Copenhagen Show Segment
Aboard the ferry were headed for our day in Copenhagen. After a short ride we arrive in to Elsinore, Denmark and head to the Kronborg Castle. The old Danish port and trading town of Helsingor (more familiar in English as Hamlet’s Elsinore) lies in the north east of the island of Zealand, only 3 miles from Sweden.
In the north-east of the town, on a peninsula in the Sound towers Kronborg Castle, a landmark visible from afar. Originally a fortress built about 1420 stood here. The new castle - a four winged edifice with an enclosed courtyard - was built between 1574 and 1584. For over a hundred years the castle served as a garrison; in 1924 it was renovated.
In the 15th century Kronborg held a strategic position at the entrance to the Sound to secure payment of the toll.
Tour groups of all ages come to see the marvels of the castle.
We went on a guided tour of the interior. In the south wing is the spectacularly ornate, Castle Chapel, which survived the fire of 1629; it has a magnificent Renaissance interior, with German woodcarvings.
In addition to the huge halls and dungeons, the castle also houses the Danish Mercantile and Maritime Museums.
On the way out we even found where Shakespeare hangs out!
Next we stopped at Karen Blixen Museum. This was home to the well known Danish writer of short stories who became world famous when “Out of Africa” - a film based on her biographical account of running a coffee plantation in Kenya was released. Even if you’ve never read a word of Blixen’s, its hard not to be impressed by her spirit and strength which shines through the museum.
Then on into Copenhagen where we encountered two electric cars parked on the street as we headed to see the changing of the guard at the Amalienborg Castle, the Royal family’s principal residence. Denmark is the oldest monarchy in the world. Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II has reigned since 1972. The Queen is very popular and in a survey, the majority of Danes prefer to have a monarchy rather than a republic.
The waterfront is dotted with vessels from different nations, as they are docked near the fountain which dominates the area. And because this is the city of Hans Christian Anderson, we’re off to see the world renown, Little Mermaid as she sits patiently in the water on her rock, while tourists of all nations flock to take her photo.
Copenhagen is small, welcoming and user friendly. This is a city where people, rather than motor traffic, set the pace, as evidenced by the many outside cafe tables and a small center given over to the pedestrians. We stop for lunch and shopping at our leisure along the Stroget, Copenhagen’s mile long pedestrian street.
Copenhagen is reminiscent of Amsterdam with it’s renaissance architecture and profusion of courtyard, public squares and winding streets. Next we board a canal tour . This is worthwhile way to see the city’s picturesque houses and buildings. Here our guide gives us facts about the various buildings and areas of this small cosmopolitan city which controls the finances and government for this small country. The waterways act as a means of a more tranquil type of transportation and help to make the city come alive with it’s history, colorful old sailor’s quarters, the New Harbor and more.
From our Canal trip we head to Tivoli Gardens, Denmark’s most celebrated playground and world famous garden. At the Peacock restaurant we enjoy a delicious Swedish meal before spending time walking around and enjoying the attractions, music and people. This is a family place where the rides are enjoyed by young and old; merry-go rounds, roller coasters and flying rides of all kinds. Numerous buildings in many styles fill the park. The multitude of flowers is overwhelming and more than 100, 000 lamps in different colors illuminate the garden. Many restaurants fill the park with their special themes, like this ship. And the park is filled with live music from the bandshell. Tivoli was founded in 1845 and since then has been visited by over 270 million people. No plastic is allowed, nor neon lighting in this beloved fairy tale garden. Today Copenhagen enjoys the unique privilege of having this beautiful garden placed centrally , like a refuge in the middle of the city, where for a short while you can forget the worries of the world.
As the day ends and our trip to Copenhagen comes to an close and we head back to the ferry and bus ride to our hotel to complete another day. .
When we remember this day, we will remember; Hamlet’s Elsinore Castle, Blixen’s museum, the changing of the guard, the little mermaid poised among the lapping water, Tivoi gardens with it’s food, sights and sounds, and the beauty of Copenhagen from the canal and streets with it’s magnificent architecture, friendly people, excellent shopping and wonderful food.
