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COPENHAGEN
Copenhagen is the most European of the Scandinavian cities. This city is near the rest of Europe both geographically and in attitude. Copenhagen is, also, Scandinavian. The city's peculiar towers covered with green copper make Copenhagen dissimilar from other European cities. Scandinavian visitors in Copenhagen out number those from other countries. People from all areas of Scandinavia visit Copenhagen.
Copenhagen is Denmark's capital city. All of Denmark and Greenland, as well, are administered from Copenhagen. Danish reason and ideas are importantly originated here. Copenhagen is used to educate Denmark's visitors to the country's reasons in the world.
A first time visitor to Copenhagen can be surprised at how old this city is. Some of the oldest buildings in Copenhagen date from the 13th century. There are, also, ample reminders of the centuries between then and now. For those with an inclination for archeology, there is a Viking Ships Museum in nearby Roskilde that houses ships from the 11th century.
Copenhagen's location on an island gives the city a extraordinary quality. One crosses the North Sea by ferry to reach Copenhagen by train or car. Copenhagen's remoteness gives the city a pleasing sense of being distant from other places. Copenhagen's parks are very green and filled with colorful flowers as a result of the surrounding ocean. Danes, also, benefit from their geography with very fresh produce at the grocery. The famous mermaid statue, situated in a park near the waterfront, reminds Danes of their proximity to the sea.
Watching people can prove as much amusement as visiting the famous sights in Copenhagen. Tivoli Gardens, the famous amusement park in the center of Copenhagen, is among the best places in the city to watch people. One never tires of watching the throng of people usually found at Tivoli. The long pedestrian mall that runs through the center of Copenhagen provides a second opportunity to watch the Danes.
In Copenhagen, one has an excellent opportunity to discover an abundant selection of goods. Copenhagen is famous for porcelain, glassware, ceramics, antiques, and down products. Specialty shops all over the city sell these wares. Copenhagen's big department stores offer an exceptional selection of almost everything one could want.
Restaurants and tap rooms, likewise, contribute to a friendly stay in Copenhagen. With a little asking, a diner possibility with fascinating atmosphere can be located. Evening entertainment in Copenhagen is not unusually perplexing to locate.
Copenhagen, a Friendly, Convenient City by Foot
Copenhagen is about the perfect size to discover on foot. The downtown area of Copenhagen is all nicely connected with a pedestrian street. Copenhagen's plan allows one to effortlessly find the city's most famous attractions, best restaurant, and exceptional shopping areas. Public transportation is, in fact, scarcely required in Copenhagen. If one likes discovering cities on foot, Copenhagen is fantastic.
While Copenhagen has excellent public transportation, getting from place to place by foot can be more convenient. Street names are clearly identified, and streets are well lighted. The city, itself, seems to be well kept up everywhere. Plazas and parks are interspersed throughout Copenhagen making the city thoroughly personable. Walking distances required are not great and travel by foot is pleasant.
Copenhagen is not as intricate for the first time visitor as some cities. People are friendly and helpful, and English is widely spoken. Copenhagen does not seem unusually strange the first visit. Throughout Copenhagen's center, one can expect to find many visitors all learning their way around the city. Joining Copenhagen's many visitors in search of famous landmarks or uncommon merchandise inevitably makes a friendly day in Denmark.
In Copenhagen, similarities to the U.S. can be surprising. The Danes like convenience, and Copenhagen reflects their accommodating nature. Restaurants, shops, and everything are reasonably situated where they can be effortlessly found. Perceptions of Copenhagen usually are that this city resembles the U.S. more than some other European cities.
Discover Picturesque Copenhagen with an Urban Hike
Begin Copenhagen's urban hike with the famous statue of the little mermaid. The mermaid statue is so famous as to almost be Copenhagen's symbol. The mermaid statue is located in a large park, Kastellet, situated on the ramparts of an old fort along the harbor. The Gefion Fountain with a goddess driving four oxen is located in this same park.
Leave Kastellet following Amaliegade south. In a few blocks, reach the Amalienborg Palace. The Danish royal residence is Amalienborg Palace. There is a magnificent fountain in the center of the square surrounded by this palace. Pictures of the Danish Royal Guard can be taken here.
Directly, to the north of the Amalienborg Palace is the Marmorkirken or Marble Church. Completed in 1894, Marmorkirken has an attractive black gilded exterior. The Amalienborg Palace area, also, features an attractive fountain between the palace and the harbor.
From the fountain near the harbor, precede along Toldbodgade until reaching Nyhavn. Nyhavn is the picturesque and often photographed street with sailing ships. At one end of Nyhavn, there are hydrofoils that traverse to Sweden in an hour and a half. At the opposite end of Nyhavn, there is a large anchor that is a Second World War memorial.
