Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and is situated on the Amagar and Zealand islands. Copenhagen is an extremely large city and displays a colorful amount of cultural diversity, surpassed only by London and Paris. There are many historic sites to visit in Copenhagen, as well as a multitude of other activities to interest the whole family.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Copenhagen before you head home.
Tivoli Gardens
The Tivoli gardens are famous for housing the oldest amusement park in the world. This pleasure park is most noted for housing a unique wooden rollercoaster. The rollercoaster itself is controlled by an operator who actually brakes when it goes downhill to prevent it from gathering too much speed. Tivoli gardens are also home to the world’s tallest carousel which is around eighty meters high. Though the climate of Copenhagen is not especially warm, during the summer months, Tivoli gardens host a series of music concerts which have included Sting and the Smashing Pumpkins in recent years.
Freetown Christiania
Christiania is a small self-governing community in Copenhagen which is best known for its status as an independent community. The legality of this has been somewhat disputed in the past, but the neighborhood is the second biggest tourist destination in Copenhagen. Christiania used to be a squatted military area, but now there are around one thousand regular inhabitants. Christiania has historically been known for its open cannabis trade; though more recently there have been negotiations to end this practice. The culture of this community is certainly different from what you may be used to, so it is definitely worth a look if you find yourself in the nearby area.
The Little Mermaid
If you have ever seen the popular film, and wondered about the fairytale behind it, the statue of the Little Mermaid is the third most popular tourist attraction in Copenhagen. It is located on a rock within the Langeline harbor, and was created by Edvard Eriksen in 1913. His wife Eline was the model for the statue, and the Little Mermaid has become a Copenhagen icon over subsequent years. The Canadians tried to replicate the statue without success.
Amalienborg Palace
This palace is best known for being the winter home of the Denmark’s royal family. Its constituents are four identical palatial facades which surround a large octagonal courtyard. In the middle of the courtyard is an equestrian style statue which represents the founder of Amalienberg, King Frederik V. The palace itself is a major tourist attraction, much like Buckingham Palace, London. The Danes are very proud of their royal heritage, and the palace is beautiful and well-maintained.
Copenhagen also offers a wide range of other activities such as the Jazz Music Festival of Copenhagen, various soccer matches, and a whole multitude of other amenities like world-class restaurants, unique shops, and three big sandy beaches. The climate is cool, only reaching 69 degrees in the summer; so consider taking a sweater when you visit!
