This summer, Migrantour Copenhagen has been buzzing with activity as we welcomed and trained a new group of intercultural companions who are now actively guiding walking tours in the neighbourhood of Nørrebro. Over the course of several training workshops in August and September, Crossing Borders introduced the new companions to Migrantour, supported them in designing itineraries, and helped strengthen their confidence in leading intercultural encounters.
The training combined both reflective and practical elements. New companions learned about the mission and history of Migrantour, and how the initiative connects communities across Europe through guided walks led by people with migration backgrounds. A highlight of the workshops was a collaborative mapping exercise in which participants identified places of significance for migrant communities in Nørrebro, ranging from cultural and religious landmarks to everyday meeting points. These places became the foundation for new routes that reflect both the neighbourhood’s history and its diverse present. While the existing route explored the area around the lakes, the intercultural companions developed additional routes covering central Nørrebro and Nordvest, offering participants distinct perspectives on the neighbourhood’s many layers.
Equally important was the exchange of personal perspectives. Each new companion brings their own migration experience and local knowledge of the city, shaping tours that not only showcase Nørrebro’s landmarks but also its lived realities. After designing the routes, the group took to the streets for practice tours, testing stops and interactive activities before receiving individual feedback from coordinators.
The results are already visible: several of the new intercultural companions have begun leading official tours. In recent weeks, they have welcomed international groups, including visitors from Japan, as well as a student group from the MA in Advanced Migration Studies at the University of Copenhagen. Other groups of residents and visitors have also joined these walks, experiencing Nørrebro through the stories and perspectives of its diverse guides.
To further promote the project, Sharing Copenhagen has funded four tours that are being offered free of charge. This initiative allows even more people to discover Migrantour while helping raise awareness across the city. At the same time, the team is giving a new face to Migrantour Copenhagen’s Instagram and other social media platforms, using them to reach wider audiences and share updates. Looking ahead, we are also considering launching a blog to deepen reflections on migration, belonging, and community connected to the tours.
This new cohort of companions represents an exciting step forward for Migrantour Copenhagen. Their tours invite participants to reflect on migration, diversity, and neighbourhood life while discovering Nørrebro through fresh eyes.