Beginner's Guide to Denmark

Day Two

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You’ll spend your entire second day in Copenhagen at Tivoli Gardens, a famous amusement park on the lake in the center of the city. It is known as one of the top ten tourist attractions in the city. The park, which was founded in 1843, is only a few minutes’ walk from City Hall Square. Thrill rides, restaurants, and stages for music and theater are among the things you’ll find at this unique park. If you’re there on a Friday, enjoy a rock concert at the park’s open air stage. You might also be lucky enough to catch a classical concert, ballet, or international performance at the Tivoli Concert Hall, which has a giant aquarium that forms the back wall of the foyer. There are 38 different restaurants to choose from in Tivoli, so you won’t go hungry. Some of the restaurants even date back as far as 1843! If you’re not to tired by the end of the day, stay for Tivoli’s midnight fireworks display, which can be seen from all over the city.

Day Three

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On your final day in the fine city of Copenhagen, you may choose to return to one of the tourist attractions you didn’t have time for on Day One. However, this probably won’t take up your whole day, so a good idea is to spend the afternoon at Østre Anlæg. Originally part of the moats of Copenhagen, this park was designed in 1871 to look like an English garden. It is is home to the Statens Museum for Kunst, which contains the Hirschsprung Collection. Beautiful flower beds, statues, and monuments abound here in Østre Anlæg, a favorite natural site in Copenhagen.

While you’re at the park, go through the Statens Museum for Kunst. Built in 1889-1896, Wilhelm Dahlerup and G. E. W. Møller designed this museum in Italian Renaissance style. An original new extension was added in 1998 behind the original building. The two buildings are connected by a glass-covered walkway referred to as the street of sculptures. This street spans the full length of the museum and is the place where concerts and dance performances are held. Some of the art collections in this museum date back to the 12th century.
Art housed here includes work by Titian, Tintoretto, Breugel, Reubens, Frans Hals, and Rembrandt. The modern collection includes work by Picasso, Braque, Leger, Modigliani, and Emil Nolde. Danish painters are also represented here, including some works by Oluf Høst, Edward Weihe, Olaf Rude, and Harald Giersing. Statens Museum for Kunst contains the Royal Danish Copperplate Collection as well, and also a special museum for children.

Between your morning sightseeing and Østre Anlæg, have lunch at La Vecchia Signora, a well-loved pizzeria in an old house on Grønnegade. If it’s warm, enjoy your meal on the patio!

Sources:

www.travel.yahoo.com
www.visitcopenhagen.dk
www.viator.com
www.explore-copenhagen.com

Copenhagen: Restaurants and Activities Overview

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Are you ready for a vacation? Maybe you want to go someplace that is different, out of the ordinary from your day-to-day life. Copenhagen may be just the place for you. It is a busy town with lots of attractions and shopping. A really interesting thing about Copenhagen is that there is a bridge that connects it to the city of Malmö, Sweden. This way you can explore a little of Denmark and a little of Sweden in the same trip!

This guide will highlight some of the most famous tourist attractions and activities in the city, as well as some of the most well-known and best-loved restaurants. Prepare yourself for a fantastic journey into the city of Copenhagen!

Activities and Attractions

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Tivoli Gardens – Tivoli Gardens is a very popular amusement park in the center of the city and on the lake. It is known as one of the top ten tourist attractions in the city. The park, which was founded in 1843, is only a few minutes’ walk from City Hall Square. Thrill rides, restaurants, and stages for music and theater are among the things you’ll find at this unique park. Some of the restaurants date back as far as 1843! Tivoli’s midnight fireworks display can be seen from all over the city. At Christmastime, the park even opens ice skating rinks. You’ll not want to miss Tivoli Gardens!

Glyptoteket – Founded in 1888, the Glyptoteket is one of Copenhagen’s best museums. Its conservatory is filled with exotic plants and palm trees. The museum is home to classic artwork, including works by French Impressionist Monet. There is also an impressive antiques collection containing pieces from the Orient, Egypt, Ancient Greece, and the Roman Empire. The Glyptoteket also holds concerts and lectures in its ceremonial hall.

