New Year is approaching! The old one will end, we will spend it as expected, and ...
where to eat
Restaurant Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a city that will delight food lovers. The food here is very tasty, relaxed, pleasant atmosphere and excellent restaurants. Breakfasts, brunches, lunches and dinners - each restaurant offers its own special menu and pleasant atmosphere. Copenhagen guests are especially fond of restaurants with picturesque canal views and small outdoor cafes.
Brunch in Copenhagen
Copenhagen becomes especially pleasant on weekends closer to noon, when brunch is served in the city's cafes. Midday brunch with friends, acquaintances and / or loved ones is a favorite pastime of the people of Copenhagen, it has long turned into a kind of ritual. The city has a relaxed and serene atmosphere during brunch. Brunch is a brunch (the word is derived from the English words breakfast (breakfast) and lunch (lunch - lunch)). Most cafes in Copenhagen have a special brunch menu. From a culinary point of view, the brunch menus in some cafes are just little culinary delights.
Brunch in Copenhagen is served by almost all cafes in the city on weekends from 10-11 am to 3-4 pm. Some cafes also offer brunch on weekdays. The cost is an average of 20-30 euros for two. Brunch is a special treat when you choose a cozy outdoor café on one of Copenhagen's small pedestrian streets.
Brunch in Copenhagen, Denmark. Photo credit: Colville-Andersen, Flickr
Nyhavn Bay promenade, Copenhagen. Denmark. Photo credit: Yen Baet, Flickr
Hello again! This time I would like to tell you about my trip to Copenhagen - the capital Denmark. I've been scouring the world all my life in search of a better life. Not that I didn't like my house, I just knew that somewhere life was better.
Moreover, this “the best, as a rule, consists of hundreds of little things, which are the guarantee of happiness. Having traveled around the world, I realized that everywhere there are advantages and disadvantages, but I still had one more unexplored part of the world, on which I had high hopes.
It's not a secret for anyone that it's good where we are not, but I decided to try my luck. I had several suggestions for where to go, but as my first destination I chose copenhagen city.
I went there directly from Moscow, and taking into account my past experience of using services for buying air tickets, I knew that the sooner you order, the cheaper it should be.
Taking into account the planned visit copenhagen ticket prices, turned out to be more than acceptable, so without thinking twice, I agreed and began to carefully prepare for my departure. After all, after traveling to Denmark, I also wanted to go to Norway, which radically changed the matter given the fact that it is wildly cold there.
So, going to Denmark in the summer, I looked extremely strange when I was wearing a rather warm down jacket, and a whole suitcase of various warm things that I definitely came in handy during the trip.
So, welcome to Copenhagen. The city of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales. A great place for tourism and also the quietest European capital. Here I understood why the trip here attracted me so much. I was looking for peace and quiet. Have you ever heard on the news about anything related to Denmark? Here I am about the same.
Now I want to translate the story in a slightly different direction, and I will tell you about the sights and just the places that I saw. But the point is different - even if my ramblings about a better life are too pretentious, as for me, the country with the best index of a favorable life received it for a reason.
So, I began my inspection with the great Round Tower. What is most interesting is that there is a sign at the entrance that says that when Peter I himself visited this place, he climbed to the roof of this giant tower on horseback. How the poor horse felt, and how the emperor liked this path - I don't know, but you can easily get there on foot.
Still, it is bad that there are no elevators here, since more mature tourists, even with all their desire, will not master the ascent to the top. True, there is something to distract yourself with. For example, remember the tale based on Ognivo. There, the conversation was with a dog whose eyes were the size of a tower. So the conversation went directly about this tower.
The walls surrounding the staircase are simply incomparable and are painted with various pictures (as I understand, they are related to the tales of the great writer, I just haven't read all of them). When I reached the very top of the Round Tower, I was amazed at the beauty of the city. It seemed to me that there are millions of chimneys, hundreds of seagulls on the roofs of houses, and for some reason a huge love for basketball, expressed by a huge, as for me, number of basketball courts.
If you think what to see in Copenhagen so extraordinary, then a trip to the so-called hippie commune under the name, possibly associated with Andersen - Christiania. Having crossed the threshold of this glorious place, I have the feeling that I have found myself in the distant 60s, inhabited by hippies of all sorts and colors.
Here you can buy all kinds of gadgets that will take you one step closer to the children of the sun. Buy yourself a beaded bracelet or some T-shirt with a slogan here that will make you blush as soon as you leave this place. What's most interesting is that you can't take pictures here.
Moreover, not only local residents, but also their goods, and generally extraordinary decorative elements. Whereas at the exit of this definitely original establishment you can see the inscription "You are now returning to the European Union." Previously, they sold dope freely here, but about three years ago this venture was stopped by the police due to the fact that the market for underground grass was gaining momentum here.
Copenhagen sights will definitely be remembered, I realized this after visiting these two completely opposite places. But then another unique attraction awaited me, expressed in the local metro, which is considered one of the youngest due to its technological progress and its opening directly in 2002.
The city metro is controlled by a specially computerized substation. But that's not the point. A wide and high windshield separates you from the underground road (there are no drivers here, as you already understood). In fact, you will get a ride on a roller coaster, someone may not even like it because of such a busy traffic, although in fact there is only one branch in the city.
Copenhagen city center famous for its famous amusement park called Tivoli, where you can not only ride the attractions you know, but also visit the most famous attraction in all of Denmark.
It is called the Golden Tower, and as you have already followed the analogy with the previous attraction I visited, thanks to this entertainment you can also look at Copenhagen from a high point. To be precise, this place is unique, the attraction will lift you to a height of almost seventy meters, which will make you feel like a bird.
True, people with heart problems are not allowed here, since, in fact, the loads are colossal. For such people, there is a Round Tower, there you can also see good views of the streets. In general, a cool attraction, however, I will not return to it again. It rises and falls 2 times, and if the second time I could already consider myself experienced, then the first time. No, I won't say anything.
