Copenhagen is definitely one of my favorite cites. While it is
the capital of Denmark and a bustling city, I find it intimate
and easy to navigate. It is full of historic architecture as well as world class modern
design. Though cool and stylish, there is a relaxed and progressive atmosphere. And the Danes are friendly, welcoming and appreciate visitors.
From Wikipedia: Copenhagen has repeatedly been recognized as one of the
cities with the best quality of life. It is also
considered one of the world’s most environmentally friendly cities. 36% of all citizens commute
to work by bicycle.
cities with the best quality of life. It is also
considered one of the world’s most environmentally friendly cities. 36% of all citizens commute
to work by bicycle.
Even with gray skies and chilly temperatures, I
loved our visit there last week.
Charming canals and beautiful old homes through out the city.
Above: The National Museum
Everywhere you look, the iconic Wishbone chair (1944) by Danish designer Hans Wegner (1914-2007). Here they are along with a lovely Danish table setting of Royal Copenhagen china, French ivory and horn flatware, silver candlesticks and gray cloths at the charming and delicious restaurant: Restaurationen. Owners Lisbeth and Bo Jacobsen offer one fixed menu, only, each week. I love it…as if you’re dining at a good friend’s home.
Below: more Wishbone chairs at the Royal Copenhagen store.
Above and below photos from Royal Copenhagen. Since 1775, R.C. has been producing fine china for the Danish royal family and the world. Lucky for me there was a little sale…..I picked up a few blue and white mugs 🙂
Each time I’m in Denmark, I love viewing the paintings of Vilhelm Hammershøi (1864-1916). Born in Copenhagen, Hammershøi’s paintings are poetic and restrained. Notice the Royal Copenhagen soup tureen (above) and painted Gustavian chair (below).
Hammershøi favored a quiet gray themed palette.
View of Christiansborg Palace (1890-92) by Hammershøi (above). My photo from last week (below).
Christiansborg Palace is now the seat of the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court and Prime Minister’s Office.
The Royal Stables at Christiansborg Palace.
As mentioned, 36% of all citizens commute
to work by bicycle. The city has many dedicated bicycle lanes. It’s great fun to watch the flurry of cyclists.
to work by bicycle. The city has many dedicated bicycle lanes. It’s great fun to watch the flurry of cyclists.
Wow Loi you certainly do get around and lucky you! What a beautiful city Copenhagen is and thank you for showing us since I've never been there. I hope you show more pictures as I for one would love to see more!
Enjoy your Sunday!
XXX
Debra
Hi Loi,
Your photographs make me feel like I was there too!
Thank you for such a great overview of the city, culture, history and beauty.
Those wishbone chairs are wonderful.
Inspiration for the day!
Cheers,
Cynthia
I have never been there and your photos are beautiful. I have a chair like those that I ordered from One Kings Lane a few months ago not even knowing anything about the style. I just liked the look.
Another great trip! All the bikes make me 'homesick'! Lovely pictures as always, great art from Vilhelm Hammershøi, the doors at the Royal Stables!
Thanks for sharing and enjoy your Sunday!
Good morning Loi! Or should I say, GOD MORGEN!
I love Scandinavian design. ANd it wasn't until I moved here to Minnesota, where there is a large population of Scandinavians from Norwegian, Swedish and Danish heritage, not to mention Finnish. The old world sensibilities show up in many homes, and I LOVE IT. I love what you said about the paintings, "….poetic and restrained." And the more I travel, the more I see that a culture's artistic expression through furnishings, gardens and homes reflects the climate and local flora. Gray skies lend to a gray palate of beauty, while sunnier spots on the globe reflect off in bright colors. Just my observation!
That painting of the young girl's back….I could see that in my white and gray studio RIGHT NOW!
Fabulous trip you made, excellent photos! Enjoy your new week and I wish you success at home and at the shop! Anita
Hello Loi, The houses in the first picture almost look like wooden toy ones–it would be fun to use this photo with a miniaturizing-effect filter. I also like the brickwork and clock jutting out from the corner of the building in the second picture. The Danish furniture is so light and modern–I love the curves on those wishbone chairs.
My favorite things here are the works by Hammershøi. They have the lighting and sensibility of Old Masters, but updated with modern costume and furniture.
