Copenhagen-Denmark | Gorgeous Gateway to Scandinavia.


Copenhagen,the stunning Capital of Denmark is definitely one of the most beautiful cities of Europe,a gorgeous gateway to Scandinavia,entering in the reality of that cosmopolitan,lively,trendy,attractive and creative Nordic Capital is to discover a great historic and cultural past visible in its architecture and monuments.

What is more captivating is the magnificent combination with the most modern design the city spreads as result of an intense and outstanding artistic activity during the course of its long and splendid history.

The Danish city with its over1,500.00 inhabitants is situated on the east coast of the Zeeland and alongside the famous bridge Oresundsbroen which permits a very fast connection to Sweden in a short time making it  thanks to its geographic position a strategic and great cross road of North Europe.

That magnificent Nordic centre is the biggest city of the Scandinavian Peninsula characterised to be one of the safest cities in the World and another splendid feature is of course its public transport system considered one of the best in the European Continent.

The visitor can use bus,train,tube and boat,all perfectly works very well and furthermore there is the great chance to discover the beauty of that city by a canal cruise discovering many of its highlights  from another perspective, like Venice,Amsterdam or Stockholm,it is a centre founded on an archipelago and undoubtedly that is a superb detail to enter deeply in its magical maritime atmosphere.

Today Copenhagen conserving its old patrimony is also a very modern city, divided in 10 official Bydelen (Districts) more others small quarters forming the so called Greater Copenhagen.The cultural scenery is absolutely stunning,with over 50 museums and with a captivating history rich of events.

Another relevant attraction which capture a multitude of travellers who choose that splendid Capital of Scandinavia as destination is its ample calendar of events,a highlight is of course its important Jazz Festival ranked in the top ten in the world next to  famous cities as New Orleans,New York and Montreaux oustanding places linked to that so popular kind of music.

 In addition it is also a mecca for of all people who wants to enjoy fine restaurants and cafes,prestigious theatres and venues,a wide range of pubs,bars,clubs with a very vibrant nightlife,in particular  in the neighbourhoods of Nyhavn,Norrebro and Latin Quarter while for who loves shopping,Stroget is the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe and that is another further attraction of that wonderful city.

Middelalderbyen,the Medieval City is really stunning while Frederiksstaden with Amalienborg Palace and the Marble Church are one of the most important Rococo complexes in Europe.

The presence of beautiful examples of architectonic Renaissance buildings as Rosenborg Castle and magnificent Baroque constructions complete a patrimony absolutely great showing the visitor how it is is so eclectic and how generations of artists have actively developed and created a long list of masterpieces in different historic periods.

Copenhagen is also a city pioneer about Modern Art,many prominent contemporary  architects born in the city or because they started a brilliant career there,are today considered among the best in the world as Arne Jacobsen,who is remembered for developing the Danish Modern style,he designed the National Bank of Denmark, but also St Catherine's College- Oxford University in England.

The brilliant  tradition of talented architects continued with Jørn Oberg Utzon,who designed the Sydney Opera House in Australia declared by UNESCO in 2007  World Heritage Site,the Opera Theatre in Zurich  in Switzerland,,Theatre Jeita in Beirut -Lebanon,The National Assembly in Kuwait City and The University of Teheran in Iran,receiving the Pritzke an award considered the architecture's highest honour.

Henning Larsen,designed Copenhagen Opera House,he was also Honorary member of the Royal Institute of British Architects and the young Bjarke Ingel was awarded in Barcelona in occasion of the World Architecture Festival ,and also with the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale of Architecture.

Thanks to all that magnificent tradition of talents,the city also won RIBA the European Award of Architecture in several editions thanks to its modern and attractive buildings,such as  Sampensions, Kilen,Tietgenkollegiet and Royal Playhouse,admired worldwide and showing the stylish talent of a school which has surprised in terms of modern architecture the entire globe.

Also about literature,the city is one of the most famous in the world so recognised with the writer Hans Christian Andersen,famed artist for his children's stories like Little Mermaid,he Ugly Duckling, and many other novels.Concerning Philosophy literature Soren Kierkegaard is considered the father and one of the major exponents of the existentialism,undoubtedly those prominent figures of that level of course helped Copenhagen to be elected in the year 1996 as European Capital of Culture.

The city is also a relevant Beer Empire with the great group Carlsberg founded in 19th century by the Magnate Carl Jacobsen and also in the Scientific area with Niels Bohr and Aage Bohr (son of,Niels both physicist and Nobel Prizes winners and with a great tradition in its University which is considered among the most advanced in Europe and that city has an illustrious prestige also in research and science.

The history of Copenhagen started more than 6,000 years ago with a former settlement who populated the area in proximity of the current harbour.Born as a Viking settlement,the first written record is dated the year 1043.In that period the current Danish capital was called Havn which translated means harbour,it was already a very important and strategic place in Scandinavia,very close to Sweden,not far from Norway and close to Germany,with an easy access to the Baltic Sea.In that period  Havn became in a very short time one of the most important herring fishing centre,well known outside the Danish borders too

During the following two centuries,the former town flourished as important trading centre,it was the start of a brilliant escalation leading to its golden ages and as important port it changed its name in Kobenhavn,result of the composition the words Koben and Havn which means Merchant´s port.

Copenhagen was officially founded in 1167 by the Bishop Absalon and hat charismatic Religious character ordered to erect the first town fortress on Slotsholmen Island.There was since that period an important and great development transforming that place in a very important centre.

Despite its strong defencive system Copenhagen was often attacked by the powerful German Hanseatic League for its strategical and magnificent geographical position in the heart of several desired routes.

The Danish capital continued its constant development in commerce and also with a notable increasing of its urban size.Some new agglomerations were built to host many people from other areas of Denmark who came to populate a very wealthy centre which reached power,fame an notoriety.

The city was further fortified with stoned walls during the 13th century and at that time the city had one of the organised defencive complex in North Europe and also thanks to all that in the year 1343 Copenhagen became the capital of the Kingdom of Denmark.

Under King Christian IV rule the centre continued with an impressive rhythm to develop in terms of trade activities,it had a substantial enlargement,in particular along the harbour called Christianshavn (Christian's Harbour) in honour of that Monarch while new districts were established.In the year 1376 new bastions were added with strategical gates in Slotsholmen island,called later Copenhagen Castle a place which in the year 1416 was chosen by King Erik as residence starting the splendid history of that Danish Royal Residence.

The Sovereign called in that period many artists,engineers and architects mainly from Germany and Holland to erect beautiful buildings,to decorate and paint palaces and Churches and the former city lived a golden era also in terms of art and culture.

In the year 1648, Copenhagen became the main Denmark fortification with the most important harbour in the entire Scandinavia,also for that during its long history it suffered several attacks by the nearest Kingdom of Sweden,often supported by England and Holland and after a century of war at the end of the 19th century the medieval centre was  in major part destroyed.