Then I had a trip out of town to the so-called Elsinore, where the Danish countryside was waiting for me, as well as the famous castle dedicated to Hamlet - Kronborg. I would not call this place a must-see, but any aristocrat or anyone who considers himself so can go here to plunge into that dark and mysterious Middle Ages, presented here in almost the same colors in which we presented it, thanks to Shakespeare.
If you are really interested, you can sign up for a tour of the castle, but, in fact, the guide will philosophize more than tell some important and interesting facts. I walked around the castle in splendid isolation and was amazed at its beauty, though then I got lost, but not for long, I just walked into the light at the end of the casemate. Don't forget to throw a coin into the fountain located in the courtyard of this wonderful castle.
By the way, for those who like desperate walks, I recommend taking a walk around the surroundings. And please do not worry about how then to get to Copenhagen... All transport, whether public or freight, goes towards the capital.
Do not hesitate to be a fellow traveler - just throw your thumb up and wait until you are offered transport (and completely free) to the city, taking into account the pleasant national company of Danes. They can also tell a lot of interesting things.
The beauty of the city located in its vicinity also deserves special attention. In this case, the conversation is about urban lakes. Most interestingly, these lakes have royal names. Here, apart from natural beauty, you will not see anything else.
However, I liked to walk along the shore of the lake during sunset and occasionally throw stones at it in order to check if I was sleeping. Here you can also come across such "shots" who just come here to think about their lives.
Some people visit these places for yoga or sports, in general, whatever they like. Even couples in love meet. But, all the same, seagulls and other winged friends are much higher here than other passers-by.
The next morning I went to the local Dome Cathedral, and to my great surprise I did not meet anyone there. Nobody at all. Naturally, I speak for its adjacent territories, since I did not even go inside.
In appearance, the cathedral is almost a Gothic (but in fact, I don't even know how this style can be characterized) architectural structure, striking in its grace and creating the impression of complete loneliness.
Yes, services are held here, but if you want to be alone with yourself, and you do not have time to visit the lake shores, then welcome to the Park of the Dome Cathedral. Just you and you.
Another unique place to visit is the cemetery. I honestly want to say that according to the maps and navigation, I thought it was a park, I just didn't scale this area highlighted in green.
Yes, and initially I could not imagine that this is a cemetery, because a similar place was presented in the form of a central city park. This place turned out to be the burial place of all the famous figures of this northern country. Moreover, there is not only Hans Christian Andersen, there is also a monument to Niels Bohr and many other political and historical figures.
I was amazed at the attitude of local residents to this place. They do not consider it mourning, here you can often see children who carry their drawings to the grave of the great storyteller and, in general, the decoration of the cemetery is somehow brighter.
For you to know, Denmark borders on Sweden, and to be precise Copenhagen borders on the Swedish city of Malma. Previously, these two cities were separated by an insurmountable water space, which could only be counted by a ferry, while now there is a huge two-story bridge, along which you can easily cross the local water expanses in a couple of hours.
I especially liked the bus trip and the observation of the sea lighthouses, which at a certain time line up in one row and represent a specially laid route for ships.
And finally, you can't just come to Copenhagen and not sit in a local cafe. Moreover, for this, it also has its own traditions, such as the Newhavn area (somewhat consonant with New Heaven, but these are my personal guesses, although some analogies can be traced).
This place can be called the historical part of the city with tiled roofs of houses, cobbled streets and dozens of ships sailing by. There are at least 25 good establishments here, where you can wrap yourself in a blanket on the street and enjoy quality Danish coffee on the street.
By the way, prices for cafes in Copenhagen, and indeed for food in general, are quite affordable - this can be seen even from the outside. It doesn't matter if it is a large institution, restaurant or eatery - there will always be people sitting there, and not like me near the Dome Cathedral.
Here, the famous royal palace is located nearby, which can please you with guardsmen, who serve with such equanimity that you immediately want to behave like the not unknown Mr. Bean.
Well, and finally, do not forget to visit the historic city center, represented by a huge square, as well as by the building of the opera house (all performances are in Danish, so you don't have to go there).
Before leaving for my next destination, I definitely wanted to go from Copenhagen to Moscowto compare from memory what it is like to live here and there. However, in order not to fill myself with unnecessary thoughts, I silently went to the hinterland of Denmark to meet other adventures. Whereas this city left behind only pleasant memories and impressions.
Denmark, - the southernmost and smallest of all the Scandinavian countries. The population of Denmark is only 5.5 million people! Despite the fact that Denmark is a member of the European Union, only Danish Crowns are used here, not Euros! The official language is Danish! But everyone speaks fluent English.
After Italy, everything here was very, very expensive and not quite usual! Indeed, Denmark has one of the highest living standards in the world! Yes, the salaries of people here are very high, the products are of high quality!
Copenhagen, - the capital and largest city of Denmark. It is located on the islands of Zealand, Slotsholmen and Amager. The city's population is just under 1 million.
View of Copenhagen from the hotel Bella sky... There are no people at all!
Lobby inside the hotel.
Ferrari and Nastya.
Metro Copenhagen is very expensive! One way trip costs 24 kroons. Which is approximately equal to 150 rubles. There are no turnstiles in the metro, in fact, you can go wherever you want for free. But if the controller comes across and catches you without a ticket, you will have to pay a fine of 750 kroons (or about 5,000 rubles).
Ticket photo:
And the controllers, as it turned out, go. Here he is in the photo with a letter "M" on the back.
Escalators in the metro are taken directly to the street. No need to stomp on stairs.
Subway entrance.
In Copenhagen, everyone goes with children. Children are unrealistic! There were plenty of them at Eurovision! Moreover, dads with children are more common.
And also ride bicycles! There are even more of them here than in Italy! According to statistics, approximately 50-60% of Danes prefer bicycles over public transport and ride around the city exclusively on bicycles!
There are bike parks everywhere, dedicated lanes and traffic lights for cyclists.
Cyclists have their own traffic lights.
