10 Interesting Things to Do in Copenhagen


 

The name Copenhagen was derived from the Danish word Kobenhavn which loosely translates to “Merchant’s Harbor”. The city, which is the capital of Denmark is about six thousand years old.

Copenahagen has a rich history and one will have a great deal of things to do. So before we look at the interesting things to do at the Merchant’s Harbor or Copenhagen, why don’t we look at how to get you around the city?

I would advise you to get the Copenhagen Card, which gives you access to about 73 top Copenhagen attractions, and unlimited access to all public transportation. The card will help you get around the city and it will save you some coins and make your life as a tourist simple! Google Maps and Rejseplanen apps will also help you find your way around.

Now that you have your Copenhagen Card and you are hassle-free, here are 10 things you definitely must do in Copenhagen.

1. Visit The Little Mermaid

Little Mermaid, image sourced from Pixabay

This is one of the most notable tourist attractions in Copenhagen. The little mermaid, one of the smallest yet beautiful attractions measures just about 4 feet tall sits in the Langelinie cruise harbor in the old port district of Nyhavn. You should pay her a visit and take some photos.

Carl Jackobsen, the founder of Carlsberg beer watched the play The Little Mermaid written by Christen Andersen and was so moved that he commissioned the Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen to create the sculpture of the Little Mermaid!

A little history on the Little Mermaid which might convince you to visit her; the Disney movie ‘The Little Mermaid’ is based on this Little Mermaid. It was unveiled in 1913. It is absolutely free to view her but you can take a canal boat tour to learn more about her history – she is lovely!

2. Go to Nayhavn Canal and Harbor

Hayhavn

Nayhavn Canal, also known as Lego Canal

A pop of color is what should come to mind when you hear of Nayhavn. If you need ‘cool’ Instagram photographs of you in Copenhagen, there is no way you can miss taking several photos in this beautiful canal whose 17th and early 18th century colored buildings stretch from Kongens Nytrov to the harbor near the  Royal Playhouse. You will not need filters for this one!

Christian Andersen, the famous Danish writer lived in No. 20, and he is an important person in Danish History. Neyhavn was a popular harbor where ships from around the world would dock. In this beautiful backdrop are restaurants, bars and cafés and Nayhavn waterfront is also located near other attractions. It would be a great idea to combine visits with Royal Danish Playhouse and Bridge Street Kitchen for some good food.

3. Visit Carlsberg Brewery

Carlsberg beer, image sourced from Pixabay

Nothing says Europe than beer, right? You must have heard about Carlsberg beer, and if you’re a soccer fan, then you know that Carlsberg Beer was an official sponsor of Liverpool FC for about 24 years. If you are a beer enthusiast, then a visit to the Carlsberg brewery should be on top of your list.

The brewery was founded in 1847 by Carl Jacobsen and in this trip you will be taken through the history of Danish beer, where you will of course enjoy authentic Carlsberg beer and sample some good Danish food. The brewery is also home to the largest number of unopened beer bottles in the world. This place has a stable on the outdoors as well as taking a look at the original copper kettles.

You can get to the brewery using the 18 or 26 bus from Copenhagen
You will find it at Gamle Carlsberg Vej 11, 1799 Copenhagen V

4. Have fun at the Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens, image by Martin Heiberg from Copenhagen Media Center

What is a trip without a sample of a city’s amusement park? It would be boring, right? We all have to letloose the children in us once in a while and when in Copenhagen, you can do just that at the magnificent Tivoli Gardens which second oldest amusement park in the world; founded in 1843.

With the Copenhagen card, you will get free access to many exhilarating rides, beautiful architecture, lush gardens, roller coasters, food courts, live music performances, and if you are an adrenalin junkie, then ‘The Demon’ a virtual reality roller coaster that takes people through a universe with fire spitting dragons is just the experience for you, and if you do not like that, then you can enjoy other more subtle experiences as you watch people scream their lungs out. Tivoli offers a wide range of themed activities depending on the season, fun guaranteed.

