Superkilen: Is It Worth It?

by Matt Sweeney

Superkilen Park, Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a city with no lack of beautiful and interesting sights. Stately palaces, storied churches, that iconic mermaid perched off the coast; all of these elements add up to a sophisticated European capital. But the Danes aren’t afraid to embrace modernity, at least when it’s high concept, mostly minimalist, uber-cool modernity. ​

Enter Superkilen, an art project disguised as a public park and playground that cut across a swath of gentrifying Norrebro, an area north of Copenhagen’s city center. Designed by BIG Architects (of NYC’s West 57 fame) and Topotek1(a German landscape architecture firm), the loose concept is that the park is divided into three color specific sections: black, red, and green. Plants and objects have been imported from multiple countries, including a fountain from Morocco, manhole covers from Zanzibar and palm trees from China. The diversity is representative of the neighborhood, long a melting pot area for immigrants to Denmark.

Superkilen Park, Copenhagen, Denmark

The bulk of the park is bordered by two main roads, Tagensvej to the north and Norrebrogade to the south, which makes it easily accessible by bus or foot from the city center. While certain attractions are obviously built with little ones in mind (as cool as it looks, please don’t get stuck going down the octopus slide), there are activities for grown ups, including seated swings, monkey bars and bike paths.  

So, worth it? Absolutely. The biggest pro is that it’s free, so even if you’re unimpressed or not the type to climb monkey bars as an adult (no judgement but maybe live a little more), you only wasted some time and possibly bus fare. The second biggest pro is that it is the most amazing location for photos, so be prepared for your Instagram account to blow up. The only con is that there isn’t THAT much to do, but it’s a good place to goof around when you need a break from all the amazing food you’ll find in Copenhagen. Speaking of food, check out the hot new porridge spot Grod to fuel up before or after your play time.