In another period,the city was furthermore attacked by the British Navy,the main reason was that Great Britain United declared war to the Kingdom of Denmark-Norway due to some disagreements over the neutrality of Danish trade and to prevent that Danish fleet falling in the hands of  Napoleon and France the British fleet launched massive attacks,which endured 13 years from 1801 to 1814.

That long siege was in part a signal of decline,but the city continued to have a wealthy life and after that event the country established friendly diplomatic relationships with a multitude of European countries.

During the 2nd World War,Copenhagen,although Denmark was a neutral country was occupied by German troops.Simply the Germans wanted to have the control of a strategical port such Copenhagen not like an ambition of expansion but in the city started a massive deportation of local Jews to the infamous Lagers in Poland.

The post war was not a difficult period for the city and Denmark because the city had not suffered several damages and it continued to be an important reference in Scandinavia and in Europe thanks to its famous peaceful international politic.

The emblematic Radhuspladsen the Town Hall Square is the heart and core of the city,a very busy and lively meeting point for locals and tourists compared to Times Square in New York Piccadilly Circus in London or Puerta del Sol in Madrid,furthermore the proximity of the famous and iconic Tivoli Gardens a famed entertainment Park and the busy Central Station to the south-west give that place a relevant strategical importance,a great crossroad which permits to reach different areas.

Very close is also Strøget the longest pedestrian street in the world packed of fine cafes,cosmopolitan restaurants,pubs and boutiques to the north east of the square and  you can easily reach the lively area of Nyhavn and the historical square Kongens Nytorv while on the northern side start a series of roads leading to the Royal residence of Rosemborg and Fredriksborg.

The square with the majestic Town Hall is an iconic symbol and landmark,designed by the architect Martin Nyrop and completed in the year 1905.Nyrop frequently travelled around Europe for long time and he was a declared lover of all the artistic movements born in Tuscany.

The inspiration of the original building came after a trip to the magnificent city of Siena and the artist fell totally in love with the Municipio,the marvellous Town Hall in the emblematic Piazza del Campo of that marvellous Tuscan city.

Previously the project was to develop a Palace in Romantic Style but following the architectonic example of the Italian Renaissance of Tuscany so captivating and in particular the admiration for the buildings of  Florence and Siena,the man added to the structure some elements and details in that style,using anyway also the traditional Danish and Scandinavian architectonic canons consisting in high and strong buildings and using local materials.

The building is decorated with a large numbers of sculptures,the most important statue you can admire is that one depicting Absalon placed above the balcony.That iconic Archbishop,statesman and politician,is also considered a symbol of Danish history father of Roskilde,Lunde,Copenaghen and Denmark National Churches.

Thar relevant figure was the most important religious and politician character all time in  the history of Denmark and also very famous for the other activities who managed.He was very popular in all the major courts of Europe. 

Verdensur is another highlight of the palace,it is the famous Jens Olsen's World Clock an impressive mechanical astronomical clock placed in the tower.The clock presents several phases such as Gregorian calendar,the time of sunrise and sunset,local time in Copenhagen,the position of the planets,lunar and solar eclipses.

Olsen was a very talented clockmaker with an excellent reputation in the country with experiences in Switzerland legendary country for the production of relevant clocks and watches and where Olsen worked for many years.

The talented engineer a very creative man also decided to visit Germany and France two other countries which in that times were among the most advanced in that kind of industry to learn more and after a trip to Strasbourg a capital of technology of clocks in that time,he had the idea to make something unique in Copenhagen: that clock.

You can also climb the stairs of the tower enjoying a fantastic view of the Square and the city and furthermore on the square you can also admire a statue of two lure horn players placed in the square in the year 1914.

Beside the Town Hall and opposite Tivoli Gardens you can see another statue.It is a bronze sculpture in honour of the iconic writer and novelist Hans Christian Andersen.The sculpture lies near a boulevard bearing his name just behind The Town Hall and it is the avenue crossing the historic centre and linking Jorgen Son and Havnebadet which are among the most important canals of the Danish Capital.

Next to Radhuspladsen there is a romantic narrow street lined by charming buildings and called  Lavendelstraede.There,you can see the house at the civic number 1,which was the former residence of Constanze Mozart the widow of the famous Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart the genius of Salzburg.

Taking the nearest Nygade you can reach in a few minutes the famous pedestrian Stroget or better you are already in Stroget,because Nygade is part of five streets which compose that impressive artery. if you visited Barcelona happens the same with La Rambla or if you visited El Cairo happens the same with Muizz Li-Din Allah Street and that long pedestrian line is formed by Nygade, Frederksberggade, Vimmelskaftet, Nygade,Ostergade and Amagertorv.Packed by exclusive and trendy shops,considered the longest pedestrian and shopping street in the European continent,it is generally very busy everyday and anytime,it is also meeting point of locals,frequented by a multitude of tourists,with the presence of some street painters,acrobats and musicians a sort of metropolitan live theatre,very lively and vibrant.

The street is almost 1,700 meters long and it is also a place where you can also admire several example of traditional elegant old buildings.The major part of them were residence of the aristocracy and as mentioned before it is also a mecca for shopping lovers,there you can find many stylish boutiques with the most important International brands such as Louis Vuitton,Prada,Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss,Dolce & Gabbana, Hermes,Chanel among others.

One of the most important historic constructions along Stroget is undoubtedly Helligåndskirken the Church of the Holy Spirit situated in the section of Vimmellskaftet ,after the cross of Kloster with Hyskens.It is the first Monastery of Copenhagen and it was a former Franciscan Convent founded in the year 1238, twelve years after the death of St Francis of Assisi.Curiously the building before to be a Convent was a sort of hostel,a house hosting travellers and monks coming to the city,offering a bed and some food.

After to be a religious temple the Bishop of Roskilde,Johannes Krag transformed that place in a hospice in the year 1296 but came back to be a religious site some years later.The construction is a beautiful example of Nordic Renaissance with an impressive portal and a single nave.The bell tower respects the traditional local style topped by a spire,while the interior is a typical Basilica with aisled naves.The altar is a Baroque masterpiece and you can admire a painting of the Ascension dated 1727 and very interesting are some elements as a marble font by the famous sculptor Thorvaldsen.

Amagertorv, is a central junction in the heart of the city forming a square,which was in the year 1450 a  place of an important fish market and also a very important corridor between the ancient former village and the coastline.

The name Amagertorv,means farmers from Amager,in medieval era that area was frequented by farmers coming from that town to sell fish and food.In that charming square lies the Stork Fountain dated 1894 depicting three storks.That place became some decades ago an important meeting point for tourists and locals and it is also where members of protest movements choose that corner as main place for their campaigns and activities.

In the vicinity you can admire the interesting buildings in Renaissance style Ole Haslund Haus a house decorated with historic and allegoric elements,developed using the typical red brick used in Holland and Northern Belgium.and the iconic Tobacco Larsen,headquarter of the company.