Strøget – If you love to shop, be sure to visit Strøget. It is an open-air market where buses, trams, cars, and bicycles are banned to allow shoppers to walk freely. Begin at Râdhuspladsen, where things are less expensive. This end has burger joints and reasonably priced bars. As you continue through the market, however, you’ll notice that things get more and more expensive, with stores such as Gucci and Birger Christensen. This is the place to see and be seen in Copenhagen.

Kongens Have – Kongens Have is the oldest park in Denmark. In 1634, when Christian IV commissioned the building of Rosenborg Castle, this park was designed. While some parts of the original garden are still intact, the park has been added to over the years, including paths lined with lime trees added in the 18th century, and new English-style landscaping added in the 19th century. The park boasts many interesting sculptures, including one of Hans Christian Andersen, whose fairy tales were inspired by this park. Kongens Have is open each day until sunset.

The Little Mermaid – The Little Mermaid is a statue based on a character from one of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales. Made of bronze, she was created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen and was unveiled on August 23, 1913. Sitting on a rock at Langelinie in the Copenhagen harbor, the little mermaid is one of the most photographed statues in the world.

Open Top Tour – The Open Top Tour is a great way to get a glimpse of some of the major tourist attractions in Copenhagen. An hour long, this tour takes place from an open double-decker bus and starts at Râdhuspladsen. The bus takes its passengers by the Queen’s residence, Amalienborg, the government building of Christiansborg, the Little Mermaid statue, and the Louis Tussaud Wax Cabinet. Also seen on this tour are the National Museum, Glyptoteket, Thorvaldsens, and the Nyhavn café area. The tour is available in eight different languages and is open from April to October. During this time, tours leave every half hour from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Østre Anlæg – Originally part of the moats of Copenhagen, this park was designed in 1871 to look like an English garden. This park is home to the Statens Museum for Kunst, which contains the Hirschsprung Collection. Beautiful flower beds, statues, and monuments abound here in Østre Anlæg, a favorite natural site in Copenhagen.

Rundetârn – Rundetârn, meaning Round Tower, was built in 1637-1642 and was originally an observatory connected to Trinitatis Church. It is now one of Copenhagen’s most famous landmarks, and the building bears King Christian IV’s monogram as well as a beautiful lattice that was designed by Kasper Fincke. A mysterious inscription by Christian IV can be seen on the Round Tower. It is a sort of pictorial puzzle that says ‘control, learning and justice, the Lord in the heart of King Christian IV.’ Amazing views of the city are offered from the top of the tower.

Statens Museum for Kunst – Built in 1889-1896, Wilhelm Dahlerup and G. E. W. Møller designed this museum in Italian Renaissance style. An original new extension was added in 1998 behind the original building. The two buildings are connected by a glass-covered walkway referred to as the street of sculptures. This street spans the full length of the museum and is the place where concerts and dance performances are held. Some of the art collections in this museum date back to the 12th century. Art housed here includes work by Titian, Tintoretto, Breugel, Reubens, Frans Hals, and Rembrandt. The modern collection includes work by Picasso, Braque, Leger, Modigliani, and Emil Nolde. Danish painters are also represented here, including some works by Oluf Høst, Edward Weihe, Olaf Rude, and Harald Giersing. Statens Museum for Kunst contains the Royal Danish Copperplate Collection as well, and also a special museum for children.

Kongens Nytorv and Nyhavn – Kongens Nytorv is a popular square in downtown Copenhagen near Strøget. Founded in 1606, this square is part of many old traditions in Copenhagen. Nyhavn, the oldest part of Copenhagen harbor, is also here. Separating Kongens Nytorv and Nyhavn is The Anchor, a large anchor from a ship that commemorates all the Danish sailors lost at sea. Amalienborg, the Royal Castle, is just a five-minute walk from this area and is next to a beautiful newer park that is a local favorite.

Restaurants

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Kommandanten – This is a pricey French restaurant that is well worth the money. The refined and exclusive Kommandanten serves high quality cuisine and does not cut corners. Designed by Tage Andersen, this was the first restaurant in Denmark to receive two Michelin stars. If you choose to eat here, make sure you have plenty of money, but also be prepared to enjoy some of the finest fare in Denmark!

