The Little Mermaid

Hans Christian Anderson

Amalienborg Palace

Radhuspladsen

Stroget

Somods Bolcher

Christiana

Latin Quarter

Tivoli

Nationalmuseet

Rosenberg Slot

Slotsholmen

Guinness World of Records Museum

Bellevue

Frederiksborg Slot

Kronborg

 

The Little Mermaid

Known as Den Lille Havfrue in Danish, Copenhagen's most famous maiden draws thousands to

the view her tragic figure bronze statue sitting on a rock and gazing sadly to the open ocean. Based on the beloved folk story of Hans Christian Anderson and sculpted by Evan Erkson,

the Little Mermaid has become the unofficial national symbol of Copenhagen and Denmark.

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Hans Christian Anderson

Denmark's most famous literary figure has become one of Copenhagen's biggest tourist attractions as well, with visitors from around the world coming to pay homage to one of the world's best loved writers of fairy tales. His gravestone, his residence and a specially built

centre are all popular places to learn more about this celebrated man.

Amalienborg Palace

The current residence of the royal family after the previous one was burnt down, Amaleinborg

is composed of four rococo building surrounding a charming courtyard. Visitors can enter the palace to view the private apartments of the Gluckborg Kings from 1863 - 1947, and the Royal Guard executes a changing of the guards' ceremony daily at 11:30.

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Radhuspladsen

The Town Hall Square, to give it the English translation, is the heart of the city and sits at the beginning of the Stroget, the mile long pedestrian shopping district. The square itself is notable

for the impressive Town Hall building and the electronic displays constantly flashing news bulletins from around the world.

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Stroget

This is conglomeration of five streets, each packed with shops, stalls, theatres and other forms

of lucrative commercial enterprises, is the Mecca of shoppers. There's something here for every need under the sun and the crowds of eager shoppers are simply testament to its appeal.

Somods Bolcher

This is a venerable old sweets factory, tucked away in a quiet corner of Norregade. Candies are still made by hand the old fashioned way while you watch. Admission is free, and though the delicacies are not the cheapest around, they are definitely worth sampling.

Christiana

This is the epicentre of all that is radical and progressive in Copenhagen. Begun as a military camp in the 1960s and later abandoned, the area was taken over by a few hundred determined squatters, who declared it 'a free state' and have been living there ever since. Though still

a fiercely independent district (its tax-free, rent-free, drug sale is legal and cars are strictly prohibited), Christiania has a thriving arts and handicrafts scene - which makes it as subject to

a tourist invasion as any other part of the Copenhagen.

Latin Quarter

To the north of the city and surrounding the sprawling Copenhagen University campus is Copenhagen's lively student district. Eateries, bars, bookshops and various cultural fixtures abound in this area, and it is particularly busy in summer, when the beer gardens fill up and

street buskers fill the air with music.

Tivoli

This is Copenhagen's amusement park, which blends old world formal garden beauty with the simple entertainments of a fun fair. There are amusement park rides, plenty of restaurants and cafes, wide green lawns for picnics and games, and many other features which distinguish it as the best place for families and friends to go for a little bit of fun and frolic.

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Nationalmuseet

Copenhagen's National Museum is squeezed in between Tivoli and Slotsholmen, and houses the largest collection of Danish historical artefacts, ranging from the upper Palaeolithic age right down to mid 19th century. This is an excellent first stop to learn about the history of the nation.

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Rosenberg Slot

Built by King Christian IV as a cosy summer retreat, this is now the main repository of the royal jewels and other assorted treasures, which visitors can admire in their display cases on the ground floor. For further displays of royal opulence, the second floor houses two dozen rooms, each decorated to the era and taste of a particular former monarch, permitting a glimpse into the past lifestyles of the Danish royalty.

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Slotsholmen

Home to the government buildings of Denmark, the island of Slotsholmen sits right in the city centre and is frequently overrun by visitors coming to see the Christiansborg Slot, the palace which has since been converted to serve as a government office. Tours of the Folketinget or Parliamentary Chamber can be taken year round, as well as the Royal Reception Chambers or

De Kongelige Repraesentationslokaler.

Guinness World of Records Museum

An excellent attraction to entertain the children, this museum holds the records of all the feats that men (and women) have attempted throughout the world in order to achieve fame.

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Bellevue

North of Copenhagen is the beach where the Danes go to ogle and be ogled. Though the beach won't win prizes for its scenic beauty, it is nonetheless THE place to go for young Copenhageners to go for some socializing and showing off, which makes it as good a place as any to get a glimpse of the local lifestyle.

Frederiksborg Slot

Situated in the village of Hillerod 25 miles northwest of Copenhagen is a magnificent Viking fortress. It is known as the Danish Versailles and is built of red brick on three islets in the castle lake. Impressive when seen from the outside, it is equally awesome on the inside, with a great display of knightly paraphernalia. There are also the castle gardens, which are noted for their beauty.

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Kronborg

Famed as the place where Shakespeare set his tragic play 'Hamlet' the Kronborg castle is situated in Elsinore north of Copenhagen. The site is where Denmark is closest to Sweden, and was used both as a fortress (for much of its history, Denmark's traditional enemy was Sweden) and later

as a base for tax collection. Today, visitors can explore the castle, including the extensive catacombs.

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