Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, is one super chilled out city. It’s also one of the greenest cities in Europe and is often ranked the happiest city in the world. It was the first stop on my recent interrailing adventure through central/eastern Europe. Here’s my postcard from Copenhagen – my first impressions in pictures (and a few words).
Flying into Copenhagen was really pretty
flying into Copenhagen
The Rundetaarn
The Rundetaarn, or Round Tower as it translates in English, is a tower in the centre of Copenhagen. What makes it unique is it has no steps. To get to the top you walk around 209 metres up a winding spiral ramp to the observation deck where your reward is a panoramic view of old Copenhagen.
Spiral ramp inside The Rundetaarn
Looking out over old Copenhagen
Rundetaarn Observatory
Rundetaarn is also the oldest functioning observatory tower in Europe. It’s home to a gigantic refracting telescope dating back to 1929. The observatory is open to visitors in winter evenings, but sadly it wasn’t open when I visited.
Rundetaarn Observatory
Nyhavn Harbour
One of the most instantly recognisable images from Copenhagen, Nyhavn Harbour really is as beautiful as it looks in pictures.
I can imagine during the summer months, Nyhavn is crammed with tourists, but in late April, it was a picturesque, calm and peaceful place to stop off for a drink after a busy day exploring Copenhagen.
Nyhavn Harbour
Rosenborg Garden
Even on a bitterly cold April day, Rosenborg Garden, also known as King’s Garden, is a popular spot for locals and tourists to kick back and relax.
Rosenborg Garden
The Little Mermaid
I won’t lie. I’m slightly confused as to why a statue of the Little Mermaid is Copenhagen’s most popular tourist attraction. The Little Mermaid is a small, unassuming bronze statue by Edvard Eriksen, based on the fairy tale of the same name by Hans Christian Anderson. It’s on the Langelinie promenade near Kastellet Park. I doubt it’ll blow you away, but I guess it’s worth a visit if only for a photo opportunity, as you make your way to Kastellet Park.
If you happen to be in the vicinity of the Little Mermaid / Kastellet Park at sunset (for us, that was at exactly 8:24pm) you will hear the traditional Holmen cannon fire that marks the end of the day.
The Little Mermaid
Kastellet Park
In years gone by, Kastellet was a fortress, guarding the city of Copenhagen. It’s still used for military purposes but now it’s mainly a public park.
Windmill at Kastellet Park
Freetown Christiania
Christiania, also known as Freetown Christiania, is an arty, hippie, eco-friendly self governed free state in the centre of Copenhagen. It’s vibrant and colourful with self-built houses, art galleries, music venues and cheap bars and cafe’s.
Visitors to Christiania are respectfully advised not to take videos or photos, especially in the area around Pusher Street – a street aptly named for its stalls selling weed. Weed is illegal in Copenhagen but it is openly used in the area.
Freetown Christiania, in my experience, has a really cool, friendly, peaceful vibe and is definitely worth a visit.
Entrance to Freetown Christiania
Sculpture in Freetown Christiania
Tivoli
Right in the centre of Copenhagen, next to its main train station, Tivoli is the world’s second oldest amusement park, said to be the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Disneyland Park in Orlando. You have to pay for each ride in addition to an entrance fee so it can be quite expensive, but still, it’s charmingly retro funfair rides, fun atmosphere and picturesque surroundings makes it a great place to visit.
Tivoli
Exploring Copenhagen
One of my favourite things to do was to walk around the city’s narrow cobbled streets, avoiding cyclists, and just take in the everyday sights, sounds and chilled out Copenhagen vibes.
For more, check out my interrailing adventure video highlights