This is a big area with beaches near Copenhagen, where you will also find Kastrup fortress. It is not a very idyllic and natural beach, but it is quite clean and has views to gigantic gas containers, Øresundsbroen bridge to Sweden and a few islands. It is very popular amongst the people of Copenhagen in the summer. In 2005 the area was renovated, and currently boasts this new design.
Founded in 1971, Christiania is an anarchic part of Denmark. It was set up as a direct result of the student uprisings of the 1960s. Today, Christiania is home to some 750 outsiders and is a free city, which means that it is not part of the city, the country, or the European Union. It is a lively place and there are always lots of activities happening. One of the original ideas was to have a car-free town, but nowadays the inhabitants have trouble finding parking spaces outside the district because of the multitude of tourist buses. Visitors should be aware that the sale of drugs is legal here, and that dogs run around the streets freely. Guided tours can be arranged.
Built by Frederik V to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the House of Oldenborg, Amalienborg consists of four palaces built around a square. These are Moltkes Palace (Christian VII's palace), Schackske Palace (Christians IX's palace and residence of Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik), Levetzaus Palace (Christian VIII's palace and residence of Crown Prince Frederik) and Brockdorfske Palace (Frederik VIII's palace). Architect Niels Eigtved was heavily influenced by the rococo style. Of the four palaces, Moltkes Palace is considered the most outstanding. When Christiansborg burned down in 1794, the royal family moved to Amalienborg, since then it has been their official residence. The square is dominated by Saly's equestrian statue of Frederik V (1723-1766) which, together with the palace buildings, forms a breathtaking architectural ensemble. Lovers of the royal family flock to the square once a year to celebrate Queen Margrethe's birthday.
The Copenhagen International Film Festival is the most competitive film festival in Denmark. It has merged with the NatFilm festival and is now called CPH:PIX. Films from various parts of Europe and also from Israel and Turkey are screened during the festival. The schedule mainly caters to the Danish audience. Prominent Danish directors, producers, actors and other renowned international filmmakers grace the festival with their presence. Audiences can also attend the numerous discussions and seminars that take place at various venues throughout the city. This year the festival will be held from April 16th to April 26th 2009.
Copenhagen's most famous tourist attraction, the Little Mermaid sits on a rock overlooking the harbour. Created by Edward Eriksen in 1913 who was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale. The model for the Mermaid was dancer Ellen Price. The statue's head was stolen in 1964 and although police hunted for several years, neither the perpetrator nor the head were found. The head has been replaced by a replica but jokers still occasionally try to saw it off.
Built in 1574-85, Kronborg Castle is known throughout the literary world as the setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet. The castle, which lies in a strategic position overlooking the entrance to the Sound of Øresund, burnt down in 1629 but was rebuilt in 1637 by Hans van Steenwinckel the Younger. Kronborg contains the 62m-long Knight's Hall - one of the longest halls in Europe - and the famous statue of Holger Danske. Legend has it that when Denmark is threatened, the stone figure will turn into flesh and blood and rise in defense of the kingdom. Visitors to Copenhagen should not miss the opportunity to visit this fantastic Renaissance castle which was recently added to UNESCO's World Heritage List.
Founded in 1958, Louisiana is Denmark's greatest museum of modern art. The museum is an annex of an old villa, located in the middle of a magnificent park which stretches down to Øresund. In the park you'll find sculptures by Henry Moore, Calder, Max Ernst, Arp and Debuffet. Inside lies a fine collection of sculptures by Giacometti. Enjoy the exhibitions by Van Gogh, Monet, Magritte, Chagall, Matisse, Warhol and Hopper. The museum contains a concert hall and an excellent restaurant boasting beautiful views of Øresund.
