Copenhagen is a city of many stories, from the time-honoured Hans Christian Andersen classics and that lovely little mermaid, to gripping contemporary tales about the world’s best quality of life, clean air, summers of wonder and the finest food in the world (depending on whom you ask). One yarn that’s definitely worth listening to is that of Copenhagen’s deft touch with sustainable living, its subtle way with green initiatives and its knack of living very well indeed, but doing so within its means.

Copenhagen’s districts, distinct as they are, share some familiar qualities: they are livable, lovable and constructed on a human scale. Oh, and 20 minutes on a bike is all you need to dash from ’hood to ’hood.

Thanks to Copenhagen’s wholesome urban planning, residents swim before their morning coffee, cycle around town and run in the cool of the evening. We recommend that visitors embrace this everyday triathlon, too.

Copenhagen is of course mighty on design and architecture and many of its storied studios are focused on turning the future green and pleasant. Here are three splendidly sustainable schemes.

Copenhagen is so much more than a clean, green machine – it’s gorgeous too. Full of delicious food, excellent stores, cobbled beauty and modernist gems. So we close with a moodboard of happy experiences.