Everyone on bicycles!
First I went to look at Botanical Garden in Copenhagen! Dogs and bicycles are not allowed in the garden!
the entrance is free, there is a house at the entrance where you can buy some beautiful flower in a pot and put it on the balcony at home.
Working hours:
May 1 - September 30: 8.30-18.00
October 1 - April 30: 8: 30-16.00
Monday: day off
There is a pond in the garden. We arranged a small photo session here.
In the garden, you can and should sit on the lawns!
Everything is done very efficiently and beautifully so that people feel comfortable walking! All kinds of plants and flowers grow on the sides of the paths.
Pebbles are lined along them and a small stream flows.
Flowers.
Beautiful tree.
The sun came out! It has become generally magical!
A stork flew over us!
Ducks come right up close, absolutely not afraid of people!
I really liked the garden!
Botanical garden, in large resolution 2500px: Botanical Garden
Not far from the garden was Rosenborg Castle, - the former residence of Danish kings!
The most popular park in Copenhagen is located on the territory of the castle - Royal garden!
The ponds are full of friendly pigeons, ducks and swans! Nobody fights or bites with anyone!
Entrance fee (25 CZK)
The upper tier of the tower, which rises 36 meters above the level of the pavement, is occupied by a planetarium. There are no steps inside. Up there is a gentle spiral ascent 210 meters long. Thanks to such a device, carts and horse riders could climb into the tower.
An exhibition of hats was held in the tower.
Trinity Churchadjacent to the tower.
In the distance, you can see the very Hangar where the Eurovision Song Contest took place and the huge windmills located in the sea. It was thanks to the Danish winds that the electricity for Eurovision was fully supplied by these wind turbines. It is this hangar that spoils the whole impression of the city.
Follow the link below to see the panorama Copenhagen Copenhagen from the tower
View of Copenhagen from the observation deck on the tower.
In the middle of the tower there is a small circular room with a glass floor.
It seems very high to the bottom! It makes standing on such a floor not very fun.
It got colder and we decided to go down to move on. Walking along the streets we met musicians! We played well!
Happy Wall, - an interactive happy wall! It consists of almost 2000 panels, all
whoever wants can turn these panels over to create patterns, words or statements. The only limit is your imagination.
New Harbor (Nyhavn) Is the oldest part of the Harbor in Copenhagen. This is one of the most popular meeting points for Danes and tourists alike! There are cozy colorful houses along the harbor! You can also enjoy delicious Danish beer in the open-air bars. As soon as the sun rises in early spring, the Danes take chairs and tables outside, and from the first day of Copenhagen summer, people crowd on the dock, enjoying the view of moored wooden sailboats.
You can also go boating along the waterfront.
If you don't feel like sitting, you can take your beer with you. It's allowed here!
We slowly reached the central Copenhagen Square, - Rhodhusplads.
Copenhagen City Hall is located on the square.
And by the evening we went to Tivoli Park!
Tivoli, - the famous amusement park. It is located in the very center of Copenhagen and is considered one of the oldest parks in Denmark! Nowadays, Tivoli Park is visited by about 4 million guests annually!
More details about pakr can be found on the website: http://www.tivoligardens.ru.
The entrance to the park is paid, equal to 99 crowns (650 rubles).
Opening hours from April 10, 2014 - September 21, 2014
Monday: day off
Sunday - Thursday: 11.00-23.00
Friday: from 11.00-00.30
Saturday: 11.00-24.00
There were a lot of people in the park! You can either just walk in the park or ride the attractions.
A day ticket for the attractions costs 199 CZK (1300 rubles).
There are many of them! It will not be boring.
It is very cozy here and you can easily spend the whole day!
The pond is home to giant fish!
On every corner there are restaurants, bars where you can have a delicious meal!
Nearby is the famous Danish hotel Nimb, for hotel visitors the entrance to the park is free!
There is a corner of Asia where palm trees are even planted!
There are such mini-houses with a funny roof!
It began to get dark. Many different lights were lit in the park!
The link below you can see the night panorama Tivoli parkshot from the tower at a higher resolution 2500px: Tivoli Park
We walked around a little more and already went to the hotel.
After sleeping for a couple of hours, early in the morning we went to the airport! It's nice that the metro is around the clock!
Calmly and on time we arrived at the airport and flew to Oslo.
I liked Copenhagen, an interesting city, nice modern architecture. But absolutely all this does not fit with the old hangar for Eurovision. He is very poor, he must be demolished and replaced with something more beautiful. In general, Italy was certainly more interesting, more beautiful and much cheaper.
You can see my route in Copenhagen at the link below:
Copenhagen itinerary.
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May 2nd, 2016, 03:48 pm
We leave, in places very fussy, but nevertheless pleasant, Stroeget (see part 1) and move towards the main attraction of Copenhagen (judging by the postcards and magnets)- towards Novaya Gavan. The promenade (pedestrian zone) Stroeget, in principle, comes very close to the harbor, but let's wander around the surroundings first. Moreover, it is not crowded at all (those tourists who did not settle in Stroget, apparently settle in the harbor), but there seems to be something to see.
For example, Christiansborg Palace:
The Danish parliament sits here. In front of the building there is an equestrian statue of one of the most popular kings of Denmark, Frederick VII:
A nice place, especially (in addition to the spire of the Church of St. Nicholas, which is visible from this angle), it opens from here, if you look in the opposite direction, view of the very unusual spire of Beersen - the building of the Copenhagen Stock Exchange:
The 56-meter spire of an ancient building (17th century) represents four (according to some sources) dragons intertwined with tails:
"There is no special meaning in dragons - it's just a talisman," some guidebooks write. However, we saw only three dragons intertwined with tails, which mean (according to other sources) the union of Denmark, Sweden and Norway (may wikipedia forgive me). The building of the stock exchange is located on an artificial embankment specially created for it in the 17th century, which in itself is quite interesting.The building itself is beautiful, I liked it (it seems like you can't get inside today). Building end:
Both Christiansborg and the stock exchange are located on the bank of the canal (more precisely, on the island of Slotsholmen, cut off from the rest of the land by canals), so the general view is quite spectacular:
Of course, there is no special feeling that you are on an island - it is impossible to understand if you are on an island or on the mainland unless you read Wikipedia. After going a little inland, we came to a pretty garden in front of the old building of the Danish Royal Library. It is easy to guess that there is practically not a single person observed here (why would it be?), Although here it is beautiful and calm:
Hundreds of red fish frolic in the pond, everything is green, in flowers. I can't believe that you are in the very center of a big city.