Nyhavn docks were constructed in 1670 as an encouragement to trade and shipping, with a new canal going from the harbor of Copenhagen to Kongens Nytorv. Along the quays, houses have been built on the two different sides - one side contains Charlottenborg castle and blocks of flats, which belong to the bourgeoisie; and on the other side, there are houses built of timber, and picturesque buildings. Today, this side of Nyhavn has become fashionable. The quay has been turned into a pedestrian street and the harbor basin has been opened for old sailing ships. Excellent restaurants and cafés have opened; and especially in the summer, the quay is crowded with people having a good time. One of the most famous residents of Nyhavn was the fairy-tale writer Hans Christian Andersen. You can take tours departing from Nyhavn on the Kanalrundfarten or Havnebussen to see many of the important sights around here, including Holmen.
Founded in 1843, Tivoli is located where the once-fortified city's ramparts used to be, and the park's on-site lake is a remnant of the city's moat. Children of all ages visit year round for the old-world carnival-style atmosphere and the exciting attractions. Test your mettle on a number of extreme thrill rides (including The Demon and The Spinning Top). Tamer rides and activities are in abundance as well. Young ones will not want to miss the grand carousel or the aquarium. Older folk tend to congregate in and around Tivoli's nearly 40 bars and restaurants, some of which are tres gourmet and may date as far back as 1843. World-class live entertainment is always provided, and the festivities get kicked into high gear during the Christmas season. See website for complete list of attractions, video tours, seasonal hours, event calendar and more.
Buses, trams, cars and bicycles were banned in 1964 to allow for the thousands of shoppers, that walk down this open air market. The cheap end is at Rådhuspladsen, with simple bars and burger joints, but things get more expensive further down with stores like Gucci and Birger Christensen. Some come here to shop, others just to see and be seen. Walking down Strøget is always an experience; Denmark's national poet, Klaus Rifbjerg, summed it up in a song titled Imagine Walking Down Strøget Dressed In Your Light Blue Pyjamas.
For some extraordinary entertainment, stop by at Tivoli Gardens. Located in the heart of Copenhagen, it is perfect for the mild as well as the wild. There are plenty of adventurous rides and games. It houses cafes and restaurants, which offer diverse cuisines. Every season is filled with special events. It's sure to leave you shouting for more. Please check the website for timings as they are seasonal.
Copenhagen is a city with rich heritage and an interesting past. It is called the land of ambitious kings and creative artists. For information on accommodation, dining and tourist places to see, head for this tourist information center. This Copenhagen Tourist information office is located close to Tivoli and the Central Station. Wonderful Copenhagen publishes the magazine Copenhagen This Week, which gives you all the relevant information on what is happening in Copenhagen right now. You can pick up this magazine for free here. Apart from this, they have ordinary tourist information services.
No matter if your house is filled with stylish designer furniture. Interiors are incomplete with lighting and appropriate lighting accentuates and gives prominence to even the simplest of furnishings. Well thats what the owners Gitte Bald and Anders Bang have been doing at the Bald and Bang Shop. Since 2000, these brilliant designers have been lighting up spaces with IQlight lighting system and TURBO. Stylish, trendy, elegant, funky, you get to see all these elements in all their creations. So come by to admire the gift of Edison and innovations of Bald and Bang!
You will find Copenhagen Design Market on Islands Brygge, south of the centre. You won't notice the market from the street, but if you know the address and can get there on a Friday or a Saturday, don't miss it. You will have to pass a backyard and walk up some stairs before you enter the big, bright room where it all happens. At Copenhagen Design Market you will find clothes, jewellery and furniture, all made and sold by young Danish designers. You might be lucky and find some really good offers.
Enter a world of style and elegance at the House. As you enter this popular store, you can't take your eyes off from the contemporary and experimental furniture showcased here. From designer Eclipse tables and Prince Chair to functional home accessories; shoppers are surely spoilt for choice. The attention-to-detail to the display of exquisite pieces is sure to lure anyone. This house will definitely add more spunk to your otherwise simple home decor.
In Wear Matinique sells the related Danish brands of In Wear (for women) and Matinique (for men). The shop is situated on a corner of Strøget, Copenhagen's busy shopping street, and opposite Magasin, one of Denmark's largest department stores. Many people stroll by this spot every day.A two floored shop,the interior is minimal. The brand style classic and casual, combined with slightly more daring details. It is one of the most popular Danish brands, and although it used to be very mainstream, with time it has developed a special style of its own. Prices are average coupled with high quality.