From the memorial turn left and walk around the Kongens Square at the end of Nyhavn. The Royal Theater is reached first. Opposite the Royal Theater is Magasin du Nord, Copenhagen's largest department store. About anything one could want to find, including distinctly Danish items, can be obtained in this huge department store.
Continue around Kongens Square to Gothersgade and turn left. In three blocks, reach Rosenborg Garden. Walk through these gardens, and find Rosenborg Castle. Built in 1606, this unusual castle houses a fine collection of items including the crown jewels of Denmark.
From Rosenborg Castle, continue across Oster Voldgade and find the Botanical Gardens. Various types of tropical and subtropical plants are found in Copenhagen's Botanical Gardens. A geological museum featuring minerals, fossils, and meteorites is, also, found in this park. Another park to the north contains the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. A second museum in this same park features 19th century Danish painting.
After looking at these two parks, walk down Oster Voldgade toward Gothersgade. Continue on for a block to Kobmagergade and turn left. In about two blocks, locate the Round Tower. This unusual 111 foot tower was completed in 1642. Walk to the top of the Round Tower for an excellent view of Copenhagen.
Almost directly across from the Round Tower is a pedestrian street, Kannikestra. Follow this pedestrian street and reach a cathedral, Our Lady's Church, built in 1827. The Danish University's main building is directly next door to the north.
Exit the Danish University area by walking south through any of several small streets. Stoget is one block to the south. Stoget is the names Danes have given five different streets that make up the one pedestrian street that goes all the way through the center of Copenhagen. Exceptional shopping is to be found along Stoget in either direction. This street is always fascinating. Copenhagen can be found at night along Stoget.
Continue the urban hike by turning left on Stoget and follow this street reaching Hojbro Plads. Turn south here, and Christiansborg Palace is two blocks further. The Folketing, Denmark's Parliament, meets in Christiansborg Palace.
Next, follow Vindebrogade west along the canal for about one block. The National Museum is found across Frederiksholms Canal. This museum contains an excellent collection of Danish archaeology and history. Besides archaeological exhibits, the history of the Vikings and furniture and costumes from earlier eras in Denmark are found here.
After leaving the National Museum, follow Stormgade to Vester Voldgade. Turn right and in several blocks reach Town Hall Square. Copenhagen's municipal government is conducted from the Town Hall located on one side of Town Hall Square.
The entrance to Tivoli is a block down Vesterbrogade from Town Hall Square. Tivoli contains 20 acres of games, rides, restaurants, concerts, fountains, and flower gardens, and is located in the center of Copenhagen. This popular amusement park was built in 1843. Tivoli is usually full of people, and a very pleasant place to visit.
The Copenhagen urban hike ends at Tivoli. This urban hike has either begun an acquaintanceship with Copenhagen or renewed an old friendship. Tivoli is open until midnight, and one can end a successful day of discovering Copenhagen with a visit to this world famous amusement park.
Copenhagen, a City with Cooler Weather, Blue Skies, and Sea
Remember while preparing for a visit that Copenhagen is Scandinavian. Like the other Scandinavian countries, Copenhagen is different than Europe. Danes are usually reasonably similar in reasons and values. Perhaps, Denmark is somewhat more homogeneous than other countries. Danes are usually friendly and eager to welcome.
Since Denmark is further north, prepare for cooler weather. Even in the summer, Denmark can be cool in the evenings. Throw in an extra sweater for Scandinavia.
Photographers, especially those who are first time visitors, are often very pleased with Copenhagen. Copper roofs and unusual spires add appeal to Copenhagen's buildings. The blue color found in the sky and the sea in Copenhagen cannot be equaled anywhere and adds intensity and brilliance to photographs. Photographing famous locations such as Nyhavn Street and the Little Mermaid statue is popular. The best photographs of the Little Mermaid, are obtained when her face is not in the shadows.
Window shopping and making the desired purchases enhances any visit to Copenhagen. The city has several reliable department stores. Copenhagen's pedestrian streets are lined with shops where all kinds of goods can be bought. Stoget, Fiol Straede and Kobmagergade, all pedestrian streets, should be included in a shopping afternoon. Some businesses even assist by mailing goods to the U.S.
Copenhagen is enough different from other cities to make a visit here an uncommon and pleasant experience. The Copenhagen urban hike provides an exhilarating day's activity that familiarizes one with the city plan. First time visitors, can begin a successful acquaintanceship with Copenhagen with such a day of discovery.
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