Geography Perhaps best known as the world’s oldest kingdom (600 years and still going strong) and the stories of Hans Christian Andersen, significant to every childhood, Copehagen is both the capital and largest city of Denmark with a metro population of 1.8 million. It lies on the eastern part of the island Zealand and upon part of the island Amager, with a host of artificial islands in between. To the east is the Øresund, which splits Denmark and Sweden and joins the Baltic Sea to the North Sea. Considered to be one of the world’s most liveable cities, Copenhagen draws some 1.3 million tourists to explore its many treasures and sights, making it the most popular destination of the Nordic cities. Your airBaltic flight brings you to Copenhagen Airport, proclaimed one of the world’s best, and serving both budget and front runner airlines. Languages Hvordan har du det? (How are you?) The official language of Copenhagen is Dansk, otherwise known as Danish, which is a Germanic language with a resemblence to Swedish. Travel to Copenhagen does not require learning Danish, however, as most tourist spots will gladly help you in English and German, which perhaps is some relief, as some Danish pronunciation and spelling can be difficult to master. See and Do Don a durable pair of shoes before leaving the hotel, because Copenhagen is a walking tourist’s heaven. From the city centre at Christiansborg Slot, each of the city’s attractions is easily reached. At the Church of Our Saviour, climb the spiralling stairs to the top of its spire. Next, explore the vivid houses built along the canals by the autonomous community of Christiania. Do admire the sculpture collection in the expansive King’s Garden at Rosenborg Castle before heading off to take in a few of the many museums in Copenhagen. Pay a visit to the National Gallery, known as "Statens Museum for Kunst", the national art museum offering a broad selection of Danish art and history. To the north on the coastal cliff and regally overlooking the Øresund, highly recommended is the Ordrupgaard for its collection of Monet, Degas and Renoir among others. Or get tickets for a performance of the Danish National Symphony Orchestra at the brand new Copenhagen Concert Hall which offers ample seating. For opera, ballet and theatre, the stately Royal Danish Theatre is remarkable for its age and the Bournonville style of its ballet. And a July city-break is a delight with the annual Copenhagen Jazz Festival, showcasing all the rhythmic prowess of the city’s vibrant jazz. When it comes to meals, you are sure to enjoy a selection of cuisine that is outstanding, if not exactly cheap with 13 restaurants awarded the prestigious Michelin Star. Start the day at one of the many bakeries in Copenhagen for a Danish pastry and, for a satisfying lunch, enjoy an open-faced sandwich, called mørrebrød, along with one of Copenhagen’s many microbrewery beers. And of course, any visit should require a visit to the Little Mermaid statue, located in the harbor. |
