Travel Green to Copenhagen

Our Local Expert Says:

Boutique hotel for the girls.

Description:

This old inner city hotel, on a side street close to the central train station, is a surprising find in this noisy neighborhood of basic lodging facilities. The Guldsmeden hotel group reopened its doors in 2007 after extensive renovation, transforming it into an oasis of wellness in the very heart of the downtown area. Axel Guldsmeden's unique touches include the Balinese-style rooms, replete with Persian rugs and original art - and combined with the latest in flat screen TVs. Organic breakfasts are served in the heated courtyard and the hotel's luxurious spa uses all organic products in its hot and cold tubs, sauna and steam baths. This 4-star hotel was named on Conde Nast's 2008 Traveller Hot List of one of the world's 65 top new hotels. 

Our Local Expert Says:

One of Nyhavn's best

Description:

This is a restaurant that offers mainly organic cuisine and a unique and fun décor. The portions are quite filling and the prices are moderate.Old enameled signs, an antique fire extinguisher; these are among the many funny objects that you will find at Cap Horn. You won't be bored while waiting for what you have ordered, just look around.Try the combination of herring, salmon and chicken salad, à la Provençale, roast beef and mushroom mousse with air-dried ham, for DKK125. Dishes for dinner, available from 5pm to 11pm, are made with selected organic ingredients and, as at lunch, the cooking style is Danish with a strong international touch. You will find for instance sweet potato soup for DKK65, Danish wild duck for DKK149 or North Sea cod for DKK139. If you don't really have time to study the menu, just order the set three-course menu of the day, DKK275, composed of the best of what is available that day.

Description:

With Holmen (the former marine area of Copenhagen, now a trend-setting place) as a base, a man called Ole has established a form of sightseeing and entertainment using kayaks. You can take a guided tour around Copenhagen Harbour by kayak, where you get to see all the old monuments and the new, exciting attractions. This is a fun and alternative way of experiencing Copenhagen, and from here, the city shows its most beautiful side. You can take the trip in the evening too, wearing forehead flashlights. These trips start in the centre, close to Thorvaldsens Museum. Another possibility is kayak polo, a newly-invented sport. This takes place in the harbour basin of Holmen and is meant for parties of between six and fifteen people. The prices vary but are quite high.

Description:

This attractive neighborhood is characterised by its network of canals and the brightly-painted houses clustered around them, many of which date back to the 1600s. Christianshavn was originally settled by Dutch workers who were brought to Copenhagen to work on nearby Slotsholmen on the orders of King Christian IV; reclaimed marshland just over the water became their home, and Christianshavn—'Christian's Harbor' took on the look of a miniature Amsterdam. While it became one of the city's poorest quarters during the 1800s and early 1900s, the 1990s saw a dramatic change, as Christianshavn became one of the most fashionable areas of Copenhagen to live in.
   Christianshavn is pleasant to just wander around; specific attractions include the twisting spire of Vor Frelsers Kirke and the naval Orlogsmuseet. This upmarket neighborhood also has some of the city's best restaurants, including world-famous noma and expensive Italian Era Ora.

Our Local Expert Says:

A totally unique attraction: only in Denmark.

Description:

In 1971, a band of hippies decided to squat a collection of deserted army barracks close to Copenhagen's Christianshavn neighborhood, proclaiming the area as a Free State to be self-governed as a collective. Almost four decades later, Christiania continues as one of the country's biggest attractions, confirming the global view of Denmark as a tolerant nation able to accept Christiania as a 'social experiment'. It's possible to walk around the 32-hectare, car-free area, which houses a music venue (Loppen), various vegetarian cafes and bars as well as a surprisingly classy restaurant (Spiseloppen). Since the notorious open-air marijuana market 'Pusher Street' was shut down in 2004, Christiania has seen a steady police presence, yet despite all attempts to gradually 'normalize' the area, it remains as a testimony to the tenacious free spirit of liberal Scandinavia.

Description:

Christian's Church is a common national church with enough space for the creative arrangements in theater, ballet, and concerts that you often find here. It is situated on Christianshavn, the small island between Copenhagen city and Amager. The church is characterised by its blue-black tile roof that shines and glimmers in the sun, its sandstone walls, and its tower. It was built in 1755-59 by Nicolai Eigtved, who was inspired by the Baroque movement. The interior is almost theatrical, with benches on the floor and boxes on the balcony. The King's box is opposite the altar. There are no admission fees.

