Michelle Kristensen: “The combination of a run and a cold dip gives me a real sense of happiness”
Michelle Kristensen, 42 years old, health and running expert and founder MK Universet including running camps. Lives in X. Follow Michelle on @michellekristensen.dk
1. When does Copenhagen feel most like your city?
"I'm really influenced by the seasons. In the winter, I feel like I'm hibernating, and my introverted side takes over. I might as well be living out in the countryside, but then something happens when spring arrives. I fall in love with Copenhagen and adore the city and all it has to offer. Especially those evenings when the sun sets over the city, the sky is orange, and I’m biking home after a night out and feel the sun buzzing with positive energy. I really love that."
Michelle loves cycling through the city as the sun sets
The most important thing is to stop your run at the harbor bath and finish with a cold dip. It’s the best combination—it makes me feel truly happy.
2. What place in the city do you always return to?
"In the 16 years I've lived in Copenhagen, I've lived in 10 different places: Nørrebro, Østerbro, Amager, Indre By, Christianshavn, Islands Brygge, and Valby. Even though they can get a bit crowded, I really love the lakes. I think it’s so unique to have water to look at—whether I’m sitting and drinking coffee, biking, or going for a run. It gives me a sense of calm to sit at a café or on a bench and look at the water in the lakes."
Michelle's favorite spot: The Lakes
3. What’s your best tip for a unique running experience in Copenhagen?
"My best tip is to start at the metro station at Islands Brygge and head into Amager Fælled. Once there, you can choose from several different routes or extend your run even further by heading toward Kalvebod Fælled. The most important thing is to end your run at the harbor bath and finish with a cold dip. It’s the best combination. Especially if you do it early in the morning. Then you can grab a fresh-baked roll and coffee to take home from Andersen Bakery. That gives me a real sense of happiness!"
With My Copenhagen, we take you on a surprising journey through the city, where well-known Copenhageners and local legends share their hidden gems.
4. What hidden gem is almost too good to share?
"We moved to Valby a year and a half ago. I simply had no idea that Valby was so wonderful until I ended up there. It’s like a little village within the city. Not long after we moved, the coziest café opened, called Esso. “It's located near Toftegårdsplads, which isn't exactly the coziest place, but the café serves really great coffee and the best cinnamon roll in Copenhagen. Plus, the staff are so nice. I love sitting at that café, so I'm actually not too keen on sharing it, since it's pretty small :)”
"Esso has the best cinnamon roll in Copenhagen"
5. Which metro station is your favorite?
"I like the Metro station at Kongens Nytorv. It’s so lively—you can grab a bouquet of flowers on your way home and watch people heading to or from work. I like watching people."
Michelle's favorite station: Kongens Nytorv
Experiences with the Metro
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