Copenhagen
That’s why a trip to Denmark’s capital is worthwhile
The Nyhavn footbridge offers a good starting point for exploring Copenhagen.
© 2018 Oleksiy Mark/Shutterstock.com
Copenhagen can be wonderfully explored on a relaxed city trip. These are the highlights in Denmark’s capital.
Small streets with colorful houses and numerous canals, magnificent royal palaces or a colorful hippie world in the middle of the city: Copenhagen is the ideal destination for a varied city trip with many recreational opportunities. Those are the best tips.
The Sights
The Nyhavn can be headed for to start an exploration of the city. The central harbor lures with its colorful gabled houses, museum ships and numerous restaurants and pubs along the canal. Not far from Nyhavn is Amalienborg Palace, the city residence of Queen Margrethe II (83). When the monarch is present, the flag is raised over the palace. Part of the castle with a museum is open to the public. You can also witness the changing of the guard, which takes place every day at 12 noon. Lovers of magnificent buildings should make another stop at the nearby Rosenborg Castle, built in 1607 in Kongens Park. Inside is a museum that exhibits, among other things, the Danish crown jewels.
It is one of the most famous sights in Copenhagen and should not be missed when exploring the city: The sculpture of the Little Mermaid (Den lille Havfrue). She was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s (1805-1875) famous fairy tales. The bronze figure, erected in 1913, is located on the north bank promenade Langelinie and was once commissioned by the son of the founder of the Copenhagen-based Carlsberg brewery.
On the water or by bike
To get a better impression of the many canals, which meander picturesquely through the Christianshavn district on the other side of Copenhagen Harbour, it is worth taking a boat tour. Many providers can be found at Nyhavn. A closer look at the Royal Opera House (Operaen) is also possible from the water. The Danish National Opera, which opened in 2005, is one of the most modern stages in the world.
Another way to explore the city is by bike. The means of transport on two wheels is very popular with the people of Copenhagen, their own bike lanes, well-developed paths and their own bicycle and pedestrian bridges make rapid progress possible. There are several providers and rental systems in the capital, which has already been voted the best bicycle city in the world several times.
Away from the sightseeing tour
Once all the sights have been discovered on foot, by bike or boat, Copenhagen offers other places for fun, relaxed and culinary hours. In the Torvehallerne market hall, located directly at the Nørreport metro station, you can feast to your heart’s content – for example the typical Danish bread Smørrebrød. Other typical dishes that you can enjoy on a trip through the city are hot dogs or soft ice cream in a wide variety of flavors. For culinary fans, a detour to Kødbyen, in the meatpacking district of Copenhagen, is also worthwhile in the evening, where restaurants, clubs and galleries are lined up next to each other.
You can also spend free time in Tivoli. The popular amusement park in the middle of the city center was opened in 1843 and attracts around five million visitors to its grounds every year. In addition to rides and roller coasters, the park also offers restaurants, theaters and music performances. Christiania offers another journey into a world of its own. The alternative residential area, which has existed since 1971 and is located in the Christianshavn district on a former military site, is considered an autonomous community tolerated by the state.
The collectively run community, which was once founded by squatters, relies on self-regulation, failure to comply with the established rules can result in exclusion from the community. The political debate about the existence of Christiania has largely abated despite drug trafficking and acts of violence. Visitors can explore the site with its numerous colorful buildings, restaurants, galleries or music events. At the main entrance there is a sign with the rules that guests should also follow, such as not taking photos.