Next to Amagertorv you can reach Nikolaj Plats,a very busy trade and merchants area during medieval times.Sadly after a fire in the year 1795 many buildings,houses and old palaces of that square were demolished including the Old Town Hall and Nikolaj Kirche an old church located there.

Originally that area was inhabited by wealthy people,rich merchants and traders who developed their activities in a sort of network shops and after the tragic fire event and very long works of reconstruction Nikolaj Plats flourished again.A New Marketplace consisting in groceries,butcheries and stalls of vendors were placed once again and today you can see some of them still active. 

Nikolaj Kirche before the fire was one of the most ancient Churches of the city.Erected in the 13th century,in the 16th century,that sacred temple was the centre of the Religious Reformation in Denmark.After the fire the building was not used and in the year 1914 after new architectonic restorations,came the decision to give it the original aspect in Renaissance style.

Three years later the new restored construction was inaugurated but only used for cultural and events activities like meetings,exhibitions and and music concerts thanks to an excellent acoustic and  a fantastic Baroque organ Marcussen & Sons dated 1930.

The Church changed its name from Nikolaj Kirche in Nikolaj Kunsthalle,the Nikolaj Copenhagen Contemporary Art Centre.Despite its long history,many events,restorations,the Square kept a charming aspect with its high and elegant ancient tower and it is an emblematic cross point of the Capital.

Walking along Fortunstraede  at the end of that narrow street next to Holmens Kanal on the right there is Ved Stranden where starts Højbro Plads,a square surrounded by splendid neoclassic buildings totally restored  after the city fire in 1795

.The highlight of the square is in the centre with the equestrian statue of the Bishop Absalon.On the base of the statue you can see an important symbol of Copenhagen and Denmark a swimming herring, representing the importance of that fish in medieval times,main source of the trade activity and commerce of the former city.

Gammel Strand is a beautiful promenade bordering Slotsholmens Kanal ,it was in the past an old fisher village before the foundation, of the city and later thanks to its position facing a natural bay that area became a fish market.

Locals calls it Skovserkoner because the women bought the fish in Skovshoved a little village in the canal and then they sold it in the market.All that it is commemorated by a statue you can see beside Hojbro Plats which with its pleasant restaurants and cafes  is among the most picturesque areas in that corner of Copenhagen.

Around that pleasant area there are some interesting buildings such as the Ministry of Cultural Affair,a series of coloured houses dated 18th and 19th century,and Kunstforeningen at the civic number 48 of Gammel Strand,a beautiful building in Dutch architectonic style,designed by architect Philip de Lange.
That  building resembles a lot to the houses you can see in Prinsengracht or Herengracht in  Amsterdam and  it hosts an art association created in the year 1825 with the idea to promote new artistic concepts, exhibitions and organising cultural meetings.

The nearest Nabolostraede is  a small street which crossing Hyskensstraede leads to Snarregade an old street with beautiful traditional Nordic buildings,you are there in one of the old fashioned points of Copenhagen where the typical renaissance architecture is mixed with some Romantic Scandinavian stylish buildings.

On the right of Magstraede and taking Knabrostraede  in front of you lies Frue Plats a square in which is situated Vor Frue Kirke the Church of Our Lady,Copenaghen Cathedral and National Cathedral of Denmark.

That religious temple has had a long history of destruction and reconstruction.The former Church was built in the year 1187,but it had several restoration works year by year continuing  until 1209.It was completely rebuilt three times in 1316, 1738 and 1829 after being destroyed by fires,while the present you can see today was designed by architect Christian Frederik Hansen and completed in 1829.

The actual facade in Neoclassical style is flanked by an impressive tower 60 metres high,one of the a main highlights is a dome with a colonnade and a facade supported by columns.The inspiration is from the colonnade of the Pantheon in Rome,while the pediment is another classical example taking inspiration from the Temple of Hephaisteion of the Ancient Agora in Athens.

There is a deep contrast with the decorated interior and the exterior,inside the arrangement is pretty sober and austere,you can find statues made in Italian marble depicting Jesus and the Apostles by the sculptor Thorvaldsen and the Cathedral is also home of the oldest surviving Church bell in the country,dated the late 15th century.

Vor Frue Kirke is not only the most sacred location in Denmark,it also had great Royal influence,hosting the coronation ceremonies of every Danish King since the 16th century and a smattering of royal weddings throughout the years.

Despite that relevant importance it was only in the year 1924 that the Church of Our Lady became the City Cathedral of Copenhagen and for 85 years it has been little used by the Royal Family.On May 2004 it was the venue for the wedding of Crown Prince Frederik and Australian lady Mary Donaldson.

Behind the Cathedral between Frue Plats and Krystalgade you can see Kobenhavn Universitet,the University of Copenhagen.Founded in 1479,that relevant Institute has a great and brilliant tradition,it is considered the best university of Denmark and Scandinavia,the 7th best university of Europe

In addition to that prestigious success  it is also ranked as the 40th University in Top 500 World Universities ranking with in its history 9 Nobel prizes such as Niels Bohr, the son Aage Bohr and Ben Roy Mottelson Nobel Prizes in Physics,Niels Ryberg Finsen,Johannes Grib Fibiger, Henrik Dam,August Krogh,Niels Kaj Jerne, Nobel Prizes in Medicine and Jens Christian Skou Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

In Krystalgade very close to the University, is situated the Great Synagogue.It is the main temple of the Jewish community present in the Danish Capital since the year 1622.The building is dated the 19th century and it was developed in neoclassical style after some arrangements and restorations.

The community,before the 2nd World War was pretty numerous and active,due the sad destiny of the Jews in that period with the the deportation and the holocaust,it was largely decimated with only some hundreds of survivors and some other emigrated to Israel later.

At the corner of Krystalgade and Norregade you can admire Sankt Peter Kirke a Lutheran Protestant medieval Church,site of the German-speaking congregation. The German community has always had a long and influential history and role in  Copenhagen,since 1585.

The building was built several times,it consists in a nave,a choir dated 15th century,the altar is in a superb Baroque style and the burial vaults under the Church were developed in 1648.You will note the difference about the use of different materials but all is very well arranged with an excellent choice of cohesion.

The charming bell tower with a scenic copper spire is dated the year 1757 and at the exterior on a wall there is a marble plaque with the monogram of King Christian V in the north transept.In that temple were buried important Danish-German citizens,one of them is Johann Friedrich Struensee, doctor,scientist and royal physician.

There is a story linked to that figure,related to that he had an affair,with Queen Caroline Matilde,a secret love,hidden to the Monarch and the couple was protagonist of several meetings before to finish the relationship.Other prominent people buried there are the master of Danish Rococo and Royal Court architect Nicolai Eigtved and Ernst Heinrich Berling, journalist,writer and founder of the still existing newspaper Berlingske Tidende, published for the  first time in 1749 in Copenhagen.

