This was one of the first rides we walked by, at 80 metres (260 ft), it is one of the world's tallest swing rides and affords sweeping views of the city's historical centre. It was manufactured by Funtime and opened in May 2006.
by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 5/15/2025
This was our first stop on our next European Adventure (click here to view that trip overview page). Since we were traveling using United Airlines miles, our trip research & planning had revealed that we could fly into Copenhagen via SAS Airlines for fewer miles than any other European city served by any United Airlines or Star Alliance Airline flight.
I had not been to Copenhagen since I had worked for Siemens in the 1980's, and Celeste had never been there, so it was an easy decision for us to make Copenhagen a "stop & explore" city.
The decision to go there was made even simpler after I showed Celeste pictures of various Copenhagen interesting locations, and since our next trip stop was Oslo, Norway, then Copenhagen made that flight much shorter than it would have been from other European cities.
Although we were not in Copenhagen long enough to have needed a discount card, you can obtain discounts for most of the popular city sights
with a "Copenhagen Card". Covers admission to 80+ attractions, includes public transportation including to and from the Airport. Click the
image to the left to go to their website to learn more.
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is a historic yet modern city known for its design, sustainability, and rich cultural heritage. Here are some fascinating facts about Copenhagen:
Google shows that (as of 10/11/2024) there are 227 hotels in Copenhagen, Denmark. This list includes all types, ratings, locations, etc. If you would prefer to conduct your own research, click here to view the Google Search Results list for "accommodations in Copenhagen". Once you are on that Google Search Results page, you can then change the filters to resort the hotels list by price, # of stars, property type, etc. This is a very useful tool for when you are research planning a trip.
NOTE: Google calculates a business's review score by averaging all of the ratings that have been published on Google for that business. The rating scale is 1–5 stars, with 5 being the highest possible rating.
Below is what Google says are the "top five most popular hotels in Copenhagen, Denmark" based upon guest ratings;
During our trip planning, we discovered that the Hotel Christian IV got good reviews and was located nicely, ie; just across the street from the King's Garden & the Rosenborg Castle, less than 1.2 kilometers from the Harbor and there were numerous restaurants in the area. The hotel also served a complimentary breakfast, which we found to be good.
By the way, if you read "reviews" about this hotel, you are going to find that they are all over the place where some people liked it, some people didn't and some people had unique "complaints" about it. We found it to be comfortable, quiet, reasonably priced and the food was good (free breakfast). Is it a "five star"? No, but we knew that we were going to be out exploring much more than we were going to be in the hotel - so for us it was a perfect hotel. In other words, we were in Copenhagen to explore & have fun and not to sit in our hotel!
We would suggest you take a look at the "Google Reviews" link below to do your own hotel research.
We arrived early in the morning of July 18th, and we took a taxi from the airport to the Hotel Christian IV located at Dronningens Tvaergade 45. After arriving, we took a short nap and then headed out for a bite to eat at the Bistro Pastis, just around the corner from our hotel.
It is easy to see from the expression on my face, that jet lag has already set in - however - hunger was the motivating force at this point! If you are ever in this area, these folks serve a very tasty breakfast!
After finishing breakfast (and lots of coffee!), we decided to take a hike around the city. The plan was to walk towards the southern end of the city, and to return via the beautiful park ("The King's Garden") that surrounds Rosenborg Castle. This castle was originally built as a summer house by King Christian IV in 1606, and was used as a royal residence by Danish regents until 1710.
As you can see in the images below, the King's Garden and the Castle itself, are extremely beautiful!
Castle from the King's Garden
We are approaching the castle to take the interior tour, and the garden was so pretty we decided to take some pictures.
Castle Garden Entrance
Once you cross this little bridge, the interior tour ticket office is just a few yards away, on the right side of the building from this angle.
Garden Grounds
This image is looking back across the Gardens area towards where we entered the park at Gothersgade. The grounds were immaculately scuplted!
Castle Garden View
This is the view the Royal Family had from a window in one of their bedrooms. That is the King's Garden, and the Castle entrance bridge.
