Kobenhavn AKA Copenhagen
As we pulled into port in Copenhagen, it was 3:30am... the sun never completely set as it was mid May. The sky was a work of art. Constantly changing, colors becoming more intense every moment. I stood on the balcony snapping photos... easily over 100 pics. Barry slept as I had the most enjoyable morning!
After 16 days at sea, we finally reached Copenhagen. We took a taxi to our accommodations. Hotel Bethel, located on the Nyhvn Canal, was ideal for walking the town. We arrived too early to check in but they stored our luggage while we began to explore. Once in our room, we found it to be spacious, with a view of the canal and easy walking distance to all major "must see" locations. We paid $115 a night, well worth the price.
During our walk, we stopped by a market and grabbed wine, bread, cheese and brochures. The hotel has a spot that serves a complimentary breakfast in the morning and is available for bring your own lunch or dinner. They had a wine opener and glasses... the room was stocked with plates, glassware, napkins and fruit. It had a nice view of the street for people watching!
Must start the day with coffee! Actually, we thoroughly enjoyed the complimentary breakfast. It was not continental, it was a full breakfast complete with eggs, breakfast meats, bagels, cheeses, fruits and pastries. They also had yogurts and juices. We just enjoy visiting coffee shops when we are traveling so we had our second cup for the day...
Down our street a bit, we passed the Alexander Nevsky Church. It is Russian Orthodox and built between 1881 and 1883. The architecture is quite ornate and stands out in the simple, mostly brick neighborhood.
Where the royalty lives... guards march around the grounds of Amalienborg Palace. It is a beautiful square... well, actually octagonal. These buildings were originally inhabited by four noble families. Unfortunately, in 1794, the royal palace burned to the ground and the royal family bought this property. It has housed the royalty ever since.
Frederick's Church is located on the perimeter of the palace grounds. It has a beautiful dome. We were able to visit the inside. Quite spectacular! Our timing was perfect as the organs were just beginning so we sat in a pew and enjoyed the sounds.
Continuing our walk, we came upon the Citadel. It is shaped as a pentagram (star). The area includes a church, memorial, windmill and barracks. It is open for the public to walk through and around. Built in 1624, military personel currently use this as housing. Once used as a prison, it is really a peaceful place to explore and even picnic.
On the backside of the Citadel is a bridge. Many people walked, rode bikes and jogged across. This bridge leads to The Mermaid, which is on the "to do" list. We sat on a bench on the grassy area above this bridge and watched people... the weather was amazing for Copenhagen this time of year. Wish we'd though to bring lunch!!!
Located just outside the Citadel is St Alban's Church. Statuesque, the tower has fifteen tubular bells that ring beautiful music. Made predominately of lime, the setting is what makes this church so special. Set near the harbor and on a pond next to the grassy knolls of the Citadel. Beautiful!
Gefion Fountain is set just outside the doors of St Alban's Church. The statue of a woman with four bulls sits at the top of the fountain. This was a work in progress for more than ten years... and then finally was shown to the people of Kobenhavn. It is believed if you toss a coin and make a wish... it will come true.
Zinkglobal is Copenhagen's version of Rodin's The Thinker. It's on the wharf near St Alban's Church. The beauty of this city is that as you venture along, there is always something amazing to see. One historical attraction leads to the next. Before you know it you've walked miles... It's hard to tell from the photo but this statue is gigantic! Built in 2012, it sits in a gathering spot for Copenhagen and enjoyed by all visitors and tourists alike.
