We started our first morning with some coffee in the Ørstedsparken, looking out over the lake in this park which provides some nature in the middle of the city. As we explored the city, we found that it to be full of bicycles. We were later told that it was the second most bicycle friendly place in the world (although we live in the most bicycle friendly place, so it was not that impressive...). A walking tour of the city took us to some really nice sights including Radhuspladsen (the town hall square), Stroget (main shopping street), the scenic harbour Nyhaven and the royal palace district.
In the afternoon we wandered along the edge of the main canal to probably the most recognised Danish landmark, the little mermaid statue. Everyone who has seen the statue is quick to warn that it is very small, so were were well prepared and not at all disappointed when we saw it, despite the moderate crowd of visitors.
In the evening we explored some of the markets and shops (including the Lego shop), before heading to the Tivoli gardens. This amusement park complex was starting its annual Christmas festivities on this weekend, and the decorations were incredible. Every tree was brightly and colorfully lit up, and the Russian themed food hall in the centre was a standout. The lights and water fountains show was another highlight. The steaming cinammon, almond and raisin glogg (Danish mulled wine) helped keep us warm despite the chilly breeze.
On our second day we rented bicycles to help us get around the city a bit quicker, and started by cycling to the national museum where we saw a great exhibition about the Vikings. After lunch, we were lucky enough to find a Christmas bockbier festival at Nyhaven. The atmosphere was warm and busy as we sampled different types of bock bier on the water's edge, accompanied by a brass band of santa clauses.
Like many other European cities, Copenhagen's skyline has a number of church spires. One of these is the Church of Our Saviour which we visited and climbed the stairs for a really nice view over the city. It was incredibly windy and cold though, so we didn't spend too long up there.
We started Sunday morning with a stroll across the bridge to some markets at Ravnsborggade, which were quite disappointing. It was a nice sunny morning though, so we walked a bit along the side of the canal before visiting the Rundetaarn (round tower) which also had a nice view over the city. By the time stopped for lunch, it was time to leave for the airport for our flight home.
Despite being very expensive, Copenhagen was a great city with a real mixture of old and modern architecture. Learning about the history of the Danish people and the impact it has had on forming a community of caring, happy people was very interesting.