La Vecchia Signora – This pizzeria, known as The Old Lady, is located near Kongens Nytorv in an old house on Grønnegade. There is a patio that is open in the summer so that guests can enjoy their pizza outdoors.

Vesuvio – Located on Râdhuspladsen, the Town Hall Square, Vesuvio is a very popular Italian restaurant. It is open every day from noon until 1:00 am, but the kitchen closes at midnight.

Khun Jek Oriental – This Thai restaurant, located in Boltens Gârd, is famous for its homemade traditional Thai food. Because everything is homemade, Khun Jek Oriental is a little bit more expensive than most Thai restaurants in this area. However, diners are promised a unique experience that is worth the extra money. The interior is simple and stylish.

Hard Rock Café, Copenhagen – For a familiar American taste, grab a meal at the Hard Rock Café, Copenhagen. Located in the center of town, this restaurant features the shirt John Lennon was wearing while recording 1974’s “Whatever Gets You Through the Night” and Gary Glitter’s stage suit from 1970. It serves traditional American cuisine.

Den Græske Taverna – The name of this restaurant means The Greek Tavern. It serves modern Greek food and is very popular. Den Græske Taverna is located on Østerbro Street.

Sources:
www.travel.yahoo.com
www.visitcopenhagen.dk
www.viator.com

Copenhagen: Overview and History

Wed, 17 May 2006 20:38:50 +0000

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and is the largest city in Denmark, with a population of 1,116,979. Denmark is located between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea in northern Europe. It is one of three Scandinavian countries. Denmark is made up of a mainland peninsula, Jutland, and 406 islands. Copenhagen is also the largest city in Scandinavia, and it is located on the island of Zealand. Danish is spoken in Copenhagen, but many Danes also speak English.

Copenhagen was found by Sweyn Forkbeard and his son Canute the Great around the year 1000. It was originally a fishing village called “Havn,” which means harbor. In the 12th century, the city became more important when it came under the rule of the Bishop Absalon.

Bishop Absalon built a Citadel to protect the city of Copenhagen in the 1160's. This Citadel was located near Christiansborg Castle and was the first step to found the capital of Copenhagen. Today, Christiansborg Castle can be visited by tourists. The Bishop Absalon fortified Copenhagen in 1167. Absalon died in 1201 and donated all of his possessions to the monastery at Sorø. He is buried at this monastery, behind the High Altar.

Copenhagen's harbor was an excellent resource for the city, causing it to grow and become an important city of commerce. As it grew, the Germans noticed its success, and Copenhagen was repeatedly attacked by the Hanseatic League, an alliance that had established a trade monopoly over the Baltic Sea and most of northern Europe. Copenhagen received its charter as a city in 1254, under Bishop Jakob Erlandsen.

The Kalmar Union was founded in 1397. This was a northern alliance set in motion by the Danish Queen Margrethe I, who was also sovereign of Sweden, marrying the Norwegian king. In 1417, Erik VII, Queen Margrethe's grand nephew, came to power by seizing control of Copenhagen from the Catholic Church. He made the city his permanent home, thereby paving the way for Copenhagen to become the capital of Denmark.

In 1416, Copenhagen became the Royal Capital of Denmark. In 1443, Copenhagen became the Danish capital, replacing Roskilde. The first king to be crowned in Copenhagen was King Christian I in 1448. King Christian I was also the founder of the first university in Denmark in 1479, Copenhagen University. Today there are eight colleges and universities in Copenhagen.

King Christian IV was the most prominent architect of Copenhagen. Under his reign, many historical buildings and other projects were finished, such as Rosenborg Castle, The Round Tower, the Old Stock Exchange, and the Canals of Copenhagen.

The Swedes under Charles X severely attacked Copenhagen during 1658 and 1659, but the city endured. Then in 1728, the city was struck by the plague and also several fires. These things combined destroyed Copenhagen. Therefore, King Christian VII resided in the Amalienborg Palace in 1794.