King's Garden Bench
Surrounded by beautiful flowers and statues - it is a very pretty area. Having a bench where one could pause and enjoy the stunning garden was a very good idea.
King's Garden Trellis
A beautiful Trellis - everywhere you look the park is beautifully sculpted & tended and is a great place to stroll about! I can only imagine what kind of maintenance budget this area must have!
The King's Garden is Denmark's oldest royal garden and is a popular place for everyone to meet and relax and for children to play in the artistic playground. The Renaissance style garden was established by King Christian IV in the early 1600s. Among the attractions to be enjoyed here are the impressive herbaceous borders, numerous historical sculptures, and Krumspringet ('The Caper') - a restored Renaissance park with a pavilion, espaliers and rose gardens.
NOTE: The above information came from the Wikipedia Article, click here to view the entire article.
Rosenborg Castle Interior
Rosenborg Castle Interior
Rosenborg Castle Interior
Rosenborg Castle Throne RoomThe upper two floors of the Castle are the living areas, and they contain objects from the days of Frederik IV and Queen Louise, who were the last royal couple to take residence at Rosenborg.
Rosenborg Castle was used by Danish regents as a royal residence until around 1710. After the reign of Frederik IV, Rosenborg was used as a royal residence only twice, and both these times were during emergencies. The first time was after Christiansborg Palace burned down in 1794, and the second time was during the British attack on Copenhagen in 1801.
With jet lag a bit more under control, we decided that today would be the major hiking day. We ate breakfast at the hotel (since it was free), and decided that we would visit the harbor, Tivoli Gardens, and then hike up to the other end of the harbor to see the Little Mermaid statue.
We hiked from our hotel directly to the Amalienborg Palace, and from there to the Harbor where the Royal Danish Playhouse building is located.
The Royal Danish Playhouse is a striking modern theater located on the waterfront in Copenhagen, Denmark. Opened in 2008, the Playhouse is part of the Royal Danish Theatre complex and serves as one of Denmark’s premier venues for contemporary theater and performances. Designed by the renowned Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, the building combines sleek modern design with functional spaces for performances, while offering stunning views of the Copenhagen harbor and the city’s skyline.
The Playhouse is characterized by its bold, angular architecture, with a cantilevered structure that extends over the water, creating a dramatic and innovative appearance. Its exterior features a striking combination of glass, steel, and wood, allowing for ample natural light to filter into the building while also showcasing the surrounding waterfront landscape.
A short walk just around the corner from the Royal Danish Playhouse, is the Nyhavn district. This area is where most of the harbor tours depart from, and there are a number of very nice sidewalk cafes there.
Once a busy commercial port, Nyhavn has transformed into a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The canal that runs through the district is lined with charming restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering a wide range of culinary delights and refreshing beverages. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, soaking in the beautiful scenery and observing the historic sailing ships docked along the quay.
Nyhavn also boasts a rich cultural heritage, as it was once home to famous Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. Today, visitors can explore the Hans Christian Andersen House, a museum dedicated to his life and works, located just steps away from the canal.
Image # 2 above is the Memorial Anchor, located at the base of the Nyhavn canal, adjacent to Kongens Nytorv, is a maritime memorial in Copenhagen, Denmark, commemorating the civilian sailors who lost their lives at sea during the Second World War.
After exploring the Nyhavn area, we decided to hike over to Tivoli Gardens, a 2.6 kilometers walk. As you can see in the images below, Tivoli Gardens is not only very pretty, it is the oldest Amusement Park in Europe - first opened on August 15, 1843.
Tivoli Gardens EntranceThis was the initial view we had of Tivoli Gardens, as we walked up along the Tietgensgade to the Glyptotek entrance. We wanted to visit it because it is a "must see" for all visitors to the city, young and old. The central location of the more than 175-year old park adds an extra dimension to this unique place.
Tivoli Gardens is an amusement park and pleasure garden in Copenhagen, Denmark. The park opened on 15 August 1843 and is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world, after Dyrehavsbakken in nearby Klampenborg, also in Denmark.