–Road to Parnassus
The Hammershøi paintings are evocative of that period, Jim. And they have such a quiet power to them, especially when viewed in person.
I have never been to Copenhagen. It was so nice to see the city through your eyes.
Dear Loi,
I love going to Copenhagen too. It is a nice friendly city – plus there used to be a shop in the old town called 'Kirk' that sold all sorts of nice things. We bought some nice little things there and I told them that my name was Kirk but I don't think that they believed me…. c'est la vie I suppose!
Vilhelm Hammershøi is not someone I had heard of before. Thank you for introducing him to us. I am with Parnassus in that I like his work so I am going to investigate further.
Bye for now
Kirk
what beauty you have captured here.
pardon me, but i am going to crawl into each of these images and just savor the vibe a little bit. the grey cloths. Hammershoi's palette. gustavian chair.
i love that your posts are frequently whisper-ers. very zen and xanaxlicious for me.
merci for sharing your travels, loi.
michele
I love your new word: xanaxlicious! 🙂 Your artwork is beautiful and very zen, Michele!
Hello Loi,
Denmark is on my doorstep, a short hop of just a little over an hour to fly but I hate to admit, I have never been there. After looking at your onderful photos, I am ashamed of myself. Ths is now going to the top of my list of places to see. You always bring a stylish, observant, design quality to your posts which highlight the things us lesser mortals fail to notice. I love your style, you are my style guru!
Di
xxxxx
Even though this post has more colour in it than usual, it is still very recognisable as Loi's blog.
I wonder if the Scandinavians are born with an innate sense of style, or whether it is naturally acquired growing up surrounded by good design?
One of my sons lives in Norway, and I am always impressed how instinctively they seem to know the right colour paint to compliment their houses – be it a rusty red, ochre, green or grey – they seem to get it right.
Thanks for the introduction to Hammershøi's lovely paintings, but for me, my Scandinavian painter is Carl Larsson, he stole my heart when I was a young girl.
Rosemary – I've never been to Norway and hear it has gorgeous countryside. Perhaps your son can do a guest blog post at WFVM?
Hi Loi,
Thanks for this dreamy Sunday morning tour. I am glad for the introduction to Vilhelm Hammershøi, the paintings are beautiful and in my favorite color palette. And I love the juxtaposition of the Wegner chairs (which I consider 'modern') with the Royal Copenhagen. It's great to that kind of mix work so well.
Hope you have had a restful weekend!
xo,
Phyllis
Wow! Such photos Loi! The Vilhelm Hammershøi paintings are stunning. The soft grey palette is perfect! The Royal Copenhagen china here is so pretty. I like the neutrals with the blues. I didn't realize there were so environmentally friendly. That's a huge percentage of people riding bikes! We noticed many people on bikes when we were in Belgium too. I wonder what their percentage is?
I'm off for a hike and then a Seattle Seahawk football game. My daughter cheers for the team so we can't miss! It's 35 degrees today so I'll be wearing warm weather gear and hand warmers.
xx
leslie
Hello, Loi – I am enjoying the views of Copenhagen, which looks so inviting, despite the chilly weather. And thanks for introducing me to the work of Vilhelm Hammershøi! His pallette must have seemed very modern for his time!
Loi, Copenhagen has not been on my travel radar, but now it is thanks to YOU!! Lovely post full of gorgeous images that beckon!!
Have a wonderful Sunday, sweet friend,
xo Kathysue
Beautiful images Loi! I have always wanted to visit Copenhagen and your photos make me realize that I really need to make it a priority. I love the Hammershøi paintings, they are so serene and soulful. And I'm so glad you picked up a little blue and white for yourself…you can never go wrong with Royal Copenhagen china. Thanks again for this gorgeous tour of a truly amazing city.
Kat
Hello Loi:
Thank you so much for this delightful introduction to Copenhagen, a city about which we know little and have never visited. Your excellent photographs have captured the atmosphere of the place and such glorious architecture. We really must make the effort to go there one day as we are sure from this that we should enjoy it all very much.
The Hammershoi paintings are beguiling with their restrained colour palettes and enigmatic figures. They are certainly very appealing and do look much more modern than they are. The wishbone chairs are works of art in themselves and look so intriguing in the variety of colours. A rainbow of them would be fun, we think!!!