In 1801, in Copenhagen harbor, the Battle of Copenhagen was fought between a British fleet under Admiral Parker and the Danish navy. In 1807, the city was greatly damaged and many lives were taken when a British force bombarded the city to prevent Denmark from surrendering to Napoleon. The damage was so extensive because Copenhagen was relying on an old defense system that was practically useless compared to the British defense. In the 1850's, however, the city allowed new walls to be built around the lakes, reinforcing a newer defense system and expanding Copenhagen's territory.

Bankruptcy caused Denmark to cede Norway to Sweden in 1813, after Norway had been part of the Danish kingdom for over 450 years. As Denmark recovered from this bankruptcy from 1830 to 1850, Copenhagen grew and gained the new territories of Vesterbro, Nørrebro, and Østerbro. The first Crisberg Beer was distributed in the city in 1846, and the Tivoli Gardens were founded by Georg Carsten in 1843.

In 1863, Copenhagen established the first Tram Car service. The famous Copenhagen City Hall building was finished in 1905.

Copenhagen is known for its popular sausage stands, which were established around 1910. Today, over 130 million red sausages are consumed each year at Danish sausage stands. This red sausage, served with bread, has been the favorite fast food meal of the Danes for generations. You can find a sausage stand on nearly every street corner in Copenhagen.

The Little Mermaid is a character in fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen. In 1912, Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen created a statue of the Little Mermaid. Since then, this statue has become a world-famous tourist attraction. It is one of the most photographed statues in the world.

In 1925, Kastrup Airport was inaugurated. This is the closest airport to Copenhagen, and it serves about 50,000 passengers per day. Also in 1925, Tango Jalousie was composed in Copenhagen by the famous Danish composer Jacob Gade. This piece of music was performed for the first time on September 14, 1925, at the Palads Cinema. It accompanied a silent film. Tango Jalousie is one of the most famous pieces of music in the world. It is said that this piece is being played every minute of the day somewhere on the planet.

Under construction since 1907, the third Christiansborg Palace was finally completed in 1928. This palace housed the Danish parliament and the royal reception rooms.

Grundtvig's Church, the largest public Evangelical Lutheran church in Scandinavia, stands in Copenhagen. It was completed in 1940. Three generations from the same family of architects were involved in building Grundtvig's Church. The main architect, P.V. Jensen Klint, was later succeeded by his son Kaare Klint, and then by his grandson, Esben Klint. Grundtvig's Church is a national monument to N. F. S. Grundtvig, a hymn-writer who was also a philosopher and social reformer. This church, which took nearly 20 years to finish, is located at Bispebjerg in northern Copenhagen.

Copenhagen and the rest of Denmark were occupied by German troops during World War II, from April 9, 1940 to May 4, 1945. In 1943, the Royal Danish Navy sank several ships in Copenhagen harbor so that the ships could not be used by the Germans. Since that war, the city has been successful.

In 2000, a bridge/tunnel was built to connect the cities of Copenhagen and Malmö. This construction, called the Øresund Bridge, consists of both a roadway and a railroad. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark inaugurated the bridge in July of 2000. Because of this, Copenhagen has become part of a large metropolitan area that spans both Sweden and Denmark.

This bridge was part of a planned integration of the two cities, as well as the two countries. It has not been as successful with road passengers, probably because of high tolls, but the number of train passengers using the bridge is increasing every day. Another problem with this integration is that the two cities use two different currencies. To remedy this, a growing number of shops and restaurants are starting to accept both currencies.

In 2002, a fully automated metro line running from east to west was opened in Copenhagen. The metro line was constructed in conjunction with a major city development in the south of the city called Ørestad. The first part of the Metro runs from Nørreport to Lergravsparken, and from Nørreport to Ørestad. Phase 2A and 2B of the Metro opened in 2003, running from Nørreport to Frederiksberg and from Frederiksberg to Vanløse, respectively. In 2007, the Metro will connect to the airport. At that time, it will take less than 20 minutes to get from central Copenhagen to the airport.

