While ambitious urban planners try to make 15-minute cities a reality, the Nordhavn district of Copenhagen has gone one better. What’s life like when everything you need is just a stroll away?
Nordhavn is not a city, though, it’s a district. But IMO it is exactly what is needed. All the basics within 10mins and great culture no more than half an hour away. Lots of Danish cities are like that though. I currently live in Aalborg. When I lived in one of the districts furthest away from the city center I could walk 10mins to everything; supermarkets, barber, pizzerias, a sandwich place, a café, a doctor and a dentist. Primary school, daycare and the like was also within that zone if I needed it. And it is all connected with an intricate bike and walking pathway system
If need be and I wanted to go to the cinema or go to town and drink busses took me there in about half an hour several times an hour, even at night.
I kinda miss it though, but I decided to move to the city center where everything is within 10mins.
Yes yes Denmark is perfect, we get it! To be fair, it’s hardly even an exaggeration. I’ve been to Aalborg and can confirm it’s lovely. A few historic buildings and tons of modern ones including an amazing opera house, nice river setting, everyone walking and cycling. And of course this is Scandinavia so even the people are beautiful and stylish.
BUT! Worst weather in the whole world. Cold and wet for basically the whole year. Feels like a kind of justice! The price of your success.
Nordhavn is not a city, though, it’s a district. But IMO it is exactly what is needed. All the basics within 10mins and great culture no more than half an hour away. Lots of Danish cities are like that though. I currently live in Aalborg. When I lived in one of the districts furthest away from the city center I could walk 10mins to everything; supermarkets, barber, pizzerias, a sandwich place, a café, a doctor and a dentist. Primary school, daycare and the like was also within that zone if I needed it. And it is all connected with an intricate bike and walking pathway system
If need be and I wanted to go to the cinema or go to town and drink busses took me there in about half an hour several times an hour, even at night.
I kinda miss it though, but I decided to move to the city center where everything is within 10mins.
Yes yes Denmark is perfect, we get it! To be fair, it’s hardly even an exaggeration. I’ve been to Aalborg and can confirm it’s lovely. A few historic buildings and tons of modern ones including an amazing opera house, nice river setting, everyone walking and cycling. And of course this is Scandinavia so even the people are beautiful and stylish.
BUT! Worst weather in the whole world. Cold and wet for basically the whole year. Feels like a kind of justice! The price of your success.
I think I’ll get my winter depression checked for free by our universal healthcare…
But yeah, otherwise there’s a reason Aalborg is my favourite city in Denmark as you’ve seen yourself.