FOCUS ON:
COPENHAGEN
Creative, colourful, contemporary
Copenhagen is Denmark’s cool, cultural
capital which has evolved gracefully from
its origins as a 10th century Viking fishing
village. With its picturesque canals and
charming bridges, it rivals Amsterdam for the
prettiest city in Europe. Most of the city’s main
attractions are close together making it perfect
for a day exploring in port.
They say that Copenhagen is the world’s
most liveable city, with the Danes ranking
as the happiest population. With vast green
spaces and a society focussed on the perfect
work-life balance, where the morning rush
hour is more abuzz with cyclists than the
sound of engines, it’s not hard to see why.
It’s a city that oozes cosmopolitan charm yet
holds dearly to its old world traditions.
The easiest and probably the most fun
way to navigate the city is by bike, like the
locals, if you can manage it. With the ability
to get from one end of the city to the other in
under half an hour (without stops, of course),
you’re guaranteed to see more of the city a lot
quicker than walking, driving or taking public
transport. Plus, it’s all a part of that cool, eco-friendly
Scandi feel.
Arriving by cruise ship, one of the first
things you’ll spot is the ‘Little Mermaid’ statue
perched in the harbour, bidding welcome
to every traveller. Inspired by the children’s
fairy-tale, she was a gift to the city from
Danish brewer, Carl Jacobsen, in 1913. In
fact most of Copenhagen is a bit of a fairy-tale
with castles and palaces across the city
open to visitors, including Christiansborg
Palace, home to the Danish Royal Family,
and Amalienborg Palace, the Danish Queen’s
winter residence.
If you have a couple of days in
Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens should definitely
be on the list. This enormous amusement park
in the heart of the city dates back to 1843 –
one of the oldest in the world. You can even
ride on an original wooden rollercoaster from
1914!
Just a stroll through the cobbled streets
will introduce you to Copenhagen’s infectious
charm, from its friendly locals to the colourful
row houses in Nyhavn, Europe’s longest
pedestrianised shopping street in Stroget,
stunning National Galleries and plenty of
restaurants and eateries giving you a taste of
this Scandinavian gem.
Europe &
Mediterranean