May 20, 2017

Little Mermaid or Beauty and the Beast?


LIttle Mermaid or Beauty and the Beast?

Our 2016 spring break, April 3rd thru April 6th, took Gayle and I to the city of Copenhagen, Denmark.

This beautiful city was easy to navigate and we easily walked to the many historic sites throughout the city. 



 And we are off! 

The Ibsens Hotel is a ten minute walk from the Metro station and is ideally located allowing easy walking to the many sites which Copenhagen has to offer. 






Shortly after our arrival, Gayle and I made our first priority to walk to the world famous, The Little Mermaid; the Kastellet Fortress with its walkways, flowered park areas, windmill and statuary; St. Alban's Church and the nearby Gefion Fountain.  The weather was ideal and well suited for our along the Langelinie Promenade. 


 The Little Mermaid






















Our second day, equipped with our Copenhagen Card and its guidebook, we went to the beautiful and spacious Botanical Gardens.








The Amalienborg Palace is the Royal Family's main residence and consists of four 18th century palaces and is the home of the royal crown jewels. 












Construction of the magnificent Marble Church and its grand dome began in 1749 and was completed in 1894.
                     





                              The 400 year old Rosenborg Castle & Gardens.











                    
We concluded our day with dinner at an outdoor cafĂ© along the Nyhavn waterfront. 




Walking through Nyhavn and down Stroget Street on our way back to our hotel was the perfect way to end this day.



The Royal Library






The Rundetaarn (Round Tower), one of the best-known structures of Denmark was built in 1637-1642 as an astronomical observatory, a church and a Universtiy library.  The tower is 34.8 meters high with a spiral ramp 209 meters long past the bell loft on the way up to the observation deck where some of the best views of Copenhagen can be seen. 













Views from the Round Tower.



The Copenhagen Cathedral 









Christiansborg Palace with its equestrian grounds and Royal Stables, the majestic halls and Royal Reception rooms and the magnificent artwork and tapestries, the shining copperware of the Royal Kitchen, and Tarnet (the Tower) with its three gold crowns atop the highest tower in Copenhagen. 
                      






























We visited Our Savior’s Church and climbed 398 stairs/ladders up to its tower.  The rise concluded with a windy  climb on the exposed exterior stairs ending at the top of the tower.  What a  view and what an experience!  It certainly increased our cardio and excitement, especially on the stairs on the outside of the tower.  








Views from the Our Saviors Church tower. 





To end the day, we walked across the river's bridge to the Papiroen Street Food, in Christianshavn, directly across from Copenhagen.  The atmosphere was delightful and the variety and quality of food exceeded all expectations. 






Our last day, an early breakfast at a cafĂ© followed by a visit and personal tour of the Copenhagen Town Hall Garden Square;Town Hall Building and Clock Tower (more climbing – 300 steps).
                         





                                        The Jens Olsen World Clock exhibition.  



The Zero Kilometer Stone


Our visit to Copenhagen would have not been complete without seeing the statue of Hans Christian Anderson located next to the Town Hall.



Copenhagen Opera House


Black Diamond Library




Tivoli Gardens is the second oldest amusement park in the world.  The famous attraction with its rides, entertainment, music, gardens and pavilions, restaurants and cafes, were definitely a must see. 







 Last three words: Friendly, lively & memorable!