Loi, The perfect start of a day…YOUR POST on Copenhagen! I hope some day to visit this lovely city. Your pictures tell the story so well and help to make the reader feel a part of this magical place.
Thank you so very much.
Patty
Copehagen looks so charming. Thanks for sharing your photos of this beautiful city. I would love to see it myself one day.
Hi Loi, Looks like heaven to me. Elegant simplicity. Have a super day!!
Mary
Loi,
A trip to Denmark last week! Fabulous! I agree, the style is "progressive', without losing its old-fashioned charm. I have never been, but your photographs make me crave a peek. I shall enjoy an armchair journey through your lens. Did you pick up a few charming pieces for the shop? Or was this a pleasure trip? Thanks for the images.
Thank you! It was indeed a buying trip. Lots of new old treasures coming soon ~ Loi
Having a son-in-law raised in Stockholm I do enjoy the train ride from Copenhagen. The summer there is best for that 🙂 franki
Hi Loi,
That very first picture of the city's distinct colour palette, spectacular architecture, and the colourful boats in the foreground, like little brush strokes, to me, evoke happy moments in the course of one's day. Secondly, the juxtaposition of Christiansborg Palace, the painting, and beneath it, your photo, is pure brilliance! How lucky we are to follow you around on your explorations and discoveries of this most intriguing city.
Have a great week.
Poppy xo
Hi Loi, Welcome home! Feel so fortunate to get to come along on your travel adventures through your beautiful photos. Looking forward to seeing all of your gorgeous finds.
xxo Monica
My husband is half Danish and we'd like to visit Denmark one day. We just watched a Danish movie the other night called "After the Wedding." It was beautifully done, and I commented afterward that the Danish language is quite unique. It doesn't sound like anything I've ever heard before, though occasionally it resembles Swedish or German … it sounds like a difficult language to speak.
I hope you enjoyed your trip. Thanks for sharing your photos!
Claudia
Good afternoon Loi! So many great topics in your post. Love the colorful buildings and architecture. That china is also amazing so I can see how you would snag a few for youself. The table settings are just amazing. Love the whole look from the color to the candlesticks.
Beautiful images Loi, Copenhagen is truly divine. You're really happy that you had the opportunity to visit the town and find beautiful pieces of china.
Hugs,
Vesna
Hi! I loved the Royal Copenhagen blue and white china paired with the french ivory cutlery. it's just like the place-settings at my house! exactly!
xo
I am in love with those paintings. Thank you for creating such generous and thoughtful posts and thank your for your incredibly kind comments on my blog.
Have a wonderful week!
Heather
Oh, I love your post on Copenhagen. My old school chum Niklas lives there and he emails me once a year asking when we are coming to visit. It really must be soon! It reminds me of Holland – I spent a lot of time in Delft when I was at school in Europe and all the people on bikes, the relaxed vibe atmosphere, the charm is all so familiar. I am a big fan of Hammershoi and that is my favorite painting, the first one. I have a small print of it that i posted about years ago on the blog and actually put it away. It is so nice seeing it again. I saw a few of his paintings at the Musee d'Orsay. I love the grey soft interiors and the fact that he does not show the faces.
The restaurant is lovely – I imagine the food was as good as the atmosphere.
I always learn something when I read your blog but this time it is memories you have evoked! xo Terri
Copenhagen is on my list of places to go. The idea of bicycling around the city is so appealing. Thanks for the lovely tour.
Thanks for the tour of Copenhagen! Also for sharing the Hammershoi paintings. They're gorgeously understated, for sure!
Holly
Oh, I wish I got to travel to the places you have been too lately! It sounds so wonderful and I would love to see a totally different atmosphere and culture! ( which I did in New Orleans but that's not always a good thing!) Anyway, your pictures are beautiful! I love being in cities where the bicycle is a true method of transportation! I would at least get a lot more exercise in! Hope you have a wonderful week and thanks again for sharing this great post!