With 4.6 million visitors in 2017, Tivoli is the second-most popular seasonal amusement park in the world after Europa-Park. Tivoli is the most-visited theme park in Scandinavia, and the fifth most-visited theme park in Europe, only behind Disneyland Park, Europa-Park, Walt Disney Studios Park and Efteling.
Click here to view the Wikipedia Article where the above information came from.
The Himmelskibet Star Flyer This was one of the first rides we walked by, at 80 metres (260 ft), it is one of the world's tallest swing rides and affords sweeping views of the city's historical centre. It was manufactured by Funtime and opened in May 2006.
More Tivoli Rides Dragon Boat lake and Dæmonen roller coaster in the background.
Tivoli's Moorish Palace The Nimb Hotel and Restaurant are located in this building. This is a an exclusive boutique hotel like no other in the world, and for families with children, this is a great location to stay for your Copenhagen visit.
The Tivoli Gardens contains; 25 rides, 28 restaurants, 110,718 outdoor lights, 134,000 tulips and narcissi, 876 trees, 6,200 square meters of water, and 20,679 square meters of buildings.
Tivoli Concert Hall is a 1,660-capacity concert hall at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark. The building, which was designed by Frits Schlegel and Hans Hansen, was built between 1954 and 1956.
Image Credits: Image # 2 (right) is the property of Dannebrog Spy via Wikipedia Commons. All other images are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC unless otherwise noted.
After an excellent lunch at one of the Tivoli Gardens restaurants, we decided to hike up to the northern side of Copenhagen, so that we could see the Little Mermaid statue. This was a more ambitious hike, as Tivoli Gardens is 3.7 kilometers from the Little Mermaid statue area.
I cannot begin to stress how beautiful Tivoli Gardens is, flowers, flowers and more flowers! Click Here to view a Google Images set for Tivoli Gardens and see for yourself.
The building with the slanted roof (Amager Bakke), is the world's greenest power plant with a ski slope on top of the building.
The roof has a 440-metre slope on the slanted roof of what will be the world's greenest power plant, designed to turn waste into energy and it will cater for skiers at four different levels, and includes a 45% 180-metre black run.
These racks are all over the city, as bike riding exceeds the number of cars by a mile!
There are approximately 560,000 bicycles in the city of Copenhagen, more bicycles than people, yet they share only 48,000 bicycle stands. With a view to remedying the situation, in 2008 the Danish Cyclists Federation published a "Bicycling Parking Manual" with a number of guidelines.
POST EDIT 1: As of early 2022, there are now 675,000 bicycles in Copenhagen and there are only 120,000 cars ! Almost one third (29%) of all journeys across Copenhagen are done on a bike, and 41% of commutes (to work or study) are the result of pedal power.
POST EDIT 2: As of February 2024, there are now 745,000 bicycles in Copenhagen.
After a pleasant hike from the city and a scenic walk through Langelinie Park, we arrived at one of Copenhagen’s most iconic landmarks: The Little Mermaid Statue. Nestled on a rock by the waterfront, this beloved statue may surprise visitors with its modest size—it stands just 1.25 meters (4 feet) tall. Despite its small stature, its cultural significance and charm are immense.
Unveiled on August 23, 1913, the statue celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2013, marking a century as a symbol of Denmark's rich storytelling tradition. The sculpture was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's famous fairy tale, The Little Mermaid, and was commissioned by Carl Jacobsen, the son of the founder of Carlsberg Breweries. Sculptor Edvard Eriksen brought the vision to life, using his wife as the model for the mermaid's graceful pose.
The statue’s setting adds to its allure, with the tranquil harbor providing a picturesque backdrop. While the statue itself is relatively small, its global reputation draws visitors from all over the world. As we stood there admiring this timeless piece of art, it was fascinating to reflect on how something so unassuming could become such an enduring and beloved symbol of Copenhagen.
The Little Mermaid is a bronze statue by Edvard Eriksen, depicting a mermaid becoming human. The sculpture is displayed on a rock by the waterside at the Langelinie promenade in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is 1.25 metres (4.1 feet) tall and weighs 175 kilograms (385 lb).