Library building:
Now this is only one of the buildings of the library (central), there are others in different parts of the city. By the way, this is one of the largest libraries in the world. And here in the 60s there was the largest theft of books in the world - in the amount of 50 million dollars! (About 3200 volumes of history books). After 30 years, the thief was found (of course, he turned out to be a library employee - they calculated the lot at the auction), but, alas, not all of the books were found - only half.
Near the pond in front of the library is a monument to the philosopher Kierkegaard:
whose grave we have already visited. In front of the garden entrance there is a statue of Count Griffenfeld, a Danish politician. He's kind of funny for a monument)
Leaving the island of Slotsholmen we admire the equestrian statue of Archbishop Absalon - the legendary founder of the capital of Denmark:
Back in the 19th century, the Danes called their capital Axelstadt, not Copenhagen (Axel is one of the names of Bishop Absalon).
We head towards Copenhagen's New Royal Square (Kongens Nytorv), which directly connects Stroeget and New Harbor. On the way, not far from the square, there is a monument to the Danish admiral Niels Juel, who began his career as a page and rose to the rank of admiral of the fleet, so lucky!
But we, however, were not so lucky - the largest square in Copenhagen (and, according to some sources, the most beautiful) Kongens Nytorv was almost completely surrounded by a construction fence, so we never saw it. The most fashionable hotels, bars and cafes (in addition to shops) are located around the square. Judging by the expensive cars parked near this restaurant, this is really so:
Also on the square is the building of the Royal Theater of Denmark - the largest theater in the country. At the entrance to the theater are two prominent Danish writers: Ludwig Holberg and Adam Ehlenschläger:
Okay, enough literally walking around the bush, because we are almost in New Harbor (Nyhavn) - Copenhagen's main postcard attraction!
There is nothing special to say, as you understand, - just to admire.
The 15-meter-wide canal, which is 15 meters wide, was dug in the 17th century to facilitate the passage of ships to the Royal Square, which, at that time, was the main concentration of shops and warehouses. There is an anchor at the end of the harbor in memory of the sailors who died in the Second World War:
The main charm of the harbor is given by old multi-colored houses (some of them are already about 300 years old), all the first floors of which have turned into restaurants; as well as old schooners moored in the canal, many of which have retained their original appearance. In one of these houses, Hans Christian Andersen lived and worked, that is, here were born: the Thumbelina, the Snow Queen, and the Princess and the Pea, and the staunch tin soldier, and the little mermaid, and the ugly duckling, and the naked king, and ... can be enumerated and enumerated!
Here, right among the crowds of tourists, ship craftsmen make their masts, frames and masts:
By the way, before the townspeople called Nhavn the red light district of Copenhagen, it was the most dangerous place in the city. But in 1980, the area was put in order, restored, and now it is a visiting card of the city.
Food prices here are the highest in the city. However, in restaurants and on terraces, all the seats are taken. Some tourists sit right on the walls of the canal. Almost no one walks here - everyone chews, mostly) Therefore, nothing prevents us from enjoying the walk:
You can also take such an excursion boat here, which will take you along most of the city's canals in an hour. The guide speaks three languages \u200b\u200b(English, German and Danish).
In the evening we did so. True, we drove along all those places that we had already managed to get around on foot, so our excursion did not arouse much interest. But if you prefer less active movement around the city - this seems to be what you need. And it costs quite inexpensively, about 5 euros per person. You cannot get off the boat during the excursion, he does not make stops - he will bring you here.
Nyhavn left some mixed feelings. It seems to be nice to be here, but there is a feeling of some kind of incompleteness, incompleteness. Probably, this is because of the construction sites around, and some of the houses are hung with scaffolding. In general, it seems to me that the harbor has already crossed the line of "pop", that is, they already care more about attracting tourists than, in fact, about the harbor. A sign of decline, in my opinion. I hope I'm wrong. Let me remind you that we have not seen anything like this in Helsinki - no sight leaves behind such a feeling of "attraction for tourists". Probably, the same property (again, in my opinion) can boast of Monaco, Munich and Rome. But Florence cannot boast.
Okay, let's leave the harbor and go take a look at the statue of the little mermaid (another business card of the city), to which you can still stomp and stomp! It is not even in the center of the city at all, two kilometers from the New Harbor (something, when we walked to it, seemed much further. True, we walked somehow in circles \u003d)).
Having passed along the Novaya Gavan canal, we came to the coast of the main canal of the city, which divides the entire city almost in half, and which, nevertheless (which is rather strange), has no name (I did not find such a name). The Copenhagen Opera House is visible on the other side:
This ultra-modern structure cost the city half a billion dollars. Today it is the most expensive opera house in the world. The theater is located on one of the islets of the Holmen archipelago.
Directly opposite the theater (on our side of the canal) is the Amalienborg Royal Palace, the official residence of the Danish royal family. The palace consists of four buildings that surround an octagonal square:
Equestrian statue in the center of the squareFrederick V ... This monument is recognized as one of the best in the world among equestrian monuments. The French sculptor Jacques Sali spent 15 years making it, most of which spent studying the habits and sketching horses.
