you know it, it's 4am and you're doing karaoke in a smoky pub. Another blind spot in global rankings is the extent to which a city embraces multiculturalism and gives all residents a 'fair go'. The level of casual racism here would likely make 1960s Australia blush. Many internationals grapple with job discrimination. In Copenhagen's corridors of power, the centre-left government walks a hard line on immigration policies, despite Denmark's ageing population, low birth rate and major skills shortages. The European Union's top court will soon rule on the legality of Danish legislation that aims to uproot 'non-white' residents from so-called ghettos in Copenhagen by literally bulldozing apartments and evicting people from public housing. Loading At times, small-country parochialism cuts uncomfortably close to xenophobia. On my second day after moving to Copenhagen, a supermarket shelf stacker told me: 'This is Denmark, we speak Danish,' when I asked politely in English for help trying to find tahini. I stammered an assurance that I intended to take language classes before we briefly bonded over how much he adored the Australian-born Danish royal Mary. Months later, I made a point of finding old mate and asking in Danish where the toothbrushes were. Still, no matter how much effort one puts into mastering the funky grammar and glottal stops (potato in the throat sounds), Copenhageners will literally tell you: 'You'll never be Danish.' But that's fine with me. I'm a woman of the world who secretly whacks Vegemite on rye bread. Don't tell the Vikings.
The Age
27-06-2025
- Climate
- The Age
My city is now the world's most liveable – apart from the 171 days of rain a year
The weather is mostly miserable. It rains every second day, with a whopping 171 days of precipitation a year. As I write this, it's pouring horizontally midsummer. During the brutal winters, the wind gets into your bones, and the darkness saps your soul. As British comedian Conrad Molden noted, there are no sunrises in December – it's an 8.30am 'greyrise' and then dark again by 4pm. And can a city that charges up to $11 for a cafe-bought latte be considered the world's most liveable? The cost of living is on steroids here. There is little bang for buck at the supermarket, but it's always soup weather, so I make the most of those overpriced, anaemic-looking vegetables. Another factor the global rankings don't measure is human interactions. The Danish capital can be a lonely place for newcomers. Copenhageners are typically introverted – they rarely talk to strangers or say good morning to passersby on the street. Many have had the same circle of friends for decades and don't have room on their dance cards for new mates. I've met expats who have lived here for years without making a single Danish friend. But on the flipside, get some beers into Copenhageners and you're in for a memorable night and an epic hangover. They're 'one last drink' dangerous like Dubliners ... before you know it, it's 4am and you're doing karaoke in a smoky pub. Another blind spot in global rankings is the extent to which a city embraces multiculturalism and gives all residents a 'fair go'. The level of casual racism here would likely make 1960s Australia blush. Many internationals grapple with job discrimination. In Copenhagen's corridors of power, the centre-left government walks a hard line on immigration policies, despite Denmark's ageing population, low birth rate and major skills shortages. The European Union's top court will soon rule on the legality of Danish legislation that aims to uproot 'non-white' residents from so-called ghettos in Copenhagen by literally bulldozing apartments and evicting people from public housing. Loading At times, small-country parochialism cuts uncomfortably close to xenophobia. On my second day after moving to Copenhagen, a supermarket shelf stacker told me: 'This is Denmark, we speak Danish,' when I asked politely in English for help trying to find tahini. I stammered an assurance that I intended to take language classes before we briefly bonded over how much he adored the Australian-born Danish royal Mary. Months later, I made a point of finding old mate and asking in Danish where the toothbrushes were. Still, no matter how much effort one puts into mastering the funky grammar and glottal stops (potato in the throat sounds), Copenhageners will literally tell you: 'You'll never be Danish.' But that's fine with me. I'm a woman of the world who secretly whacks Vegemite on rye bread. Don't tell the Vikings.