Based on the fairy tale of the same name by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, the small and unimposing statue is a Copenhagen icon and has been a major tourist attraction since its unveiling in 1913. In recent decades it has become a popular target for defacement by vandals and political activists.
This fortress is a star shaped island immediately behind the Little Mermad Statue, and the Kastellet Bridge (image # 1) allows you to cross back to the mainland. As we walked from the Harbor area to the Kastellet Fortress, one of the best preserved Star Fortresses in Europe.
The Castle is constructed in the form of a pentagon with bastions at its corners. Kastellet was continuous with the ring of bastioned ramparts which used to encircle Copenhagen but of which only the ramparts of Christianshavn remain today.
A large fountain on the harbour front in Copenhagen, Denmark. It features a large-scale group of oxen being driven by the Norse goddess Gefjon. It is located in Nordre Toldbod area next to Kastellet and immediately south of Langelinie, close to the Little Mermaid Statue.
Opened in September of 1887, it is located just south of the historic Kastellet Fortress in central Copenhagen and just immediately west of the Gefion Fountain.
Built in the English Gothic style, the church was consecrated in 1887. Designed by Arthur Blomfield, it boasts stunning features like red brickwork, intricate stained glass windows, and a prominent spire. St. Alban's serves as the only Anglican church in Copenhagen and is renowned for its serene atmosphere. Situated near the Little Mermaid statue, the church offers a tranquil escape for visitors exploring the city. Its historical significance and distinctive architecture make St. Alban's Church a notable site for both religious and cultural exploration.
In english "Our Fallen" is a six-metre bronze & travertine monument, by Sven Linhart - which was paid for by nationwide public subscription and erected in memory of those Danes who gave their lives as volunteers in the service of the Allies of World War II.
The monument depicts an ordinary soldier, in British Army battle dress and the characteristic British Tommy helmet with his head bowed, in silent remembrance of his fallen comrades, as he faces the nearby St. Alban's English church. Located in Copenhagen's Churchill Park, just outside the Citadel's Royal Gate.
In Copenhagen Harbor. We found out later (in Norway) that some of the cruise ships we had seen in this harbor had travelled next to Norway. There are a number of cruise lines that sail up the fjord to Flam and elsewhere.
When you look at a map and realize that Flam Norway is several hundred kilometers from the North Atlantic, yet via the Sognefjorden, Nærøyfjorden, and Aurlandsfjorden fjords it is capable of ocean-going vessels visiting there - it will amaze you.
See our Flam Norway Page by clicking here note that this page is primarily about our train trip from Oslo to Bergen via Flam, but there are good images and narrative about Flam that you may enjoy.
Located just a block north of the Little Mermaid Statue location. A sharp contrast to the large cruise ships in the harbor immediately to the east of the marina!
The marina is also home to the Langelinie Yacht Club, which offers a variety of activities and events for boaters and members of the public.
For boaters, the marina is a convenient and affordable place to moor their boats. The marina is located close to the city center, making it easy to access shops, restaurants, and other attractions. The marina also offers a variety of services, including boat maintenance and repair.
We boarded a Norwegian Air Shuttle flight bound for Oslo, Norway, eager to begin our journey in this vibrant Scandinavian capital. Our flight touched down smoothly at 10:40 AM, and without delay, we made our way to the Flytoget Airport Express Train—a quick and efficient connection between Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) and the city center. As is common in many European airports, the train station was conveniently located directly beneath the terminal, making the transfer seamless. With just a short ride down the escalator, we easily wheeled our luggage aboard and settled in for a swift journey into Oslo Central Station (Oslo S).
For seasoned travelers and first-time visitors alike, the Flytoget Train Service is an excellent choice. Trains run frequently—departing every 10 minutes during peak hours—and the journey takes only 19 minutes, making it significantly faster and more convenient than taking a taxi. Not only is it a cost-effective alternative, but it also offers a comfortable and stress-free way to begin your Oslo adventure. Whether you're arriving for business or leisure, the Flytoget ensures a smooth transition from air to city in no time.
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Copenhagen Tours via GetYourGuide
