The online magazine archdaily recently published a series of architectural gems not to be missed when visiting Copenhagen. They write: “Copenhagen is a living testament to its architectural heritage, innovative urban development and commitment to sustainability and quality of life. The city inspires the whole world with its urban quality of life, made up of efficient and smart mobility systems, as well as vibrant and interesting public and private spaces. In this context, the city was awarded the title of “World Capital of Architecture” by UNESCO for the year 2023 and hosted the World Congress of the International Union of Architects. These milestones are unique opportunities to highlight the crucial role of architecture and urban planning in building a sustainable future and to establish the city as a prominent international forum for discussing important issues related to the urban environment and the ongoing search for innovative solutions.

Superkilen Park: Top Tek 1 + BIG Architects + Superflex; Photo: © Iwan Baan

No wonder Visit Copenhagen also uses this density of architectural features as an argument for visiting the city in four videos in which local architects guide you through design highlights. On its website, the tourism organisation presents, among other things, 20 architectural masterpieces that are worth a visit.

Presented there are:

Krøyers Plads

Krøyers Plads is a new square located at a great location in the Copenhagen neighbourhood Christianshavn.The square was designed together with the surrounding buildings, which continue the historic warehouse structure along the harbor and reinvent the industrial warehouse tradition of the area. The square is a great place to enjoy beautiful views over Copenhagen or have a picnic, and then it is even close to the wine bar Restaurant Nærvær.

Krøyers Plads is a new square in a prime location in Copenhagen’s Christianshavn district. The square has been designed together with the surrounding buildings, which continue the historic warehouse structure along the harbour and reinvent the industrial warehouse tradition of the area. The square is a great place to enjoy the beautiful view over Copenhagen or have a picnic, and then it is also close to the wine bar Restaurant Nærvær. © Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects and Cobe; Photo: Rasmus Hjortshøj | COAST

Cirkelbroen

Probably the most beautiful bridge in Copenhagen, Cirkelbroen is on the harbour in Christianshavn. Designed by Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson, it recalls the shape of ships from years gone by.

Probably the most beautiful bridge in Copenhagen, the Cirkelbroen is located in the harbour of Christianshavn. It was designed by the Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson and is reminiscent of the shape of ships from times gone by. © Kim Wyon; Photo: Wonderful Copenhagen

The Black Diamond – Royal Danish Library

The Black Diamond in Copenhagen is one of the harbourfront’s key modern architecture attractions, and is an extension to the Royal Library, with a bookshop, restaurant, café and concert hall inside it.Designed by architects Schmidt Hammer Lassen, the building was finished in 1999 and is nicknamed 'the Black Diamond' for its shiny irregular facets on the outside that mirror the sea and sky. © Photo: Laura Stamer

The Black Diamond in Copenhagen is one of the main attractions of modern architecture on the harbour. It is an extension of the Royal Library, housing a bookshop, restaurant, café and concert hall. Designed by architects Schmidt Hammer Lassen, the building was completed in 1999 and is nicknamed the “Black Diamond” because its shiny, irregular facets reflect the sea and sky. © Photo: Laura Stamer

CopenHill

Futuristic, unparalleled ski slope and a recreational hill on top of a new resource handling center.Spectacular and innovative in the true sense of the words. That’s CopenHill. The artificial skiing slope and the recreational hiking area opened in fall 2019, built on top of the new waste management center. This sounds like something out of a sci-fi fantasy but is a reality since the power plant opened in 2017 under the name ARC (Amager Ressource Center). © Photo: Wonderful Copenhagen

Futuristic, unparalleled ski slope and recreational hill above a new resource management centre. Spectacular and innovative in the truest sense of the word. That is CopenHill. The artificial ski slope and recreational hiking area will open in autumn 2019, built on top of the new waste management centre. What sounds like a science fiction fantasy has been reality since the power plant opened in 2017 under the name ARC (Amager Resource Centre). © Photo: Wonderful Copenhagen

You can find more architectural highlights here.