Short answer: lots of walking. A lot… but how beautiful is this city. I did not expect this. When I arrived at the train station and walked to the apartment I would stay in, I got this very student-vibed, middle aged feeling. I knew Copenhagen was known for its young people and international students, that is exactly what I felt from minute 1. But what did I do in Copenhagen for a week? Of
course, I visited all the locations I had to visit, so here is a short sum up.
Nyhavn, most famous harbor in Copenhagen
As you can see on the first picture: this place yells Copenhagen. On both sides of the canal are these bright colored houses, build in the 18th century. The vibe here is great, a lot of restaurants and cafes cover the streets. Definitely worth a visit. It is one of the famous districts in Copenhagen. I also stayed in this district for two days in a hostel. I felt so happy to see so many people admiring the harbor, as it is one of the most beautiful spots I’ve seen in Copenhagen. Three of these houses, number 18, 20 and 67, were home to the author Hans Christian Anderson, at different times.
Copenhagen’s own “The Little Mermaid”
Of course, one of the ‘must-see’ things in Copenhagen. The Little Mermaid is an internationally known fairy tale, created by the Danish author Hans Christian Anderson. The description on location says the following:
‘The Little Mermaid’ by Edvard Eriksen
Erected in 1913
Presented by Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen to the City of Copenhagen.
Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale of the same name.
Unveiled on 23 August 1913, ‘The Little Mermaid’ was a gift from Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen to the City of Copenhagen. The sculpture is made of bronze and granite and was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale about a mermaid who gives up everything to be united with a young, handsome prince on the land. Every morning and evening she swims to the surface from the bottom of the sea and, perched on her rock in the water, she stares longingly towards the shore hoping to catch a glimpse of her beloved prince.
Carl Jacobsen fell in love with the character after watching a ballet performance based on the fairy tale at the Royal Danish Theatre, the brewer was so captivated by both the fairy tale and the ballet that he commissioned the sculptor Edvard Eriksen to create a sculpture of the mermaid. Eriksen’s wife, Eline Eriksen, posed for the statue.
CLIMBING ON THE SCULPTURE IS NOT ALLOWED.
I can also add in the Danish and Chinese description if you want? These were also on location! Just let me know so I can revise this blog!
Kastellet
When you have seen this amazing and awesome Mermaid, you should also walk through or past the Kastellet. When you check Google Maps, you will recognize it very easy, due to its star form. I’ve walked through it once, just to be able to say that I was here. It is a calm walk past the red houses and past the guards, who are still protecting the location.
The Kastellet was build in the 15th century, and after the battle with Sweden, mid-15th century, they stared to rebuild it under the control of the Dutch engineer Hendrik Rüse. Kastellet helped Copenhagen defend itself in the Battle of Copenhagen, against England, but didn’t show any resistance against Germany in 1940. In 1989- 1999 the Danish civilians started to renovate the Kastellet, which made it till this day. A lot of the buildings remained after all these war years, like the red “Rows”, which was where the barracks for the soldiers, The Commander’s House (guess who stayed there) and The Powder House, which was where the Danish stored “Black Powder”.
The four lakes of Copenhagen
In the middle of Copenhagen, there are four massive lakes. You should definitely visit one of these (or all of them). I did some very chilled walks around these lakes to have some good catching up conversations. It is a relaxed walk, especially in the sun or at sunset. You won’t see that many people doing the same, which makes it even better. On the most North side of the lakes, there are a lot of benches where you can sit, chill, drink and chat, while admiring the sun on its best side. Of course, I got a little bit sunburned afterwards. In between the middle two lakes, is the biggest ‘bridge’. Where lots of people sit on the ground with their backs against the walls, admiring the sunset. Just do your daily walking activity around these lakes, it is definitely worth it.
Christiania
Known as Europe’s greatest social experiment. It is a community in the middle of Copenhagen, with their own rules and matters. I’ve visited Christiania twice. During the day I wanted to see what this place is. I’ve heard of it and the experiment and stuff, but I wanted to see it with my own eyes. This place looks so open, chill and cultural. People do what they want, without the cops being involved. In my opinion, it feels weird that people can sell, buy and smoke weed on the streets. But that is legal in Christiania, which isn’t in Copenhagen. It is definitely worth a visit during the day. Lots of art and graffiti everywhere. There are tons of little shops where you can buy everyday-products, clothes or souvenirs.
Every Sunday there is an open mic night in the Jazz Bar. The place was packed with people, which were free to do whatever they want. All the classic songs came along, and whenever someone wanted to play the guitar on the next song, they were allowed to. People drinking beer and smoking weed, everyone was doing the same thing. Note: Make sure to take cash with you, because you are not allowed to make a pin-transaction in Christiania.
After a beautiful week in Copenhagen, it was time to go home. I absolutely love this place, and its cultural buildings. I decided to NOT take the train back home, as you can read here for my experience, so I flew home. Planning my next trip as we speak.
