Originally, Copenhagen was a Viking fishing village. It was established in the 10th century. In the early 15th century It became the capital of Denmark. By the 17th century, Copenhagen had consolidated its position as a regional center of power with its institutions, defenses and armed forces. After the effects of the plague and a devastating fire in the 18th century, Copenhagen underwent a period of redevelopment that included the construction of the prestigious district of Frederiksstaden and the cultural institutions: the Royal Theater and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. After the disaster of Horatio Nelson’s bombardment of the city, the 19th century brought the Danish Golden Age. That’s when the Neoclassical look came to Copenhagen’s architecture. Today, Copenhagen is the cultural, economic and governmental center of Denmark.
We docked in the morning at Langelinie Pier. It is a cold and blustery day. We set out with no firm plan in mind other than a little lunch and a little walking around. That is what we did.
We docked at the Langelinie Pier, a convenient location for strolling the promenade to see the Little Mermaid statue; or browse the charming shops; or linger at a pleasant cafe.We set out to walk around the dock area.And the first thing we came across was this unusual sculpture. There was a plaque. It was in Danish. But, best I could figure, the title is “Det Genmodificerede Paradis” by Bjorn Norgaaru, done in 2006.The work even extended to the canal. Obviously, this is some sort of parody on the famous, Little Mermaid. but I couldn’t discern the context or intent. Interesting, none-the-less. That swan at the base must have come for a closer look!!!Well, of course, we were compelled to go view the Little Mermaid for comparison!!! She really is more attractive!!!We continued walking the promenade, browsing the shops and eyeing the cafes.We watched these gentlemen cleaning their racing boat before putting it away for the day. Just look at that charming storage building!!!We are at the yacht basin and have worked up an appetitie!!! Time to find a cafe for lunch.We chose the IL Gabbiano Restaurant. These brave souls were enjoying the brisk air. We decided to eat inside!!!It was an interesting architectural contrast. The exterior was old world but inside it is very modern.We ordered a pizza to share.Roger chose a Carlsberg Beer for his afternoon libation.The Carlsberg Brewery is located in Copenhagen. For about 70 DKK you can do a self-guided tour and get two beers to drink! We really need to do that some day!!!When the weather turned threatening, we decided to head back to the ship and call it a day.
But, because there is a lot to see and do in Copenhagen, and we have seen it and done it on prior visits, I’ll include some of those old photos to describe the city.
The Illum Department store in Copenhagen is a wonderful place to shop.Tivoli Gardens, seen here from a bus, is an amazing amusement park. Walt Disney, travelling in Copenhagen with his wife, visited Tivoli. It is said that, very likely, this was the inspiration for Disneyland!!!Nyhavn is where it’s all happening!!! Lots of great cafes. And this is where the the canal tours depart.The canal tours are a great way to see the sites of Copenhagen.Almost everything interesting is viewable from a canal!!!The Copenhagen Opera House, as seen from the canal.These are buildings of the Amelianborg Palace in Frederiksstaden.The Royal Danish PlayhouseA copy of the statue of David at the Royal Museum of Fine Art.This funky statuary is said to reflect the life of an Ex-Pat. I don’ see it???A Naval base along the canal.
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