Attractions
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Copenhagen's world-renowned Tivoli Gardens are ever so
much more than just a central city park. The relatively small area
in the heart of the city is actually one of the world's most
thrilling entertainment complexes, drawing about three million
visitors during its five-month summer open season each year. Tivoli
dates back to 1843 when Copenhagen was still a fortified city
surrounded by tall ramparts and a deep moat. Today the Tivoli Lake
is all that remains of the moat, which now reflects the incredible
trademark fireworks displays that light the sky over the gardens
twice a week. Tivoli is split in two, one section housing the
beautiful miniature gardens where more than 100,000 flowers bloom,
and the other the theme park with game arcades and thrill rides.
Tivoli also boasts a concert hall and open-air stages where dozens
of concerts, pantomimes and circus shows, many of them free, are
offered during the season.
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The rich history of Denmark, from Viking days through
to the Second World War resistance movement, is encapsulated in
fascinating collections of artefacts housed in a series of museums
in and around Copenhagen. The Prince's Palace in the city centre
houses the National Museum covering Danish history in general and a
collection of international antiquities. The open air museum a few
miles north of the city makes for a fascinating excursion with its
100 or so buildings, most relocated from elsewhere in the country,
set out to illustrate what life was like in rural Denmark in days
of yore. Visitors can get up to date on the history of the city
itself in the Copenhagen City Museum, housed in the Royal Shooting
Society's palace dating from 1787.
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Copenhagen is a city with a proud heritage of art and
design, well showcased in numerous museums and galleries as well as
architecture. Among the most renowned collections are those housed
in the popular Museum of Decorative Arts (traces the history of
Danish design), the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (featuring world
famous artists), the National Gallery (more than 8,000 works dating
from the 13th century to modern times) and the Ny Carlsberg
Glyptotek (antiquities, French impressionists and contemporary
Danish art).
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The picturesque historic Nyhavn Canal, dating from
1673 when it was built to connect the inner city to the sea, is
today colloquially known as the 'longest bar in Scandinavia'. This
is because the pretty pastel-painted old townhouses that line the
canal are fronted with numerous restaurants, pubs and cafes, full
of action and entertainment 24 hours a day. The canal itself is
crammed with old wooden sailing ships, adding to the atmosphere.
Tourists enjoy not only the hospitality establishments along the
canal but also visit the house at No.20 Nyhavn, home of famous
fairy-tale writer Hans Christian Andersen, who wrote his first
stories here between 1834 and 1838. Andersen later occupied two
other houses in Nyhavn.
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The attractive Dutch Renaissance style Rosenborg
Castle was designed by King Christian IV and served as his home
until he died in 1648. Today the Castle is an important cultural
institution, acting as a public museum detailing the history of
Denmark's royal family as well as acting as repository for the
Crown Jewels and royal regalia, which are kept in the castle
cellars and can be viewed by the public. The magnificent castle
gardens are a welcome retreat from the city hustle and
bustle.
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Freetown Christiania is a partially self-governing
neighbourhood in the borough of Christianshavn, Copenhagen,
dominated largely by a freethinking 'hippy' culture. Local rules
forbid stealing, violence, guns, knives, bulletproof vests and hard
drugs. Aside from its cannabis smoking affinity, Christiana is also
well known for its inhabitants' love of meditation and yoga, and
abroad it is celebrated as a showcase of the progressive and
liberated Danish lifestyle. Christiania is considered a 'Losers'
Paradise' for the creative and recreational values widely practised
in the area. However, visitors can enjoy the neighbourhood's
peaceful green environment and its magical combination of village
and metropolitan life.
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The Little Mermaid, basking on a rock at the
Langelinie Harbour, is one of Denmark's biggest tourist
attractions. The sculpture was put up in 1913, and over a million
people visit the mermaid every year. At only about 4 feet (1.25m)
high, she is very small, with naked breasts and a fish tail; she
seems to be in her true element when the waves crash against her
rock. The sculptor, Edvard Eriksen, modelled the mermaid's head
after ballerina Ellen Price. When the ballerina wouldn't model in
the nude for the body, the sculptor's wife posed for him. There are
some similarities between the Little Mermaid and the 'Pania of the
Reef' statue on the Napier beachfront in New Zealand, and with
Vancouver's 'Girl in a Wetsuit' sculpture.
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When sightseeing in Denmark, the Christiansborg Palace
is an architecture or history lover's dream, and a winter snowfall
adds to its romantically royal appearance. This is further enhanced
by the presence of ruins dating as far back as 1167 AD, when it
existed as Absalon's Castle. The complex consists of several
different buildings, centred by a neo-baroque core, and is home to
important institutions; the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister's
Office and the Supreme Court. The royal family uses the palace
church, the Royal Reception Rooms and the Riding Ground Complex.
From the front steps of the main castle, there are also some
stunning churches within easy viewing distance. This attraction
embodies the essence of Danish history, architecture and
royalty.
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Legoland Billund, the original Legoland Park, is a
holiday must for children visiting Denmark. Opened in 1968, it
plays host to numerous visitors from all over the world and is
conveniently situated next to the original Lego factory. The
features are divided into 'Worlds', including Denmark's iconic
Miniland as well as Duplo Land, Imagination Zone, Legoredo Town,
Adventure Land, Pirate Land, Lego City and the Knights' Kingdom.
With a legendary selection of rides, shops and eateries, Legoland
Billund has something to offer to everyone in the family, kids and
folks alike!
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The oldest amusement park in the world and one of
Denmark's favourites, Bakken Amusement Park has delighted countless
visitors since it first opened in 1583. Featuring 34 thrilling
rides and roller coasters, a love tunnel, merry-go-round and even
dancing, Bakken also has open-air eateries where exhausted families
can relax and refuel.
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Boasting more than 300 species of marine life form
across the globe, the Denmark Aquarium features over 70 aquariums
with the largest containing 85,000 litres of water. Other
facilities include a café where visitors can take a break and grab
a bite to eat, and there are feeding time shows and even touch
pools for the little ones to enjoy.
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The Mystic Exploratorie is a fantastic, yet slightly
creepy and somewhat thrilling attraction for kids of all ages to
enjoy. Swap heads with the person next to you, try the ghost wheel
or try the electric chair if you dare!
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Founded in 1859, the Copenhagen Zoo is one of the
oldest in Europe and features an amazing selection of animals from
all over the world. Featuring an Elephant House, a favourite with
children of all ages, the Copenhagen Zoo is the only zoo outside of
Australia to feature Tasmanian Devils. Other notable animals
include red pandas, hippos, yaks and camels.
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Featuring almost 300 interactive exhibitions for
children of all ages to enjoy, the Eskperimentarium is a hands on
science museum that aims to encourage children to take an interest
in science while learning and enjoying themselves at the same time.
With permanent and temporary exhibitions, visitors can be sure that
there is always something fun and exciting for children to
enjoy.
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