København is a delight to visit. Seen from Sweden it is the gateway into Europe. Seen from mainland Europe it is the gateway to the rest of Scandinavia. Copenhagen has picturesque streets and harbors, modern architecture, a great nightlife, the Tivoli amusement park, nice shops, sunny outdoor seating and the mermaid on the rock.
Below only a minor selection of my photos I took in Copenhagen, from 2004 and later.
Nyhavn harbour, the gem of the city.
Nyhavn (The New Harbour)
Nyhavn is the place to be on your first or next visit to Copenhagen. Probably the best landmark spot, and - let's be honest - much more impressive than the little lady on the rock. Do as the Danes like it and choose to relax and enjoy life. "Hygge" in short - grab a drink with a bunch of friends, sit quietly and forget all your worries. Fairy tale storyteller Hans Christian Andersen lived in Nyhavn at three addresses during his life: numbers 18, 20 and 67.
Det Kongelige Teater - Skuespilhuset (The Playhouse) and the Opera
The Skuespilhuset of the The Royal Theatre was designed by the Danish Lundgaard & Tranberg outfit. Opened in 2008, it received the RIBA European Award for its architecture RIBA European Award. Being the most important art institution in Denmark since 1748, the Royal Theatre has been doing opera, orchestra concerts, ballet and opera as well. It has several stages in Copenhagen, including the Skuelpilhuset and the 2005 Opera building on the Holmen peninsula.
Skuelspilhuset, opened in 2008
Two young ladies chatting, with the Opera in the backdrop
Amager Fælled
East of the city centre lies an open escape: Amager Fælled, which is most of all a nature area great for walking, running, cycling or relaxing. The core is an old landfill, but in the meadows some protected species of plants, fungi, amphibians and insects can be found. The Bella Center towers over the fields from the south.
Nyboder
The former naval barracks in the oldest part of Copenhagen are famous for their yellow colour. Most of the rowhouses come from the second half of the 1700s. According to historic texts the houses were not yellow to start with, but sported the Danish flag colours of red and white.
The Amalienborg area
Amalienborg is the seat of the Danish royals, with four palaces facing a the large hardened inner square. Strolling in the area, you will quite likely find other gems, like the Frederiks Kirke (Frederik's Church) further west. Commonly known as the Marble Church, the rococo style landmark was designed by Nicolai Eigtved in 1740. The church dome is the largest of the church domes in Scandinavia, with a diametre of 31 metres (102 feet).
