Copenhagen Trip Report
Sep 6th, 2004, 07:17 AM
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Copenhagen Trip Report
I (English guy in early 30s) have just returned from a long weekend away in Copenhagen. I don't see many posts on Denmark so I thought a trip report may be of interest to you European travellers.
First impression on Copenhagen was "blondes on bikes" Arriving at Central station you are confronted with an extraordinary large storage area of bicycles. The bike is to Denmark what the supermarket trolley is to England - just slot your coin in and off you go.
Another overriding theme is the lengths the Danish people will go to help tourists and the courtesy with which they deal with tourists speaking English. An example of this was going to a restaurant which had a private function on and rather than just saying "Sorry we are closed to the public" they went out of the way to direct me to another fabulous restaurant.
Talking about the people you can't help but fail to notice the pride Danes take in their nationhood. I was there when the national football team were taking on Ukraine and there was a real communal gathering of people in the Nyhaven area. Rather than being an intimidating group it was more like a giant street party. A sea of red and white.
This sense of nationhood is also expressed in the apparent reverence in which their royal family are held. For example the new royal couple are having an extended tour around Denmark to meet all their well- wishers.
My great loves are history, food, cafes and nightlife so the itinerary was based around this.
The tour of the royal reception rooms was excellent in providing enough detail for the history lovers amongst us but also a light hearted approach appreciated by all.
The ruins of the old bishop's castle were spectacularly atmospheric but after a while became just another set of rocks if I'm honest.
Amalienborg provided the pomp and splendour you would expect of a royal residence but in true Danish style seemed very democratic in having four separate buildings for the royal members.
The Little Mermaid is certainly not a must see except for the beautiful walk along the harbour and Kastellet/Churchill park. I suppose though you have to say it is like Eros at Piccadilly Circus in London - synonomous with the city.
Tivoli Gardens is of interest but unless you fancy putting your stomach in your mouth on a gravity defying ride - it is more of a look but don't touch experience.
I also visited the Carlsberg brewery in the suburb of Enghave. The tour is interesting if a little focused on the minutiae of brewing and the refereshing couple of glasses of Carlsberg at the end certainly make you feel more inclined to spend more money in the gift shop.
Cafe society really adds to the sophistication of the place and ensures that you never have to walk far to enjoy sitting back and watching the world pass you by
The food options are extensive in terms of ethnicity but it would be a shame to miss the smorrebrod of traditional Danish restaurants where they take the art of pickling herring to an artform.
The nightlife is young although all ages are made to feel welcome and the famous "cosy" nature of the pubs and clubs is very welcoming indeed.
All of this was topped off by exceptionally gorgeous sunny weather without the slightest humidity.
Message to all - don't miss this beautiful and welcoming city
First impression on Copenhagen was "blondes on bikes" Arriving at Central station you are confronted with an extraordinary large storage area of bicycles. The bike is to Denmark what the supermarket trolley is to England - just slot your coin in and off you go.
Another overriding theme is the lengths the Danish people will go to help tourists and the courtesy with which they deal with tourists speaking English. An example of this was going to a restaurant which had a private function on and rather than just saying "Sorry we are closed to the public" they went out of the way to direct me to another fabulous restaurant.
Talking about the people you can't help but fail to notice the pride Danes take in their nationhood. I was there when the national football team were taking on Ukraine and there was a real communal gathering of people in the Nyhaven area. Rather than being an intimidating group it was more like a giant street party. A sea of red and white.
This sense of nationhood is also expressed in the apparent reverence in which their royal family are held. For example the new royal couple are having an extended tour around Denmark to meet all their well- wishers.
My great loves are history, food, cafes and nightlife so the itinerary was based around this.
The tour of the royal reception rooms was excellent in providing enough detail for the history lovers amongst us but also a light hearted approach appreciated by all.
The ruins of the old bishop's castle were spectacularly atmospheric but after a while became just another set of rocks if I'm honest.
Amalienborg provided the pomp and splendour you would expect of a royal residence but in true Danish style seemed very democratic in having four separate buildings for the royal members.
