Copenhagen is an ancient city, full of beautiful historic buildings and many points of interest. The ramparts and walls surrounding the centre of the city were demolished around the middle of the nineteenth century. This allowed the city to assume the peculiar architectural structure characterised by narrow stone streets that lead directly to the city centre and which are the background to numerous shops and bars.

I’ve been fortunate to have 2 days of sunshine and 24C temperatures, perfect for one last look around. Got out early this morning before the crowds of locals and tourists come out to wander, eat, drink, swim and sunbathe.

A sumptuous breakfast at my hotel, The Strand, of course a danish with my morning coffee( the Danes invented them so there is no better place than Copenhagen to eat them!).

In recent years, Copenhagen’s historic architectural heritage has been enriched with modern and contemporary buildings. An example of these are those designed by the Danish and French architects Bjarke Ingels and Jean Nouvel, who gave a new touch to the old-fashioned style of the city. At the same time, many districts have been modernised as well.

Copenhagen is also known for its relaxing atmosphere. Citizens go to work by bike, they like to go out with their families, spend an afternoon in one of the city’s many parks in the company of their friends, take a bath in one of the many pools in the harbour during the warmer months and take an active part in the events that animate the city throughout the year. The Nyhavn neighbourhood was the original port of Copenhagen and was known for all sailing ships docking here along with their raucous sailors and debauchery…the multitude of cafes, bars and restaurants continue to keep this area lively and the favourite of tourists. Also Nyhavn is where renowned author Hans Christian Andersen lived.

Have I made it clear that there are lots of bikes here?

Copenhagen is often mentioned as one of Europe’s most environmentally conscious cities in Europe, if not the entire world. The Danish capital hopes to become carbon neutral by 2025, and it’s already taken a number of steps toward this goal.

First, their buses are rapidly shifting from diesel power to electric energy. Not only does it have a strong positive impact on air quality, but also reduces noise pollution. Additionally, more roads are being built specifically for biking. Subsidised prices for electric bikes are making the switch from cars ever more attractive.

When it comes to tourism, two-thirds of Copenhagen’s hotels are eco-certified. This means they use the best standards for sustainable energy, food and design. Many of the city’s restaurants sell organic food.

Copenhagen is often called the ‘Venice of North’ with its myriad of canals, water taxis, tour excursion boats, permanent house boats and motor launches. (middle photo below is a houseboat!). The locals flock to the water’s edge in warm weather to sunbathe, picnic, swim and boat. These last two days have been unusually warm at this time in Copenhagen. Today was 26C, Kingsville 18C and steady rain….mmm?

Temporary swimming pools formed in the canals…people jammed in sunbathing!

and of course the little mermaid, wasn’t impressed, these folks seemed to be, which is good…

Copenhagen with a population of 1 million, is the capital of Denmark, population 6 million, as such is also where the Royal Family resides, and the location of the national Stock Exchange. The Royal Palace and royal guards:

The impressive Old Stock Exchange from 1619-1640 – built in Dutch Renaissance style. One of the oldest buildings in Copenhagen was the Old Stock Exchange – situated on the island of Slotsholmen and built by King Christian IV (1577-1648 who ruled Denmark and Norway 1588-1648) between 1619-1624.

Unfortunately the 400 yr old Stock Exchange succumbed to a massive fire in late April of this year totally destroying it and so I could not get to see it, only what is left. The country will undertake a restoration of this iconic building similar in scale to the Paris Notre Dame renovation. Below left is a photo I copied from before the fire and what I photographed this morning.

A video clip of the fire….I did not start the fire but Billy Joel wrote a song once about a fire fyi 🤪
https://youtu.be/D4R5JdoNbeQ?si=b3bcgmgJmhTSGaEI

Denmark is known for their dairy industry, butter is excellent and ice cream is superb…those who know me know I love ice cream, chocolate my favourite. All I can say about Danish ice cream is it sates like Emeril Lagasse took Ben & Jerry’s and kicked it up a notch! Bam!

A scoop of pomegranate ice cream( not sorbet) to start, then the chocolate, YUM!…note the dental clinic above the ice cream shop, thought briefly about reinstating my dental license…briefly. And that clown was working today! It’s Sunday you idiot!!
Well enough fun and frolic in Copenhagen. The Vikings Odyssey begins tomorrow with the gathering of the besirkers, I mean riders, for a bike fit adjustment ride out and back. Although with all the cyclists in this city, we may go a little besirk attempting to ride out lol. I’m locked and almost loaded! Skol!
Life is good in Copenhagen