Description:

The architect of the 1752 staircase of the "Church of Our Savior" was Laurids de Thurah. A legend still persists about him. It is said that he constructed the staircase encircling the building the wrong way. Climbing to the top, and belatedly realizing what he'd done, he jumped to his death. A good story, but it's not true. According to more reliable reports, he died poverty-stricken in his sleep in his own bed in 1759. The green-and-gold tower of this Gothic structure is a Copenhagen landmark, dominating the Christianshavn area. Inside, view the splendid baroque altar, richly adorned with a romp of cherubs and other figures. There are also a lovely font and an immense three-story organ from 1698. Four hundred vertigo-inducing steps will take you to the top, where you'll see a gilded figure of Christ standing on a globe, and a panoramic view of the city. Warning: Those steps grow narrower as they reach the pinnacle.

Description:

Holmen is a former military area, but when the navy pulled out in 1996, this big scenic area was opened to the public. The main entrance is at the end of Prinsessegade on Christianshavn. Another way to get to Holmen is to go by boat with the canal tours from Nyhavn or Gammel Strand. The big rigging-tower, a stone construction with a copper roof dating from 1749, is the landmark of Holmen and a part of the Copenhagen skyline. The Navy has resided on Holmen since 1690. Gunshots still thunder from Sixtus Batteriet at sunset and dawn. Cultural activities and artists have also moved into Holmen with the four art schools located there. Now an extensive residential building project is being carried out. It's nice to sometimes get away from the noise and stress of the big city. Try the restaurants along the harbor. Near the water, it is cool even on the hottest days. From here you have a magnificent view over Amalienborg and Marmorkirken.

Description:

Located on Kongens Nytorv, the Royal Danish Theatre was built by architect Wilhelm Dallerup in 1874. The building is especially impressive at night when crowds flock to the theatre in evening dress. Home of the Royal Theatre Company, the Royal Ballet and the Opera, the theatre has two stages: Gamle Scene (old stage) and Ny Scene (new stage). Gamle Scene has a magnificent auditorium. The ceiling is decorated with Constantin Hansen's Nine Muses. Sculptures of two of Denmark's most famous playwrights decorate the entrance: Ludvig Holberg (1684-1754) was sculpted by T. Stein in 1875 and Adam Oehlenschläger (1799-1850) made by H.W. Bissen in 1861. In 1929-31 the Ny Scene was built in a separate building, the controversial, art deco Stærekassen. The ticket office is open 1p-8p M-Sa. Left-over tickets are sold at half-price from 5p on the evening of the performance.

Description:

'Prettiest theater in the country', boasts Grønnegårds Teatret, and not without reason. The location is almost unbelievably idyllic, outdoors in the green park of the Kunstindustrimuseet, right in the middle of the royal quarters of historical Copenhagen. The audience arrives with picnic baskets of wine and food which are enjoyed on the green, while old comedies unfold on the stage in a whirlwind of colourful costumes, making the wine, the park, the sun, the laughter and the wonder of living in Copenhagen during the summer melt like sunshine in your head.

Our Local Expert Says:

Boutique hotel for the girls.

Description:

This old inner city hotel, on a side street close to the central train station, is a surprising find in this noisy neighborhood of basic lodging facilities. The Guldsmeden hotel group reopened its doors in 2007 after extensive renovation, transforming it into an oasis of wellness in the very heart of the downtown area. Axel Guldsmeden's unique touches include the Balinese-style rooms, replete with Persian rugs and original art - and combined with the latest in flat screen TVs. Organic breakfasts are served in the heated courtyard and the hotel's luxurious spa uses all organic products in its hot and cold tubs, sauna and steam baths. This 4-star hotel was named on Conde Nast's 2008 Traveller Hot List of one of the world's 65 top new hotels. 

Description:

