Date travelled: 9-12 June 2007.
When you think of Denmark, you may think of Vikings, Bacon, or Peter Schmeichel. But its captial city Copenhagen offers the visitor a pleasant vibrant atmosphere, with plenty to see and do.
From the airport, take the train from the terminal building direct to the city centre (tickets 28.50kr - about £3, journey time 20mins). I stayed at the Hotel Maritime, which is situated right in the centre.
A good way to get aquainted with Copenhagen is taking a walk from Kongens Nytorv square along Strøget Street, which was the first Pedestrian only street in the world. All along Strøget are mini boutiques, cafés and churches. You may also get treated to a performance from one of the many street entertainers.
Strøget Street.
For you that know your lager, you will know that Copenhagen is the home of Carlsberg lager. From the city centre, take bus 26 to the Carlsberg visitors centre, where you can learn more about its history, and how the lager is made (40kr return for the bus, 40kr for entrance to the visitors centre, but this does include two free drinks).
The Carlsbery Brewery.
Even though the Brewery is a little out of town, most sights of Copenhagen can be easily reached by foot or my Metro. Just off Strøget is the Round Tower. Built in 1462 as an astronomical observatory, visitors can walk up to the top (price 30kr) and witness some excellent views of Copenhagen city and indeed if it's a clear day, Sweden.
The view from the Round Tower.
Next to the Round Tower, is Copenhagen's somewhat revealing Erotica Museum, which rivals Amsterdam's for its rather explicit content! (entrance 100kr)
Copenhagen Erotica Museum.
Perhaps Copenhagens most famous landmark are the brightly coloured buildings next to the harbour. This is the Nyhavn (New Harbour), and the centre of everything hip in the city. On one side of the harbour, you will see the monument of a giant anchor, devoted to the Danish soldiers who lost their lives in World War II. All along the harbour side you will find ice cream stalls, cafés, and the more exclusive restaurants (expect to pay 300kr - about £30 per person for a meal along here).
The Nyhavn.
If the weather is nice during your visit, you may like to take one of the many boat tours. These tours give you the city from a different angle, and are a nice way to spend the day. Boat tickets cost 70kr, valid for 24hours and are hop-on-hop-off trips, so you can visit any sight you like, and get back on the boat for no extra charge. Boats leave from Nyhavn roughly every 30mins during the summer months.
The view of Nyhavn from the boat.
The boat tour takes in some more of Copenhagen's famous sites. For example Amalienbourg Palace, one of the homes of the Danish Royal Family. There is also a museum here, displaying many artifacts past and present from the Monarchy.
Amalienbourg Palace.
To the north of the boat tour is the Little Mermaid. The mermaid comes from the fairytale written by the Dane Hans Christian Andersen, where a mermaid exchanges her voice for human legs, in order to attract her prince. Unfortunately this prince went for another girl, leaving the mermaid alone. Today, this statue sits on its own beside the river, and makes a popular photo opportunity.
The Little Mermaid.
Copenhagen is also famous for its amusement park right in the centre of the city. Known as Tivoli Gardens, and founded in 1843, the park contains not only thrill rides, but bars, restaurants, open air concerts daily and its lush gardens. (Basic entrance price 85kr, rides cost extra).
After all of that sightseeing, you may fancy a drink. The Carlsberg in Denmark is stronger than in the UK, and considerably nicer, but at 50kr - nearly £5 for a large drink, its expensive!
So if you have a spare weekend, Copenhagen would make a nice trip.
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