Where to Now
Denmark was the jumping off country for our Scandinavian adventure. After research we found it would be very easy to visit Demark, Norway and Sweden together. We would take regional airlines between the countries. This is a relatively cheap option and the trains take a lot longer.
Copenhagen Demark Overview
City View
We arrived for our two day stay in the capital city of Copenhagen. It is home to their royal palaces, the world oldest amusement park Tivoli, the colorful harbor Nyhavn and little mermaid statue. Denmark's monarchy has the oldest continuing line in the world trancing back over a thousand years. In Copenhagen you have the old-world architectural charm meeting modern designed buildings all cohabiting together.
Getting to Downtown Copenhagen
Pier View
From the airport we took the train into the center city where our hotel was only a five-minute walk. There are many options to get around the city we walked everywhere but they do have a metro and numerous buses to get you around. The city is spread out, so you might chose several transportation options. Two full days allowed us to see everything we wanted too, and we didn't feel rushed.
Some Top Attractions in Copenhagen DenmarkTivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens
As one of Denmark's national treasures founded in 1843, it is filled with something for everyone. It consists of beautiful scenery featuring exotic architecture, historic buildings and lush manicured gardens. If you visit at night, there are thousands of colored lights throughout the park. It is recommended to get the Copenhagen Card to allow access to multiple attractions and free public transportation.
Little Mermaid & Nyhavn
The little mermaid is located at Langelinje Pier. It is close to Nyhavn so try seeing them together. Inspired by Hans Christian Anderson's fairy tale, it is a featured sculpture made of bronze and granite.
Nyhavn
Nyhavn was a commercial port from ships around the world where they would dock and unload their goods. Today, it has beautiful houses and restaurants dominating its port. Daily you will see people enjoying the relaxed atmosphere listening to music or enjoying great food. Just take a stroll prior to going to the see the little mermaid. We wouldn't stop for any food because it is overpriced since it is a tourist hot spot.
Rosenborg Castle
Castle View
Home to royal art treasures, crown jewels, royal regalia and over 400 years of splendor in the heart of Copenhagen. Built in the early 17 th century by Scandinavian King Christian IV featuring the main attraction of Knights Hill, extensive Venetian glass collection and the crown jewels.
Savior's Church
Savior's Church
It is one of the baroque churches in Copenhagen, famous for the helix spire with an external winding staircase you can climb. Climbing the staircase should only be for people that can physically handle the numerous flights of stairs. They are steep and small. There isn't an elevator the only way up and down is to climb. It is worth it for the great views. It's about $16 for two adults. Be careful climbing up and down the stairs can be tricky with others coming / going in the opposite direction and is mostly outside.
Kronborg Slot - Outside of Copenhagen Denmark
Castle View
The castle is symbolic to the Danish people located between Denmark and Sweden. Constructed in 1574 as a Renaissance castle, still intact today best known for the setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet.
You can visit the castle by taking the train ( it's only a 45 minutes ride) from the central station in Copenhagen, the last stop on the gray line is the city where the castle is located. It is cheaper than the bus tour even after you pay the entrance fee. The visit does require a lot of walking and there are many stairs to climb, even if you don't do the tower. There aren't elevators and is not handicap accessible. It is one of the nicer castles you can visit. We thought Rosenborg had a lot to see. Most attractions cost $49 for two adults in Copehagen. Go early to avoid the tour buses. Stop by the town they have nice shops to visit.
It is located just outside of the meat packing district. You can walk to Trivoli amusement park in 5 minutes, the average walk to other attractions was about 10-15 minutes. You can take the metro to the ones that are further out. The staff was very helpful and knowledgeable with recommendations for lunch, dinners and places to visit.Room sizes were big for Europe, when choosing your room select one on a higher floor on the back side of the building. At night it was hard to sleep with all the people walking around and associated noise. They do not have clocks in the room so bring one from home or have your phone close by. They provide a buffet breakfast daily starting at 7 am with a nice variety at a reasonable price. Additionally, they also have wine hour from 5 - 6 pm each day, this was a nice surprise after returning after a long day walking around the city.
Dinner Options: Highly Recommended Both
KoD Vesterbro was right around the corner from our hotel. It was the best hamburger and truffle fries I have ever had. It is known for being a steak house but I would recommend it for their burger. My husband had the fillet which he enjoyed but couldn't help eating my fries. Everything was full of flavor, cooked perfectly and a very memorable experience. We went our first night and went back for dessert, drinks and fries our second. The fries were crisp, and the aioli was spicy. Everything is highly recommended. You can make reservations online, it is a small place like most European restaurants.
Another Dinner Option
Another dinner option we tried was Fiskebaren located in the meat packing district. This is a local hang out. Seafood is extremely fresh with many options to choose from. Their guiding principle simple sustainable seafood from the Nordic region. Try the oysters, you won't be disappointed. We also shared the mussels over a bottle of wine. They take reservations online it does get busy after work lets out. Locals have a drink and some oysters before heading home for the day.
In Closing Copenhagen Demark
Tivoli Gardens
These attractions we covered over two days, the Danish people were all very welcoming and as with all the other Scandinavian countries we visited. We could easily get around and there wasn't a language barrier, everyone spoke English. At the end of day two, we needed to pack for Norway the next morning.
Copenhagen Demark Travel Tips
In the harbor area
Take the train from the airport because it is cheaper and easier than a taxi Denmark doesn't use the Euro, they have their own currency hence plan accordingly Try the seafood it is all very fresh Based on what you want to visit look at the Copenhagen Card because it might save you some money Go to Tivoli Gardens in the evening because the lights make it magical Climb Savior Church if you can physically, it was memorable experience and one we hadn't done anywhere else Purchase the fast security line option for your airline ticket if you are traveling between the Scandinavian countries because it will save you time Understand the Scandinavian carryon baggage policy, most only allow for a backpack, laptop bag or purse because their overheads don't have room for carryon luggage Other Travel Tips