Sentry guard at one of the entrances to the palace:
The high fur hats of the Danish guards are a gift from the Russian Emperor Alesander III to his father-in-law, the Danish king Christian IX. By the way, we managed to see the changing of the guard of the guards - boring things, in principle:
Although they say that many specially come to see this action (every day at 11-30). In general, this whole palace is in the Rococo style, and the square with the guards completely fades against the background of the dome of the Marble Church, see:
In general, it is probably more correct to say a palace with an area beautifully complements the temple with the largest dome in northern Europe (31 meters in diameter). The cathedral is charming. Its appearance impressed me much more than St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome (whose domes are almost invisible from the main square of the Vatican!), Although their domes are very similar.
But inside, as usual, nothing special: the church, the church. Lutheran, this time:
It's good that the entrance is free. Unlike Milan or Riga. Dome from the inside:
Well, let's move on. Not far from the Marble Church, the Orthodox Church of Alexander Nevsky, squeezed from all sides by gray buildings:
The structure is so familiar to our Orthodox eye that there is nothing special to add here:
An attractive building of the "Admiral" hotel is located in the next street. Historic building that used to serve as port warehouses:
We go along the particularly unremarkable streets. Ultra-modern sculptures come across:
But, not even 10 minutes have passed, and we are in Churchill Park (as you remember, every resident of the city should, according to the commendable conviction of the Copenhagen authorities, walk to the green zone from his house no longer than 15 minutes). The park is named in honor of an outstanding British politician after England's serious assistance to Denmark in liberation from the Nazi invaders during the Second World War. Park - na pleasant, quiet place, almost on the banks of the main channel with its own lake, green grass and various sculptures. For example, this is not an ordinary sculpture, and I have not found anywhere what kind of monument it is:
Next to it is the graceful "Valkyrie" (the heroine of Scandinavian mythology, who serves as a guide to the afterlife for the heroes who fell on the battlefield) by the outstanding sculptor Stefan Sinding:
The Anglican Church of St. Alban is also located here - a building of very attractive appearance, from which side you look at it:
Isn't it really beautiful?
Inside (free admission):
According to the sources, there is some discrepancy: some sources indicate that the church stands in Churchill Park, another part, in Langelinie Park. Well, God bless them. All this looks like one big park on the banks of a huge harbor (canal). By the way, it is here, to this park, that cruise giants-liners dock when they enter Copenhagen.
Right next to the church building, the huge fountain-waterfall Gefion, alas, is not working at this time of the year:
Gefion is the Scandinavian goddess of fertility, a virgin who is served by dead girls. According to legend, for sweet and entertaining speeches, the king of Sweden promised the goddess as much land as it is possible to plow four bulls harnessed to a plow in one night. Gefion harnessed her sons to the plow, born of a giant (whence the virgin's sons are not specified in the legend), whom she cunningly turned into bulls. In short, during the night they plowed from Sweden not a weak piece of land (the island of Zealand), which, in fact, then became Denmark (today the island of Zealand is only a part of Denmark. Copenhagen is also located on its part). The sculpture of Gefion is very beautiful, see:
Well-groomed green lawns of the park nicely set off the gray stone:
Other tourists, besides us, also begin to appear - it is understandable: after 200 meters there is a sculpture of a little mermaid. Above the park, there is a column dedicated to the admiral with the surname Huyttfeld, a hero of the Great Northern War, which is dissonant for the Russian ear:
There is also a monument to the last king of Denmark (the queens went further) Frederick IX. I felt sorry for him (he stands so lonely, tourists do not approach him), so he captured \u003d)
We are right on the bank of the canal and from here you can see (on the other side of the harbor) a submarine and warships - these are museum pieces. (In the lower left corner of the photo, the metal boy sat down to rest):
The excursion boat will take you closer to them:
Opera building from this side:
Further, on the other side of the canal, there is only an industrial zone, which creates a not very romantic background for "The Little Mermaid", therefore, on postcards, the little mermaid is usually photographed a little from above in order to hide the factory chimneys:
We are really already near the famous statue, the crowd of tourists clearly speaks about this:
Okay, here she is - the famous sculpture "The Little Mermaid":
She is quite large: her sitting height is 125 cm. That is, if she gets up, a kind of 2-meter beauty will appear before us. Don't be confused by the not quite ideal (by modern standards) body of a bronze beauty. Karl (the son of the founder of the Carlsberg breweries, which we have already discussed in the first part) was fascinated by the ballet based on the fairy tale "The Little Mermaid" or a prima ballerina, most likely. Apparently, he decided to impress the ballerina by ordering a statue "little mermaids", and the model for the statue, according to Karl's idea, was to become exactly her - the ballerina Ellen Price - but she refused to pose naked (Karl did not give a ride). Since the process has already begun, the sculptor had to sculpt the body of the statue from his wife. The ballerina gave the "mermaid" only a head. Which (head), by the way, was cut down for the first time near the statue in 1964 (51 years after the monument was erected). I had to make a new one (the old one was not found). In 1998, the head was successfully cut off again (it was not successfully sawed eight years earlier), although it was returned anonymously. They sawed off a hand once. They blew up once and the 175-kilogram sculpture fell from its pedestal. Of curiosities: on March 8, 2006, a faloimmitator was put into the little mermaid's hand, painted with green paint and written on the pedestal "March 8" (congratulations, so to speak). In addition to the above: they drew on a bra, dyed it pink, wore a Muslim dress and a hijab. In short, "Mermaid" has no luck, just like in the fairy tale of the same name. There, a mermaid who fell in love with a prince gave her tail for him, but he did not appreciate (well, as usual).
By the way. In fact, a mermaid is not a mermaid at all - but a sea maiden! A mermaid, in Slavic mythology, has legs and "sits on the branches", and does not swim in the sea. The fact that today in Russian a mermaid is a girl with a fish tail is a merit, including of Andersen, with her "Little Mermaid" (the literal translation from the Danish name of this tale is "little sea lady").
