Wednesday, April 23 and Thursday, April 24, 2025 - Copenhagen, Denmark

We are finally back in Copenhagen which brings back many fond memories for us of camping with our children.  Many years ago we camped with our children in our motorhome on the street directly in front of Tivoli Gardens. In those days, there was an entire line of campers parked on the street waiting for the park to open!!!  Today, that's probably not allowed but in those days it worked quite well! So, this city brings back very pleasant memories for Bob and I.

Copenhagen is the vibrant capital of Denmark and boasts a rich and captivating history that spans over six centuries.  It was founded in 1167 by the visionary Bishop Absalon.  This once humble fishing village rapidly evolved into a thriving metropolis, thanks to its strategic location.  The city's early prosperity was largely fueled by the lucrative herring trade, which brought immense wealth and transformed it into a bustling commercial hub.    

During the Renaissance, Copenhagen underwent a dramatic transformation under the ambitious rule of Christian IV.  The king's grand architectural projects adorned the city scape with elegance and sophistication.  Elegant structures not only reflected the king's prestige but also solidified Copenhagen's status as a major fortification and naval port in Northern Europe.

The 18th and 19th centuries were marked by both turmoil and cultural flourishing.  Devastating fires and the bubonic plague significantly reduced the population, while the British bombardment in 1807 left the city in ruins.  However, Copenhagen rebounded with a vibrant cultural renaissance, led by figures like Hans Christian Andersen, who infused the city with artistic and philosophical brilliance.

Today, Copenhagen is a marvel of modernity and sustainability, blending its historical charm with innovative architecture and green initiatives.  The city is renowned for its bike-friendly streets, picturesque canals, and the iconic Little Mermaid statue. Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's oldest amusement parks, continues to enchant us with its whimsical beauty.  The city's cultural scene is equally vibrant with museums, music festivals and fashion shows drawing international crowds which celebrate the city's eclectic style and creativity.

Day 1:  Wonderful Copenhagen and Tivoli Gardens

Copenhagen is a city where history and modern charm dance gracefully along cobblestone streets and shimmering canals.  The vibrant Nyhavn waterfront bursts with colorful 17th century townhouses, their reflections rippling in the canal as lively cafes and historic wooden ships invite us to linger.  

Our first stop was at the Little Mermaid statue created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen and unveiled in 1913.  The iconic statue is a captivating bronze figure delicately posed on a granite rock along Copenhagen's picturesque Langelinie promenade.  

Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's timeless fairy tale, the statue embodies the mermaid's bittersweet transformation from sea to land, symbolizing longing, sacrifice, and unfulfilled dreams.  Though small in size, at just a little over four feet tall, its emotional depth and graceful form have made it an enduring cultural icon and a must see attraction for visitors from around the world.  Over the years, the statue has faced acts of vandalism and political statements, yet it remains resilient, continuing to enchant with its melancholic beauty and silent story.  The Little Mermaid not only celebrates Denmark's rich literary heritage but also serves as a poignant reminder of the power of love, courage, and the yearning for something beyond one's reach.

After our visit, we reboarded the bus and drove through the nearby neighborhood, where the regal Amalienborg Palace stands proudly with its four identical rococo facades.  It is the official residence of the Danish royal family, and is in the heart of Copenhagen.The daily changing of the guard unfolds like a royal ballet and is a popular ceremonial event accompanied by music when the monarch is present. The medieval Rundetarn observatory was also located here. The observatory, often referred to as the "round tower" is Europe's oldest functioning observatory, built in the 17th century.  

Our drive continued as we made our way through the district of Christianshavn which is famous for its canals as well as the unique neighborhood of Freetown Christiania, known for its alternative lifestyle and arts scene.  The Church of Our Savior, with its spiral tower is also found in this area.  Our next neighborhood was Vesterbro which offers a mix of historic and modern attractions, including the famous Tivoli Gardens amusement park and the Carlsberg brewery district.  The Tycho Brahe Planetarium and the vibrant Halmtorvet square add to the district's appeal.

When we rolled up to the entrance of Tivoli Gardens all we could see was a sea of school children, excitedly awaiting entrance to the park.  There were a couple of thousand young people in line, waiting for the gardens to open.  We were concerned that the park would be overcrowded but our guide assured us that the lines would disappear into the park and it wouldn't feel crowded.  Although we had trouble believing her, we disembarked the bus and very, very carefully walked across the bike lane and busy street.  Our guide warned us to be very alert when entering the bicycle lane because if you step in front of a rider they will mow you over as opposed to slowing down or stopping!!!  So, we gingerly tip-toed across the lanes as well as the busy street, carefully looking each direction repeatedly as we walked! 

Once we were inside the gardens, we had a few hours of free time to explore this lovely park.  Our guide was correct in assuring us that it would not feel crowded.  Although there were lines for most of the rides, those of us who were just walking and observing had plenty of space.

Tivoli Gardens is a dazzling jewel nestled in the heart of the city, where magic and whimsy come alive at every turn.  It was founded in 1843 and this enchanting amusement park feels like stepping into a dream woven by the imaginations of creative writers.  Its lush gardens burst with vibrant, exotic flowers and it is home to elegant peacocks that roam freely, adding a splash of living color to the scene.

