The one about Copenhagen

Copenhagen was a planned trip: the perfect 3 days getaway in November. You don’t need more than 3 days to discover the city, but maybe think twice if you want to do it in November. I am regularly chasing weird weather and had plenty of it in November, but if you want to enjoy mild temperatures and some sunny days, you will want to plan your trip during the European summer.

For me? The trip started under the most desirable auspices, with the sun showing off in front of my plane’s window.

Copenhagen is Denmark’s capital and the most populated city in the country. It started as a Viking settlement back in the 10th century, is situated on the Zealand island, and is home to Strøget: the longest pedestrian shopping area in Europe. Denmark is surrounded by the Baltic and Nordic seas and even has beaches: Amager Park offers 4.6 kilometers of white sand beach. The harbor water is clean enough to swim in although I will not vouch for the water temperature… brrr…

My visit started in Nyhavn (New Harbor in Danish), one of the most iconic locations in the city, a 17th-century waterfront, canal and entertainment district. Here you can feel Copenhagen’s pulse beating strong no matter the season, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, jazz music and great food. Pricing wise? It can get a little steep, so have your wallets ready.

I recommend stopping at Nyhavn 17, a very charming pub, opened since 1936, that serves Danish cuisine. Some say here you will find the best fish in Denmark.

The neighborhood used to be a very busy commercial port. Ships from all over the world would dock here and the area was packed with sailors and pubs. Today the beautiful old houses have been renovated and restaurants dominate the old port.

Hans Christian Andersen, the famous Danish fairy-tale writer, used to live here. This is where he wrote The Tinderbox, Little Claus and Big Claus, and The Princess and the Pea.

Copenhagen is a great walking city but, just as any other Nordics city, is extremely bicycle friendly.

Everywhere you will enjoy beautiful architecture and lively colors that just, well… make your heart feel a little bit more peppier than before.

I was surely blessed to experience both sunny and foggy weather during my 3 days stay, just enough to quench my thirst of seeing things from different perspectives.

One of the best ways to get a feel for this dynamic city is to take a cruise along Copenhagen’s canals. I can only imagine how nice it is to have your boat “parked” in front of your apartment…

… it seems that here everyone has a boat. Imagine the summertime water traffic!

The Church of Our Savior is known for its distinctive spire with an external spiral staircase (inaugurated in 1752!) and yes: you can climb the 400 steps to the top of the tower, where the Savior is depicted on top of a golden globe and keeps watch over the royal city of Copenhagen. It is one of Denmark’s most famous churches.

Although the fog prevented me from taking a picture that would do the church justice, it did emphasize the city’s autumn colors very nicely.  The picture below was taken from the top of the tower.

The 17th century Old Stock Exchange is topped by a spire shaped like four entwined dragon tails.

I must say, I find Nordics architecture quite beautiful and full of surprises.

During daytime, it is a different story: the place is vibrant especially when it’s time for the changing of the royal guard. The palace consists of 4 identical buildings and can be visited for 100 Danish Crowns per adult (children’s entrance is free).

Is he cute, or what?

Facing the Palace from across the street is Frederik’s Church (Evangelical Lutheran), popularly known as The Marble Church for its rococo architecture. It is the most important landmark in the Frederiksstaden. Being extremely popular to be married in the beautiful church, you can actually see couples line up on Fridays and Saturdays to walk down the aisle. Visit the dome for a magnificent view. It is open 1 pm every day during the summer months and in the weekends of the rest of the year.

One nice thing to do is to visit Kastellet (The Citadel), founded by Danish King Christian 4 in 1626 and one of the best preserved fortresses in Northern Europe. Today it serves as a public park and a history walk.

I wanted to finish my trip by visiting the Little Mermaid, especially since she is 107 years old at the time I’m writing this post. so I headed to Langelinie waterfront promenade where the sculpture is displayed on a rock.

Several statues and the beautiful Gefion fountain gate the entrance of the waterfront. I particularly liked Poseidon.

I didn’t find the waterfront particularly spectacular, but it did make for a relaxing stroll.

The little mermaid is, indeed, little and if it wasn’t for the numerous tourists crowding to catch a glimpse, she could be easily missed. The story says that every morning and evening she swims to the surface from the bottom of the sea and, perched on her rock in the water, she stares longingly towards the shore hoping to catch a glimpse of her beloved prince. I rather think she is scouting the horizon to see who is coming to Copenhagen for a visit.

I highly recommend giving Denmark a chance and spending an extended weekend in its heart: Copenhagen. During summertime, the days are long, the temperatures mild and the city is vibrant. At Christmastime, the city sparkles and the season markets make it irresistible.

As usual, I hope I inspired your inner-traveler. Don’t be shy and drop me a note if you wish to find out more specific information for your trip to Copenhagen.