The Little Mermaid is certainly not a must see except for the beautiful walk along the harbour and Kastellet/Churchill park. I suppose though you have to say it is like Eros at Piccadilly Circus in London - synonomous with the city.
Tivoli Gardens is of interest but unless you fancy putting your stomach in your mouth on a gravity defying ride - it is more of a look but don't touch experience.
I also visited the Carlsberg brewery in the suburb of Enghave. The tour is interesting if a little focused on the minutiae of brewing and the refereshing couple of glasses of Carlsberg at the end certainly make you feel more inclined to spend more money in the gift shop.
Cafe society really adds to the sophistication of the place and ensures that you never have to walk far to enjoy sitting back and watching the world pass you by
The food options are extensive in terms of ethnicity but it would be a shame to miss the smorrebrod of traditional Danish restaurants where they take the art of pickling herring to an artform.
The nightlife is young although all ages are made to feel welcome and the famous "cosy" nature of the pubs and clubs is very welcoming indeed.
All of this was topped off by exceptionally gorgeous sunny weather without the slightest humidity.
Message to all - don't miss this beautiful and welcoming city
Sep 6th, 2004, 07:26 AM
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Hi,
Great to hear that Copenhagen is such a lovely place, since I am going there in a few weeks.
Where did you stay? I have not made any reservations for accomodation yet, that's why I'm asking.
I hear that the airport is not far from the city. I have been to Kastrup airport many times, but this far have never had the time to stop and visit the city itself.
Any river/canal/harbour cruises that would be nice? How about Christiania? Worth a visit?
Great to hear that Copenhagen is such a lovely place, since I am going there in a few weeks.
Where did you stay? I have not made any reservations for accomodation yet, that's why I'm asking.
I hear that the airport is not far from the city. I have been to Kastrup airport many times, but this far have never had the time to stop and visit the city itself.
Any river/canal/harbour cruises that would be nice? How about Christiania? Worth a visit?
Sep 6th, 2004, 08:54 AM
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Hi hel,
If you can fit them in, I suggest visits to Roskilde (Viking Ship Museum and Cathedral) and the Frederiksborg Slot in Hillerød.
See http://wictor.dk/wictor/frederiksborg/frbslotGB.html
If you can fit them in, I suggest visits to Roskilde (Viking Ship Museum and Cathedral) and the Frederiksborg Slot in Hillerød.
See http://wictor.dk/wictor/frederiksborg/frbslotGB.html
Sep 7th, 2004, 02:20 AM
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Thanks Ira and Chatters for your kind words.
Helsinkiflyer - I stayed at the Mermaid Hotel in Longangsstraede - The location was perfect on a quiet side street near the National Museum. It was very convenient for both walking from the Central Station, Tivoli, the main shopping street Stroget and the royal palaces were also within walking distance.
The airport is only 15 minutes from the central station. The cost of the train is 25.5 krone.
I didn't personally do any boat cruises but I spoke to someone who got an all day pass and thoroughly enjoyed the views and the fantastic weather that Copenhagen was enjoying. You apparently go near the Little Mermaid to pick these up. Over Christiania sorry didn't get there. I'm sure others can help on this mini state on a constant high if you know what I mean...
Helsinkiflyer - I stayed at the Mermaid Hotel in Longangsstraede - The location was perfect on a quiet side street near the National Museum. It was very convenient for both walking from the Central Station, Tivoli, the main shopping street Stroget and the royal palaces were also within walking distance.
The airport is only 15 minutes from the central station. The cost of the train is 25.5 krone.
I didn't personally do any boat cruises but I spoke to someone who got an all day pass and thoroughly enjoyed the views and the fantastic weather that Copenhagen was enjoying. You apparently go near the Little Mermaid to pick these up. Over Christiania sorry didn't get there. I'm sure others can help on this mini state on a constant high if you know what I mean...
Sep 7th, 2004, 06:08 AM
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londonengland
Thank you for the good report. I will be going to Copenhagen later this year and everything I have read about it concurs with what you said. I've been wanting to go to Denmark for a long time and can't wait to get there! Thanks again.
