Copenhagen is alive throughout the summer months. Residents head outdoors to meet fellow Copenhageners and tourists, to swim, to run, sing and dance and of course eat across the city. A vast number of outdoor activities have been designed to entice Copenhageners to kick back and enjoy their city, it is then no wonder that the OECD's Better Life report confirms that Danes have a better work-life balance than any other country.

The OECD report found that just 2% of employees regularly work very long hours compared with the OECD average of 13%. Instead, they spend around two-thirds of their day (16 hours) eating, sleeping and indulging in leisurely pursuits.[i]

The Absalon Hotel is located in the heart of Vesterbro in central Copenhagen. The hotel was founded more than 75 years ago by the grandparents of the current managing director and general manager Karen Nedergaard. It re-launched in mid-2015 following a complete refurbishment which included the conservation of the stunning exterior classical architecture which dominates this part of the street. The hotel is home to 161 suites and bedrooms and plays a large role in bringing local Copenhageners together with visitors to this city.

Since its launch in 1979, the Copenhagen Jazz Festival has continued to attract big names for the yearly, summer event, which has turned Copenhagen into Europe's jazz capital. Jazz events take place across the city; on the streets, in concert halls, clubs and at the Absalon Hotel. Between 7 - 16 July, hundreds of jazz events will take place across Copenhagen, some by day and some in the evening, many free to attend and others with pre-bookable tickets and some with tickets available on the day. For jazz fans, this is heaven. The Absalon Hotel will host the following events, all with free admission:

• 8th July - Tranquebar - Free admission
• 9th July - Christa Wolf Duo - Free admission
• 11th July - Grammofon Organ Quartet - Free admission
• 14th July - Pepper Spray - Free admission
• 15th July - Acoustic Lounge - Free admission

Set in one of Copenhagen's most beautiful royal gardens is Mielcke & Hurtigkarl restaurant. The Royal Danish Horticultural Garden Society provides a stunning backdrop for some innovative cooking. The restaurant is a treat for all the senses starting with the design and art on display including unique works by some of the most prominent artists and designers from Denmark. The menu is seasonal and offers a gastronomic experience of five or seven dishes. Owner and Executive Chef Jakob Mielcke is famous across the world and has developed a strong foodie following. He originally trained at Pierre Gagnaire in Paris and later at the Lecture Room & Library at Sketch in London. Jakob has been part of Masterchef for four consecutive seasons from 2014-2017 as both a judge and host. A meal here is memorable and will stay in the mind of the diner for some time.

The Absalon Hotel also offers bikes to its guests who can explore the city on two wheels. Copenhagen is the city to cycle in. 56% of Copenhageners who work or study in the city, commute by bike every day. Since 2009, Denmark has invested at least €373 million in cycle projects.[ii] With this in mind, visitors are actively encouraged to get on a bike. 

Several beaches surround Copenhagen and are obviously popular in the summer. But inside the city itself, Copenhageners take to the water. Between 1st June and 30th September, open air swimming takes place at Islands Brygge Harbour Bath with the city's skyline in full view. Copenhageners often pass here for a dip on their way home from work. The quality of the water is checked daily by authorities. There are five pools including two designated pools for children. The area surrounding the pools includes a lawn area, ideal for sun-bathing and picnics. Beaches to head to include Hellerup Beach to the north of Copenhagen, particularly for families and Bellevue Beach located off a picturesque fishing village 10 km away from downtown Copenhagen.

Away from the beaches, Copenhagen is home to many parks and gardens in the heart of the city. The King's Garden is a popular retreat in the centre of Copenhagen and home to a famous statue of Hans Christian Andersen. Why not head here for a picnic with the locals?

Running Copenhagen offers running sightseeing tours in Copenhagen with a local guide. Tours allow visitors to the city to interact with locals who showcase insights into the city and introduce the city's attractions. Special tours include Architecture Tours and Family Tours. The Absalon Hotel have partnered with Running Copenhagen who meet guests at the hotel for a bespoke tour of the city.

The Absalon Hotel is the ideal base for exploring outdoors Copenhagen and the surrounding beaches. Visitors don't need a car as the hotel is located within walking distance to the central station. The Absalon Hotel, like its more boutique sister hotel, The Andersen Hotel, opposite, operate a CONCEPT24 package which allows a late departure at no extra cost, meaning the guest keeps the room for 24 hours, no matter what the time of arrival.

All suites and bedrooms at the Absalon Hotel are modern in design maintaining the classic foundations of this iconic building. The hotel includes designs from the Designers Guild in the UK with three colour themes. From the 'Grass' theme on the top floor with great views of the city,  to the 'Ocean' and 'Berry' themes for the standard rooms on all other floors. In total, there is six room types including a beautiful suite.

Enjoy summer surrounded by happy people in a county ranked first, in the World Happiness Report 2016.

www.absalon-hotel.dk

Helgolandsgade 15, DK-1653 Copenhagen +45 33 24 22 11

B&B is priced from 1125 DKK to 3240 DKK per room, per night

Copenhagen airport is 25 minutes away (10 mins walk to central Station then a 15 mins train)

[i] OECD Better Life Index

[ii] Cycling Embassy of Denmark