Pops’ Copenhagen Travel Guide – Part 6, Other City Sites

 

 

The Little Mermaid sits in the harbor just a few yards off shore. You can drive to it and there is ample parking or you can walk to it along the harbor. If you walk it is not far from the Amalienborg Palace. From the palace walk to the harbor and turn left. On the way there is the Maritime Museum and the Gefion Fountain. It’s a nice walk along the harbor. You can also see the Little Mermaid from the water side by taking the Canal Tour.  

Strøget is a car free zone in Copenhagen. This popular tourist attraction in the center of town is the longest pedestrian shopping area in Europe. The street is bound on the west by The City Square, the central town square by Copenhagen City Hall, and on the east by Kongens Nytorv, ("The King's New Square"), another large square at the other end. But the Strøget area is actually a collection of streets that spread out from this central thoroughfare. Many of the city's most famous and expensive stores, such as Illums Bolighus, Magasin du Nord, the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Factory, and chain stores, are located along the strip. There are also a multitude of souvenir shops and fast food outlets. Strøget was created in November 1962 when cars were beginning to dominate Copenhagen's old central streets. Strøget is located between Tivoli and the palace.

 

The Gefion Fountain is a large fountain on the harbor front in Copenhagen. It features a large-scale group of animal figures being driven by the legendary Norse goddess, Gelfun. It is located in Norde Toldbod. If you are at the Amalienborg Palace and walk to the harbor hang a left and it is on the way to the Little Mermaid. It is the largest monument in Copenhagen and used as a wishing well. This is a very cool fountain with the water splashing around the chariot and animals.

The Lakes in Copenhagen are a row of three rectangular lakes curving around the western margin of the Citer Center, forming one of the oldest and most distinctive features of the city's topography. The paths around them are popular with strollers, bikers, and runners. The lakes are very peaceful and beautiful with the swans swimming around. This is a chance to take a relaxing walk either day or night.

 

 Church of Our Savior is unique as you can climb to the top of the steeple but the steps spiral around the outside of the steeple. As you go higher the steps get narrower. At the top you will get some amazing views of Copenhagen.

 

Frederiks Church or The Marble Church for its architecture is an Evangelical Lutheran church located just west of Amalienborg Palace. Frederick's Church has the largest church dome in Scandinavia with a span of 31m, though there are three larger domes elsewhere in Europe. The dome rests on 12 columns. The inspiration was probably St. Peters Basilica in Rome. When you are visiting the church the Amalienborg Palace is right across the street and you should see both at the same time.

Christiania, also known as Freetown Christiania is a self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood of about 850 residents, covering 34 hectares (84 acres) in the borough of Christianhavn in Copenhagen. Civic authorities in Copenhagen regard Christiania as a large commune, but the area has a unique status in that it is regulated by a special law, the Christiania Law of 1989 which transfers parts of the supervision of the area from the Copenhagen to the state. It was closed by residents in April 2011, whilst discussions continued with the Danish government as to its future, but is now open again. Christiania has been a source of controversy since its creation in a squatted military area in 1971. Its cannabis trade was tolerated by authorities until 2004. Since then, measures for normalizing the legal status of the community have led to conflicts, and negotiations are ongoing.

If you have time to go to the beach and want to go I have been to 2 beaches both ranked #1 and #2. Bellevue beach is about 10 km from the city center and is on the strait between Denmark and Sweden. You can see Sweden on the other side of the strait. It is a popular beach for the locals and is located in Klampenborg, a very expensive area around Copenhagen. It is a 700 meter long sandy beach with lawn areas. Amager Beach Park is a man-made beach and park between the airport and the bridge to Sweden. Sand was trucked in to make an island with one side facing out to the sea and the other side is a man-made lagoon that makes it safer for children. The park was founded in 1934 and in 2005 the 2 km-long (1.2 mi) artificial island was added. The island is separated from the original beach by a lagoon which is crossed by three bridges. The beach has two sections. The northern section has a natural beach environment with winding paths, broad sandy beaches and low dunes. The southern section offers a so-called city beach with a broad promenade and areas for ball play or picnicking. There is also a small marina and parking facilities at the southern end. The lagoon has low-water areas for children as well as a 1,000 m swimming course.

Here is my recommendation for a day walk in Copenhagen. Facing the main entrance to Tivoli, start walking to the left. There is a A Hereford Beefstouw which is a Danish steakhouse chain and is a very good option if you are in the mood for a steak. On the other side of the main entrance to Tivoli is a Hard Rock Café. Just past the steakhouse are some shops including amber shops. Take a look inside the shops. At the end of the street cross the street to enter a large square. The square always has activities going on. Cross the street on the other side and you will enter Strøget with its many shops. You will also find many street performers and artists. At the end of Strøget Nyhavn is a short walk away and you can have something to eat and drink or catch the canal tour. From Nyhavn walk to the harbor and turn left. There you can see Amalienborg Palace and Frederiks Church. Then continuing along the harbor you will see the Gelfion Fountain and the Little Mermaid. This is not a short walk, so plan on taking your time and plan on all day. Maybe taking the Canal Tour will give you a break from walking. If not there is always the bars and restaurants in Nyhavn.