Copenaghen, the city of the Little Mermaid

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is a city that has not many places of interest but remains one of the most important turistic destinations in Europe, a city that, more than for its tourist attractions or its monuments, should be lived especially for its atmosphere out of time, almost fairytale, plunging in its streets enclosed by colorful houses, its squares crowded with bicycles, walking (or pedaling) without having the need to have a precise destination. A city with a Nordic flavor, neat, clean, unexpectedly lively, to be fully enjoyed with its clubs, its breweries, its colors that make the visit of the city a truly pleasant experience.

What to see

The city itinerary can start from Nyhavn, the ancient port of Copenhagen (photo 1), distinguished by its brightly colored houses. It was realized to connect the sea with the nearby Kongens Nytorv square and now it is undoubtedly the most charming and fairytale place in the city, its glimpses are the cover of any tourist guide in Denmark. From Nyhavn you can rent a boat for a picturesque ride at sea and enjoy an unusual perspective of the city. It is a place full of tourists that crowd the premises and restaurants, not all excellent to be honest, but very welcoming and characteristic.

1. Nyhavn

The near and wide Kongens Nytorv, once a place of capital executions, today is a very large and busy square, also home to a convenient subway stop that in just 15 minutes connects the city center with the airport. At the center of the square is the equestrian statue of Christian V, king of Denmark and Norway who, in 1670, rebuilt the square in Baroque-style.

You can not say that you were really in Copenhagen if you have not made at least one photo (or one selfie) in front of the Little Mermaid. From the port it is about 1 km on foot that you can easily walk in just over 20 minutes walking.

2. Kastellet – The Park

The path that leads you to the Little Mermaid is really pleasant and crosses a beautiful castle surrounded by a fascinating park (photo 2). The Castle (Kastellet) is a pentagonal (or star-shaped) fortress built in the second half of the 1600s to defend the city from the possible invasion of the Swedes. It has a very austere appearance, the barracks are all red (photo 3), some are still working. Inside there is a mill and a church that bears the name of the Fortress (Kastelkirken, i.e. the church of the Castle). It is a place surrounded by water where citizens love to spend sunny days, for jogging through its large and lush grassy meadows.

3. Kastellet – The barracks

After crossing the Castle and walking through some grasslands, it is possible to reach the Little Mermaid in just a few minutes (photo 4). The place is immediately recognized by the presence of tourists crowded to snatch one photo or one selfie with the undisputed star of the city.

4. The Little Mermaid

Sitting on a rock in the port, the statue is the protagonist of Andersen’s fairytale that looks out over the sea since 1913.

Retracing your steps towards the city center, you will pass near the Anglican church of Saint Alban (photo 5), a neo-Gothic building from the end of the 19th century. It can only be visited inside during the summer.

5. Saint Alban Church

Following, the Marmorkirken (photo 6), built on the model of the church of San Pietro in Rome which replicates the beautiful dome, with a diameter of 31 meters, among the largest in Europe.

6. Marmorkirken

Returning to the central part of the city, along the Stroget, the pedestrian area of the old town, you can take a jump on the Rundertarn (photo 7), the round tower, 35 meters high and commissioned by King Christian IV in the mid 1600s to make it an observatory, which remained operational until 1861.

7. Rundertarn

From the top of the tower it is possible to enjoy a beautiful panorama that, in clear days, can go up to the great Oresund Bridge, one of the most futuristic works in Europe that, with its 16 km length, connects Copenhagen with the Swedish city of Malmo.

Among the most interesting places in the city can not miss the Rosemborg Slot (photo 8), a castle used as a summer residence by Cristiano IV in the early 1600s. It has romantic turrets and a lush and well-kept surrounding garden. Attention to closing times that are typically Nordic (closing at 5 p.m. in summer, 4 p.m. in winter).

8. Rosemborg Slot

Last stop, after passing in front of the Tivoli Gardens, a large amusement park for children of all ages, you reach the Christiansborg Slot (photo 9) which houses the Parliament, the Prime Minister’s apartment and the High Court of Justice. The 106-meter tower is the tallest in the city.

9. Christiansborg Slot

Before leaving

I point out some useful links:

My photo gallery

My short video of Copenaghen (less than a minute and a half)

Updated weather forecasts

Public transport

Upon arrival

There are several ways to reach the city center from Copenhagen Airport. The fastest and most economical means of transport is the underground which can be taken directly at the stop inside the airport. In about 15 minutes you reach the city center at Kongens Nytorv stop. It is possible to buy single-fare tickets, day tickets or 72-hour tickets. Tickets can be purchased from automatic machines. No problem if you find yourself in difficulty, there are very kind employees who give assistance for the use of the machines.

Where to eat

Copenhagen is full of local especially in the characteristic area of the port. It is mostly a tourist destination and therefore a little attention is always needed in the choice. Personally I had lunch at Nyhavns Faergekronon, a nice place but I was not particularly impressed (for the full review on Tripadvisor, click here).