Coming back to Radhuset Plats walking along Vesterbrogade,you will meet the famed and iconic Tivoli Park a landmark of the city attracting over 5,000,000 of visitors a year.You can enjoy there an afternoon and evening it is the theme park most visited in Scandinavia and the third in Europe.

Tivoli´s founder Georg Carstensen,son of a Danish diplomat,an entrepreneur and  friend of the writer Hans Christian Andersen,opened that iconic attraction in 1843.Carstensen idea was to create an amusement park but transmitting culture and history to attract people of every age and social class and giving that place a cosmopolitan aspect.

It was opened with the captivating name Tivoli & Vauxhall,inspiration from Jardin de Tivoli in Paris and Vauxhall Gardens in London,furthermore the name was great inspiration coming from  that charming town near Rome famed for its gardens,waterfalls and fountains in the area of Aniene river.

That active man studying the situation introduced soon The Tivoli Symphony Orchestra directed by the composer Hans Lumbye, the music inspiration in that period was from Austria with Der Wiener Waltz  with symphonies by Johann Strauss,with classical music was fundamental to create some attractions to add as Theatre performances and shows.A great idea was The Commedia dell´Arte Italiana performed by an artist and mimic called Giuseppe Casorti.

The theatre was the home of Italian pantomimes,,which included the characters of Harlequin,Columbine, and Pierrot,a great idea,because the absence of spoken dialogue was an advantage listening the melodic music watching the show.In addition was also created Peacock Theatre in Chinese style with bright colours in accordance with the symbolism of Chinese philosophy,that representation was combined to Commedia dell´Arte Italiana and it was a great success.

Tivoli Park is an International, famous amusement park with an old tradition and many attractive buildings which were erected,loyal to the concepts to represent the world imagining Oriental Palaces,as the Chinese Tower with its restaurant which was built in 1900 and located beautifully beside the Tivoli Lake.

The Nimb Palace Bazaar is a Moorish building with a large restaurant brasserie,the Boys Guards founded in 1843 are also part of the entertainment,Danish boys in Royal Danish Guard uniforms created as Carstensen wanted  with a very attractive cosmopolitan atmosphere.

There are many amazing attractions in that place from a roller coaster to a carousel, and many others.Tivoli provided Walt Disney inspiration for the creation of the first Disney park,in California and the writer, Hans Christian Andersen,was inspired by that place when he wrote The Nightingale.That emblematic site is still  the most visited theme park in Scandinavia and one of the most visited in Europe and it never lost its captivating charm.

Kongens Nytorv is culturally and historically one of the most important places in the city and home of important Institutions.Established by King Christian V,that square of clear French inspiration, similar to Place Royale of Nantes Place Royale of Reims,but the real inspiration was Place Royale of Paris.

The Danish Monarch was a great admirer about French urban creations and also a lover of the Grandeur of  the French Royal architecture and he decided to create a sort of replica,thinking in  its strategical position.

The project was to link an important and elegant area between Osterport the eastern city harbour  and the western canals and in addition the architect Axel Urups built around the square new walls.

In the centre of that charming square lies a statue of King Christian V in bronze which is the oldest equestrian statue in Scandinavia and it is a work by French sculptor Abraham César Lamoureux who also developed the other statues located at the four square corners are by the French artist.

There are many curiosities about the history of construction of that square.The inspiration about the King statue was from the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius that statue located at the end of the step on Campidoglio hill in Rome while the  four corner figures symbolising Queen Artemisia, Alexander the Great of Macedonia,Minerva and Hercules are obvisously linked to the classic Greece.

The allegoric statues have a mean,Artemisia represent honour, Alexander the Great fortitude,Hercules power and Minerva prudence and the inspiration were to wrap that square in a mythological and classic Greek-Roman atmosphere,naturally those sculptures gave more Classic style than a superb French square,

Another curiosity is there is not a hill as in Campidoglio and there is not a triumphal step and that initial project which had to be a hymn to a majestic French square became a charming cosmopolitan classic square equally very attractive.

There you can admire Charlottenborg Slot (Charlottenborg Palace) a beautiful building in Baroque style erected between 1672 and 1683 by architect Ulrik Frederik Gyldenlove.It is the oldest mansion situated in Nytorv,the name is  from the Danish Queen Mother Charlotte Amalie and it contains Det Kongelige Danske Kunstakademi the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts.The Gallery hosts relevant sculptures and paintings of the 19th century and a a library with a big collection of literature works.

The nearest Det Kongelige Teater the Royal Danish Theatre was built over 250 years ago,opened in the year 1748 and at the beginning performed French comedies.In 1774 the building was rebuilt increasing its capacity and performed arts,ballet,opera,dramas and place of Danish Royal Orchestra.

In the Royal Theatre the famous author Hans Christian Andersen at the age of 14 challenged his ambitions to start a career as actor,singer and ballet-dancer but he was not accepted.The most important performance in the history of the Theatre was the classic drama Faust performed live by the famous German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in the year 1814.

The beautiful Baroque Thott Slot is a palace hosting the French Embassy,and next to that building is located  the elegant Hotel d´Englaterre a charming 5 stars Hotels designed by the architect Vilhelm Dahlerup and dated 1875.That Hotel hosted many important people,such as Winston Churchill,Michael Jackson,The Rolling Stones,Walt Disney,Alfred Hitchock,Madonna among others.The nearest Danske Bank building is the largest Danish bank building in Denmark.In Nytorv you can also find the oldest Nytorv Tavern established in 1723, a symbol of the city so,excellent opportunity to have a coffee in that iconic place.

Nyhavn is a very charming borough and a great city landmark.(I wrote a post about it) Once sailor´s quarter, you can admire there beautiful 18th century houses and its emblematic canal developed  in 1673.The two sides of Nyhavn Kanal are often regarded as the longest and most crowded outdoor bar network in Scandinavia.There are there several restaurants,shops and cafes making it one a place with a vibrant nightlife and an unique atmosphere.  


New Port is the translation of that name Nyhavn was developed some years later through the work carried out during the reign of King Christian V as a gate between the old town and the sea,so at that time by the canal there was an easier connection to the centre and in particular to Kongens Nytorv,the square of the Kings. 

The picturesque coloured houses which adorn Nyhavn are also famous for being residences of prominent citizens, among them, Hans Christian Andersen, who moved from the city of Odense at the civic number 20 between 1834 and 1838, he wrote there his first novels.

Later he also lived even at the civic numbers 67 from 1845 to 1864 and in the last years of his life at the number18.Andersen was not the only famous resident of Nyhavn.Walking in the direction of the number 55, in the northern side,come to mind the delicate watercolours of Heinrich Gustav Ferdinand Holms,a Danish artist who became famous after his death.

A trace of a relevant passage was also the Danish poet Sigfred Pedersen,who helped that lively area to increase its fame adding a Bohemian touch in the early 20th century and the famous Christian Frederik Bredo Grandjean an Austrian-born pastry chef who lived in the Danish Capital managing his activity there.