By the way, taking a picture with a sculpture so that other tourists don't get into the frame is quite simple:
Well, we took pictures and move on. Not far from The Little Mermaid there is a bust and a monument to Mary of Orleans, the wife of one of the Danish princes. She was distinguished by some disregard for royal traditions, for example, she was photographed with a fire brigade (which, at the end of the 19th century, was somehow not in feng shui). In short, she loved life and gave birth to as many as four princes and one princess:
Although it's not so hot outside (+8), quite lightly dressed locals rest on the lawns:
Our next goal is lunch, moreover, on one of the islands. As we learned, it is good (and not expensive: for 10 euros, on average) to eat various dishes of street food on the artificial island of Christiansholm. There are many street food stalls from around the world in the hangar! From Chinese and Japanese to American and Brazilian - over 35 cuisines from around the world! A unique place - a paradise for a budget traveler (and for a non-budget traveler too!). Here is the exact location of this place.
However, this is the first snag. Food on the island! And the only bridge connecting the group of islets with the rest of the city is on the island of Slotsholmen, remember, where the stock exchange is ... Go back there on foot, and even on an empty stomach ... We decided to wait for the ship! As it turned out, in Copenhagen water "minibuses" run along the canals, so to speak. And here, not far from the "little mermaid", just a stopover pier. We had no idea how to use minibuses. Let's wait, sir. Maybe we can figure it out. At the bus stop there is a diagram and a timetable for such water "buses", but there are no prices or ticket offices. Hmm. Soon, almost perfectly on schedule, a red boat moored (it turns out that these red boats are a feature of the Danish capital):
We are trying to find out from the captain how to pay for the fare and how much it costs - he shows you go to the salon, we will figure it out. We pass, we worry) Such is the salon:
In a few minutes, we are already on the other side of the canal (on the Holmen archipelago, where the opera is, remember?) And we have to get off. Again we turn to the captain (at one of the stops the team has changed, the captain is already different): how to pay for the fare? How much is? He asks: - Should you go here? - Well yes. - Well, go, everything is OK) Exactly? Yes)
In short, we rode for free. Surprising but true, as they say)
The most beautiful old schooner is moored here, where we got off the "minibus" (pier Holmen Nord):
Later, on an excursion, the guide said that it was fully operational and used for educational purposes - future sailors were trained on it.
Here is already a completely different Copenhagen, everything is very well-groomed. And somehow deserted. There are very few cars and cyclists. There are almost no pedestrians and tourists are not visible at all:
These are the apartment complexes here, as it turned out later, one of the most expensive and modern in Copenhagen (and in the world):
The price for 84 square meters (a standard apartment here) is, according to some sources, about three million euros! This is the highest price for a private apartment in the world. Closer:
As you can see, as if nothing special.
It is easy to understand that the personal transport of the owners of these expensive apartments (in addition to bicycles) is made up of yachts and other water transport (remember, we are on the islands):
This area is really very quiet (as, say, in Monaco, if you compare), the cleanest sea air, the most advanced technologies, the most environmentally friendly living conditions, etc. Here you feel, however, not envy - admiration! Admiration is also caused by the fact that Denmark is not a country sitting on an oil-gas-all-periodic-periodic pipe and due to this is so developed. Denmark has no natural resources of its own! (There are no resources, Karl!) Such a high level of the economy is achieved at the expense of small business - 77% (!) Of the entire economy rests on it (or rather, from taxes from it). Only 1% comes from big capital. Eh, another planet! Considering also the world's lowest level of government corruption, the lowest unemployment rate ... In short ... In short, let's move on.
And then - we were disappointed: on Monday Streed Food does not work ... Well. Honestly, it's a pity that we haven't been (and haven't tried everything there is!) In such a unique place. I hope there will be another chance.
But, moving away from the island with Food Steet for a hundred meters, we find ourselves in Christianshavn - the most charming district of Copenhagen! (We're still on this side of the canal where the opera is.) Just take a look!
Yes, this is not the "opopsovany" New Harbor, so to speak!
Christianhavn is an area on an artificial embankment created by Dutch architects invited by the Danish king around the same time as the embankment for the stock exchange (in the 17th century). There is a rather narrow canal around which houses are located, about the same as in Novaya Gavan, only the canal is three times longer. The closer you are to the bridge connecting this group of islets (Holmen) with the rest of the city (from about.Slotsholmen) - the more people along the canal. There are many different yachts,someone even lives right on the yacht, apparently:
Small boats are interspersed with large modern yachts:
Interesting yacht name:
Just like in Nyhavn, there are old ships:
Even high-rise buildings are adorable here:
However, tourists are here not only because of Christianshavn. Here is located, one might say, a separate state - Christiania. Yes, yes, a semi-legal state separate from Denmark with its own laws (for example,cars, theft, hard drugs, firearms, while marijuana and hashish are allowed, unlike Denmark itself). The bottom line is what. A group of hippies (now about 1000 people live in Christiania) in the 70s of the last century illegally moved into the abandoned barracks, where they still live according to their own laws. The authorities' repeated attempts to evict them from there met with strong resistance. In short, to this day, the Danish authorities are trying to liquidate Christiania by all sorts of legal methods (repressive methods, of course, are not used in one of the most developed countries of the world). Failed yet.
It seems that all this sounds romantic - people are fighting for their freedom and independence from any form of government and state (many people like this idea) and I just want to be glad that they are successfully implementing their anarchist ideas ... With such a joyful mood, we went there.Anyway, I wanted to see what it looks like when drugs are traded openly. But in fact, everything turned out to be not at all romantic and even disgusting.
