Our Contemporary Architecture Tour takes you on an extensive ride into cutting edge building design, sustainable urbanism and not least liveability.
Copenhagen’s lead within these fields is solidly based on the traditions founded by 20th-century architects, who have earned Copenhagen an exceptional, worldwide reputation.
Take a look through the eyes of a local architect on the mind-boggling revitalisation that is still taking place. In recent 20 years industrial wastelands were (and are) transformed into hip neighbourhoods, cultural areas and fancy commercial districts.
“Phenomenal experience – probably my favorite in CPH / of all time! We got a high level of insight from the supremely clever and knowledgeable Alice and loved the tour. Highly recommend over a walking tour. “
Yvonne, Paris, France
But would this have your interest?
Yes, sure!
Indeed, the focus on recent building design and urban development makes this tour very suitable for architects or architecturally interested visitor (and locals).
But architecture relates to everything and reflects all sides of society. And this is even more true for Danish architecture, which is almost always taking social issues and community into account.
The shape of a city and it’s architecture is influenced by for example:
- History
- Politics
- Climate
- Religion
- Geography
- Economy
- … well – everything!
Furthermore, we take pride in addressing a broad variety of visitors in a straight forward language without pretentious archi-lingo.
We also never shy away from taking a personal and sometimes critical standpoint by addressing and discussing also the mistakes and unintended consequences.
Areas visited:
Starting from the central city the route will take you to places such as:
- Kalvebod harbour area
- Public spaces at Islands Brygge
- Urban green
- Tietgen Student Housing
- Public community projects
- Copenhill waste-to-power-plant – and ski slope*
- Holmen former navy yards
- The Opera
- … and much more
* There is a minor risk, that Copenhill is not accessible due to unannounced maintenance.
Architects:
You will learn about buildings and projects by accredited Danish and international architects and urban designers such as:
- Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)
- Lundgaard & Tranberg
- SHL Architects (Schmidt, Hammer & Lassen)
- Dorte Mandrup
- Arne Jacobsen
- COBE Architects
- Gehl Architects
- OMA
- MVRDV
- Jean Nouvel
- … and others
Your guides on the tour are:
Alice Lempel Søndergaard
Alice has worked in various positions in urban planning and strategy and is commenting on and reviewing new architecture.
She has a degree in philosophy and modern culture and she has a profound interest in how our built environment and city planning are influencing everyday life in the city.
Asser Munch
Asser has a background as a building designer on smaller, very diverse projects and as a teacher at the School of Architecture in Aarhus.
Asser is an architect by trade, and since 2020 he is studying construction engineering at the DTU (Technical University of Denmark).
You can read more on his blog: copenhagenarchitecture.dk.
Occasionally, on busy days, we make use of freelance architect guides, who are also professionals from the building and planning industry.
Bikes and equipment
On this tour, you can choose between a cool STRiDA design folding bike or a traditional bike.
The STRIDA is a real urban eye candy – and a great ride!
Our Danish Winther high-quality bikes offer a classy, traditional biking experience. We have different sizes, and the seats are adjustable.
Optional helmets are included as well as a bottle of tap water that we bring on the tour.
Can I take my kids?
Yes, kids 12 years+! Cycling is a great family activity and much more kid-friendly than bus and boat tours.
BUT (important!): since we don’t know your kids and their skills on a bike, they will ALWAYS join on the responsibility and supervision of their parents. Helmets are included and recommended for all kids.
Before and after
Please meet us 15 minutes prior to the tour to get you equipped and ready, so we can start on time. In consideration of other tour guests, we cannot wait for latecomers.
We start and finish the tour at the beCopenhagen basecamp, Fortunstræde 1, 1065 Copenhagen.
You can store your luggage here during the tour, and after returning you can rest with a cold soft drink. Feel free to use our WiFi and charge your phone/device.
You can find additional and practical information on our FAQ page.