Nyhanvn is today a colourful landmark of the city with its anchor at the beginning,its houses different boats along the canal,in the 70s the municipality of Copenhagen decided to transform it in a pedestrian area and today that place is packed by trendy bars,clubs and pubs.

The old wooden shops are a perfect detail so famous in spots,promotion of the city all around the world,a brilliant creation to mix past and present at the same time,also for all that Copenhagen is so gorgeous, special,creative and unique in its kind.

There you can take a boat enjoying the Gran Tour Kanal Cruise,the duration is approximately of one our it is a panoramic visit,admiring the city from another perspective,do not forget you are visiting a town founded on several islands,among its canals .

You will have the opportunity to admire many symbols of the city such as Amalienborg Slot,Amaliehavn, Christianshavn, Vor Frelsers Kirke ,Den Sorte Diamant, Christiansborg Slot,Holmens Kirke and many other attractions of that amazing town.

Sankt Anne Plads is a square at the end of Nyhavn.That city corner has radically changed aspect, before it was the ferryboat terminal to Sweden,Oslo and rest of Scandinavia,the terminals moved to Nordhavn (The Northern harbour) and that section of Nyhavn hosts now, bars, cafes,some Hotels and it became an ideal place to have a relaxing walk after a canal cruise.

In the square turn on the right on Amaliengade and in a few minutes you can admire Amalienborg Plads.It is an amazing view,a gorgeous wide octagonal courtyard with in the centre an equestrian statue of King Frederik V ,the fountain of Amalie Gardens at the waterfront and four identical palaces consisting in the complex of Amalienborg Slot (Amalienborg Palace) surrounding the square.

 Amaliemborg Palace is the winter residence of the Royal Family,an impressive and a great work of Rococo architecture,perhaps one of the largest in its kind in Europe.The group includes four palaces, erected between 1750 and 1758 designed by the court architect Nicolai Eigtved.

Originally they were residence of the Danish nobility and Royal family's residence since 1797. The complex was commissioned by King Frederik V in the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the coronation of King Christian I.

Amalienborg became the Royal Residence after the fire of Christiansborg Palace and actually it is the Monarch’s winter residence.Christian IX Palace is the first Palace,in the year 1967,the building was restored for the successor to the throne,the crown Princess Margrethe and Prince Henrik,the Queen and the Prince Consort still use the Palace as their residence.

The second building is Christian VII Palace which was exclusively used to accommodate guests and for ceremonial purposes.After an exterior restoration and a recent interior arrangement,the palace is occasionally opened to the public.

The third Palace is Christian VIII Palace,inside are hosted the Queen’s Reference Library and a museum containing the Royal House Collections.The fourth Palace was the residence of Crown Princess Ingrid who lived there until her death in November 2000.

The Danish Royal family after the fire of Christianborg Palace was homeless,so those buildings were bought and the original names of them occupied by aristocratic families had different names such as : The first Palace was Schack Palace, residence of the Countess Anne Sophie Schack and Count Hans Schack the second Palace was Moltke Palace,residence of the Count Adam Gottlob Moltke.

The third Palace was,Levetzau Palace residence of the Count Christian Frederik Levetzau and the fourth Palace was Brockdorff’s Palace,residence of the Baron Joakim Brockdorff.After those changes took the names of Royal Denmark and Norway Dynasty.

The large square in the centre has a  the equestrian statue of King Frederik V of Denmark,the palace is surrounded by four nearly identical,which bear the names of Danish kings such as Christian VII, Christian VIII, IX and Christian Frederik VIII.

On the one hand, beyond the gardens of Amaliehaven there is  the same waterfront which turns toward the sea,on the other,along Frederiksgade,you can see the majestic dome of the well-known and imposing Marmorkirken the famed Marble Church and there,do not miss to watch the changing of the guard every day in the afternoon.

From the Amalienborg fountain you can have a great view on the new Opera House which stands on the other side overlooking the entrance to Copenhagen’s harbour.The national Opera House on Holmen island overlooks the water and provides a gleaming landmark when dark falls.That futuristic,ultra modern space inside was designed by architect Henning Larsen and it is one of the most contemporary theatres in the world.

Amalienhavn is a garden which was arranged and developed in the year 1983.That is the newest park in the city and it is located in a space between Amalienborg Palace and the port.It was created as a present to the inhabitants of Copenhagen,it has two levels and it was suggested by the Belgian architect Jean Delogne.In the park there are marble statues and a fountain at the centre and the bronze pillars around the fountain are a work by the Italian sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro.

 Marmokirchen the emblematic marble Church is situated at a short distance from Amalienborg Palace,that imposing structure has a very peculiar story.The work was interrupted shortly after its inception in 1749,as funds for the purchase expensive Norwegian marble were soon exhausted,resumed until a century later thanks to a local businessman.The initial design of the building was by Nicolai Eigtved dated 1740 and already included a large dome,still listed as the largest in Scandinavia.A series of statues of eminent theologians and religious figures,including one,depicting the Danish philosopher Kierkegaard surrounding the building.The Church was completed in the year 1894 after long works and problems,the main reasons were derived about the high costs of marble,the solution was found later buying marble with new funds from Norway as in the past.

Very impressing is the Dome with its 32 metres of diameter with a very evident and clear inspiration from St. Peter´s Basilica in Rome.

In  53 Bredgade,next to Marmorkirchen you can admire the Russian Orthodox Church of St Alexander Nevsky,designed by the Russian architect David Ivanovich Grimm and commissioned by Tsar Alexander III husband of Maria,daughter of Danish King Christian IX.

The style is typically of Muscovite inspiration,dominated by the three classical onion domes,the facade in grey bricks,in a niche above the bells stands a statue of Alexander Nevsky,the Russian Patron Saint.That temple was donated  at the end of the 19th century to the Orthodox community and it was inaugurated in the year 1883 by the Provost of St Petersburg Yaniseev.

In  62 Bredgade very close to the Church you can visit the Medicinsk Museet (Medicine History Museum) and where Bredgade ends turn on the right in Esplanaden a nice promenade next to Churchillparken (Churchill Park),there if you are interested about the 2nd World War you can visit Frihedsmuseet, which is an exhibition dedicated to the Danish Resistance commemorating the struggle against the Nazi occupation in the city and in the country.

 Walking along Langelinie a street which leads to the the Bay of Tolbodens Badehavn,you can see the famous Den Lille Havfrue statue alias The Little Mermaid Copenhagen symbol and landmark.It is the most photographed statue in Scandinavia.

Erected in the year 1913 the idea to develop such monument came to the Brewery Magnate Carl Jacobsen founder of ,Carlsberg Brewery and it is a bronze figure by sculptor Edvard Eriksen evoking the novel  by Hans Christian Andersen.