Immediately, I note that in most of Christiania it is forbidden to take photographs (hippies do not want their loved ones (or maybe the police?) To find out that they live in Christiania). Special (such as road) signs warn you about this. One of the entrances to Christiania:
Inside:
You can no longer take pictures. I'll tell you, in general terms, how everything looks there. A small street, along it there are several booths with merchants, whose faces are completely covered. They offer various marijuana bags on display boards and, in appearance, like hashish bars. A couple of people with closed faces simply stand without anything in their hands, but apparently they are also trading something. We saw a couple of times how a person comes up to the booth, the seller immediately gives him a bag of white powder (hard drugs are kind of prohibited here) and the person leaves. What's in the bag?)) It all looks somehow dirty, you don't feel much freedom ... The street ends with a rather large terrace bar with many tables filled with people and everyone is "blowing shoals" drinking beer. There is a specific smell of "grass" in the air. In short ... An ordinary drug addict hangout trying to pass for "freedom fighters". I am not against drugs and even fully support their (drugs) legalization, but if, apart from drugs, Christiania cannot offer me (or anyone else) anything, what is it about it? What to fight for? What to support? I would like to see the day when drugs are legalized in Denmark. I think that on the same day, Christiania will end its existence.
Disappointed, we leave the corner of pseudo-freedom and return to the European Union:
Do not try to get out of here buying something "authentic", because in the EU these souvenirs are illegal)))
The main entrance:
Christiania from the water side (photo from the excursion boat):
You can easily find Christiania focusing on the beautiful spire of the Church of the Savior:
According to legend, only the most courageous representatives of mankind can climb the 90-meter spire, according to legend, along the stairs twisted around it (in order to touch the globe that crowns it). Nevertheless, someone takes a selfie almost at the very globe) See:
The spire is really beautiful and I'm sure you should climb it (it costs a little less than five euros) ... But we were already very, very lazy)))
Church from the gates of Christiania:
Well, we looked at everything that had been planned.
We go to Stroget again to buy magnets and send a postcard to ourselves. By the way, take note - a good tradition! Buy a postcard with a view, preferably of the place where you have already been, write something to yourself and send it to your home address - the souvenir is ready! (Stamps are always sold in the same place as postcards, and the post box is anywhere in the city). You will come home, and, perhaps, your postcard is already waiting for you, giving you pleasant memories (usually, we come back before postcards).
Having bought, in addition to magnets, several stickers on a suitcase (also our tradition), we go to Nyhavn to take a boat trip, as I said, along the canals of the city. A few final pictures from our excursion boat:
So that is all.
Do I want to return to Copenhagen? Yes! And above all, for two things. To still eat that street food from all over the world, which is so uniquely collected in one place. And second: go around this bustling city on a bike! See you in Copenhagen, friends)
First, a little about the sensations:
I started waiting for this meeting back in November 2012, I spent a lot of time preparing and planning the route, reading about the city itself and collecting information. And so, the day came when we went to Copenhagen.
This city seemed to me somehow special. My husband did not understand the atmosphere, but I am delighted with the Danish capital! Despite some underdevelopment in terms of tourism, there are pleasant memories.
Copenhagen gave a definite contrast to the European cities I was in before. For me, he was something transcendent, something that was unattainable and very blurry. I really wanted to get to the bottom of it, I wanted to know and feel it, merge with it into a single whole, dissolve in its streets and hear the whisper of ancient buildings. But this is probably something from Andersen's fairy tales!
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About Copenhagen:
How did Copenhagen welcome us? First, there was the official customs, then the friendly Danes - they tried to help and suggest something, for example, how to buy a metro ticket and where does the Old Town begin. Before meeting the Danes, I imagined them as harsh northerners - taciturn modest inhabitants of a Nordic country. But in reality, everything is completely different! Amazing Copenhagen!
How to get from Kastrup airport to the historic center:
The surest way to get from the airport to Copenhagen's historic center is by taking the metro. Yes Yes! You heard right, the airport is located eight kilometers from the city center and there is a metro from it, and on a straight line! Much to the delight of travelers, Copenhagen's metro operates around the clock!
Tickets are sold at machines that accept coins - that is, Danish kroner and plastic cards. You can also buy tickets at the kiosk in Terminal 3, the exit to the metro is there. One way trip from the airport to the city center will cost you 36 CZK. The ticket must be validated at the entrance to the metro - the validator is yellow. The inspectors are walking.
At the end of the Lufthavnen metro station, which is located at Copenhagen airport, we take the yellow line and go to Kongens Nytorv station. Travel time is 14 minutes. Leaving the Kongens Nytorv metro station, you find yourself next to the Royal Theater.
Route start:
So, you got off at the Kongens Nytorv metro station. On your right side of the building Royal Danish Theater (Address: Kongens Nytorv 9). It is the first national theater in Denmark, founded in the 18th century. And also the largest theater in the country.
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The nearest attraction itself is pedestrian street Strøget (on the map it is marked Østergade).
The name of the street translates as "stroll", it is considered the longest and oldest pedestrian street in Europe. In general, this is not even one street, but as many as three, which complement each other, and form the very promenade - Strøget. The total length of streets is 1.5 km. A huge number of cafes, restaurants, shops and nightclubs are concentrated here.
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Strøget will lead you to fountain of storks. It is located in Amagertotv Square (Address: Amagertorv 6)
For a long time, there were disputes about who these birds decorating the fountain are - herons or storks. The controversy ended in 2008 when representatives of the ornithological society were summoned to the fountain by the city authorities, who confirmed that the birds were indeed storks. The fountain is also famous for the fact that graduates of the obstetric department of the Medical Institute gather around it for a traditional dance.
The 21-hectare island has several attractions. The first of which, christiansborg Palace (Address: Prins Jørgens Gård 1) - it was built in 1167 by Bishop Absalon, later used as a royal castle, and from 1849 to this day it serves as the Danish Parliament.
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The next architectural object of Slotsholmen Island is Børsen (Address: 1217 København K).
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The building is the Copenhagen Stock Exchange, it was built in 1619-1640 by order of Christian IV. Børsen is decorated with a 56-meter spire in the form of twisted tails of four dragons.
Can't be ignored thorvaldsen Museum (Address: Bertel Thorvaldsens Plads 2 1213 København K).
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He is the pride of Copenhagen and Denmark. It contains all the major works of Bertel Thorvaldsen. The museum has access to the ristani Gammel Strand.
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Also on the island Slotsholmen there are other buildings such as the Danish Royal Library, a church and other institutions.
