Copenhagen, Denmark cruises
Your guide to Copenhagen.
Denmark’s vibrant capital, Copenhagen, is a historic and picturesque city with a welcoming atmosphere and many pedestrian-friendly areas. As urban capitals go, Copenhagen is impeccably planned - a testament to Danish design. And yet this former Viking settlement still retains countless old world charms. The Little Mermaid, the gardens of Tivoli and impressive Royal Palaces all add to the appeal of this wonderfully invigorating city, where chicly attired residents on bicycles are a common sight. Further afield you’ll find The Viking Ship Museum of Roskilde, The Castle of Fredensborg and the town of Hillerød, with its superb historical museum.
Exploring.
Although connected by metro, many of Copenhagen’s attractions are a short walk from Rådhuspladsen (Town Hall Square) including the famous Tivoli Gardens which stretch 22 blocks to the Central Station. The Little Mermaid, by artist Edvard Eriksen, gazes out to sea from Langelinie promenade, also home to the English Church. The Vor Frue Kirke (Church of Our Lady) is the Cathedral of Copenhagen containing Thorvaldsen’s famous statues of Christ and the Twelve Apostles. It was here that the Crown Prince Frederik married in 2004. The National Museum documents Danish history alongside antiquities from Greece, Egypt and Rome while the Illuminations theatre offers astronomical exhibits and 3D documentaries that will excite starry-eyed visitors.
Eating and drinking.
Copenhagen is one of the world’s great food capitals and although the city’s outer boroughs offer foodie destinations with their own unique identities, you won’t have to look farther than the cultural centre for somewhere excellent to eat. The big question is whether you want Michelin star dining or somewhere altogether more casual. Either way you’ll find dozens of great options in the vicinity of Town Hall Square. Copenhagen Harbour also has plenty of places to eat well while simultaneously taking in the frontline views. At lunchtimes, smørrebrød (a traditional Danish open sandwich) is a popular option and well accommodated throughout Copenhagen.
Shopping.
Scandinavia may be famous for its functional design but Copenhagen shopping has much more to offer than practical storage solutions. Running east, from Town Hall Square to the Royal Theatre, Strøget (known as Stroller’s Street) is a mile-long pedestrianized stretch that’s a shopper’s paradise. There are restaurants, bars, cafés and a labyrinth of beautifully restored 18th century buildings alongside everything from high-end fashion to budget buys. For niche smaller stores and a choice of independent labels, the trendy outer neighbourhoods of Vesterbro, Nørrebro or Værnedamsvej may hold greater appeal, while Østerbro offers premium boutiques in an upscale suburb of the city.
Beyond Copenhagen.
Travelling beyond Copenhagen offers chance to explore Viking vessels and discover some of Denmark’s historic castles. Frederiksborg, in the town of Hillerød, is the closest as the crow flies. Originally built in the 17th century it was rebuilt following a fire in 1859. Fredensborg Palace, a residence of the royal family, opens to the public for a short time in summer. Tours take you inside the castle and private gardens. Kronborg Castle, the mythical home of Hamlet, is around 45 kilometres from Copenhagen, while venturing west brings you to Roskilde, where The Viking Ship Museum houses five vessels, from 1000 to 1050.