Chapter 26

Copenhaguen is perfect for a week-end trip, especially in the summer: a lot to see, hygge vibe, friendly danish people and cute coffee shops.

Itinerary
Day 1
Visit Frederiksborg Castle
Take on Canal Tour
Visit Christiansborg Castle
Hang out in Nyhavn
Spend the evening atTivoli

Day 2
Visit the Glyptotek Museum
Visit the Rosenborg Castle and its park
Check Frederik’s Church
Walk to Amalienborg
Hang out around Papirøen and the Kissing Bridge

Day 1

Frederiksborg Castle

As Frederiksborg Castle is a 40-50 minutes train ride from Copenhaguen, it’s recommended to get it out of the way so it doesn’t affect the rest of the itinerary.

The Castle is in the city of Hillerød. It’s the largest renaissance building in the Nordics, built in the 17th century.

When you arrive in Hillerød, you make your way down a lake with a beautiful viewpoint over the Castle. You can take a small boat to the visit or walk 15 minutes along the pond. The visit is impressive with a lot of rooms to visit, artwork and a very large garden.

The piece of art exposed were very interesting compared to what I remember seeing in previous castles visits.

The Great Hall was my favourite room, covered in art, gold, mirrors and marble. Very bright and royal.

Canal Tour

In the afternoon, we took a canal tour. We booked our ticket at one of the departure dock and had a drink while waiting for our slot.

The tour takes you around the canals and you get to see some of Copenhagens’ neighbourhoods, the famous Little Mermaid, the Opera, and many other landmarks.

The tour takes one hour, but a longer one is also available.

Christiansborg Castle

Christiansborg Castle was a short walk from where the boat tour ended. It was too late to visit the beautiful rooms so instead we climbed up the observatory for free to enjoy a view over Copenhagen. Personal opinion: I found the view just fine and would not put it as a must-do.

Nyhavn

Nyhavn is probably the most famous spot in Copenhagen. I had seen pictures of it so often I didn’t think I would be so impressed by it but it was my favourite part of the town. If you are travelling in the summer, the lights and the relaxed atmosphere at sunset is wonderful. The street is full of restaurants. We ate at Cap Horn which I would recommend.

Tivoli

Tivoli is an amusement park in the middle of the city, near the train station Copenhagen H.

We got free entrance with the Copenhagen card but had to pay for the rides.

The rides were fun and not too scary. You should check them out on the website before going so you can plan your visit. I barely had to wait more than 15 minutes for the two rides I did.

The park in itself is wonderful at night, full of lights, people, restaurants and music.

On saturday nights, in the summer, there are fireworks at 11:30, so we went to have a cocktail in a rooftop bar/sushis restaurant called Sticks’n Sushis. We had a very nice view over the amusement park, the rides, the city, and the fireworks.

Day 2

The Glyptotek

The Glyptotek is an art museum, with mostly sculptures and Egyptian, Greek and Roman ancient artifacts. It’s such a beautiful museum to visit as it has a fountain at the entrance, a coffee shop and a rooftop.

I loved the sculptures from the Danish and Norwegian artist Stephan Sinding, especially the Oldest of the Line which represents a very old lady carved in wood, Adoration which I was in adoration of, representing a man kissing a woman’s knees, and two other sculptures which I forgot the name but will call “But Daddy I Love him” and “Reputation”, for those who will have the ref.

You also get to see mummies and sarcophagus.

I did not visit the whole Museum but our stroll took a good 1h30/2h.

Before you stop at the coffee in the entrance hall, surrounded by a fountain and plants, check out the rooftop bar with a view on Tivoli and a pyramid.

The Rosenborg Castle

Do better than us, and book your visit, because I have nothing to tell you about the Palace and the beautiful royal jewels I was suppose to see. It was sold-out when we arrived.

What I can tell you is that the architecture of the building is lovely, and the garden very nice too.

Frederik’s Church

Also called the Marble Church. The inside is round large and breathtaking.

Amalienborg

Amalienborg is a very large place in an octagonal shape and several buildings. It’s the winter residence of the Royal family and if the Danish flag is raised it means they are at home.

Papirøen and the Kissing Bridge

We ended our day by crossing what our canal tour guide called the Kissing Bridge, nearby Nyhavn. We arrived in a wonderful place with many street foodtrucks offering burgers, Japanese ice cream mochis, hot dogs, poke and so on…

After visiting Oslo, Helsinki and Stockholm, I would say Copenhaguen was my favourite nordic capital as there was so much to visit and enjoy.

Chapter 26