That statue inspired,artists, musicians, cinema,other writers,theatre and a multitude of other areas.That character reached Vienna,with symphonic performances in Austria by Alexander Zemlinsky with a long melodic poem,Die Seejungfrau (The Mermaid in German language).

In Paris the composer Germaine Tailleferre wrote a three-act opera version of La Petite Sirène, in USA, Walt Disney company adapted an animated film in 1989 and later a new version in the year 2000.

The Little Mermaid had a great success in USA in cinema and theatre,with Shirley Temple,starring in Theatre and in a movie and also in the iconic Broadway at New York as musical and later performed in California by San Francisco Ballet.

In Japan the popularity of the Little Mermaid reached incredible peaks in Cinema with films by Director Katsumaka,in Manga works and comics by Junko Mizuno and Hayao Miyazaki.Also in Eastern Europe Russia and Bulgaria,produced animated films about that figure with the name Pycanovska .

That city icon is narrated in the Reader´s Digest and for 5 months the statue was transported in China,in occasion of Shangai Expo 2010.That statue placed on a rock of Copenhagen is a symbol for Danish people like for American people is the Statue of Liberty,for the French the Tour Eiffel, for Italians ll Colosseo, for English people the Big Ben or for Chinese people The Great Wall and its popularity reached all the world.

 Worth a visit the Kastelett the Old Citadel a historical monument situated in a park dated the year 1626. The former construction was completed in 1664 and named Frederikshavn Kastelett and it was the defencive headquarter of the city. 

The fortress is Europe's oldest military bastion and still in operation,erected in Renaissance style,the buildings and the gates were developed using red bricks as main material.You can walk around the rampant which served as protection of the city,in the past.

 Inside the fortification there is also an original windmill dated 1847,a Baroque Church dated 18th century and behind it the old prisons.In summer The Royal Danish Ballet performs some shows in that beautiful scenery which is one of the most panoramic corners of Copenhagen.

Take the bus n 14 from Osterport Station next to the Citadel to Norreport Station.Next to the station in 48 Solvgade is situated the Statens Museum for Kunst,the Danish National Gallery which is the only place in Denmark where you can admire a collection of 700 years history of Danish art and culture.

 In addition the museum hosts several collections of Danish and foreign paintings,sculptures,drawings and various sections with different items.The interiors, painted in bright shades of blue,red,gray and green green,includes artists who made the history such as Rubens,Rembrandt, Bruegel, Juelm Jens Abildgaard, Eckersberg, Bends, Ejnar Nielsen and Edvard Munch but also Modigliani, Picasso and Matisse.

Taking Kultorvet continuing towards Kobmager straede you will reach Rundetarn the iconic Round Tower. Built for initiative of King Christian IV and located in the heart of the city,that construction is part of the complex Trinitas,the academic centre of the 17th century,which in turn includes the Astronomical Observatory, the Church of the students, the University Library and the University of Copenhagen.

Inside the tower, on top,you can enjoy a beautiful view over the city through a spiral climb with no steps an unique architectonic masterpiece in its kind.You can reach the 210,0 metres on the summit walking along a spiral ramp which leads to the top to admire a beautiful view showing The Cathedral, Rosenborg Castle and Kings Gardens.

The tower inspired Hans Christian Andersen writing his novel,the Tinder Box and there also some curiosities linked to that place. It is said that Peter the Great of St. Petersburg in a visit to the city climbed to the top riding a horse.

Many different sports races and contest have been conducted along that  ramp to pursuit a record.The Unicycle Race Club Copenaghen organised every year competitions for cycling rally up and down the towers ramp and another one is linked to a German tourist  who in the year 1902 visiting the Danish Capital drove his car on the top of the tower.

The observatory present in the complex is one of the oldest in Europe, do not miss the stars in the clear winter nights.The Tower,40 meters  high was built as observatory in 1642, used as laboratory for astrological experiments,while the Trinities Complex consists in a  Church completed in 1656.

 In Dantes Plats very close to Radhusplats is located  Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek,a great Museum and if you are fond about art, paintings and sculptures it is a must.That wide exhibition was founded in the year 1888 by Baron Carl Jakobsen and it is a pride of the City.

The idea of that name is from the magnate who chose it with an inspiration from Ludwig 's Glyptotek in Munich-Germany.That name was for him a great idea,Glypto in ancient Greek language, means store or place where you can keep objects and materials,the intention of the Baron was to create a Museum,a collection in Copenhagen with masterpieces from the most important civilisations.

The Baron and Beer businessman was very fond about art, he had some British, Italian and German archaeologists friends,in particular a German called Wolfgang Helbig was Carl Jacobsen´s broker in Rome for 25 years.

The Gallery is particularly concentrated on ancient cultures from Mediterranean Area such as the Ancient Greece,the Roman Empire,the Italian Etruria and Egypt.Really stunning is the Egyptian collection with approximately 1900 pieces,the exhibition contains statues,reliefs, paintings, decorated mummies, painted mummy coffins and a wealth of tomb treasures.The oldest work is a hippopotamus from around 3000 BC and an important item is a sarcophagus purchased by the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

The Roman Empire collection consists in sculptures and reliefs in marble,covering the period from the 2nd century BC to the 5th century AD,from the Late Republic to the end of the Empire with around 700 pieces and it is one of the most important Galleries outside Rome.

Also very rich is the Greek section with around 200 items containing works from the 9th to the 1st century BC.Most of the important types of objects are represented by small statuettes in fired clay or bronze to large statues of gods in marble.

There is also a collection of Etruscan objects from North-Central Italy (Tuscany, Emilia Romagna and Lombardy) considered the most important in the world outside Italy and Mr. Jakobsen continued his collection with other works,he was also a Dutch and French paintings lover.

Very important the post impressionist space with relevant works displayed by Van Gogh, Bonnard and Lautrec Toulouse,and a part of the gallery is  dedicated to the French Impressionism with masterpieces by Gauguin, Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, Degas and Cézanne.

Notable is also the Danish collection,mainly concentrated in the Danish Golden Age with great works by Eckersberg, Købke and Lundbye,sculptures by Norwegian-Danish Stephan Sinding while the other sculptor present with many works is the French Auguste Rodin.

During the visit you can also admire  neoclassical sculptures with works by Italian Antonio Canova and works by the Swedish Johann Sergel.The Museum houses another small exhibition dedicated to modern art with some paintings by distinguished masters such as Meunier,Picasso and Giacometti among others.

In front of Dantes Plats take Vestergade walking along Frederiksholms Kanal you can visit another important gallery,Nationalmuseet,the largest museum of history of Denmark which is hosted in a beautiful 18th century building near the street Stroget.Expanded several times, today the complex is also mainly characterised by a modern space,subdivided int different thematic areas.

Very interesting is the collection about Danish prehistory at the first floor and another one which displays the chariot of the Sun of the 12th century B.C,found in the year 1902 at Trundholm in North Zealand, as well as those that abound of famous Viking rune stones.