Hi Sweet Loi, no wonder I adored your shop-what an eye you have for photos, colors etc. etc. I had never heard or seen art from Vilhelm Hammershøi. The doors at the Royal Stables!what beauty! thank you. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
You are right, Loi. Even on a gray sky day the city looks inviting. Pops of color surprise in the midst of browns and grays. Everything looks so CLEAN, that's one of the first things I noticed. It looks like a haven for the architectural buffs amongst us. Lucky you, to jet off to these wonderful little adventures. Lucky us to have your pictures and information to enjoy it all without leaving home.
I'm jealous of the blue and white china. And thanks for the introduction to Vilhelm Hammershoi. Beautiful beautiful quiet paintings.
Have a great week my friend.
Terri
I loved looking through your photographs of Copenhagen. I especially loved how you included the photo of the palace painting and then your own photograph from last week. That was very cool. I am amazed to learn that 36% of people ride their bike to work. That explains why everyone in the photos looks so fit. Great post Loi. I loved it!
When I was much younger we used to travel to Europe using a cheap ticket consolidator that flew on SAS so every flight involved an overnight/day in Copenhagen. It remains one of my favorite cities to this day! If you haven't been to the Karen Blixen Museum – you must go – if only for the lace curtains and the very house itself!!!
Hi Loi,
Perfectly timed post as Copenhagen is next on our big vacation list. Our oldest son was there on business in the spring and kept calling me saying I would be in love with it. He builds bikes and was on alert to all the amazing bikes being ridden by the locals. He appreciated the protected bike lanes.
I love every photograph you took! Did not know about Vilhelm Hammershøi. Going to google him for more info. Love the palace painting and your photo. The restaurant looks lovely. Will always love the Royal Copenhagen porcelain, one of my grandmothers had it. Did not know they produce a newer pattern with the enlarged design.
My mother did a year abroad in Copenhagen in college, living with a Danish family. She is now almost 80 years old so that was in the early 1950"s. She brought back pretty Christmas decorations that have always been my favorites, she still brings them out each year.
You are such a wonderful teacher! Thank you for sharing your visit, I am going back to read it again slowly as I do all your posts!
Best wishes Loi!
Back again. Enjoying learning about Hammershøi, Loi. Michael Palin did a show for the BBC on him several years ago that is still available and also wrote this about him in the Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2005/jul/06/art
Thank you, Cindy! Very interesting article. I have that catalogue, and did see the Hammershøi exhibit when it was in DC. I also saw his exhibition in London a few years ago.
What beautiful pictures, I have never been to Denmark. I loved seeing the pictures of the tables and the elegant simplicity of the restaurants as well as yours!
What a wonderful trip! Thank you for sharing it with us. I wish more cities in the US were built in such a way that people could get around on their bicycles.
Loi,
I've never been, never knew anyone that's been. Two friends of mine were headed there a few years ago but realized upon arrival at the airport that his passport had expired a few months prior. Oops.
I'm happy now to see a little slice of this beautiful city. I hope you've got some more images, including more wonderful furniture, up your sleeve.
S.
Hammershoi is a favourite artist of mine too, with his moody pallette and mischievous ommissions.
Loi, Many thanks for the inspiration. This coming summer my husband and I plan to visit Norway, Sweden, and Denmark to celebrate our fortieth anniversary. This region of the world has always been at the top of my bucket list of places I would like to see., and your photographs cement my determination. After viewing your posts, I always like to close my eyes and visualize what images stick. In this one, the stable doors and groin ceiling, of course, but also the table settings with silver candlesticks marching straight down the linear table interrupted by circular crystal flutes, Royal Copenhagen swirls, and curved chair backs. Undoubtedly, your artistic eye behind the lens captured these for me. Finally, thanks for introducing me to Vilhelm Hammershoi. His work reminds me a bit of John Singer Sargent–with a more subdued palette. We will have to visit the National Museum on our trip to enjoy his work. Blessings on your week ahead, Marcia/Maurie
Thank you, Marcia! I had a lovely visit from Anna yesterday. Please email me about Sweden and Denmark if you have any questions. I've never been to Norway. Loi
Copenhangen looks lovely and is defintely on my list – thinking a cruise taking in Amsterdam, Copenhagen, St Petersburgh and Stockholm. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your pictures. Looks like it would be a good idea to learn how to ship things home before visiting.