Business Wire
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Business Wire
Denmark Celebrates Its Cycling Heritage with Copenhagen Sprint
COPENHAGEN, Denmark--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On June 21–22, 2025, Denmark hosted the inaugural Copenhagen Sprint, a new UCI World Tour race designed to spotlight the country's deep cycling culture and stunning destinations. The event brought together top professional riders and thousands of fans for two days of racing, festivities and scenic highlights. With routes winding past historic castles, world-renowned museums and vibrant city streets, the race showcased how Denmark combines elite sport and everyday cycling life. Lorena Wiebes (Netherlands, Team SD Worx‑Protime) claimed victory in the women's race, while Jordi Meeus (Belgium, Team Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe) powered to the win in the men's race after a dramatic final sprint through central Copenhagen. Copenhagen Sprint started at the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde and passed the historic Roskilde Cathedral before leading riders through Zealand's scenic countryside. Cyclists rolled past the grand Frederiksborg Castle and glided along forest-lined roads, then traced coastal vistas with views toward Kronborg Castle as they passed the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Approaching Copenhagen, they navigated leafy boulevards, sweeping past Copenhagen City Hall on the final circuit before powering through an 11 km city loop and sprinting to the finish outside the SMK – The National Gallery of Denmark. Beyond the finish lines, Copenhagen Sprint was a celebration of cycling for all. Fan zones, street food, local music, family rides and a bicycle festival invited locals and visitors alike to take part in the weekend – on two wheels or cheering from the sidelines. In Denmark, cycling is more than a sport. It's a way of life. With over 12,000 km of dedicated bike lanes, a majority of Copenhageners commute by bike every day – rain or shine. Even in winter, three out of four Danes continue cycling through wind and weather. This strong cycling culture was visible throughout the event. Spectators lined the streets not just to watch, but to ride along, share meals, and enjoy a weekend that reflected the rhythm of everyday life in Denmark – only faster. From Viking ships to modern art, the Copenhagen Sprint route told a story of tradition, community and movement. And with this new annual race, that story now reaches an international audience. Photos from the event show riders weaving past castles, coastlines and Copenhagen landmarks – a powerful meeting of sport and destination in the heart of Denmark.
Irish Times
26-05-2025
- Irish Times
Visit Copenhagen to unlock the secrets to happiness: great food, self-assured style and bicycles
It's the bicycles you notice first when you arrive after the 15-minute journey by metro from Copenhagen Airport into Kongens Nytorv, the large cobbled square in Copenhagen city centre. Cycling with confidence and speed along cycle lanes that run between the footpaths and roads, these bipedal owners seem to be going in all directions but the pedestrians, bus drivers and the trickle of cars seem to understand the hierarchy. The bicycle is king in the Danish capital, and you'll see adults carrying children, shopping and sometimes even another adult on their bikes. We even witnessed two people transporting a sofa on a large front carrier of a bicycle during our visit. Copenhagen is one of the best cycling cities in the world, and is nearing its goal of becoming a carbon neutral city by 2025 with more cyclists than cars. READ MORE Although smartphones have made paper maps almost obsolete for most of us, one of my favourite things to do when I arrive in a new city is to wander aimlessly with a paper map. Somehow it gives you a different perspective on the city, Copenhagen included, allowing you to discover a low-key place to eat along the interconnecting lakes that divide the city centre (Indre By) to Norrebro in the north, or a stylish coffee shop in the elegant streets of Frederiksberg in the west, or the vintage shops in the slightly grittier streets of Vesterbro in the south. We spent our first day of three walking through elegant palace yards (and even caught the formal changing of the guard, which happens at noon every day at Amalienborg Palace), along pedestrian shopping streets, into city gardens, past monumental museums and crossing over canals. Copenhagen: Nyhavn at sunset. Photograph: iStock There is plenty to see in Copenhagen beyond the brightly coloured facades of restaurants and bars in Nyhavn, the new harbour area, which is a magnet for tourists. And since the city streets aren't dominated by motorised vehicles, spending time here is a less stressful experience than in other car-clogged places. But all those bicycles are hard to ignore, so we decided to do as the Danes do and hired some on day two. Travelling at a slower