Copenhagen tips: A very special attitude to life
Why did Hans Christian Andersen write the fairy tale "The Princess and the Pea" on the harbor quays of Nyhavn of all places? Sleep is unthinkable at "Scandinavia's longest bar", as the Copenhagen quarter is still called today. As soon as the thermometer rises a few degrees above zero, the innkeepers move tables and chairs outside and put up umbrellas, making the old promenade look like a tent city. Then half the night is spent chattering, laughing and singing. Who can sleep there? Still, it's nice to think that Andersen, who lived here until his death in 1875, was inspired to write his immortal fairy tales in this convivial atmosphere.
Copenhagen, the land of fairy tales
Denmark's capital has fond memories of him. HC Andersen's Boulevard, one of the city's grand boulevards, is located right next to the central station and the Tivoli amusement park. A bronze statue of the poet sits there, gazing dreamily into the air. The canal boats (adults: 6 euros for approx. 60 minutes), which depart from Nyhavn, also take us to the Little Mermaid on the Langelinie promenade. She is the smallest landmark in the world - and one of the most touching because she was so unhappy. A must-see, one of the most beautiful sights in Copenhagen.
Copenhagen also has many fairytale buildings and castles to offer. We drive past Amalienborg Palace. Four palaces stand around the octagonal square, which has its own pier. When the flag flies over the palace, Queen Margrethe II is at home. Only then does the changing of the guard with their fur hats take place at 12 noon sharp.
We feel even more like we're in a fairytale land at Tivoli (adults: approx. 13 euros, rides extra), one of the oldest amusement parks. Wooden rollercoasters and pagoda roofs rise up between flowerbeds and fountains. Lovers row on the lake. The smell of fresh waffles fills the air. In the pantomime theater, a harlequin dances with his beautiful Columbine. Every Saturday at 10.45 pm, the park is colorfully illuminated with millions of lights. And a quarter of an hour before midnight, a gigantic firework display rises into the sky. Then, of course, the party really starts in the many bars of Nyhavn.
Travel tipsfor Copenhagen
Stay & sleep:
Ibsens Hotel Vendersgade 23 This centrally located hotel is decorated with works of art. Rooms from approx. 100 euros. Book: www.arthurhotels.dk/ibsens-hotel
Sleep in Heaven is the name of the stylish youth hostel at Struenseegade 7, which accepts guests up to the age of 45. Shared room: from 18 euros, single room: approx. 60 euros. Book: www.sleepinheaven.com
Eat & enjoy:
Oliver and the Black Circus Teglgårdstræde 8A. Fantastic cocktail bar and sophisticated restaurant, approx. 15 euros per dish. Make a reservation: www.oliverandtheblackcircus.com
Grams Laekkerier Halmtorvet 1 Small delicacies such as soups and sandwiches for around 7.50 euros each. Make a reservation: www.gramshalmtorvet.dk
Café Sommersko Kronprinsensgade 6 Classic coffee bar and meeting place.