Copenhagen The Short Story Copenhagen is the Capital of Denmark, and with it s 1,3 million inhabitants it only marginally smaller than the Swedish Capital, Stockholm. The City was originally a Viking fishing Village and dates as far back as the 9th century. During the reign of King Christian the 4th (1588-1648), Copenhagen became a significant regional center in Scandinavia. In recent times, Copenhagen has seen a strong urban and cultural deveploment due to massive investments in cultural facilities and infrastructure. Since the completion of the transnational Øresundsbridge in 2000, Copenhagen has become increasingly integrated with the swedish city Malmø, growing into the combined metropolitan area known as Region Øresund.
The Little Mermaid An evening in 1909 Carl Jacobsen, founder of the Carlsberg Breweries, attended the Royal Theatre to see The Little Mermaid, a ballet based on the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. Deeply moved by the performance, he subsequently commissioned the sculptor Edvard Eriksen to create a statue of this ravishing mermaid. Edvard Eriksen had his wife pose as a model, and The Little Mermaid was presented at Langelinie waterfront 23 August 1913 as a gift to the city. Every year her birthday is celebrated with balloons, music and mermaids.
Tivoli Gardens The gates to the famous old Tivoli Gardens, an enchanted world of beautiful tree-lined pathways, theatres, open air stages, restaurants, cafés, and attractions ranging from monstrous rides, that will twirl and spin you around, to gentle children's rides. The gardens display a wealth of flowers, and at night thousands of lights sparkle from the trees. Open since 1843, Tivoli is one of the world's oldest amusement parks and a must when you visit Copenhagen.
Christiania Christiania, the famous freetown of Copenhagen, is without a doubt one of Denmark s most popular tourist attractions. Christiania was founded in 1971, when a group of people cut a hole in the fence to the military barracks in Bådmandsgade. Today many of the original settlers still live in the collectively controlled village, and the area has a clear 70s feel to it. The area can be considered quite rough and dodgy. According to Copenhagen police the area around Pusher Street is controlled by organized criminal groups. The residents themselves have adopted to a set of rules for security reasons, which they strongly advice visitors to abide by. They discourage visitors to photograph, run and talk on the phone in the area, especially in and around Pusher Street.
Strøget Copenhagen's largest shopping area is centered around Strøget in the heart of the city. Strøget is the world's longest pedestrian street with a wealth of shops, from budgetfriendly chains to some of the world's most expensive brands. The stretch is 1.1 kilometers long and runs from City Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv. Strøget is a nickname from the 1800s and covers the streets Frederiksberggade, Nygade, Vimmelskaftet and Østergade.
Nyhavn Nyhavn, meaning New Haven, was originally a busy commercial port where ships from all over the world would dock. The area teemed with sailors, ladies of pleasure, pubs and alehouses. Over the years the beautiful old slanted houses were gradually renovated and classy restaurants started popping up. In summer Nyhavn is a popular hangout for dining and drinks. If you do not like the prices, but do like the locals then simply buy a beer from a nearby store and rest your feet at the quayside.
The Royal Danish Guard The Royal Danish Guard patrols the royal residence Amalienborg Palace and serves the royal Danish family. The guard marches every day at 11:30 from Rosenborg Castle through the streets of Copenhagen to Amalienborg Palace, where it executes the change of guards at noon. When the Queen is in residence, the guard is accompanied by the Royal Guard's music corps.
Dyrehaven Tired of the pulsating city? Then hop on the S-train to Klampenborg, and within two minutes from the station you are in the cultivated forest known as Dyrehaven. Originally a hunting reservoir founded by King Frederik the 3 rd in 1670, the beautiful natural habitat north of Copenhagen is today more than a thousand acres and offers thirteen different entrances. You have more than a good chance of seeing Red deer, Fallow deer and Sika deer in their natural environment.
Copenhagen Zoo Copenhagen Zoo has more than 3,000 animals from around the world and a total of 264 different species. And regardless of the weather outside, a hot humid climate awaits you in the rain forest of the Tropical Zoo. The Zoo also features Europe's greatest Children's Zoo where kids can pat the pygmy goats, meet the tame rabbits and the snakes. The Zoo is home to architect Sir Norman Foster's amazing elephant house, Dall Lindhardtsen A/S's hippo house, and a new Polar Ring for the polar animals will open soon.
Lousiana Museum of Modern Art Louisiana has gained a reputation as a museum in touch with the zeitgeist of the contemporary art world all the while never neglecting the obvious and established names that draw in the crowds. Besides the impressive permanent collection with over 3,500 works, the museum has 8-12 special exhibitions annually. When hunger sets in, you can either enjoy a great Nordic lunch at the museum café or in the magnificent sculpture garden with a view across the sound to Sweden.
The Round Tower The Round Tower is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe, and stars have been watched here since 1642. The observatory is encircled by an outdoor platform from which you have a magnificent view of the old part of Copenhagen. To get there you need to walk up the spiral walk close to the core of the building. Conveniently located close to Strøget.
Finally, additionally and practically: Copenhagen has a lot of museums almost every one of them with free entrance. The Residential home of Queen Margrethe the 2nd, Amalienborg well worth visiting too. (Also mentioned under The Royal Danish Guards). As many Capitals, Copenhagen also has it s fair share of beautiful parks i.e. Kongens Have, H.C. Ørstedsparken and Frederiksberg Have just to name a few. If you want to see as much of the city as possible in the shortest time, I can recommend the hop on/hop off tourist busses or the habour/canal crusies. The public transportation within Copenhagen is known for it s many different options to travel across the metro area. Use the many busses, S-trains, the metro or if the wheater permits; rent a bike and discover the city as a bicyclist. Use the metro, busses or the Øresundstrain to and from CPH Airport.
We look forward to see you in Copenhagen