Loi,
What beautiful images. Your photography provides your readers with such a vivid idea of what Copenhagen looks and feels like. The restaurant with its simple table settings did feel like it could have been a "friend's house". I read, just last week, that the Royal Copenhagen pattern is all hand painted. Wow. Thank you for the virtual tour.
Karen
Copenhagen is still on the bucket list, but we are getting closer with every trip to Europe! Your photos are always so serene..o'k maybe not the cyclists;)! watch out!!!
Dear loi,
What a wonderful and aesthetic tour of Copenhagen–thank you! I adored seeing the tablescape at Restaurationen: what an impecable combination of objects old and new. I never tire of the wishbone chair and Royal Copenhagen china! And those paintings by Vilhelm Hammershøi: fabulous. They remind me so much of Giorgio Morandi's beautiful and moody still life paintings– a favorite of mine. Thank you for a very atmospheric tour!
Warm regards,
Erika
Oh how I miss traveling. Thanks for making feel like I just got away for a bit. I love bike lanes, and everything about "green" living abroad. Those dishes are so lovely.
Hello my dear. Viajar é a melhor coisa da vida. Me despertou a vontade de conhecer esse belo país. Que lindos prédio e as cores maravilhosas. A louça chiquérrima.
Valeu a viajem.
Have a nice week.
Love the colours and the architectural details of the buildings! Brings back memories of when we lived in Vicenza, Italy! Oh, how I miss that time in our lives! Beautiful photographs! XX
What a feast for the eyes! Your photos are beautiful. I've never been to Denmark, but would love to visit – the light looks so pure and almost ethereal in your pictures. It would be a lovely place to paint. Love all the Royal Copenhagen blue and white – I've always wanted to start my own collection.
Looks like a wonderful trip!
Gorgeous city Loi and your photographs are stunning. It is a city my daughter and I would love to visit. The Royal Copenhagen china is calling to me, I am sure before long some of it's blue and white loveliness will grace my kithen. I had never even heard of Hammershoi, how elegant his paintings are. I am off to research a bit more about this painter. You see you are educating us all!
Oh how I would love to visit someday. Your photos are beautiful! ~Delores
Loi-
Thank you for sharing your trip with us. Having you in blogland has definitely made my days better.
The paintings are so beautiful, and the tablescapes are perfection. I love everything about this place, and the china of course is lovely.
Happy Monday.
Teresa
xoxo
Loi! Your photos of your trip look wonderful! A few years ago I purchased a lovely Royal Copenhagen dessert plate, at the time I was not familiar with the patter but was drawn to its delicate lines and pattern, inspiring me to learn more about the pattern and always look for pieces here and there…
Liz
I have visited quite a few European cities, but never Copenhagen. I can see that I am going to have to add it to my list – it looks like a wonderful place to visit! Lucky you! x Sharon
Looks like a really cool trip, Loi, in more ways than the weather. Just when I think I only love white china, you show the Royal Copenhagen blue making such pretty table settings. Ah well, it will fit in one of my five houses. Visited Copenhagen years ago. Your photos took me right down memory lane. Great job.
b
Thank you so much for the introduction Loi…it sounds fascinating!
What a beautiful city, Loi. I love the architecture and oh, it is so clean and picturesque – gorgeous images. Thanks for your comment today – now if we could only get you to come to Beaufort and help us implement our inspiration!!
How wonderful, reminds me of Hans Christian Andersen! I loved that movie as a child and always wanted to see the Copenhagen that inspired so many wonderful stories! Very lovely photos from your trip, thank you for sharing!
xo Karolyn
Wow! I had to really scroll down to leave my comment! You are so popular!!! Congrats! You are also so nice to comment on my little blog! I love seeing the pics from your trip! I hope to one day travel there! My brothers go all the time on business but I have never been!!! I have to live vicariously through you Loi!
beautiful images….I have never been to Europe and would love to go one day. I love the color of the stable doors next to the cement walls at the Royal Stables….so pretty!
Hi Loi,
What a nice trip this must have been- spectacular photos of that beautiful architecture. I'm certain I would enjoy visiting one day. Thanks for sharing and have a great week!