pace than the locals, cycling allowed us to cover more ground and explore further. We opted to cycle north of Nyhavn along the harbour side to see the statue of the Little Mermaid, one of the symbols of Copenhagen. Perched on a rock near Churchill Park, the tiny sculpture by Edward Eriksen was inspired by ballerina Ellen Price, who in 1909 danced the leading role in a ballet based on the Hans Christian Andersen's 19th-century fairy tale. The Little Mermaid at the harbour in Copenhagen on October 9, 2015. Photograph: Odd Andersen/AFP via Getty Bicycles are a great way to explore the outer reaches of the city too. And while Christianshavn, with its famous hippie quarter, Freetown Christiania, is perhaps not as relaxed as it was in previous decades (Pusher Street, where cannabis was openly sold despite being illegal in Denmark, was closed down in 2024 after gang-related violence), it still draws tourists. Freetown Christiania. Photograph: Getty We cycled north to the former industrial site at Refshaleoen, passing by the world-famous restaurant Noma, in its low-key site surrounded by glasshouses and wetlands. We were in awe of the new residential buildings in this expanding quarter. Onwards we went to see the floating student houses at Urban Ritter, passing another urban farm and one of Copenhagen's coolest restaurants, La Banchina. Gro Spiseri, also surrounded by an urban farm in Osterbro district, is another popular eating spot with sustainability credentials. And, not to be overshadowed, Copenhagen's waste to energy plant, Copenhill – another short cycle away – also attracts visitors to ski down its purpose-built ski slope or rock climb, and the views are spectacular from its rooftop cafe on a clear day. This whole Amager quarter has undergone urban renewal with lots of striking residential buildings. Although we arrived too early in the season to indulge in the warm evening atmosphere, I have fond memories of a previous visit, sitting close to the stunning Opera House, eating street food from the popular, Reffen Street Food Market. Broens Street Food (Bridge Street Kitchen), just over the Inderhavn's bridge on the Christiania side, is another popular outdoor eating spot where everyone can grab a dish of their choice. The indoors Tivoli Food Market near the central train station is an good option for rainy days. Smørrebrød – open sandwiches with rye bread loaded high with everything from herring to roast beef – are a must. Smørrebrød with prawns, chives, dill, lemon slices and edible flowers. Photograph: Getty Organic food is a big thing in Denmark; a quarter of all food sold in Copenhagen is organic, and due to a a government policy, it makes up 88 per cent of food served in schools, hospitals and other public institutions. We didn't have deep enough pockets to sample the many Michelin star restaurants, but the pastries in the artisan bakeries were too hard to resist. A cube-shaped pastry filled with pistachio cream and an excellent almond croissant were among the highlights. There is also a rich choice of museums – from Danish 19th- and 20th-century art in the Hirschspurng Collection just north of the National Gallery, to the Museum of Danish Resistance, to the tiny Happiness Museum with its focus on wellbeing and quality of life. Although it rains a lot and the winters are long, the Danes are deemed to be among the happiest nationalities in the world. We opted to visit the Danish Design Museum, housed in a former city-centre hospital with a stunning courtyard garden. With exhibitions on patterns, lamps and table setting through the ages and 19th- and 20th-century chairs, it is a great place to gain an understanding of the key principles of Danish design, which first came to international prominence in the mid 1950s and continues to flourish. Copenhagen takes its design seriously, and although you mightn't get beyond a glimpse through apartment windows to see how the residents live, you can wander through the numerous furniture design showrooms antique shops, clothing boutiques and art galleries at your leisure. If you have more time, there are lots of other museums, including the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, which would require a day trip from the city centre. And, as mentioned, the contemporary architecture in this city is so striking that Copenhagen is the Unesco-UIA World Capital of Architecture from 2023-2026. You'll see most of it as you wander by, but essential buildings to keep an eye out for include the Black Diamond Royal Library on the harbour, the nearby Blox Danish Architecture Centre, the Royal Danish Playhouse and of course the Opera House. Finally, if you're travelling in the summer months, pack your swimming gear and join locals in one of the seven swimming spots on the harbour. Proud of the cleanliness of the harbour water, taking a lunchtime dip is as popular as weekend trips to places such as Island Brygge. You can also rent boats ( ) to tour the harbour and canals in your own time afterwards.