Dating from around 1900, Fælledparken translates as 'the shared park', and this vast public space really is the city's people's park. Found on the border of neighborhoods Østerbro and Nørrebro, there's no avenues of trees or well kept flower beds here, but more a recreational area that anyone can use. There are petanque greens, enclosed dog-walking areas, an open-air pool (summer only), children's play area, skate park and no less than six football pitches. In addition there is a pavillion that operates not only as a cafe during the summer but also offers salsa dancing and classes. It is a popular spot for joggers, who can enjoy the long jog around the park and its attractive lake. Due to the park's popularity as a summer party spot, it is no longer allowed to bring disposable barbecue grills; instead, guests can use one of the ten grills permanently situated in the park.
The park is never busier than on May 1st each year, when it serves as the meeting place for the many workers' day marches; May Day in Copenhagen is not just about speeches (though there's plenty of these), it's also a chance for everyone to take an afternoon off work and enjoy a family fun day out in the park. Perhaps one of the reasons that it was chosen as the venue for international workers' day celebrations is its place in the history of workers' resistance: On May 5, 1872, 'Fælleden' was the site of a bloody battle between police, soldiers and workers.  
On the edge of the park is Parken, the city's large arena, home to its local football club F.C København as well as host to a number of international, large-scale music concerts. The park also plays host to Denmark's veteran car race, the 'Historic Grand Prix' every August.  

Description:

Assistens churchyard is Copenhagen's biggest cemetery. It was originally a place where smaller churchyards would be located to, as well as being a churchyard for the poor. Today it is open to all citizens to use. Celebrities, such as H.C. Andersen, Søren Kierkegård, Jens Juel or Martin Andersen Nexø are all buried here. There are plans to turn the churchyard into a park, as the local people already use it as a place to meet with there loved ones or to sit in the sun in the summer.

Our Local Expert Says:

Situated in attractive grounds, Rosenborg is filled with the mysteries of Denmark's most fascinating king

Description:

When King Christian IV ordered Rosenborg Palace to be built in 1606, he imagined it as his summer house outside of the city. As with many of Christian IV's plans, he could never quite finish his dream castle, and additions continued right through his reign and long afterwards, the last being in 1758. Apart from in times of emergency (when the British laid siege to Copenhagen in 1801, for example), Rosenborg has not been used as a royal residence since 1710, and now functions as a museum, its most treasured artifact being the nation's crown jewels. Every day at noon, guards march from the barracks outside Rosenborg through the city to the other royal palace, Amalienborg. Though the city has grown around Rosenborg, the surrounding King's Gardens (Kongens Have) serve as one of Copenhagen's most popular parks, full throughout spring and summer with picnic-goers and sunbathers.

Description:

The organic theme at Geranium is manifest right from its name to the ingredients used to serve its excellent menu, to its very location in the beautiful Kongens Have/Rosenborg Slotshave. The focus on the use of fresh and wholesome vegetables, dairy products and meat by the restaurant, lends a distinct flavor to the Scandinavian cuisine that is served here. With a team of expert chefs at the helm of affairs, patrons are bound to enjoy an innovative dining experience. The wine list here is quite impressive as well. Alfresco dining on the restaurant's terrace is available during summer.

Our Local Expert Says:

Boutique hotel for the girls.

Description:

This old inner city hotel, on a side street close to the central train station, is a surprising find in this noisy neighborhood of basic lodging facilities. The Guldsmeden hotel group reopened its doors in 2007 after extensive renovation, transforming it into an oasis of wellness in the very heart of the downtown area. Axel Guldsmeden's unique touches include the Balinese-style rooms, replete with Persian rugs and original art - and combined with the latest in flat screen TVs. Organic breakfasts are served in the heated courtyard and the hotel's luxurious spa uses all organic products in its hot and cold tubs, sauna and steam baths. This 4-star hotel was named on Conde Nast's 2008 Traveller Hot List of one of the world's 65 top new hotels. 

Description:

This castle was created in 1705 by Count C. Ahlefeldt, and was rebuilt in 1742 by Laurits von Thura. Since then it has been a popular summer residence of the Royal Family, especially several kings and princes up to 1947. The outer buildings of the castle are still inhabited by members of the Danish Royal Family. The park is open to the public.

Description:

One of the older restaurants atTivoli Gardens, this place was originally called Teatercaféen, but its nickname was Grften (the Ditch), as it was built on the side of an old moat. Later, the restaurant changed its name to Grften. This place is as popular among celebrities as it is among locals. In the old days, this was just a little café where Tivoli's musicians and workers enjoyed their packed lunches. Today, it holds up to more than 135 customers. Like a typical Danish restaurant, it serves classic, traditional cuisine. A selection of open sandwiches, shrimp and lobscouse are the ideal specialties of the house.

Our Local Expert Says:

Boutique hotel for the girls.

