Wonderful Copenhagen

Flag of Denmark, the Dannebrog. According to legend, the flag
fell from the sky during the battle of Lyndanisse in 1219.

Denmark is part of Scandinavia along with Sweden and Norway. Unlike its Nordic sister countries, Denmark is relatively flat with ample farmland. It is a constitutional monarchy, with a Parliament and Queen Margrethe II. While the Queen is the formal head of government, she does not set policy or choose political leaders. She is a talented artist and costume designer.

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is an easily walkable (or bikeable) modern European city. My plan for my first weekend was to simply explore Copenhagen on foot. The weather was splendid for walking along the Strøget, relaxing in Tivoli Gardens, and finding the Rådhuspladsen, Rundetaarn and Botanical Gardens.

The Strøget is lined with many cafes and shops. It is one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe. At the western end  is the Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square). The Kongens Nytorv (Kings New Square) is the eastern boundary. Several additional (mostly) pedestrian streets radiate from the Strøget.

Walking along the Strøget.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square), featuring City Hall.

Rådhuspladsen.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

Do you recall the fabulous children's stories by Hans Christian Andersen including The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, The Princess and the Pea and The Snow Queen (the Disney movie Frozen was adapted from The Snow Queen)? H.C. (as he is known in Denmark) moved to Copenhagen at the age of 14 from Odense. His statue to the right of the Rådhuspladsen seems to look longingly at Tivoli.

Hans Christian Andersen statue across from Tivoli Gardens.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

Walking through the Rådhuspladsen, you reach Tivoli Gardens, the second oldest amusement park in the world. It is rumored that Tivoli was Walt Disney's inspiration for Disneyland. Tivoli boasts rides, restaurants, cafes and live entertainment. I find the gardens the most enchanting part of Tivoli.

The main gate of Tivoli Gardens.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

Some of the magnificent plants and water features in Tivoli.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

I was thrilled to see the Tivoli Boys' Guard, a Tivoli tradition since 1844. The boys range in age from 8-16 and their uniforms are similar to those of the Royal Danish Guard.

The percussion section of the  Tivoli Boys' Guard Band.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

Heading back along the Strøgetand up another pedestrian street (Købmagergade), I came upon the Rundetaarn (Round Tower). It is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. It's a great walk up the spiral ramp, and the reward is a fantastic view of Copenhagen!

The Rundetaarn.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

On the way back to my apartment, I took a leisurely stroll through the Botanical Garden. It was a wonderful spot to relax and do some birdwatching in the middle of Copenhagen.

The Palm House in the Botanical Garden.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

A Great Blue heron.
Photo credit: Diana Payne