Thank you for the good report. I will be going to Copenhagen later this year and everything I have read about it concurs with what you said. I've been wanting to go to Denmark for a long time and can't wait to get there! Thanks again.
Sep 7th, 2004, 08:32 AM
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Helsinkiflyer, we enjoyed the hop on and off canal boat ride offered by DFDS Canal Tours (www.canaltours.com). You can access this from many stops around the city.
Sep 8th, 2004, 01:08 PM
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How was your room at the Mermaid Hotel? We enjoyed our stay there for the location and breakfast and ambience, although the bathroom was a little primitive (in that water gets everywhere as the shower and toilet and sink are all on the same level).
Sep 8th, 2004, 02:30 PM
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This was a nice trip report. I spent two weekends in Copenhagen some years ago (I stayed at a hostel). I loved Tivoli - especially at night to just enjoy the lights and wandering the Stroget. My favorite site though was just outside of Copenhagen (to the north - a short bus ride) to see Grundvigs Kirke (church - not sure of spelling). I visited Christiana in the pouring rain - it was an interesting experience to wander around there. I recommend it. I hope to make it back to Copenhagen one day.
Sep 9th, 2004, 02:10 AM
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WillTravel - I enjoyed the Mermaid Hotel like you for the location, ambience and also the pleasant staff. The rooms were comfortable but like you I found the shower a little primitive in allowing the water to go everywhere but this may be a Scandinavian thing as I've seen this at a hotel in Stockholm as well.
Breakfast was very good but not a relaxing experience - elbows flying by the orange juice machine and people having to fight for seats (OK no boxing gloves but you know what I mean)
However overall I would recommend the hotel but lighter sleepers may want to stay the other side to the nearby church clock which chimes energetically on the hour
Breakfast was very good but not a relaxing experience - elbows flying by the orange juice machine and people having to fight for seats (OK no boxing gloves but you know what I mean)
However overall I would recommend the hotel but lighter sleepers may want to stay the other side to the nearby church clock which chimes energetically on the hour
Sep 9th, 2004, 06:43 AM
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Copenhagen is a neat place. Apreciated the trip report. We were there last yearcelebrating our 50th wedding anniversary last (a Scandanavian tour). Our hotel was The Admiral on the Nyhavn side of the city and right on the harbor.
Tivoli does have a certain charm and is not to be compared to our U. S. themes parks. Yes, we also did Grundtvigs Kirke, in fact, I followed up with study about the pastor-musician honored with this huge church who was the inspiration for folk schools. And we did Christiana which is worthwhile in an off beat sort of way. On the way stop off at the unique Freser Kirken with its spiral steeple steps. We liked the National Museum and just strolling down the Stroget is fun.
Surely would head north if possible to Kronberg Castle and little town of Gilleleje from which Jews were aided to escape the Nazis.
Bill in Missouri [email protected]
Tivoli does have a certain charm and is not to be compared to our U. S. themes parks. Yes, we also did Grundtvigs Kirke, in fact, I followed up with study about the pastor-musician honored with this huge church who was the inspiration for folk schools. And we did Christiana which is worthwhile in an off beat sort of way. On the way stop off at the unique Freser Kirken with its spiral steeple steps. We liked the National Museum and just strolling down the Stroget is fun.
Surely would head north if possible to Kronberg Castle and little town of Gilleleje from which Jews were aided to escape the Nazis.
Bill in Missouri [email protected]
Feb 19th, 2006, 03:44 PM
#15
tinyteacup: I tried to head you off on one of the other threads you just topped -- but you are working faster than I can catch up 
There is no reason to top all of these very old threads just to read them. If you want to find threads about Scandanavia - click on the country search window. Denmark, Sweden, Norway and do forth. then you can read MANY threads about them. But you don't have to top every one
There is no reason to top all of these very old threads just to read them. If you want to find threads about Scandanavia - click on the country search window. Denmark, Sweden, Norway and do forth. then you can read MANY threads about them. But you don't have to top every one