Today, Copenhagen is considered a center of culture and arts. It is brimming with tourist attractions and activities, along with multiple shopping centers and the longest pedestrian street system in the world. With its valuable educational and commercial opportunities, Copenhagen has also become an international city.

Sources:
www.en.wikipedia.com
www.visitcopenhagen.com
www.copenhagenet.dk

Copenhagen: Hotels and Accommodations Overview

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If you're planning a vacation to Copenhagen, Denmark, you're most likely going to need a place to stay. Whether you're a big spender or a penny pincher, this guide will provide suggestions for hotels and accommodations that are right for you. We will take a look at several places in different price ranges, all guaranteed to help make your trip to Copenhagen one that you will not soon forget!

Value Priced Hotels - From $80-$130 per night

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Maritime Hotel – Built in 1942, this hotel is located in the center of the city, next to the Copenhagen harbor. Several restaurants, tourist attractions, and shopping areas are nearby. It has 64 rooms, all refurbished, with cable television and access to the Internet. There is also a computer in the lobby, with free Internet access, specifically for hotel guests. A daily buffet breakfast is available from 7-10 am, and sandwiches and drinks are available 24 hours a day. The Maritime allows pets, as well.

Amenities include babysitting or child care, complementary coffee, ATM/Bank, multi-lingual staff, laundry and dry cleaning services, currency exchange, and car rental.

Danmark Hotel – The Danmark Hotel is located across from Town Square, right in Copenhagen’s main shopping area. There are many popular attractions within walking distance. While this is a small hotel, its great service makes up for its size. The Danmark has an underground parking garage, and there is a small by-the-day fee for parking there. Each room has cable television, a refrigerator, a kitchen or kitchenette, and a mini-bar. Pets are allowed in this hotel. The Danmark was built in 1972.

Amenities include laundry and dry cleaning services, car rental, room service, and concierge services.

Scandic Sydhavnen – This fairly new hotel just opened in 2002 and is located near the airport and train station. There are 281 rooms and the interior is modern and functional. With simplicity its theme, the Scandic’s rooms feature free newspapers, refrigerators, irons, cable television, microwaves, high-sped Internet access, safes, coffee makers, kitchens or kitchenettes, balconies or terraces, fitness equipment, and a mini-bar.

Amenities include a multi-lingual staff, a health club, high-speed Internet access in the lobby, an in-house restaurant and bar, meeting facilities, and a health club.

Moderately Priced Hotels - From $130-$180 per night

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Marriott Copenhagen – The Marriott Copenhagen features views of the Copenhagen Harbor and is close in vicinity to many of the cities major tourist attractions. Each room is outfitted with down comforters and luxurious linens. Other room amenities include a work desk with high-speed Internet, free newspaper, irons, cable television, a safe, and a mini-bar. The Terraneo Restaurant is located within the hotel and serves Mediterranean fare. The Marriott Copenhagen also has a health club with sauna, steam, and massage facilities. This hotel was built in 2001 and has 395 rooms and meeting facilities.

Amenities include laundry and dry cleaning services, room service, babysitting or child care, car rental, concierge services, complementary coffee, and a gift shop.

Ibsens Hotel – Built in 1906, the Ibsens is located in a quiet part of Copenhagen, near the lakes. Close by, guests can enjoy parks, restaurants and cafes, and shopping. Each room is different in this hotel, with design styles ranging from simple to luxurious. Rooms have cable television and a kitchen or kitchenette. Pets are allowed in the Ibsens.

Amenities include a multi-lingual staff, meeting facilities, ATM/Bank, jogging track, bicycling, babysitting or child care, laundry and dry cleaning services, car rental, concierge services, and currency exchange.

Admiral Hotel – Four miles from the airport, two miles from Town Hall Square, and less than a mile from Christiansborg Castle stands the Admiral Hotel. It has several bars and restaurants onsite, including the Salt Restaurant, the Salt Bistro, the Salt Bar, the Nightclub Nautilus, and the Harbour Promenade. The Admiral has a 24-hour self-service center where guests can buy candy, toiletries, and cigarettes, and there is also a newspaper/magazine kiosk. Guests can enjoy the solarium for a fee. Each room features hypoallergenic bedding, designer furnishings, wireless Internet access, hair dryers, cable television, and a mini-bar. The Admiral also allows pets.

