Denmark anticipates a year celebrating Danish design and architecture heritage with new events, installations, openings and anniversaries. Here are nine exciting things coming to the country in 2023:

1. Copenhagen is UNESCO World Capital of Architecture 2023

Next year, Copenhagen holds the title of UNESCO World Capital of Architecture. 2023 will see an array of events under the theme Copenhagen in Common, in which visitors and locals alike can enjoy community picnics and open houses in buildings normally closed to the public. Throughout the year, the Danish Architecture Center will serve as a hub, with the new exhibition, Made in Denmark, bringing visitors on a journey through Danish architecture, from the Viking Age to today. In July 2023, Copenhagen hosts the UIA World Congress of Architects.

2.Noma Celebrates 20^th Anniversary

Considered one of the world’s most influential restaurants, noma celebrates its 20^th anniversary November 2023. The restaurant took the top spot at World’s 50 Best in 2021 and, in 2022, announced a new and upcoming pop up. While the location of the pop up has not yet been announced, the restaurant prepares for celebrations with the launch of a new book, Noma 2.0: Vegetable, Forest, Ocean, slated to publish Nov. 8, 2022.

3. New Opera Park to Open by Copenhagen Harbor

Opera Park will soon grace the Copenhagen waterfront, further heightening the city’s acclaimed architecture styles. Named for its location next to the Royal Danish Opera House, this park draws inspiration from romantic, 19^th-century parks, featuring a café and winter garden. With sustainability at the forefront of the design, the park includes systems to reuse rainwater and durable, recyclable materials.

© The Science Museums and Ruslan Merzlyakov

4. Observatory Science Park Opening Near Aarhus

Ole Rømer Observatory undergoes a grand renovation to both its interior and exterior to reopen to the public in summer 2023. The observatory, situated just outside Aarhus, sees its buildings brought back to their original style. The nature area surrounding the museum, will transform into a Science Park, allow guests to learn about astronomy. Additionally, school classes will have the opportunity to spend the night in the new science cabins.

5. New Ferry Makes Bornholm Easier to Access

The New Express 5 ferry takes on the route between Rønne on the Danish island of Bornholm and Ystad in Southern Sweden in March 2023. Initially expected to arrive in 2022, the new ferry creates easier connections between Ystad and Copenhagen. As the world’s largest high-speed ferry, Express 5 has a capacity for 1,610 passengers and 451 cars. The ferry’s dual-fuel engine allows for better efficiency, as well.

6. New Seaside Hotel Opens in Former Town Hall

Denmark is no stranger to seaside hotels, and 2023 marks the opening of Gilleje Sø- og Havbad. This new and luxurious hotel occupies the 1939 townhall in Gilleje on the Danish Riviera, North Zealand. The transformed town hall includes 40 rooms, an outdoor pool, restaurant and rooftop terrace and spa.

7. Ocean Race Arrives in Aarhus

Aarhus becomes the first Danish city to host Ocean Race, a huge sailing event taking place May 29–June 8, 2023. As the world’s longest offshore sail race, Ocean Race sees Aarhus harbor prepare for maritime celebrations. The harbor will also feature a designated Sustainability Island for innovative exhibitions and displays for sustainable solutions.

© PFA Properties

8. Dual-Brand Marriott Property to Open in Nordhavn

Two new Marriott brands open in Copenhagen in a new harbor-front complex in the Nordhavn area. Designed by Henning Larsen Architects, the building will include both a Residence Inn and Marriott’s first Fairfield property in Europe. The Residence Inn will feature 89 rooms and the Fairfield will have 222 guest rooms. The hotels are expected to be built in compliance with the eco-certificate DGNB Gold and expect to operate as a Green Key hotel.

9. Explore the Works of Jørn Utzon

Take a journey through the works of internationally renowned architect Jørn Utzon, best known for creating the Sydney Opera House, which celebrates its 50^th anniversary in 2023. Utzon created a variety of unique, modernist buildings in Denmark, including the Paustian furniture shop in Copenhagen, the Music House in Esbjerg, the Utzon Center in Aalborg and the Bagsværd Church.