Description:

This old inner city hotel, on a side street close to the central train station, is a surprising find in this noisy neighborhood of basic lodging facilities. The Guldsmeden hotel group reopened its doors in 2007 after extensive renovation, transforming it into an oasis of wellness in the very heart of the downtown area. Axel Guldsmeden's unique touches include the Balinese-style rooms, replete with Persian rugs and original art - and combined with the latest in flat screen TVs. Organic breakfasts are served in the heated courtyard and the hotel's luxurious spa uses all organic products in its hot and cold tubs, sauna and steam baths. This 4-star hotel was named on Conde Nast's 2008 Traveller Hot List of one of the world's 65 top new hotels. 

Description:

This area could be described as the most beautiful in Copenhagen, and stretches from Esplanaden to Lystbådehavnen, the pier of Langelinie and Frihavnen. If you walk along the outer harbor of Copenhagen, you will be able to enjoy a breath of fresh air from resund. You will also pass the Gefion Fountain, the statues of Frederik IX and Princess Marie, the The Little Mermaid, and the Mylius-Erichsen Monument (to the people who died during the Greenland Expedition 1906-07). Last but not least, you'll see Frihavnen, with its warships and huge cruise liners, which is now also a housing and business district. From Langelinie you can see over to Holmen, where the yacht of the Royal Danish family, Dannebrog, usually lies anchored.

Description:

Kastellet is a star-shaped fortress near Langelinie. Its bastions and moats are almost unchanged from when they were a part of the original structure built in 1660 as per recovered drawings of Heinrich Rüse, a Dutch fortress expert. Kastellet was built as a result of the wars against Sweden at the time. The forts appear today almost as they did towards the end of the nineteenth century, but without the outer parts. This has been made possible by thorough restoration work financed by the company A.P. Møller. It is now possible to walk on all of the bastions. Entrance is through the recently restored Kongeporten (the King's Gate), dating from 1663. Inside are barracks where you find the state prison and Kastelskirken church. Exit is through Norgesporten (the Norwegian Gate). For many reasons, Kastellet has become a popular place to visit. It is wonderful to walk around the bastions in all seasons. Since most old trees have been removed, there is an excellent view over Langelinie, the harbour and the centre of the city.

Description:

Sct. Pauls Church is in a beautiful but often overlooked part of town between Kongens Have (the King's Garden) and Nyboder (the yellow terrace houses built for seamen in 1631). It was built in 1877, in the period of Historicism when the Danes mixed all kinds of architectural styles. Sankt Pauls Kirke was inspired by the Italian Renaissance, but shows some signs of Romanticism as well. The façade is strictly symmetrical and the ornaments of the tiles on the tower are beautifully arranged in a spiral shape.

Description:

One of the very few vegetarian restaurants in Copenhagen, this is the only one with a good selection of vegan dishes as well. The basement restaurant has existed for 11 years; during the first eight years only the hard-core vegetarians/vegans dined here. But now times have changed and meat-free dishes are gaining popularity amongst all kinds of people. The restaurant can hold about 30 guests. This is a small place with nice paintings on the walls. Pancakes stuffed with mushrooms, Falafel, Hummus and beetroot salad make up a small selection of the many tasty dishes on the menu. The dishes are inspired by most of the world's many cuisines. Home-baked bread comes with every dish.

Description:

Mermaid Tour
The entire tour takes 1 hour and you will see such highlights as: Amalienborg Palace, The Little Mermaid and Rosenberg Castle

Carlsberg Tour
The entire tour takes 1 hour and you will see such highlights as: The Zoo, Carlsberg Breweries, Frederiksberg Castle and the Theater district.

Christiana Tour
The entire tour takes 1 hour and you will see such highlights as: Tivoli, The Black Diamond and Christiania

You may choose the Mermaid Tour or the Carlsberg Tour individually or book the Combination ticket which will combine all three routes ans is valid for two days!

Description:

Named after the famous philosopher Kierkegaard, this elegant restaurant is located on the ground floor of the "Black Diamond" (i.e. the Royal library) and overlooks the canals. It is a sophisticated and romantic place with great French-Danish fusion cuisine. It is especially famous for seafood. Guests are usually served complimentary appetizers, which are creative specimens of culinary delight. Although the main courses are slightly on the more expensive side, excellent preparation and outstanding service makes it worth the money. The kitchen closes at 10.30 p.m. Making a reservation is a good idea. -Vishv Priya Kohli

Description:

If Rådhuspladsen is Copenhagen's most popular square, then Kongens Nytorv is the city's most distinguished and exclusive one. Limousines glide up in front of Hotel d'Angelterre to drop off their guests. Kongens Nytorv was constructed in 1670 on the side of the former ramparts of the city. Many beautiful buildings are situated around Kongens Nytorv, for instance Charlottenborg, built for Frederik III's half brother in Dutch Baroque style. Charlottenborg is the former location of the Architectural School and now contains the Art School and Kunsthal Charlottenborg. Other buildings are the Thotske Palace (now the French Embassy), and Magasin du Nord, a high-end department store. During the Christmas season, the square is turned into an ice skating rink and the trees and many buildings are decorated with lights that transform the square into something from a fairy tale. The statue in the middle of the square represents Christian V, made by Frenchman Abraham-Cesar Lamoroux in 1687.

