↑ Copenhagen’s most charming hotel only has two rooms. Here, Finn Juhl’s ‘Poet Sofa’ at center stage in the living room of ‘The Darling’.

24 hours in Copenhagen

with Finn Juhl

What does the city’s most popular design museum, a favourite local wine bar in a historic, crooked Copenhagen house, and one of the newest additions to the Nørrebro food scene have in common?

They’re all decorated with Finn Juhl designs. Classic, long-lasting pieces like small artworks on their own from one of Denmark’s finest legacy design houses. I took a tour around my hometown, and created a perfect itinerary featuring some of the city’s best spots. Also included: a visit to the home of architect Finn Juhl as he left it himself — technically, outside city borders, but the quick 20 minute commute to Ordrupgaard Museum is worthwhile, promise.

Read on for where to stay, dine, wine, and get cultural in Copenhagen with Finn Juhl.

Day 01

5 PM — CHECK IN

The Darling

Hotel | City centre

On a cobbled street right in the historic city centre of Copenhagen lies the city’s most charming boutique hotel. In fact, it’s more of a guest house with two private apartments filled with contemporary art, Danish design classics, and an exclusive feeling of home.

The Darling consists of two apartments — The Classic & The Grand — spread out on 70 and 100 sqm respectively. Each home (this is exactly how it feels; a home) holds a bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom and study whilst The Grand also has an inviting dining room. In both apartments, The Darling’s interior designers have chosen Finn Juhl designs; ‘Poet Sofa’ in The Grand, and ‘Pelican Chair’ and ‘Nyhavn Desk’ in both apartments.

The Darling | Niels Hemmingsensgade 1

↑ Copenhagen’s art & design guest house consists of two apartments available to book. Both are meticulously designed to offer everything imaginable for a home away from home.

8 PM —DINNER & DRINKS

Apéro

Wine bar & restaurant | City centre

Located in the historic red half-timbered house on Gammel Mønt, Apéro is the perfect spot to enjoy a wine and a meal in a homey setting. Grab a spot outside for people watching (you’re in the fashionable part of town!), or cosy up inside on Finn Juhl’s ‘Egyptian Chairs’. Try the lobster with piquillo and pearl barley, or the cod collar with abricot, and pair it with wine, then cocktails.

Apéro | Gammel Mønt 41

↑ Apéro is a cosy wine bar and restaurant, perhaps one of the most atmospheric in town. Enjoy snack-style servings, wine and drinks as well as breakfast here.

Day 02

10 AM | MORNING AT THE MUSEUM

Designmuseum Danmark

Design Museum Denmark is housed in a former royal hospital and showcases some of the finest in furniture, ceramics, textiles, and industrial design from Denmark and beyond. Don’t miss the permanent exhibition ‘Danish Modern’; a walk through the hallmark designs that set a precedent for the future. Several Finn Juhl designs are on display here, and if you’re still hungry for more great design — finish your visit in the in-house café FORMAT.

The cosy café and picturesque garden is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike (café is open for everyone, no entrance ticket needed). Get an open-faced sandwich with ‘sommersalat’ or smoked salmon, and end off with homebaked cake and coffee in the charming garden.

Museum | City centre

Designmuseum Danmark | Bredgade 68

↑ The in-house café FORMAT is decorated with Finn Juhl’s ‘The Reading Chair’. Don’t miss the permanent exhibition ‘Danish Modern’, including a walk through hallmark design chairs from the 20th century.

1 PM — LUNCH AT NØRREBRO

Calma

One of the newest darlings amongst Copenhagen food connoisseurs is Calma located on the cobblestone street Jægersborggade on Nørrebro. A laid-back atmosphere, good vibes, and a local crowd of regulars coming back, Calma serves a mix of French and Italian inspired dishes à la carte, changing with the seasons.

The new venture from a small team of four acclaimed chefs and waiters (previously Copenhagen institutions such as Formel B, Kong Hans Kælder, Levi and Le Sommelier), this local restaurant offers meals on a Michelin-level, but with no fancy feels — ‘Calma’ means calm in Italian, after all.

Restaurant | Nørrebro

Calma | Jægersborggade 34

→ Calma on Nørrebro is already a favourite amongst local foodies with its laid-back atmosphere and French-Italian menu

3 PM — THE ARCHITECT’S HOME

Finn Juhl’s House

Museum | Ordrup

This is a must if you’re into design and architecture, and find yourself in Copenhagen. The private home of architect Finn Juhl himself, left untouched and now part of the Ordrupgaard Museum collection, just a quick train ride from the city centre.

The functionalist home designed by Juhl in 1942 is one of very few houses from Finn Juhl, mostly famed for his work as a furniture designer. Inside, Juhl’s design mix with those of his friends and peers — such as artworks by artist Vilhelm Lundstrøm, Erik Thommesen, Sonja Ferlov Mancoba, and decorative pieces from Kay Bojesen. Like gaining access to a private treasure chest, modernist architecture, design and art come together to create a pocket in time and a memorable visit in Ordrup.

Finn Juhls House at Ordrupgaard | Ordrup

↑ The private home of architect Finn Juhl is open to the public as part of Ordrupgaard Museum just outside of Copenhagen. Here, visitors get an exclusive look into the life and mind of Finn Juhl and wife Hanne Wilhelm Hansen.

↑ A study of colours, materials and shapes, the private modernist home was designed by Finn Juhl at the age of 30. It’s one of very few houses from Juhl.