Inspiration is quite a trendy nationwide chain (with 43 stores in Denmark) that specializes in somewhat finer ironmongery and hardware. Everything can be found here from glasses to dinner sets, kitchen accessories to stuff for the bathroom, living room and bedroom. There are also rich sources of inspiration for those who are looking for nice presents for friends or family. The designer goods include many Danish products, but also foreign makes can be found on the shelves. You will not find many retail products in Inspiration. The prices on some of the designer goods are not for the needy; but the selection is enormous and you will quite surely be inspired after a look through the store.
Magasin du Nord is probably the best-known department store in the whole of Denmark. It has a long tradition and occupies an enormous building at Kongens Nytorv. The building was recently restored and is now as splendid as ever. Shoppers will find almost everything they could desire including a huge choice of menswear and womenswear spread out over three floors. The prices vary, though the best deals are to be had during the January and late summer sales.
This quirky café, located on the erstwhile eating street, is also an important spot for bar-hoppers on Friday nights. It offers French food and drinks and the menu is as creative as the décor with comic strips of the cartoon character, Gaston ( Viggo in Danish), painted on the walls. The café attracts a wide variety of customers ranging from coffee lovers to party animals. The brunch buffet is extremely popular amongst the locals. Making a reservation during the weekend is a good idea.
If you are looking for authentic Chinese food, especially Hong Kong cuisine, Yan s Wok is a must-try. It helps if you come with another person because some of the interesting dishes cater to two people. The menu offers a range of appetizers like a choice of dim sums, pancakes, amongst others. For the main course, there is something for everyone, such as fish, beef, tiger prawns, etc., in authentic sauces like hoi sin sauce and sweet and sour sauce. Besides good food, the restaurant is atmospheric with minimalistic Chinese decoration which isn t kitsch – a fine dining experience at affordable prices!
Located near Kgs. Nytorv in the center of town, this basement restaurant specializes in hearty American breakfasts, burgers and barbecues. The restaurant is bright, with yellowish walls and big, black-and-white posters of American jazz legends. Soft American music by the likes of Frank Sinatra fills the air. Four different brunches are available including pancakes with bacon, sausage, hash browns and eggs. Lunch includes a variety of burgers, salads and sandwiches. Examples include the Killer Burger and the BBQ chicken sandwich.
This is an extremely popular sandwich bar with a range of interesting sandwiches and quick service. Whether one opts for an exotic or regular sandwich, the ingredients are fresh and full of flavor. A variety of salads are also available. In all their preparations, one has the choice to add or subtract ingredients, but it is best to go with the recommendations. Some renovations have made the relatively small space brighter and able to accommodate more people. The most popular sandwich seems to be the Club sandwich with chicken, bacon and curry dressing.
Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark, on the island of Zealand. It is one of Europe's most enjoyable cities. Situated on the Oresund Strait, with Sweden just minutes away by train, and is a link between mainland Europe and Scandinavia. Copenhagen has a wealth of culture and entertainment and a reputation for tolerance. The fascinating 'free city' of Christiania, is a community of people who have tried to create an equal and just consensus-governed democracy.
Families with children (and the young at heart) may enjoy Tivoli, the world famous theme park in central Copenhagen. Tivoli is especially beautiful at night when its colored lamps are lit. There are also pop/rock concerts every Friday night, sometimes with internationally known names.
Slotsholmen is a small cluster of museums and sights, such as Christiansborg Palace and the ruins underneath dating back to the 12th century, The Danish Jewish Museum, The Theatre Museum, Thorvaldsens Museum , The Royal Danish Arsenal Museum and finally The Black Diamond, the Museum of Danish Cartoon Art and the National Museum of Photography. Christiansborg Palace also houses the Danish parliament, where you can get a free guided tour. Tours in English are usually around 2 pm.
