Copenhagen the capital of Denmark sits on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager. The city’s historic center, contains Frederiksstaden, an 18th-century rococo district, home to the royal family’s Amalienborg Palace. Nearby is Christiansborg Palace and the Renaissance-era Rosenborg Castle, surrounded by gardens and home to the crown jewels. It is the most unique city but we were surprised how big it was and how busy with so many bikes everywhere. We were told there are about 675,000 bicycles and just 120,000 cars in Copenhagen, meaning bikes outnumber cars by more than five to one! This is a city I can’t wait to go back to and if you get the chance please visit, it doesn’t get the attention of some of the other European Capitals but it has so much to offer but if you can rent a bike, you will see and do so much more.
The day we were there was the start of the 2022 tour de France, and while exciting it made for even more bike traffic and people and it was difficult to get around. We went on a boat ride down the canal so we can enjoy some of the city sites without the crowds as walking was impossible. The boat goes to Nyhavn, a 17th-century waterfront, canal and entertainment district in Copenhagen. Stretching from Kongens Nytorv to the harbour front just south of the Royal Playhouse, it is lined by brightly colored 17th and early 18th century townhouses and bars, cafes and restaurants and we as it was so hot out saw lots of people jumping into the canal to cool off.
Magical Tivoli Gardens is Copenhagen’s central theme park, and one of the oldest in the world. We had plans to go and spend the afternoon but it was sold out for the day with all the visitors in town so we will have to save the visit for next trip. Tivoli Gardens was founded in 1843 and has become a national treasure and an international attraction. Fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen visited many times, as did Walt Disney who even found the inspiration for his own Disney World here. When the garden was founded it was placed outside the city’s moats, but today it’s located right next to the Central station and conveniently located and very easy for you to get to. Part of Tivoli Gardens’ secret is that there is something for everyone. The scenery is beautiful with exotic architecture, historic buildings, and lush gardens. At night, thousands of lights create a fairytale atmosphere that is completely unique with enough rides to keep the excitement.
The rides are all designed to match Tivoli’s architecture and gardens. Some rides are wonderfully nostalgic, while others will match the expectations of the biggest thrill seekers. Tivoli’s oldest and most popular ride, the wooden Rollercoaster from 1914, is one of only seven rollercoasters worldwide which have a brakeman on board every train. In contrast, you’ll also find Vertigo, which will turn you upside down at 100 km/h. It was voted Europe’s Best Ride in 2014. The newest ride of all is Villa Vendetta, Denmark’s largest permanent haunted house complete with actors, where guests embark on a journey through 12 different rooms spread over 800 spooky 816 square feet.
One of the biggest surprises for me was how tiny the Little Mermaid statue is, it looks so much bigger in pictures! It greeted us as we left the ship right at the end of the dock.
Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød is a fairy tale-like experience that noone should miss. The beautiful Renaissance castle is built on three small islands in the Castle Lake, where the many towers and spires are reflected in an enchanting sight. It is the largest Renaissance castle in the Nordic Region. Frederiksborg is named after Danish king, Frederik II, who built the first castle on the site. But it was his son, Christian IV, who built the magnificent building and it is stunning. Today, everyone has access to worship services and concerts in this historic space.
Frederik II laid the foundation when he acquired the Hillerødsholm manor in 1560 and built the first version of Frederiksborg. His son, Christian IV, who was born and grew up in the castle, had greater ambitions: Between 1600-1620, he demolished his father’s castle and erected this much larger and beautiful Renaissance castle. The castle is an expression of Christian IV’s position as a powerful European monarch in his time, built to impress Europe’s kings and princes, and no expense was spared.
Royals lived in Frederiksborg until the end of the 18th century, after which the castle was considered outdated. The couple modernized the castle with several fireplaces and stoves to heat the large rooms, but it turned out to be catastrophic: One of the heat sources ignited, causing a major fire in the castle burning up most of the interior. During the reconstruction, the royal family no longer wanted to live in the castle. Carlsberg’s founder, brewer J.C. Jacobsen, suggested creating a museum of national history in the magnificent setting and offered to finance it. The Museum of National History at Frederiksborg was founded in 1878 and has since been an independent part of the Carlsberg Foundation. Frederiksborg Castle is home to the Museum of National History. Through paintings, portraits, furniture, and handicrafts from different stylistic periods, the museum tells the story of 500 years of Danish history.