The following areas are devoted to most modern periods, the medieval and Renaissance,as the altar of Aarhus and the Rococo section.The museum also offers a space at the third floor dedicated to ancient Greek,Roman and Middle Eastern collections..

Crossing Marmor Bro (Marble Bridge) there is another Copenhagen historical site,Slotsholmens which is a small island but it is an important area of the city containing many historical attractions,also called Castle Islands because five castles were built there.

The first attraction you can not to miss is Christianborg Slot (Christianborg Castle) or Christianborg Palace.It is a beautiful building and it is the centre of Danish Democracy as the seat of the Folketinget,the Danish Parliament,the Supreme Court,the Prime Minister's office and the Royal Reception Rooms.

That majestic construction was erected in Baroque style,with typical Scandinavian green copper roof, and it is separated in two wings.The first one hosts the Danish Parliament and offices while the other houses the Royal Reception Rooms,the Queen's Library,the Audience Chambers, the Sovereign in Council rooms,the Prime Minister's Office and the Supreme Court.

Absolutely gorgeous is the main Royal entrance,huge,with high vaults and a wide arch supported by an Atlas of six Atlantes sculptures,which is carved in solid limestone and the Throne Room where Queen Margrethe receives foreign ambassadors and the Diplomatics.

The hall is an elegant Baroque masterpiece,with decorated walls, you can visit the Danish Parliament and the Folketing the chamber of politic debates very attractive with its white neoclassical details and decorated with beautiful reliefs.

 On the right,on the side of Holmens Kanal,if you are a lover about sculptures visit Thorvaldsen Museet a very interesting exhibition where you can admire an impressive collection of statues and busts by the famed sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen,the most important Danish sculptor all time.The artist, lived 40 years in Rome,he received several compliments for his talent by a great genius as Antonio Canova the Venetian prominent Master of Classic and Neoclassic sculpture and Master of Roman Pontiffs Arts.

Thorvaldsen became a sort of Canova successor.He built a masterpiece in Rome as the tomb monument of Pope Pius VII, the only work by a non-Italian to be located in the St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican.His fame and talent was really great and he became internationally famous.

He also worked in Warsaw-Poland where he made the statues of Nicolaus Copernicus and Jozef Poniatowski in Germany with the statue of Maximilian I in Munich, the statue of Johannes Gutenberg in Mainz and also in Lucerne-Switzerland where the artist sculpted the famous Lion Monument.
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That talented man reached his fame not only in Europe but also in America, many important American entities in Chicago,Baltimore,Los Angeles,Salt Lake City,Texas and Arizona used replicas of Thorvaldsen works as building symbols,very famous besides a bronze copy of Thorvaldsen's Self-Portrait stands in Central Park,New York, near the East 97 Street entrance.

Thorvaldsen museum is a great attraction,in the Great Hall you can admire the exact copy of Pope Pius VII’s sepulchral monument erected in pure marble in Saint Peter's Basilica,or other masterpieces as the 3 Graces and Cupid,or the replica of of Apostles and baptismal font similar to those ones in marble placed in the Cathedral of Our Lady.

Next to the Thorvaldsen Museum is situated  the Palace Chapel,erected in Neoclassical style and completed for services of the members of the Royal Families and Court in the year 1826.The first Royal ceremony was the wedding of Prince Frederik in 1828,the latest memorial service for a deceased Sovereign was held in the year 2000, when sadly Queen Ingrid lay in state at the Palace Chapel.

On the other side of the Christianborg Palace,you can see Den Sorte Diamant ,the Black Diamond, designed by  joint of architects such as Morten Schmidt,Bjarne Hammer and John Lassen.Opened in the year 1999, that modern building consists in two big black cubes in granite which are tilted over the street.

The Building is clad in 2500 square meters in black granite from Zimbabwe cut and polished in Northern Italy,the modern and sophisticated glass walls of the Reading Rooms 6 metres high x 2,5 metres wide made in Germany,and the steel joist in the Atrium were manufactured and forged in Poland.

That building is a landmark of the modern Copenhagen,it became in a short time one of the  favourite modern symbols of the new city,as one of the first contemporary buildings to be hosted in the historic waterfront district Slotsholmen.

 Inside are housed, in addition to the library, also two Museums the National Museum of Photography, the Museum of Comics,a Auditorium,concert halls,rooms for cultural events, including literary events, theatrical performances and various conferences.Three bridges connect the Black Diamond to the old part of the old Royal Library Det Kongelige Bibliotek, the architectonic contrast will impact your vision changing from a modern and innovative building to another dated 1648.

Turning on the left from the Black Diamond you can admire the Borsen which is is the Copenaghen Old Stock Exchange,one of the oldest constructions in the city survived to the great fire.It is actually a beautiful landmark for its position next to the maritime canal.

Its construction is in typical Dutch Renaissance style combined with the tower and spire which is 60,0 metres high,very impressive,ending in a spear with three crowns symbolising the Kalmar Union, meaning the relationship between Denmark-Norway with Sweden.Inside,there is the beautiful Exchange Hall,which is used today for banquets,ceremonies,meetings and conventions while the Old Hall hosted around 40 shops but that activity finished in the year 1974.

On the other side of the canal,you can see the Dansk Nationalbanke and on the left Holmens Kirche (Holmens Church) which is the old Royal Naval Church.The highlights of that religious building are in its interior consisting in a beautiful oak altar,an impressive organ built in the year 1738, with 53 stops and 4,300 pipes and a votive ship commemorating Niels Juel's warship from Christianus Quintus.

The Admiral Niels Juel considered a national hero who defended Copenaghen and defeat the Sweden Fleet Army in Koge Bay in 1677 is buried in the Chapel and there is also a sarcophagus of another naval hero the Norwegian Admiral Peter Tordenskiold.That Church is also pretty famous because it hosted in the year 1967 the wedding between Queen Margrethe and the French Count Henri Marie Jean André Laborde de Monpezat who later became Prince Henrik of Denmark.

Do not miss to visit Rosenborg Slot,another emblematic symbol of Copenhagen.That magnificent building was erected in the year 1663,despite losing a part of the original moat,its structure is original respecting the former construction with its distinctive Renaissance architecture in red brick.

It became the summer-house of King Christian IV and one of the Denmark true royal residences.After overcoming wars and fires,the Castle lies in a beautiful rose garden and Rosenborg Slot,traslated means Castle of the roses the name derives from the coat of arms of Kirsten Munk,second wife of the King,which depicts three roses.

King Christian IV,commissioned the construction, lived,governed and died there although he loved so much the other Royal residence Frederiksborg Castle, situated about 40,0 kilometres away from the city.
Designed in Dutch Renaissance style by Flemish architect Hans van Steenwinckel and completed in the year1624 it is dominated by two tall towers covered in green copper with a central building in the middle.