Walt Disney got his inspiration from Tivoli – this could suggest that Tivoli Gardens is one of the happiest places in the world!

5. Climb the Church of our Saviour

Church of our Saviour in the distance, image sourced from Pixabay

This church is shaped like a corkscrew. It would be a shame not to want to climb the stairs to the top of the church, which has a breathtaking view of Copenhagen city.

King Christian IV commissioned construction of the church in 1695 and it remains one of the most iconic sites to visit in Denmark to date. You will go up 150 stairs which winds the church four times anticlockwise; where you will experience beautiful and remarkable architecture.

The sculpture of Jesus Christ stands on top of a golden globe and watches over the city. The 149th step will be the last for people with phobia for heights but if you are courageous enough to look down from 90 meters in the sky, then you can step on the 150th step (which is outside the spire).

The subway station at Christianshavn will get you there

6. Take a guided half day tour around Copenhagen

You will surely want to have some time to walk around the city. Flex your legs a bit with this guided group tour which will also enable you to interact with other tourists as you sample some of Copenhagen’s cultural and historical attractions. Your guide will explain everything Copenhagen to you in detail also giving you recommendations of restaurants to visit during your stay there. The group consists of a maximum of ten other tourists.

Take photographs and create memories at the several stops which include Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn District, the Royal Place of Amalienborg and many others. It is free, but make sure to tip the guide!

7. Take a canal tour

Canal tour, image sourced from Pixabay

Copenhagen is a harbor, basically. To really enjoy the city, one of the things you really should do is book a canal tour. This is where you are taught the history of Denmark as you sashay through the canal and watch the beautiful Copenhagen landscape. Believe me, you will see landscapes such as the Little Mermaid, Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen Opera house- which should be on your list as well- and glide through the canal past the colorful townhouses and boathouses. The tours are scheduled for different times so you will definitely find one that fits your schedule.

8. Check out the Nasothek nose collection at the Glyptotek

Yes, there is a place in Copenhagen dedicated to sculptured noses, and yes, you have to visit it. This one is housed within the Copenhagen’s Glyptotek Art Museum. In the 19th century, there was a common practice among conservators to apply facsimiles of the broken element with marble or plaster, to reconstruct what had been lost.

The practice was however stopped at some point and now the museum had a hundred noses which it didn’t know where to put. The noses found a home in a cabinet and was then displayed for people to see. It got the name Nasothek –Latin for ‘nose’ and Greek for ‘Container’.

9. Watch the changing of the guard

Royal Place of Amalienborg, image sourced from Wikimedia Commons

You need to experience the spectacular sight that is changing of the guard at the Amalienborg palace. The changing of the guard happens at exactly 11:30am without fail, so if you must catch this, you have to be there on time. The royal tradition has been there for generations and the guard protects the royal family, which still lives in the palace. You can catch the King’s watch (Kongevagt ), a Lieutenant’s watch (Løjtnantsvagt) or a Palace watch (Palævagt ). The very well ‘choreographed’ match leaves Rosenborg at 11:30AM and arrives at Amalienborg Palace at 12:00PM. There is the Royal Guards Music Band that performs when the Queen is in residence.

10. Guided walking food tour!

Who doesn’t love some culinary experience? Food is a very important aspect of culture and when you are in Denmark, you definitely have to try this walking food tour in Copenhagen. You will be taken through the history of Danish food, but most importantly, you will visit local eateries to sample food and take part in beer tasting if you are above 18 years!

The whole guided tour should cost you about 50 Euros, and you will have a guide to take you through the whole experience. You must try foods like Aebleflæsk which is cured or salted pork fried with apples, thyme and sugar and tegt flæsk med persillesovs og kartoffler– crispy pork with parsley sauce and potatoes, a popular Danish meal.

With these experiences, I am sure you will enjoy your stay in this beautiful Nordic City in Northern Europe.