Description:

The Copenhagen Opera House is a gift to the Dainish state by shipping magnate Sir Mærsk McKinney Møller. It was formally inaugurated on January 15, 2005. Located on the waterfront of Holmen, the former Royal Naval Dockyard, it is set to become one of the largest cultural centres in Northern Europe. The main architectural attraction of the Opera House is the floating roof, which covers four stories. It also has galleries, a restaurant and accommodation for travellers.

Our Local Expert Says:

Boutique hotel for the girls.

Description:

This old inner city hotel, on a side street close to the central train station, is a surprising find in this noisy neighborhood of basic lodging facilities. The Guldsmeden hotel group reopened its doors in 2007 after extensive renovation, transforming it into an oasis of wellness in the very heart of the downtown area. Axel Guldsmeden's unique touches include the Balinese-style rooms, replete with Persian rugs and original art - and combined with the latest in flat screen TVs. Organic breakfasts are served in the heated courtyard and the hotel's luxurious spa uses all organic products in its hot and cold tubs, sauna and steam baths. This 4-star hotel was named on Conde Nast's 2008 Traveller Hot List of one of the world's 65 top new hotels. 

Our Local Expert Says:

Elegant and relaxing.

Description:

Designed in the romantic style during the 1700s, Frederiksberg Gardens stretch out from the entrance at the end of Frederiksberg Alle with a glorious view of the central boating lake and the gently sloping lawns, with Frederiksberg Palace standing regally at its top. This Baroque-styled mansion was inspired by Frederik IIII's trips to Italy, and is now a school for military officers. It's usual to see almost-tame herons standing sentry around the lake, and the 200 year-old Chinese pagoda lends a more exotic air to the park. With blankets and baskets, families enjoy long picnics on the lawns, while the children's playground is another popular spot. Frederiksberg Have is neighbor to the wilder recreational area of Søndermarken as well as Copenhagen Zoo, located on Roskildevej.

Description:

The Royal Haveselskab Garden was laid out in 1884, and is one of Copenhagen's most beautiful small parks, with many rare, exotic flowers, bushes and trees. In the summer it is an oasis of beauty and tranquility away from the big city, situated very close to Frederiksberg park. Jazz and classical concerts are held in the Haveselskab gardens every summer. You will also find a charming exhibition building called Brndsalen in here.

Our Local Expert Says:

A set menu means that good cooking really doesn't have to cost the earth

Description:

Cofoco stands for "Copenhagen Food Consulting", and over the last decade what started as a small take away business has grown into a local food empire with eight restaurants and a catering service. Cofoco, located close to the Central Train Station, is the firm's original restaurant. It started out offering one good evening meal from a set menu in an intimate dining experience; as a contrast to the group's other eateries, Cofoco has now changed its concept to offer a choice of four small dishes (about the size of a starter) that can be matched to your liking, for DKK 275—the quality is the same, the portions are just smaller and more abundant. Dishes range from beef tenderloin with three types of cauliflower and a truffle sauce to apple ice cream with shortbread and thyme. The decor is unchanged: Smart yet simple, with seating at long wooden tables. Reservation strongly advised.

Our Local Expert Says:

Boutique hotel for the girls.

Description:

This old inner city hotel, on a side street close to the central train station, is a surprising find in this noisy neighborhood of basic lodging facilities. The Guldsmeden hotel group reopened its doors in 2007 after extensive renovation, transforming it into an oasis of wellness in the very heart of the downtown area. Axel Guldsmeden's unique touches include the Balinese-style rooms, replete with Persian rugs and original art - and combined with the latest in flat screen TVs. Organic breakfasts are served in the heated courtyard and the hotel's luxurious spa uses all organic products in its hot and cold tubs, sauna and steam baths. This 4-star hotel was named on Conde Nast's 2008 Traveller Hot List of one of the world's 65 top new hotels. 

