10 things to look forward to in 2023

Expect plenty of unique events and 'open house' experiences behind doors that normally remain closed. The Dansk Arkitektur Center (DAC) is your starting point for everything happening in the field of architecture, so add that to your list and even download the DAC app. Use it to discover architecture, hidden gems, new icons and trendy neighbourhoods during your stay in Copenhagen.

Fancy a unique trip to explore Danish architecture? Discover the works of the internationally renowned architect Jørn Utzon. The mastermind behind the Sydney Opera House, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2023. In Denmark check out the Bagsværd Church, the impressive Paustian shop in Copenhagen, the Musikhuset in Esbjerg and the Utzon Center in Aalborg all designed by the famed architect. Got a taste for architecture? Visit these 10 fantastic buildings by Bjarke Ingels scattered throughout Denmark.

We already welcomed the world's greatest cycling event, the Tour de France, to our cycle lanes in 2022 - this year our waterways get their chance to shine. The demanding Ocean Race sees sailors circumnavigate the world in a month-long race. On the 29th of May the sailing race will arrive in the beautiful port of Aarhus for a well-deserved stop. During the 11-day stop head to the harbour square for a giant party and admire the docked ships. 

Have you ever been to an underground museum? Well, now you can! At the new Cold War Museum REGAN Vest dive into history, literally. It was originally built in the 1960's as a shelter for the Queen and the Government in the event of a nuclear war. The impressive - and well-kept secret - 5,500 m² bunker is the centrepiece of the museum, nosey at the original interior, from the doctor's office to the dormitory and take in a piece of history. 

In November, the legendary restaurant Noma celebrates its 20th anniversary. And it certainly has a lot to celebrate after two decades changing the world's food scene. One of the world's most influential restaurants, awarded 'Best Restaurant in the World' five times, a new pop-up in Kyoto has been announced. Do you want to get a taste of Noma at home? In honour of the 20th anniversary get their new book, Noma 2.0: Vegetable, Forest, Ocean.

Take a trip to... the moon! Ok, it may be through a telescope, but the view of its fascinating landscape remains magical. And check out Mars, Jupiter and Saturn while you're at it. The Ole Rømer Observatory is located just outside Aarhus and is undergoing a true transformation, reopening in the summer of 2023, making the interior and exterior match the beautiful view. The buildings will be returned to their original style and the nature reserve around the museum, Kongelunden, will be transformed into a Science Park, where you can learn about astronomy during both day and night. 

Another highlight on the architectural horizon that you cannot ignore. In recent years there have been an explosion of new hotels in Denmark, from hotels with hundreds of rooms to special one-room hotels. 2023 continues the trend with the opening of two new Marriott additions. The prominent round building (by the sea!) in Nordhavn offers some of the most calming views in Copenhagen. 

In 2015, Christiansfeld was named one of Denmark’s first UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it celebrates its 250-year anniversary in 2023. In 1771 King Christian VII allowed the Moravian Brethren to build the city, no one knew it would stay so faithful to its origins so many years later. Wonder through the yellow-bricked town with its red-tiled roofs and stay at the Brødremenighedens Hotel – one of the oldest in Denmark. Whatever you do, don't leave without trying at least one of their heart-shaped honey cakes!

Denmark has a strong tradition of seaside hotels, these badehoteller - luxury seaside retreats - focus on relaxation and good food. In 2023, a new seaside boutique hotel opens in Gilleleje, on the Danish Riviera - not far from Copenhagen. Let's call it 'The Hamptons' of Denmark. The Gilleleje Sø- og Havbad Hotel was formerly a town hall built in1939, now boasts an outdoor pool, spa, restaurant and roof terrace. Cosy indeed. 

Have you always wanted to go to Bornholm? This, exotic, part of Denmark with rugged cliffs and beautiful beaches will be more accessible from 2023 thanks to the largest high-speed ferry in the world, the Express 5. The sailing route ends in Rønne on Bornholm and starts in Ystad in Sweden - which you can also easily travel to by train from Copenhagen. Until then, you can always take the boat from Køge (Denmark), Ystad (Sweden) or Sassnitz in Germany.