Travel Excursion - Copenhagen, Denmark
Bustling Epicenter Excites Visitors To City
A warm, sunny morning in Copenhagen draws visitors and residents into enticingly aromatic coffee houses and famous boutiques nestled together in the pedestrian area of Strøget. With its splendid, classic Danish architecture, this bustling epicenter is the city's main shopping thoroughfare (the longest in Europe). And, it's a perfect place to begin exploring Denmark's exciting capital.
Copenhagen is relatively flat, with a small, dense central core that is easy to traverse by foot and by bicycle. In fact, the City Bicycle Rentals are located in 130 different locations throughout the downtown area, with A DKK20 (Danish Kroner about $3) coin deposit. Upon your bicycle return, your coin is refunded and the rental is free. This is a safe and great way to sightsee within the urban core without cost. For longer jaunts or cooler weather, Copenhagen's public transport includes easily accessible and cost effective buses, local trains and the new metro. Driving is also much easier in Denmark than other European countries, and outside of the city, very akin to U.S. highways and freeways. For free travel on public transportation and admission to everything from museums to attractions, consider purchasing the CPHCARD. It is a hassle-free way to get about town and sightsee without keeping a ready supply of Kroner in your pocket. For additional information, visit www.cphcard.com.
To begin a stroll through Strøget , start at Østergade Street by Kongens Nytorv (King's New Square), located on the east side of the city. Upscale department stores, such as Illum and designer boutiques Prada, Versace, Bruuns Bazaar (fabulous local Scandinavian designer) and Gucci line this famed avenue. Retailers Bang & Olufsen, J. A. Henckles and a variety of specialty stores make this striking historical Danish architectural and pedestrian promenade a delightful experience to peruse. In addition, two stores that are absolutely a must-visit are Georg Jensen and Royal Copenhagen.
Danish silver, cutlery and jewelry are typified by renowned luxury designer Georg Jensen. Fashionistas and collectors of fine cutlery and jewelry, covet his sleek and minimalist designs the world over. Although Jensen passed away in '35, the company retains his unique vision, high quality and design prowess.
The Royal Copenhagen store extends a full block and is a tremendous purveyor of the finest Danish porcelain. The original porcelain factory began in 1775 under Her Majesty the Queen of Denmark, and set a high standard of beauty and exacting quality. Today, the company continues its superior legacy and offers exquisite porcelain designs on multiple levels of it flagship store. Make sure to check the store's basement for second's bargains and the small, adjacent teashop for a lovely cup of the finest Earl Grey in a lovely setting.
Photo Courtesy Of Royal Copenhagen Café
Visit Royal Copenhagen's fascinating museum, located on the store's top floor. It's free to visit and features a small theater with a video history of the porcelain and how each piece is handcrafted and painted. The museum's superb collection of pieces, from the 18th century to present, includes the Royal Flora Danica designs and traditional Blue Fluted pattern in lighted, glass display cases. The collection continues highlighting numerous breathtaking pieces of the rarest beauty and imagination.
After a leisurely stroll through Strøget, the thoroughfare ends at City Hall Square. Cross the boulevard and visit the famous Tivoli Gardens.
Tivoli Gardens is a wonderful amusement park replete with rides, entertainment, picturesque gardens, shops, concerts, cafes and excellent, top-rated restaurants (The Paul).
Tivoli Gardens
Canal Tours are inexpensive and a good way to see the city's historical architecture and prominent buildings, such as storybook churches, a castle, the stock exchange and, of course, the famous Little Mermaid Statue that resides in the harbor. The tour companies are located a few blocks South of Kongens Nytorv on Nyhavn. Offered in many languages, the interesting tours last about an hour and the guides provide a good deal of Copenhagen's history, war and adventure stories.
Canal Tour
Some aspects of Copenhagen are admittedly pricey. However, there are numerous events, activities and sites to visit that are very affordable or free, such as the wonderful parks that encircle the city. The Botanical Gardens , located on Gothersgade Street, emanates a beckoning quality. The minute visitors step through the tall, wrought-iron gates, they become completely transported away from the city and into the realm of a secret garden. Mythical statues augment small stone paths that lead to transforming landscapes of flowers and trees. Delicate waterfalls echo serenely among the birdsong and rustling leaves, while blooming lily pads float on gentle ripples across the lake.
Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens' paths interlace throughout the park and lead to themed terrain with multitudes of different plant and tree species. These areas also accommodate the botanical museum, elaborate domed period greenhouse, bibliotek, grand verandas and geological museum, all open to the public.
These gardens are spectacular and are one of Copenhagen's most alluring attractions. They are open year-round and take a full afternoon to explore.
The Kongens Have , or King's Garden, resides on the next block, adjoining the Rosenborg Palace. The Kongens Have gardens, smaller than the Botanical Gardens, are the oldest in Copenhagen. Created in 1606 during the reign of Christian the IV, they feature a grand, formal design with fountains, classical and modern statues and rolling lawns. They are lovely to stroll before visiting the palace.
The Rosenborg Palace is magnificent! Smaller than other famous European castles, Rosenborg makes up for its stature in a resplendent grandeur that mesmerizes and captivates. Each room displays intricate detail and ornamentation, starting from Christian the IV's reign to present. The Palace is now a museum and houses an unimaginably large collection of royal antiques, paintings, tapestries, the original Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica dinner and serving ware, jewels and crowns.
One of the grandest rooms in the castle is the Long Hall. Intended for celebrations, the hall hosts numerous acquisitions from several dynasties, including tapestries depicting Christian the V's war victories. The raised painted ceiling motif represents the planets over human destiny and three imposing life-sized gold and silver lions guard the imperial gold and white throne.
Venture to the bottom level of the castle for a view of exquisite royal jewelry, Objects d'art and coronation regalia. The histories on the room's pieces are fascinating and the opulent designs stunning. In addition, make sure to leave enough time to tour the castle with a guide or book. The castle has a way of making one lose their sense of time...
Wonderful Copenhagen is a magnificent harbor city with its fashion, design, lush parks and stunning architecture; it is referred to as the "Paris of the North." Moreover, Copenhagen is considered the world's most livable city with the happiest citizens. There is so much to do and see in Copenhagen from its zoo, fantastic museums, theater, dining and culture, that at least one full week to visit is recommended. For these reasons, visitors flock to this extraordinary city year after year and take away a sense of beauty, delight and wonder. For additional information on Copenhagen, visit www.visitcopenhagen.com.