The Golden Ruler

Last weekend was the weekend of a long- and excitedly-awaited trip to Copenhagen. We had a wonderful time, though we were up against it a bit: our flight was delayed by 16 hours (meaning we had to spend a night in glamorous Crawley); and the weather was so cold, I had to stop every couple of hours to thaw out my hands with a coffee/Gløgg.

Sadly, we didn't make it to the Little Mermaid - it would've meant spending too long out in the sheet ice and falling snow. We did however see a beautiful Rodin of three sirens in a gallery that I'd really recommend, the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek.

 

The Sirens by Auguste Rodin at the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Tromborg Below 10 Degrees Cream 580DKK, Ilse Jacobsen Rain Boot 850DKK, Designers' Remix Quilted Bomber Jacket 1300DK

Apart from that, we admired the grand city hall, the striking Rundetaarn and the sinuous serpent-tail-spire of the old stock exchange. We spent an evening amid the Christmassy illuminations of the Tivoli gardens, saw adorable animals at the Zoo (baby elephant, baby giraffe and young tapir included) and tried to absorb the vibe of Christiania. The cocktails, Danish pastries and smørrebørd were, without exception, exceptional.

Now, back to topic! Just a stone's throw from charming Nyhavn, is the lovely department store, Magasin du Nord. From the outside, you see a lot of cast iron and carved masonry, and, at the moment, Christmas lights and window displays. Inside, we found a good homeware department - brands like Bodum and Stelton - and beauty department (the usual plus Tromborg, an organic Danish company whose Stratus fragrance and Below 10 Degrees Face Cream were very tempting!)

My favourite emporium however was Illum Bolighus, with its chic entrance - all striped scandi wood and brushed-metal escalators. They deal very much in high design - furniture, lighting, Danish fashion (brands like Ilse Jacobsen and Designer's Remix)

We missed the Design Museum sadly. We thought it would be open on Saturday. However, on our way to the real Zool. Have (i.e. Zoological gardens), we chanced upon Design Zoo - beautiful ceramics, jewellery and Christmas decorations.

We also stepped into Rocket - a high street store selling gifts, homeware and confectionary - cheaply and cheerfully. I believe there's one in Stratford, London, if you want to check it out.

All in all, a perfect weekend of festive tourism and Christmas shopping - I'd advise anyone to go!

(Design Zoo, Vesterbrogade 137)