Copenhagen: Hipster Capital of Europe

Beyond Lurpak and butter cookes, achieve Hygge in the Danish Captial

Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital city, conjures up vague ideas about the Little Mermaid, bacon and Lurpak. But this city is, arguably, the hipster capital of Europe.

It plays host to Distortion festival once a year, a celebration of Copenhagen nightlife, where hundreds of acts play across the city for five days in June. The parties and clubs last well into the morning and revellers indulge in what they call “organised chaos”.

This can be a little overwhelming for a British person, who is used to getting turfed out of a club at 3 am on the dot and provided with what is essentially an adult dummy (lollipop) to quell the alcohol soaked chants and mating calls.

The Danes are effortlessly cool, friendly and good looking. Which isn't as annoying as it sounds. So take this as a guide to do as they do and get the most out of Copenhagen and Distortion.

Flights and Expenditure

Scandinavian countries are some of the most expensive destinations in Europe. The British pound is worth approximately 9 Danish Krones (KR), and with a beer costing around 45 KR in a decent bar, prices are level or slightly more expensive than the UK, depending on where you live.

The good news is that flights to Copenhagen from the UK are relatively cheap. Flights from Edinburgh Airport can be as little as £19.99 each way with Ryan Air.

To get the authentic Copenhagen experience, renting an Air Bnb is a must. For trendy types, the places to be are Nørrebro and Vesterbro. Distortion street parties alternate between these two areas and there are plenty of clubs and bars such as Rust and Temple Bar.

Book your accommodation well in advance if you are going for Distortion Festival. Having good reviews on your Air Bnb will help you land your dream Scandi pad as well.

Sightseeing

Copenhagen is a beautiful city full of of European charm and modern Scandinavian design. The best way to see the city and discover its history is to take a bus tour. Tickets for the red and green open top buses are available online, as well as from the main tourist hub at Nyhavn.

"Hygge is not easily

defined, but easily achieved by enjoying the simply things in life."

The Mermaid Tour costs 175K and takes you past the Little Mermaid, Rosenborg Castle, Kastellet, and the Danish Parliament building which fans of the Nordic Noir series Borgen might recognise.

Boat tours are available also leaving from Nyhavn, they cost 40K and are great value. The tour is guided in English, German and Danish. It takes in all the main sites of the city and quaint canals, and is an excellent way to find your bearings.

Hygge

In Denmark, 'Hygge' is used to describe the feeling of cosiness and well being. The feeling you might get drinking a cold beer in the sun or being surrounded by friends and family. It's not easily defined, but easily achieved by enjoying the simply things in life.

One way to achieve Hygge is by visiting one of Copenhagen's open air salt water pools. The Harbour Baths at Islands Brygge is free of charge. Achieve Hygge by dipping in and out of the salt water and take guilty pleasure in watching people belly flop whilst diving from the platform.

If all that Hygge makes you hungry, Warpigs in the meat packing district of the city is a must. Barbecued and roasted meat are sold by the weight with sides like mac and cheese and potato salad. Warpigs also makes its own beer, but the stars of the show are the homemade sodas. From rootbeer, to pink cactus juice they are perfect for washing down the carnivorous feast.

For more variety, including countless vegetarian and vegan options, head to the Copenhagen Street Food Market at Papirøen (Paper Island).

Distortion

The Distortion week kicks off with two nights of street parties held in Nørrebro and Vesterbro. The street parties last from 4pm-10pm and are free of charge. Although they are funded from the sale of Gadearmbånd (wristbands) at 100KR, which get you free beer and water at the street parties. If you're planning to hit the clubs after, you may want to consider buying a Distortion Pass, but passes for each day are available so check what suits your tastes and budget.

The highlights of Distortion festival are the chaotic parties at Refshaleøen, an industrial estate at Copenhagen harbour. The music ranges dancehall to techno to soul.

Copenhagen is safe for LGBT travellers. Same sex couples are visible and afforded protection and rights by Danish Law.

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