• YEAR VISITED:
• 2005-Copenhagen

Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark, was the last stop on our 2005 European vacation. While we only spent two nights here we stayed long enough to know it is a gorgeous city. This is a place I would love to return to, if for no other reason than to soak up the beauty of the Danish culture.

HOTEL / RESORT: Our hotel was across the street from the Hovedbanegard Train Station in the downtown city center. We arrived in the evening, slept in the next day, and then began exploring.

EXPERIENCES: We love exploring a new city by foot, and Copenhagen was no different. We wandered around the area of downtown known as the Stroget.

We peaked into shops and admired the distinct architecture. What stuck out the most to us was just how clean everything was – there was no liter anywhere. The only place we saw garbage was in a receptacle. 19th century Danish author, Hans Christian Anderson, called Denmark home. Some of his most famous fairy tale stories are the Little Mermaid, the Princess and the Pea, The Emperor’s New Clothes, and the Ugly Duckling. While he died in 1875, his presence is still felt today. We purchased the book “The Collection of Hans Christian Anderson Fairy Tales” and brought it home as a gift to our (at the time unborn) first born child. She still owns the book today.

From Stroget we headed to the waterfront area of town known as Nyhavn.

The cobblestone roads, brightly colored buildings, and ships anchored in the harbor made this area look like it was right out of a postcard. I was also blown away by the sheer number of bicycles. Everywhere we looked people were riding bikes.

Rosenborg Castle, which was built in the early 17th century, is absolutely beautiful and very well preserved.

We wandered around the immaculate gardens and took pictures of the Royal Guard. This is where the Danish Crown Jewels are housed.

Assistens Cemetery, which resembled a park rather than a cemetery, is also a beautiful place for a walk. Many notable Danes, including Hans Christian Anderson, are buried here.

ADVENTURE(S) AND OR NOTEABLE DESTINATIONS: While unaware prior to traveling to Copenhagen, there is a statue of the Little Mermaid in the harbor adjacent to the Nyhavn neighborhood. The statue greets ships and people alike.

The statue is a bit off the beaten path but definitely worth seeing. It also acts as a wonderful reminder of the impact Hans Christian Anderson had on not just Denmark but the entire world. In that same region of Copenhagen is the Kastellet. It is extremely well taken care of and is advertised as one of the most well preserved fortresses in all of Europe. The grounds around the Kastellet is a park with various statues, memorials, and windmills displayed.

We found the area a fun place to people watch.

The last tour we experienced was the Round Tower. The tower, designed to be an observatory of the stars, was built in the early 17th century.

In fact, it is the oldest observatory in all of Europe. Climbing the spiral cobblestone path made us feel like we were being transported back in time. This was my favorite location in Copenhagen.

RESTAURANTS: The one constant to our many travels is seeking out a Hard Rock Cafe. Copenhagen was no different – gotta love a hamburger and a beer!

• OUR LIST TO VISIT OR RETURN TO:
• Tivoli Gardens
• Aarhaus
• South Fyn Archipelago
• Cruise Copenhagen