The Beautiful and Progressive City of Copenhagen

I took the ferry from Germany to Denmark. It was lovely to float across the Baltic Sea, despite the stormy weather. Doesn’t the photo below look like a J.M.W. Turner painting? Once we landed in Denmark, the glowing farmlands stretched on for miles and miles–covered in windmills and sweet little farm houses. I snapped this shot of Copenhagen from my hotel room (The Marriott downtown). The tower you see in the middle is part of Tivoli Gardens, the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world.Some people will tell you Amsterdam is the best place to ride a bike. They’re wrong. Copenhagen is where the cycling’s at. It’s so easy to get around by bike–it’s how the locals do. The Danes have a 180% tax on cars in order to deter ownership.

I took a boat ride to tour the canals and the port, which included The Little Mermaid Statue. And here she is—the ever vandalized bronze statue on the coast of Langeline. She’s lost her head and arms several times. She’s often been doused in paint, and in 2003, someone tried to blow her up with explosives. It’s fascinating that such a tiny, unremarkable piece of art can evoke so much emotion.

 

 

Below, you’ll see the Rundetaarn. It was built as an astronomical observatory. I never knew about equestrian staircases until walking up and down the sloping path of this remarkable building. It was designed to allow for wagons full of books to be rolled straight to the top.

 

The insanely quaint neighborhood of Nyhavn (meaning new harbor), has been around since the 17th century. Colorful townhouses line the streets. Yes, it’s a tourist trap–but it’s so lovely. I wouldn’t mind spending loads of time there. While in Nyhavn, I tried out some of the traditional Danish foods–like herring, cooked 3 different ways and the delicious Flødebollers, chocolate covered marshmallows.

 

Copenhagen is full of good food. They are known for their many Michelin Star restaurants. However, on my trip, I found out you don’t have to spend much money at all to be well fed. The Gasoline Grill is home of one to one of the best burgers in the world. The one I visited was in a group of other food trucks and stands (located in Strandgade 95). 

 

 

 

Christiana, also known as Freetown, is such an interesting part of Copenhagen. They say there are only 2 rules there.

1. No photography
2. No running (because people will think the cops raiding the area)

It’s a small village with no cars, lots of art, and a whole lot of freedom. Below, you’ll see the only part of Christiana where pictures allowed. It’s a gallery where they sell prints and paintings by local artists. Just imagine an entire community, this colorful and laidback. 

And we’re off! Copenhagen, you were so lovely and welcoming. I quite admire your way of life and hope to see you again soon. It’s hard not to love a city that is so forward thinking and environmentally minded.