Sights
Nyhavn — Copenhagen's Landmark
The New Harbor (1673) is Denmark's most photographed motif: brightly painted gabled houses from the 17th and 18th centuries line a narrow canal full of historic wooden ships. H.C. Andersen lived here in houses No. 20, 67, and 18 and wrote some of his most famous fairy tales. The sunny side of the canal (odd numbers) is one long street café — having a beer or coffee by the water is a must. Admission: free.
Tivoli — The Garden of Dreams
The Tivoli (1843) is the second-oldest amusement park in the world and a Copenhagen institution. Not a plastic fantasy world, but a romantic garden with historic roller coasters, pagodas, lakes, live concerts, and over 100,000 flowers. In the evening, the park is illuminated with hundreds of thousands of lights — magical. In winter, Tivoli transforms into a Christmas market with an ice rink and mulled wine. Admission: 160 DKK (rides extra). Walt Disney visited Tivoli in 1951 and was inspired for Disneyland.
Amalienborg Palace — The Royal Residence
The residence of the Danish Queen: four identical Rococo palaces around an octagonal square with the equestrian statue of Frederick V. The changing of the guard takes place daily at 12:00 — if the royal flag is flying, the Queen is home. The Amalienborg Museum shows royal chambers and the history of the Glücksburg dynasty. Admission: 120 DKK.
Christiansborg Palace — Power & Parliament
On the island of Slotsholmen lies Christiansborg Palace — seat of the Danish Parliament (Folketing), the Supreme Court, and the Prime Minister. The state rooms (De Kongelige Repræsentationslokaler) are breathtaking: tapestries, the Great Hall with Bjørn Nørgaard's tapestries. The tower offers the best free view over Copenhagen (freely accessible!).
The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue)
Denmark's most famous landmark has sat on a rock on the Langelinie promenade since 1913. The bronze figure (only 1.25 m high!) by Edvard Eriksen honors H.C. Andersen's fairy tale. Be warned: She is smaller than expected and surrounded by tourists. Best seen early in the morning or on a harbor tour from the water.
Rundetårn — The Round Tower
The Round Tower (1642) is Europe's oldest functioning observatory. Instead of stairs, a 209-meter-long spiral ramp leads up — legend says Tsar Peter the Great rode it on horseback in 1716. The observation deck offers a 360° view over the old town. Admission: 40 DKK.