Sarah
Hello Loi, glad you had a nice trip. I can see why you love Copenhagen! Beautiful, and love the biking to work! How fun to go to the RC store. Blue Fluted has always had my heart. The restaurant looks and sounds wonderful. Beautiful paintings! and I love seeing the palace come to life in your picture. Thanks for this awesome tour Loi & hope you're having a great week! xo Robin
Oh, I am in love with Hammershoi's paintings! So exquisite. Thanks for the introduction, I hadn't heard of him before. And how lovely to be able to take a photo from the same angle of the palace he painted! A great post, Loi, thanks!
Thanks for taking us to Copenhagen along with you. Love Hammershøi's art, it is wonderful.
My gratitude for your sympathy, it is good to have friends who care.
Best wishes
Loi loved "being on your trip with you"..the colors of the city are fascinating. It looks kind of cold, but lots of warmth in your photos!
Fantastic colours within your post Loi, I'd love to visit Copenhagen sometime. The Hammershøi painting of the boy reading by the window is lovely.
Hi Loi – It looks like you had a wonderful trip! Beautiful art and architecture–the paintings by Hammershøi are so ethereal. The soft colors are so appealing. The china is beautiful too. It's so classic! Any new pieces in your shop to show us from your trip?!
Deborah
How I always love your photographs, Loi! I'd love to get to visit Copenhagen. I'm so happy to hear that you had a wonderful trip!
Absolutely love the idea of whizzing about on a bicycle. But that would never work in my crazy traffic-heavy city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! Love your photography and love those art pieces!!
Hi loi
beautiful city. I have friends who invited me … I would go to see them in the spring! I love Vilhelm Hammershøi
hugs
LOVE the color of those doors at the Royal Stables. Very Provence! My favorite color!
We just purchased airline tickets today to travel to Copenhagen, Oslo, Bergen and Prague for early summer, so I'm delighted to see Copenhagen is one of your favorite cities! Would love any recommendations for "must sees" or favorite restaurants you would like to share. All of the bicycles remind me of our trip to Amsterdam. We rented bikes for the day and rode out to view the windmills. So excited to visit Copenhagen now.
What a charming city! The colors and distinctive charm of each building is inspiring. I now want to go… my husband will thank you for that Loi hahaha! You're always a treasure trove of information; I love learning about specific details of different cultures and areas from around the world. Your blog is a dream!
Best wishes Loi!!!
Your Thanksgiving sounds wonderful by the way;)
Desiree
Hi Loi,
Thanks for the wonderfull trip!! It makes me feel that I was there too.. this place is worth visiting..
On the list now :-))
xoxox Rozmeen
Thank you, so beautiful and inspiring.
Sheena, Ediburgh
Hello Loi-
I think I must have some Royal Copenhagen in my blood. I have the china and love it-
Always wanted to own some wishbone chairs. Lovely images.
XO
pve
Loi,
Hello!!! What gorgeous photos of your trip to Denmark. I feel like I was there. The wishbone chairs are so classic….how fun to see them throughout your trip. I'm a bicycle lover and have an Electra that would be perfect for tooling through the streets. If only my town had bike lanes!!
So good to be back and see what I've been missing!
xoxo Elizabeth
Loi, Absolutely gorgeous photos! I've never been to Denmark but I'd love to go someday! Such beautiful buildings and architectures. And I'm loving that table setting 🙂 Hope you're having a great week!
Gorgeous photos!! This is one place that I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to visit. Sigh…One of these days! Hope you have a fabulous weekend!! xo
It's been 30 years since I've been there. Your photography reminds me of how gorgeous it is!
Loi,
What a wonderful and beautiful adventure. I have not been to visit here but my husband has and loves it. Now you have inspired me to want to visit.
Every single photo is magical! Thank you for sharing your trip I cannot wait to see what you purchased!
Have a beautiful weekend, Elizabeth
Your photos from Copenhagen are beautiful, Loi… You really do an excellent job with your photos! I especially like the ones along the canal and the paintings. You certainly have traveled some interesting places lately! Happy for you that you found a little something to bring home to enjoy from your trip! Why do I think you always are lucky to happen upon a sale? I keep admiring those glasses with the blue base on the table in the Royal Copenhagen photo!
What gorgeous photos, Loi!
I love this taste of Copenhagen…hopefully will visit someday….such calm beauty.
The blue and white china…love that…my collection is of Lomonosov.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip!
xoxo,
– Irina