As we step into the new year, Denmark is poised to unveil a wealth of exciting developments, from fresh museum exhibits and hotel openings to the eagerly anticipated Grand Départ of the Tour de France. Join us as we explore the top ten highlights set to make 2022 a year to remember in this vibrant Nordic nation.
Denmark Welcomes the Grand Départ of the Tour de France
Renowned for its cycling culture, Copenhagen leads the world in bike-friendly urban living, boasting over 12,000 kilometers of scenic bike paths. This July, the Danish capital will play host to the Grand Départ of the Tour de France, igniting the streets with anticipation and excitement. Following the initial laps around the city, cyclists will traverse through picturesque Roskilde and Nyborg before heading from Vejle to Sønderborg, offering spectators a delightful opportunity to discover Denmark’s diverse landscapes and rich history.
A New Museum Dedicated to Refugees
In a powerful tribute to resilience, the new FLUGT Danish Refugee Museum will open its doors in the summer of 2022, sharing the poignant stories of refugees who shaped Denmark’s fabric. Nestled in Oksbøl, once home to the country’s largest refugee camp from 1945 to 1949, the museum will be housed in a building designed by the acclaimed Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), formerly a haven for German refugees post-WWII. Here, visitors will engage with narratives spanning from the German refugees of the 1940s to more recent migrations from Vietnam, Bosnia, and Syria.
New Hotels Set to Enchant in Copenhagen
March heralds the debut of Scandic Spectrum, the chain’s grandest hotel to date, featuring a staggering 632 rooms, a rooftop sky bar, and a 25-meter swimming pool. June will welcome Scandic Nørreport, a charming 100-bedroom property offering stunning views of the city from its rooftop terrace. Additionally, the iconic Round Tower will be complemented by 25hours Hotel Indre By, featuring 243 stylish rooms, a café, and an inviting courtyard. The Arp-Hansen Hotel Group will also introduce Next House, dubbed “Europe’s biggest luxury hostel,” with an eco-conscious focus and 1,650 beds. For those seeking an exclusive experience, Villa Canada—once home to the Canadian embassy—will offer complete booking options for lavish parties or tranquil getaways.
Celebrating 50 Years of Queen Margrethe II
2022 also marks a momentous occasion for Denmark, as Queen Margrethe II celebrates her 50th Jubilee. The festivities kick off on January 14, punctuated by an exhibition opening, “A Queen’s Jewelry Box,” at Amalienborg Museum, graced by the Queen herself. The following day, the royal family will greet the public from the balcony of Amalienborg Castle, followed by a regal horse-drawn carriage procession to Copenhagen City Hall. To get into the celebratory spirit, don’t miss the enchanting Christmas ballet, The Snow Queen, at Tivoli Gardens, where the Queen’s designs will take center stage.
Thrills Await with Denmark’s Fastest Roller Coaster
For adrenaline enthusiasts, North Jutland’s Fårup Sommerland is set to reveal Denmark’s largest and fastest roller coaster in April 2022. Dubbed ‘Fønix,’ this exhilarating ride promises 2.5 seconds of exhilarating weightlessness within its innovative stall loop and reaches jaw-dropping speeds of 95 km/h, ascending 40 meters high—a must-visit for thrill-seekers!
Design Museum Reopens After Significant Renovations
After two years of extensive renovations, Design Museum Denmark will welcome guests back in June 2022 with a reimagined experience. Visitors can look forward to new exhibitions and restored spaces, including a recreation of Kaare Klint’s iconic designs from the 1920s. Meanwhile, ENIGMA, a pioneering interactive museum of communication, will also debut in Østerbro, exploring critical themes such as surveillance and digital communication.
Enhanced Accessibility to Bornholm
By the tail end of 2022, travelers will benefit from an astonishing new mode of transport, as the world’s largest high-speed ferry, Express 5, begins service to the alluring island of Bornholm. Accommodating 1,610 passengers, this modern vessel pledges an eco-friendly voyage. While there, consider a stay in the newly minted carbon-negative wing at Green Solution House, which opened in late October 2021.
Unveiling a Cold War Museum
Delving deep into Denmark’s past, the newly opened REGAN Vest, a Cold War bunker nestled 200 feet below the Rold Skov Forest in North Jutland, will offer a glimpse into a world often hidden from view. Spanning 5,500 square meters, visitors can explore original interiors and delve into the narratives of this historical era. Accompanying the bunker is a visitor center—a sleek architectural design by AART architects—offering interactive experiences that illustrate the bunker’s significance in contemporary history.
Time Travel in Aarhus’ Old Town
The Old Town open-air museum invites visitors to step back in time and celebrate its 100-year anniversary with the unveiling of a new street in 2022, bringing to life the Denmark of 2014. Here, you can wander through five distinct shops and two households, showcasing diverse representations of modern family life. As you explore, you’ll encounter characters in period costumes narrating tales from the late 19th century, along with complete re-creations of life in 1927 and a nostalgic 1970s neighborhood.
Exciting Festivals on the Horizon
This summer, dance from dawn till dusk at Copenhagen’s inaugural O/Day Festival, scheduled for August 11-13, 2022. Set to attract 15,000 attendees, the festival promises electrifying electronic music, culinary delights, and art installations in the eclectic enclave of Refshaleøen. Beyond this new festival, 2022 will likely see the return of celebrated events like the Roskilde Festival, marking its 50th anniversary, alongside the sustainably-minded Northside Festival in Aarhus, which champions organic dining from June 2-4.
