Courtyard in Copenhagen

Copenhagen

Katie and I landed in Copenhagen on Thursday morning to a clear day.  After checking into the hotel and grabbing coffee to fight the jetlag, we met the rest of our party (Lyle, Matt, and Chris) and headed to our first destination: Tivoli Gardens.

Matt, Katie, and Justin arriving into Tivoli Gardens
Lyle, Katie, and Justin strolling through Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli is the second oldest amusement park in the world and one of the busiest in Europe.  Since the 1800s, this park has been providing seasonal entertainment to the locals and it was definitely a highlight for Chris because he works in the theme park industry.

After a busy morning on some rides at Tivoli, we walked through the Copenhagen shopping district to Rundetarn (or Round Tower).  This tower is famous for it’s helical staircase and expansive views of the city.

Chris discovered that Lego is from Denmark
On the way, Chris discovered that Lego is from Denmark
Matt and Justin climbing the circular stairway in the Round Tower
Matt and Justin climbing the circular stairway in the Round Tower
View from atop the Round Tower in Copenhagen
View from atop the Round Tower in Copenhagen

After our sightseeing at Rundetarn, we kept walking north toward Rosenborg castle.  This castle was constructed in 1606 and houses a collection of Danish royal artifacts.  While there we saw the Throne Chair and crown jewels.

Justin beside the Throne Chair of Denmark
Justin beside the Throne Chair of Denmark
Justin observing the Danish Crown Jewels
Justin observing the Danish Crown Jewels

After the castle, we continued our city tour by a short walk to Amalienborg.  This courtyard and palace compound is the winter residence of the royal family and is famous for its equestrian statue in its center and the watchful Royal Guard nearby.

Katie in the center of the Queen's residence courtyard, looking down toward Frederik's Church
Katie in the center of the Queen’s residence courtyard, looking down toward Frederik’s Church

We ended our first day with a quick walk through Freetown Christiania.  This unique neighborhood is governed by the state instead of municipality so it has a unique heritage in Copenhagen as well as a lively populace.  We found it to be a little dirty and didn’t stay long.  No pictures were allowed – so here’s a photo of Lyle instead.

Lyle overlooking a canal
Lyle overlooking a canal in Copenhagen

On the way back to our hotel from Christiania, we saw an interesting spire on the Church of Our Savior and decided to get one last look of Copenhagen from above.

Justin and Katie on top of the Church of Our Savior, Copenhagen
Justin and Katie on top of the Church of Our Savior, Copenhagen

As busy as we were on the first day, we only saw a fraction of Copenhagen (and Denmark).  Sadly, this was our only day here.