Flights to Denmark are a voyage into a vibrant and exciting world. Copenhagen has been in existence since 1043 and has built up fascinating traditions and established wonderful attractions that positively invite the visitor to linger a while.
With flights to Copenhagen from London being available for around £50.00, and even less from other cities, almost anyone can afford a weekend getaway to this graceful city. Copenhagen has been the official capital of Denmark since the 15th century and is the centre for culture and entertainment, not only for visitors but for local residents too.
Beautiful Copenhagen
Some of the things to do in Copenhagen are simply amazing: the town is home to not one, but two of the oldest amusement parks in the world. They are the more than 400 year old Bakken, which grew up around a pure water spring (previously the city’s water was commonly known as ‘eel soup’!) The amusement park still follows traditional lines, with free entertainment available throughout the day as clowns, jugglers and other performers put on shows throughout the day. There are over 100 booths, each individually owned, where visitors can try their hand at the contests on offer.
Tivoli Gardens is the second-oldest amusement park in the world, having been established in the mid-1800s. Tivoli is a slightly more commercialised park than Bakken, and features roller-coasters and rides galore – including six brand new rides due to be unveiled soon! The amusement park is rated among the top thirty biggest tourist attractions that Copenhagen has to offer.
Another strong draw to Copenhagen is the free town of Christiania; an area described as a ‘hippy village’ in the heart of the city. Fabulous wall art brightens up the streets, but visitors are warned that the area can be dangerous as drug dealers trade in the area. Signs warn visitors not to take photographs and it is best to hire a guide to take you safely through this part of town.
The Experimentarium is a science-centre that offers over 50 exciting and interesting challenges and experiments to entertain, amuse and educate the whole family. For a truly out-of-this-world experience, the Geological Museum contains samples of moon rock, collected by the crew of Apollo 17. A host of other museums and galleries provide entertainment and a glimpse into the rich and varied history of the city with displays of artworks, exhibits and information.
The practise of pedestrianizing the centres of urban areas is now so widespread that it is hard to think that the idea could have ever caused controversy and head-shaking. However, this is exactly what happened when city planners made an area in the centre of Copenhagen car-free; people and businesses despaired, feeling that no-one would come to shop in the area if they could not drive. Fortunately, the faith of the planners was rewarded and so many people took advantage of the pedestrian zone that it was expanded over the years to form Stroget; Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping area. In summer, 250 000 visitors per day flock to the area and even in winter up to 120 000 people stroll along the street every day, looking for mementoes to take home from the many souvenir shops.
No visit to Copenhagen can be considered complete without a visit to see the iconic statue of the Little Mermaid, a nod to one of Copenhagen’s best known sons, Hans Christian Andersen. The small statue sits, staring peacefully out to sea, giving no clue of the many vandalism attempts that she has survived over the years since 1960. Authorities have now moved the statue further out to sea in an attempt to make it harder for this to happen, and have promised that she will be kept in place, for future generations to admire. Do not delay, book your weekend getaway soon, and make sure you get to see and enjoy all that Copenhagen has to offer.