Amenities include laundry and dry cleaning services, currency exchange, sauna, room service, available use of computers, car rental, concierge services, electronic keys, A-V equipment rental, meeting facilities, and a multi-lingual staff.

Hotel Kong Frederik – Founded in 1898, the Hotel Kong Frederik is an English-style hotel that is located near the Town Hall Square, the train station and the airport. Each room has Internet access, a mini-bar, a safe, cable television, and a balcony or terrace. Guests of the Hotel Kong Frederik also have free access to the Hotel D’Angleterre’s spa, which includes a fitness club, indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Turkish baths, and a sauna. Guests can enjoy breakfast for an additional fee. The Hotel Kong Frederik allows pets.

Amenities include babysitting or child care, laundry and dry cleaning services, car rental, concierge services, currency exchange, meeting facilities, A-V equipment rental, room service, and a multi-lingual staff.

High Priced Hotels - Over $180 per night

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Radisson SAS Royal Hotel – The Radisson was designed by architect Arne Jacobsen and is famous for this reason. Each of the 260 rooms is different. Built in 1960, this hotel is located next to the Town Hall Square and the Tivoli gardens. It features the Alberto-K Restaurant on the 20th floor. The Alberto-K serves Scandinavian-Italian cuisine and offers an amazing view of Copenhagen. The hotel's other restaurant, The Cafe Royal, is open only for breakfast. Each room has cable television, a safe, high-speed Internet access, free newspaper, a mini-bar, and a coffee maker. Pets are allowed in the Radisson SAS.

Amenities include babysitting or child care, laundry and dry cleaning services, concierge services, car rental, meeting facilities, barber and hair stylist, currency exchange, gift shop, A-V equipment rental, room service, multi-lingual staff, health club and spa, and a game room.

Hotel D’Angleterre – Built in 1755, this hotel is the most prestigious hotel in Copenhagen, and possibly all of Denmark. All 123 rooms are classically English in style and design. From this hotel, guests can enjoy amazing views of Kongens Nytorv and Nyhavn, which are popular tourist attractions near Copenhagen’s harbor. Each room has cable television, Internet access, a safe, a mini-bar, and a balcony or terrace.

Amenities include babysitting or child care, laundry and dry cleaning services, car rental, concierge services, currency exchange, A-V equipment rental, room service, a multi-lingual staff, an in-house restaurant, a health club and spa, and indoor pool, and a hot tub.

Hotel Imperial Copenhagen – The Hotel Imperial is a very popular hotel that is located only six miles from the airport and a quarter-mile from Town Hall Square. It has two in-house restaurants: The Brasserie Imperial, which also has a cocktail lounge, and The Imperial Garden, a gourmet restaurant. Room service is also available, as well as a meeting area and a fireplace area. Each room has high-speed Internet access, an iron, a hairdryer, a coffeemaker, a whirlpool, a safe, a refrigerator, cable television, free newspaper, a mini-bar, a balcony or terrace, and a digital entertainment system. The Hotel Imperial also allows pets.

Amenities include babysitting or child care, laundry and dry cleaning services, car rental, concierge services, currency exchange, complementary coffee, available use of computers, A-V equipment rental, electronic keys, and a multi-lingual staff.

Sofitel Plaza Copenhagen – Built in 1913 by King Frederik VIII, the Sofitel is directly across from the train station and overlooks the Tivoli gardens. It boasts 87 rooms and 6 suites, and there is a restaurant in-house: The Flora Danica. The Sofitel also has its own well-known bar: The Library Bar. Each room has cable television, Internet access, free newspapers, a safe, a balcony or terrace, and a mini-bar.

Amenities include laundry and dry cleaning services, car rental, business center, concierge services, currency exchange, available use of computers, electronic keys, A-V equipment rental, room service, a multi-lingual staff, and a health club. Pets are allowed at the Sofitel.

Sources:
www.travel.yahoo.com