Make Scandinavia your first stop in Europe - 10 must do activities in Copenhagen, Denmark
August 18, 2009
The strengthening Australian dollar is now performing around 20 per cent better against the Scandinavian currencies than this time last year and with hot, business and economy class deals from Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), this is the ideal time to make Scandinavia the first stop on your European tour. One must see is Denmark’s capital – Wonderful Copenhagen.
This 800-year-old city’s charming canals, cobblestone streets and copper spires are a perfect accompaniment to Copenhagen’s modern lifestyle of avant garde design, architecture, fashion and culinary movements. This exciting cocktail of old and new has produced a unique city brimming with exciting things to see and do.
Here is our top-ten Taste Tester for Copenhagen:
1. Make a royal visit to the Amalienborg Palace
The Danish Royal Family has lived in Amalienborg Palace since the late 18th Century. The Rococo-style palace consists of four main buildings which open out onto a square with a statue of Frederik V in the middle. Be sure not to miss the changing of the guard at noon every day.
Inside, visitors can stroll through the royal chambers not in daily use by Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik where the rooms spill over with historical furnishings, artwork and paintings fit for a Queen.
2. StrøgetShopping and Sightseeing
At just over one kilometre, Strøgetis the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe. Pulsing with lively buskers and an abundance of shopping from high-end designers to more “recessionista” friendly outlets, there is something for everyone.
To avoid “shop and drop” syndrome, recharge your batteries in one of the countless cafes and restaurants on or just off the street.
While there, make a beeline for the Church of Our Lady (Vor Frue Kirke) where Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary were married.
3. Revisit your childhood with the Little Mermaid
Despite her diminutive name, the little Mermaid is Denmark’s most popular tourist attraction and one of the most photographed statues in the world. Brought to life by Hans Christian Andersen and immortalised in the Disney Classic, she sits on a rock on Copenhagen’s waterfront near the Langelinie Wharf.
She was presented to the city on 23 August 1913 by Carl Jacobsen, so this has marked her birthday ever since. Try and coincide your visit with her birthday, and you’ll witness wannabe mermaids, festivities galore and a crowd of women jumping into the waters to form the number of her age.
4.Relax by Nyhavn Canal
The picturesque Nyhaven, which means New Harbour, is a bit of a contradiction, as it actually dates back to the late 17th Century. The Nyhaven Canal was built to connect the city with the sea.
Today, the harbour retains an air of yesteryear with its cobblestone streets, wooden row boats and a kaleidoscope of colourful row houses.
Visitors can take in the history with some Danish comfort food in one of the bars, cafes or restaurants dotted along the canal and then take their sightseeing to the waters on a guided boat tour.
5. Draw some inspiration from Danish designs at the Dansk Design Centre
The Dansk Design Centre features work from the cream of the Danish design world. Already in Copenhagen’s heart, their goal is to become the design centre of Europe.
Visitors can stroll through 100 years of Danish modern design, with interactive displays and exhibits of furniture and decorative arts.
On the way out, make a pit stop at the nearby City Hall Square, where there is always a great variety of entertainment.
6. Star gazing at the Round Tower
The Round Tower, orRundetaarn, was built by King Christian IV in 1642, making it the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. The tower offers an astronomical view of space and the city alike.
To get to the top, visitors will need to spiral up 268.5 metres worth of walkway, but the reward is all the sweeter for the effort. On the way to the top, visitors can also seize the opportunity to visit the library hall, which used to hold the university’s entire book collection but now displays changing exhibitions of art, culture, history and science.
If visiting during the European winter (December – February), the observatory is open on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and during summer (June – August) Sunday Afternoons.
7. The Tivoli Treatment
With rides galore, sprawling gardens and restaurants aplenty, Tivoli will treat visitors to a great day out no matter what they are after.
Adrenaline seekers should take on Tivoli’s newest ride Vertigo, which reaches speeds of up to 100 km/h and makes 360 degree turns. More traditional ride lovers can take a whirl on the classical carousel.
Foodies will also enjoy Tivoli; with 38 different restaurants and food stalls, they will be spoilt for choice. Be sure to catch a whiff of fresh ice cream cones wafting through the air, or better yet, grab an ice cream and head to the picturesque gardens for a bit of people watching. If the timing is right, there might even be a concert on.
8. Discover Denmark’s most famous Castle - Kronborg
Kronborg Castle in Elsinore is one of the most important Renaissance castles in northern Europe and is also the most famous castle in Denmark. Around 200,000 Danes and tourists visit every year.
Although no royals live at Kronborg Castle, it has the allure of its very own mythical stone figure and boasts a mention in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. According to legend, if the kingdom is threatened, Denmark’s national hero, Holger Danske, will shed his stone guise and become flesh and blood to defend the fatherland.
For those travelling with little ones or have some waiting at home, make sure to pick up a Kronborg for kids booklet. It’s filled with fun quizzes and puzzles about the castle to get them learning without them knowing about it!
9. Fristaden Christiania – Another world within Copenhagen
Fristaden Christiania, or Freetown Christiania, is one of Denmark’s biggest drawcards because it is almost like entering a parallel universe. In 1971 a group of hippies took over the area which used to be a site for military barracks. Today it is a self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood, with a liberal view on drugs, anarchistic tendancies and a penchant for art and organic living. They are particularly known for their DIY homes which are a sight in itself. You can also find murals, sculptures, concerts, theatre performances and more.
10. Forget the fridge magnet and grab a unique souvenir at the flea market
Visitors can find one-off souvenirs at one of the many flea markets around Copenhagen. They thrive during spring and summer and offer preloved goods, bric-a-brac, antiques and everything in between.
Visitors looking for original designs should head to the market on the grand Kongens Nytorv Square. Every Saturday, 25-30 artists display their wares ranging from clothing, jewellery, paintings, textiles, graphics, arty postcards, ceramics and sculptures.
Another market to check out isRavnsborggade Flea Market, which is named after the street it is on. The market is known for its antiques but there are all sorts of shops to be found along the street. An added bonus is its close proximity to Copenhagen’s lakes at the end of Nørrebrogade.
Getting there
To help you get to Wonderful Copenhagen, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is offering a ‘great bargain sale’ for business and economy fares to over 40 European cities. Offer ends 31 August 2009.
For more information visit http://www.flysas.com.au/ or call 1300 727 707. For information on Scandinavia go to http://www.visitscandinavia.com.au/
-ENDS-
The Scandinavian Tourist Board (STB) is a joint initiative of the national tourist boards of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. STB and Principal Partner, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), co-operate in Australia, to promote travel to Scandinavia. Carpe Diem PR & Events is the representative of STB in Australia.
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