Travel trend watch: Denmark

Where Denmark's capital has a population of more than a million. Great Danes include '50s design guru Arne Jacobsen, existentialist philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, supermodel Helena Christensen and the king of fairy tales, Hans Christian Andersen.

Your guide Jeweller Julie Sandlau, 30, works in gold and silver, threading garnets, green agates and other semi-precious gems through her creations. The blond former model is inspired by nature and by vintage jewellery. "You might find pieces similar to mine in your grandmother's treasure chest," she says. Worn by Sarah McLachlan, Gwyneth Paltrow, Reese Witherspoon and J. K. Rowling, Sandlau's collection is available in Canada at select Holt Renfrew stores.

The vibe "In Denmark, we use the word 'Hygge,' which means relaxed and comfortable," says Sandlau. "That's what this city is all about." And the same can be said about its affable residents. As you stroll along the cobbled streets, it strikes you how svelte and fresh-faced -- and gorgeous -- the locals are. Yet the Danes are unlikely to brag about their glowing good looks -- possibly due to Jante's Law, a Scandinavian notion that suggests no one person is more special than the next.

The big picture With its parks, canals and pedestrian-only streets, Copenhagen is one of Europe's greenest capitals. More than a third of the locals travel to work by pedal power; the city even offers a free bike service. You'll find most sights within a 20-minute radius: colourful Nyhavn, with its gabled merchant houses; the royal residence, Amalienborg Palace; The Royal Theatre; The Danish National Gallery; and the crown jewels at Rosenborg Castle. With only five hours of daylight in winter, the Danes have an immense appreciation for natural light. This is reflected in the airy structure of the new Opera House, designed by Henning Larsen, and the Black Diamond extension to the Royal Library. The winter months may see locals cozying up in candlelit bars, but at the first sign of sunshine, tables and chairs are moved out to the sidewalks and people take to the parks and Amager Strand beach.

Local style "Trendy Copenhageners wear international labels with second-hand pieces or Danish designs," says Sandlau. "Creativity and originality are key." For a typical Nordic bohemian look, mix it up with a crystal-beaded lilac chiffon skirt from Day Birger et Mikkelsen and a cute velvet shrug from The Second Way in the funky Latin Quarter. The city's main shopping area is Strøget -- Europe's longest pedestrian city street -- where you will find the upscale Danish department store Illums Bolighus.