Description:

The Stock Exchange is one of Copenhagen's most spectacular and oldest buildings. Christian IV had it built in 1620, in an effort to turn Copenhagen into a financial center that would rival Amsterdam. The Stock Exchange was built on top of water, on filled-in foundations. Because canals surrounded it on three sides, the building has managed to survive the various fires that have ravaged Copenhagen through the years. The long building is magnificently decorated with dormer windows, but the Stock Exchange's most noticeable feature is the spire. Four dragons with intertwined tails form the spire, and it is topped by three golden crowns that symbolize the three Nordic countries of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Today, the Copenhagen Chamber of Commerce still uses the big hall for meetings, even though the stock exchange has moved to Nikolaj Plads. Visitors cannot enter, but the building itself is breathtaking.

Description:

Helligåndskirken (the Church of the Holy Spirit) is situated on the busiest part of Strøget, Copenhagen's popular shopping street. It was built in the 13th Century and has been used for various purposes. Initially it was built as a convent, but it has also functioned as a hospital. Now, it is a church and is also used for exhibitions and large book and record sales. An organ concert is held for the public everyday at noon. Over the years, Helligåndskirken has been renovated several times, but most of the walls stand as and where they were originally built. This is the only medieval building to have survived the great fires of Copenhagen's history.

Description:

Saint Petri German Church (Sankt Petri Tyske Kirke) is located in Copenhagen's Latin district, the part of town between Strget and the old embankments. The church was built in the fifteenth century, and at the time of Frederik II, in 1557, the church was handed over to his numerous German subjects. Today this is a national church, but the language of the ceremonies is still German. At the time of Christian IV, Sankt Petri Kirke was enlarged to include two crossing naves. Since the beginning, the church has been through wars, fires and a lot of restoration work, but has been kept in its original Mediaeval form.

Description:

Christiansborg Palace Chapel was built as an addition to Christiansborg Castle, where the Danish government sits, on the small island of Slotsholmen. Christiansborg Palace Chapel towers from a corner of Slotsholmen as a massive temple. The church was built in 1826 by the greatest Danish architect of the time, C.F. Hansen, in Neo-Classical style. He was clearly inspired by the ancient Greek and Roman styles. In 1992 the church was victim to a fire, and it took five years to restore the building, including the beautiful central dome. Now, it is in perfect shape once again. The church is primarily used by organ students from the Conservatory. This is also the place that the Danish Royal Family uses for special events. Visitors are allowed every Sunday, during all of July and in the Easter and Autumn holidays.

Description:

Gallery Nørby is a well-established place for ceramic artists. The goal for an unknown ceramic artist is often to hold an exhibition here. Bornholm-born artists Gerd Hiort Pedersen and Hans Munk Andersen, who have worked at their craft for 30 years, have exhibited china and stoneware pieces at this gallery.

Description:

Rådhuspladsen is at the heart of Copenhagen. Here, you find the Town Hall, and the house of Politiken, where neon signs provide the passers-by with news from all over the world. Also the Palace Hotel, the Bus Terminal, outdoor restaurants, newspaper stands and the famous Danish pølsevogne (hot-dog stands) are all here. Rådhuspladsen is an important social meeting-point, and a place for magnificent views of the Tivoli fireworks. Rådhuspladsen was originally built in the shape of a shell; the model was the big square in the Italian town of Sienna.

Our Local Expert Says:

Legendary.

Description:

When all the city's gourmet restaurants were competing for a place in the Michelin guide with French cuisine, chefs Rene Redzepi and Claus Meyer took a gamble – to open a high-end restaurant serving only Scandinavian ingredients. They called it Noma, an abbreviation of 'Nordic Mad' or Scandinavian food.  Some years later and with Redzepi - formerly of Michelin-rated restaurants like Spain's El Bulli - still at the helm as head chef, it has been named as the third best restaurant in the world. The dishes are Scandinavian, not in a Viking-inspired meat fest but with the ocean as inspiration - sea food and indeed seaweed combine with peculiarly Nordic berries and fruits, with any of the ingredients hailing from Greenland, the Faroe Isles and Iceland. The menu, which changes according to season, reads like a poem: tartar and wood sorrel, musk ox and grilled leeks. The location is a little out of town, right next to the harbor – the waves seem to lap right up to the tables – in a 250 year-old former warehouse shared with the North Atlantic Cultural Center. As a compliment to the cuisine, the decor is simple and rustic. Reservation is necessary – this place books up months in advance.