The air is filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the joyful sounds of laughter and music.  The park's architecture is a charming blend of historic elegance and exotic influences, with delicate pavilions and theaters that host lively performances.

There are also rides for thrill-seekers who can soar high in the sky on the Star Flyer, Europe's tallest carousel and enjoy a panoramic view of Copenhagen's skyline.  There are also numerous rides for families who delight in classic rides and playful gardens designed for all ages.  

Tivoli's unique charm lies in its seamless blend of tradition and innovation, creating a magical atmosphere that inspired Walt Disney himself.  As we wandered through its fragrant gardens and savored a delicious Danish hot dog (highly recommended by our tour guide) we found Tivoli offered an unforgettable escape--a place where fantasy and reality dance together in perfect harmony, making it a timeless treasure in the heart of Copenhagen.

Too soon it was time to depart the gardens and return to our ship for the evening.  It has been a lovely day filled with a variety of experiences.  We have thoroughly our tour of this incredibly lovely and exciting city today and look forward to another day here tomorrow.

Day 2:  Royal Treasures, Castle and City

Today our tour repeated a few of the sites we visited yesterday, including the Little Mermaid statue, Amalienborg residence, Christiansborg Palace and the Marble Church.  However, it was nice to spend a little more time here since it is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe.   

Once we reboarded the bus we drove through Nyhavn, Copenhagen's dazzling waterfront gem, bursting with vibrant colors--pastel pinks, lemon yellows, and mint greens--that dance along the canal reflecting centuries of maritime tales.  We had a chance of walk around the grounds surrounding the Christiansborg Palace, in the past the residence of the king and queen but is now where the parliament meets.  Interestingly, one of our passengers had a wallet pick-pocketed while he was on the tour of the square surrounding the palace.

This 17th century harbor, once bustling with sailors and merchants, and the lively clink of alehouse glasses now hums with the joyful chatter of cafe patrons and the gentle sway of historic wooden ships.  This is the area where you can walk in the footsteps of Hans Christian Andersen surrounded by a kaleidoscope of history, culture, and irresistible charm. Although we would have enjoyed spending time here and wandering through the neighborhood streets we were pressed for time so we had to settle for a drive through the area.

Most of our time, however, was spent with a visit to the extraordinary Rosenborg Castle.  This castle is probably the most quaint and fairy tale-like of all the Copenhagen castles, with its tall towers and its red masonry with sandstone ornaments.  The Castle is built in the special Dutch Renaissance style which became typical of Danish buildings during this period. I had been warned about all the stairs in the Castle.  Since it is such an old building there are no elevators.  There was doubt that I could make it up and down all of the stairs required to enjoy all of the treasures the Castle had to offer.  Now, it may not have been a pretty sight, but with Bob getting the walker to the top or bottom of each set of stairs, I held onto the rails and made it each time!  I was truly excited to be able to participate in the entire tour and see all of the paintings, artifacts, and exhibits.  I especially enjoyed seeing the Crown Jewels, including the crowns that are still worn by the royals for ceremonial occasions.

Rosenborg Castle was built in the early 17th century by King Christian IV, its fairy-tale spires and ornate gables rising proudly, shimmering with the charm of a bygone royal era.  The Castle's red brick walls are adorned with intricate sandstone decorations creating a vivid contrast that draws visitors into a time of royalty and splendor.  

Inside, the halls are a treasure trove of regal splendor housing the Danish Crown Jewels and royal regalia sparkling with centuries-old brilliance.   The royal crowns are still worn today during ceremonial times and we were amazed at how close we were to them to be able to examine them.  Most of the rooms in the palace have themes that included portraits, furniture, carvings, wax statuary, brass ornaments, and other paintings. 

The lush gardens surrounding Rosenborg were beginning to bloom with vibrant colors, offering a serene oasis where history and nature entwine gracefully.  Walking through its majestic chambers we could almost hear the whispers of kings and queens, their stories etched into every corner. Rosenborg is not just a castle--it is a living poem of Denmark's royal heritage, a place where the past dances vividly with the present inviting us to step into a world of elegance, power, and timeless beauty.  This enchanting fortress stands as a proud emblem of Denmark's rich history and artistic grandeur captivating hearts with its splendid aura and regal charm.

Copenhagen's history is a tapestry woven with resilience, innovation, and cultural richness.  From its simple beginnings as a small fishing village to its current status as a global cultural leader, Copenhagen remains a city that is both deeply rooted in its past and vibrantly alive in the present.  Its colorful history and modern allure make it a captivating destination.

We have thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this exciting city.  We were blessed with extremely good weather, having two days of no rain, and one of the days with bright sunshine.  The weather continues to get cooler since we are moving further north away from the equator.  However, visiting Copenhagen gave us the opportunity to revisit its breathtakingly beautiful landmarks, delightfully eclectic culture, and offered us a uniquely enchanting experience with its charmingly historic and innovative modern atmosphere.  It was lovely to create new memories, as well as having time to reflect on the previous ones.  Now, it's time for us to sail to our next destination, which will be Helsinki, Finland. We are now entering an area of the world we have not visited in many years so it will be exciting to see how cities have evolved.