In search of Vikings, mermaids and Danish beer in Copenhagen

By Karl Weisel (USAG Wiesbaden)April 25, 2012

In search of Vikings, mermaids and Danish beer in Copenhagen
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
In search of Vikings, mermaids and Danish beer in Copenhagen
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
In search of Vikings, mermaids and Danish beer in Copenhagen
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
In search of Vikings, mermaids and Danish beer in Copenhagen
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WIESBADEN, Germany - A trip to Copenhagen demands sturdy shoe leather. After only a few days, visitors will quickly discover they've logged many miles while crisscrossing the Danish capital in search of the sights, sounds and landmarks that make it one of Europe's most popular tourist attractions.

 

But while hoofing it around town, make sure to stay out of the way of the thousands of bikes jockeying for space alongside the cars and pedestrians - many with children or pets in tow on their specially built bicycle rickshaws. Like many cities in Europe, bikes can also be cheaply rented as a means to further explore Copenhagen.

 

A quick stop at the Tourist Information Center, located across the street from the main train station, is recommended for any first-time visitor. With computer assistance, shelves full of brochures and personal recommendations by the staff on ways to get to know Copenhagen, the Tourist Office offers a wealth of valuable tips and special money-saving multi-day ticket selections. There is also information available on places to stay, concerts and recreational opportunities.

 

As a country where one is never more than 52 kilometers away from the coast in any location, Copenhagen reflects that lengthy relationship with the surrounding seas. Whether arriving by train or car, one must travel by ferry or bridge to gain access to Zealand, the island on which the capital resides - one of many including Lolland, Bornholm, Falster and Funan, among others, that make up Denmark.

 

For a quick first impression, consider hopping on one of the sightseeing boats or double-decker, hop-on-hop-off buses that leave from various points around town. The view from the just-above-water-level tour boats offers a unique look at the many government buildings, fortresses and the ever-popular "Little Mermaid" statue, inspired by Danish native son Hans Christian Andersen's well-known fairy tale. Besides helping orient visitors in the Danish capital, the boat tours also feature a quick history lesson and close-up views of the former Navy quarters that have been converted into coveted waterfront apartments offering kayak access to the canals and other unusual attractions such as an underwater sculpture display.

 

A good place to start a canal boat tour is at the Nyhavn (new harbor), a canal dug out by Swedish prisoners of war in the 17th century lined with colorful restaurants and bars, tethered boats of all shapes and sizes, tattoo parlors and more. After purchasing your tickets and waiting for the next boat tour to start, sit canal-side in one of the outdoor eateries or enjoy one of the hot dogs Copenhagen is famous for from a nearby vendor.

 

After disembarking once again at Nyhaven consider strolling up the Bredgade into the Frederiksstaden district for a trip back in time. Stroll into the Frederikskirken - a grand basilica also known as the Marble Church - before heading onto the star-shaped Kastellet grounds. This 17th century fortress, still used by the Danish military, offers yet another place to relax amongst water and greenery while providing unique views back over the city from the grassy embankments surrounding the fortress.

 

Before deciding how to spend your hard-earned Danish Krone (although in the European Union, Denmark is not a member of the Euro Zone and hence does not use the Euro) consider taking in some of the many available free attractions. Among highlights are the Nationalmuseet (National Museum of Denmark), the Frihedsmuseet (Museum of Danish Resistance 1940-1945) and the Staatens Museum (National Gallery of Denmark). All three offer insights into the history and development of the country and its cultural heritage.

 

One gets a quick snapshot of Denmark from prehistoric times to the present at the Nationalmuseet. Besides special children's exhibits, displays about the voyages of the Vikings and a look inside renaissance interiors, the museum also features "Stories of Denmark" - detailed accounts from everyday Danish citizens from the 17th to the 21st centuries.

 

Meanwhile at the Frihedsmuseet, visitors are taken back to the years when Nazi Germany moved into Denmark under the pretense of "protecting the country from outside interests." Audio and video accounts, paintings and other artifacts trace the underground resistance movement that continued through World War II unabated despite the constant threat of imprisonment, torture and death for those who attempted to bring an end to German occupation of Denmark.

 

The Staatens Museum offers another kind of history lesson - the history of art in Denmark - from 14th century European paintings and sculpture to modern video installations. With something for every taste, visitors are invited to take their time wandering through the expansive structure taking time to see how Scandinavian artists were influenced and helped shape the art world through the ages. The museum's cafeteria also offers a taste of Denmark - this visitor enjoyed a salmon salad (like a tuna salad, but with capers) on a bed of fresh spinach and other greens.

 

Other free admission museums in the city include the David Collection (Islamic art, 19-century interiors and more) and the Dieselhouse (a look at the ship engine industry).

 

Of course a little time out for an afternoon tour of the Carlsberg Visitors Center - or for those with younger visitors in tow - to the Copenhagen Zoo may also help round out a visit. A visit to the Carlsberg Brewery provides a look at how beer was first invented by early ancestors, how it developed over the years and the many varieties created for ever-changing tastes.

 

Carlsberg, the world's fourth-largest brewery group which includes breweries in 35 countries and more than 500 brands, is headquartered in a green section of the city adjacent to parks and not far from the city's zoo. Visitors are welcome to explore the brewery museum on their own before sampling one of the Tuborg or Carlsberg brews available on site. Be sure to also check out Carlsberg's collections of unopened beers from around the globe - more than 21,330 bottles as of February 2012, the huge draft horses in the brewery's stables and the large stone elephants (the beer's trademark) at the entrance of the facility.

 

Like most European capitals, there are an untold number of other sights worth visiting during a stay in the Danish capital. But many of these can be equally appreciated from the surrounding parks and waterfront benches offering time off one's feet while munching on Danish pasteries and a host of tasty baked goods. Stops in the park at Rosenborg Castle, in the courtyard at Christiansborg Palace or along the canal in Christianshavn are guaranteed to provide time for people watching and memorable digital snapshots.

 

A climb up the Rundetaarn (round tower) is also highly recommended. This former university observatory, dating back to 1642, is ascended by a circular, brick-paved walkway built to provide access to horse-drawn carriages. From the top observation platform one can view most of the city's famed landmarks. The tower also features exhibition and concert space.

During the warmer months, visitors may also want to plan a visit to Tivoli Gardens, a 19th century park and amusement center in the city's center, or to the Amager Strand, a five-kilometer sandy beach just north of the city.

 

In the evenings look for a host of clubs and venues offering a wide variety of music, dance and theatrical presentations. Visitors can also head to the local cinemas for films in their original languages.

 

For information about planning a trip to Copenhagen browse to www.cph-tourist.dk, stop by your local library for guidebooks or www.bahn.de to arrange train travel.

Related Links:

Danish Tourist Office website

Herald Union Online