Christiania attracts a lot of tourists because of its free-spirit culture and open sale of drug, but if you venture further into the area you will find some great experimental architecture, mainly developed under the idea of ‘architecture without architects’. Ordinary building restrictions did not seem to be a consideration in Christiania, and in the area you find futuristic spaceships, sustainable buildings, buildings made out of what material was available during the process, or buildings made from architecture students volunteering to try our new ideas. Now the government try to control the development with impending rules and regulations - such as the new law that nothing new can be built except roofing. The inhabitants solution is to make houses entirely out of roofing…  In the area around Christiania you find some beautiful house boats for inspiration, some small and some matching the size of an ordinary house. Here you can see converted ferries, a three storey boathouse and some that looks like shipping containers. I love exploring this whole area, as it feels like I find new, hidden gems every time I visit, at the same time as being a nice relaxing weekend stroll.

Between colony gardens in Amager lies one of my favourite local spots: Baghaven. Good food and cosiness is in the forefront. Various events with and without music gather people on the square at Diamantgangen 75. A very local experience. Great for families, children, young and old.

Swimming pool from the 30's. Decorated with mosaic murals by Vilhelm Lundstrøm

Up for tennis? Kløvermarkens Tennis Club is a magnificent club, surrounded by old fruit trees, located 5 minutes by bike from Christianshavn. The club was founded in 1926 and has today 12 clay courts and 3 indoor courts. Photo: © Ture Andersen

A. Petersen is a hidden gem near 'Kløvermarken' in Copenhagen. This place is outstanding, beautiful and very inspiring if you are looking for danish furniture design as well as contemporary art. Definitely worth a visit. More info at: www.petersen.dk   / extract from site:   At A. Petersen you experience good craftsmanship up close. In our gallery the joint efforts of the best designers, architects and craftsmen becomes tangible and visible. With us, new furniture is created and older pieces are restored and revitalized.  Photo: © Ture Andersen