The interior shows all its Grandeur with tapestries evoking the life of Alexander the Great, paintings by Dutch and Flemish school,mirrors,shining crystals,decorated floors and charming walls.Rosenborg Slot houses the Royal Danish Collections and the Crown Jewels and highlights of the palace are the  the inner chambers,especially the hall 21 site of the coronation, the splendid crown of King Christian IV, the number of relics collected by the 18th century and three silver lions which guard the throne.

Taking the buses 10 or 14 to Vesterport Station,there you can see you can see the Hotel Radisson SAS. a work by famous architect Arne Jacobsen.The exterior is at first sight a simple tall building but take a look to the lobby and the Hotel Hall.If you are a design lover,you will appreciate the famous Egg and Swan chairs or ask in the reception if it is possible to look at for some minutes the Royal Suite room number 606.

In front of the Hotel you can see,the Liberty Memorial erected in the year 1797,using Italian and Polish marble mixed with Danish sandstone.in honor of King Christian VII, a monument for abolishing inscription and for his efforts on supporting agriculture reforms and Danish people always loved the Monarchy for that kind of reasons too.The monument is created by the sculptor Nicolai Abildgaard, depicting four figures symbolising Fidelity,Justice,Virtue and Courage.

Very close to that monument is situated Kobenhavns Hovedbanegard,Copenaghen Central Station,it is the oldest station in Denmark.The facade was developed in red brick with three central towers,do not miss there to take a look to the Københavns Hovedbanegård cycles parking with more than 3500 bicycles parked alongside the Station area everyday.

In addition that place is also an iconic meeting point for locals.Copenaghen old generations many years ago started a sort of nice tradition which also continue today,saying "we will meet under the clock",that clock is the famous clock of the station.

Worth a visit Kronborg Slot a beautiful castle located in Helsingør,situated in the marina,it is a charming manor erected in 1574,with a spectacular view of Sweden.The castle is also known for hosting the Knights Hall,approximately 62 meters long,one of the longest halls in Europe.Inside it hosts the statue of Holger Danske,whose stone according to a legend could become a powerful weapon in defence of the Kingdom in case of attack and it is also the place where William Shakespeare set the story of his masterpiece Hamlet.

Very famous worldwide is The free city of Christiania.Founded in the year 1971,it is a sort of small town within a city,originally that place was the site of a military barracks.Born as an alternative place to the dominant society,inhabited by about 900 residents and taking a culture characterised by mostly referred to hippies.ç

The area has a unique status as it is regulated by a special law,the Christiania Act of 1989,which transfers the supervision of the Municipality of Copenhagen to the Danish government.The main feature of the area,which is the same source of controversy since its creation, is the use and sale of soft drugs like cannabis, tolerated by the authorities until 2004.

Apart the several parks and gardens in the city,you can enjoy a walk on Copenaghen beaches too.The beaches of Amager  includes a park arranged in the year 1934, which extends from the baths of Helgoland  to Kastrup in the southern side of Copenhagen.The beaches of Helgoland  Söbadanstalt have a marina built in 1913, including the baths winter of the Cold Shock organised in three sections and open from May to August.

Copenaghen offers the visitor a vibrant and lively nightlife,in the district of Nørrebro there are different kind of clubs and bars with live music,underground,hip hop and techno music but also,Jazz,Chill Out and Latin American music.In the area of Vesterbro there is very famous Vega concert hall,club,disco,lounge & cocktail bar and the plain colours give it a unique atmosphere with zigzag tiled floors to the 60 murals. 

Copenhagen Jazz House in Niels Hemmingsen,10 is not only Jazz but also live soul  funky music shows,Tivoli Koncertsalen is the right place with Opera House for a night in company of  classical music.Nyhavn is another lively districts with its several pubs and bars,Nyhavn 17,and Vinbaren could be two good choices.(I wrote a post about this district if you are interested)

Copenaghen cuisine reflects the most imaginative Nordic gastronomy,marinated herrings,grilled salmon try the classic Rulleål, the omelette of Fyn,the Kålpolse,sausage served with potatoes and cabbage or the famous Smorrebrod rich canapes served  with rye bread and butter,in its simplest form,or with cheese,eggs,shrimp,salmon,ham and much more food.Gotland scallops with truffles,Limfjorden blue mussels in apple and cider are also higlights of excellent culinary products and all of high and genuine quality.

Among the cheeses,which have a great tradition,very famous  is the Maribo similar to Swiss Emmenthal, while the Danablu is a blue cheese similar to the British Blue Stilton,French Roquefort or Italian Gorgonzola.

The traditional Krasenhage is a pie pastry with fruit and the Bondepige a dessert made by custard,apple and chocolate pieces.Do not miss to try the delicious Pebbernoder  biscuits flavoured with cinnamon and ginger.Copenaghen is a mecca for beer lovers with several kind of the famous Carslberg,but also Tuborg Ceres,Vores and Faxe.
The International Copenhagen-Kastrup Airport is located approximately at 10 kilometres from the Curban centre.It is one of the major airports in Scandinavia and it has been declared by Forbes one of the top 10 airports in the world.The links between the Airport and the City are guaranteed by the network HUR with bus lines number 12, 30, 36, the express line 250S every 10 minutes.

The efficient metro system of Copenhagen consists of two lines and 22 stations including the section connecting the airport.The two lines are the green M1 extending from Vanlose to Vestamager for about 14 km and the yellow M2  which extends from Vanlose to Lufthavnen and up to Copenhagen Airport for a distance of approximately 19 kilometresThe main Bus Station and S-tog is located in Kobenhavn H and are guaranteed connections in all the 95 city neighbourhoods city and in all the  neighbouring areas.

Definitely that city of Scandinavia is full of surprises its Nordic charm is mixed with an almost Latin atmosphere in its night,during the day it is so pleasant to discover strolling its streets and squares the colours of its houses and buildings have something of of magic and when you leave it there are always pleasant memories.

The Danish Capital is a kind of city which conquers all with its noble and royal charm with its eclectic and modern aspect in design and architecture,Copenhagen inspired many artists as Andersen and it was inspiration of modern minds too.

That mixture of ancient and modern you can admire in Copenhagen is as a great cocktail to taste and enjoy when you will travel to that stunning city as a future destination ended your stay you will want to return a second time.

You will discover at the first sight as Copenaghen is splendid,wonderful,shining and unique,every time day and night,that gorgeous gateway to Scandinavia is like to enter in an Eden discovering thousands of marvellous things.

Francesco Mari



Recommended Hotels in Copenhagen

Hotel Crowne Plaza Towers Copenhagen
Hotel D´Angleterre
Hotel Andersen Copenaghen
Hotel Nimb
Hotel Mayfair Clarion Collection
Hotel Bertrams Guldsmeden
Hotel Axel Guldsmeden
Hotel Palace Copenaghen
Copenaghen Admiral Hotel 
Hotel Kong Arthur
Hotel Charlottehaven


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