From Slotsholmen Island the path goes to Town Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen) Copenhagen. You can get to it from Slotsholmen by going along Stormbroen to Frederiksholms Kanal street, turn right and walk to Kompagnistræde, turn left there and move forward. Kompagnistræde continues on Farvergade, which will lead you to the Town Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen).
There are many attractions on it. The first of them, of course, itself Town Hall (Rådhus).
The Town Hall, which now stands on the square, was built in 1905, and it was built from 1893 to 1905. The architect of the building was Martin Nurop. This is already the sixth City Hall in Copenhagen - all the predecessors of the current City Hall were damaged by fires. The height of the Town Hall clock tower is 105.6 meters. The Town Hall is one of the tallest buildings in Copenhagen.
If you climb 300 steps, you will find yourself at the top of the tower. On the facade of the Town Hall you can admire gilded sculpture of Bishop Absalon - father of Copenhagena, the very bishop who built the Christiansborg palace.
The entrance to the town hall is free. The astronomical clock of the Town Hall is also interesting.
Sitting near the Town Hall dragon sculpture, there are a lot of them in the Danish capital, as the dragon is a favorite character of the Danes.
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And it's just impossible not to notice the tall a column with two Vikings playing lurah.
This column appeared on the Town Hall Square in 1914. Two legends are associated with it. According to the first and older one - if Denmark is in danger, the Vikings will trumpet the lurs and wake up the giant hero Holger, who is sleeping in the dungeon of Kronborg castle. He will save Denmark.
And the second legend says that the Vikings will trumpet the luru if an innocent girl passes by.
Next to the Town Hall is the next attraction of the square - it is fountain "Dragon" (Dragespringvandet), in Russian-language guidebooks its name sounds like "The bull tearing the dragon". This fountain was installed on the Town Hall Square in 1904.
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Near the Town Hall and the fountain, you will certainly notice monument to the great storyteller - Hans Christian Andersen.
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The great storyteller fixed his gaze on Tivoli park, its beautiful pavilion is on the opposite side.
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It remains to admire thermometer-barometer.
This wonder is located at the corner of a building at the intersection of Vesterbrogade and Andersens Boulevard.
Why is it interesting? The thermometer will show you the temperature - it's simple. And if you look higher, you will see gilded figures of two girls, one of them with an umbrella, and the other with a bicycle. If it is going to rain, a girl will come out with an umbrella, and in good weather, the girl will ride a bike.
These sights are located on the Town Hall Square of the Danish capital. From the Town Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen) it is advisable to go to two small squares - Nytorv and Gammeltorv. In order to get to these two squares, you need to go from the Town Hall Square along Vestergade street. Walking along this street, you will come to the first squares - Gammeltorv.
Gammeltorv is the oldest square in Copenhagen. According to history, it originated in the 12th century, but most of the buildings were built after the Great Fire of 1795. The first Town Hall of the Danish capital was built exactly on this square, on its eastern part, but was destroyed during the Hanseatic seizure. Gammeltorv served as the political and judicial arena for Copenhagen.
The dominant feature of the square is the Caritas Nu fountain.
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The name of the fountain translates as Merciful, sacrificial love. It was erected in 1610 by order of King Christian IV. The fountain is a bowl, crowned by the figure of a woman with children; it is decorated with the heads of dragons, of which, as I said, there are many in Copenhagen.
Now about Nytorv... The name of the square is translated as New Square. This square was created in 1610 by Christian IV.
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Here, the butchers cut meat, which was sold at Gammeltorv. There was a scaffold and a pillar on Nytorv. The last execution was carried out in 1758, when Frederick Hammond and Anders Sundblad were convicted and beheaded for forging large amounts of securities. After 1795, the two squares Nytorv and Gammel Torv were merged into a single whole.
The most famous building on Nytorv is courthouse (Copenhagen Court House).
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And, of course, one cannot fail to notice telephone pavilions, now they have a cafe.
The next attraction is ahead - Round Tower. From Nytorv and Gammeltorv squares to the Round Tower (Rundetårn), you can walk as follows: walk along Skindergade street to Fiolstræde street, turn left and walk to Krystalgade street. At Krystalgade, turn right up to Købmagergade.
The Round Tower (Rundetårn) is located at Købmagergade 52A 1150 København.
It was built in 1637-1642, the tower was built by order of King Christian IV, it was intended as an observatory as part of university buildings in the parish of Copenhagen's Trinity Church. The tower observatory is the oldest in Europe. The upper tier, which is 36 meters high, is occupied by a planetarium. There are no steps inside, a gentle spiral ascent leads upward, its length is 210 meters!
According to legend, in 1716 Peter I climbed the tower, followed by his wife in a carriage pulled by six horses. In 1861, the university observatory was moved out of town, since over time the Round Tower turned out to be in an unfavorable place for observation, and the frequent ascents of loaded carts to the top damaged the tower.
The outer side of the tower is decorated with gilded Hebrew letters, they are carved with the name of God. The inscription was composed by Christian IV himself.
Now the Round Tower is one of the symbols of Copenhagen. The great storyteller Hans Christian Andersen even wrote about her in the fairy tale "Flint" - "The eyes of the largest dog the size of the Round Tower." As a child, listening to this tale on the disc, I could not even imagine the size of that dog!
Continuing the walk through Copenhagen, from the Round Tower (Rundetårn), I suggest going to rosenborg Palace (Rosenborg).
From the Round Tower we return to the intersection of Krystalgade and Købmagergade, the tower remains behind you. We turn right, here Krystalgade street continues with Landemærket street. Walking forward along it, you will come to the entrance to the Rosenborg Palace Park (Rosenborg).
Rosenborg is the former residence of Danish kings, it was built by order of Christian IV century. 1606-1624 - then it was the outskirts of Copenhagen. This is the only palace that has survived in its original form. Designed by Hans Stenwinkel the Younger, the Renaissance style was fashionable in the Danish capital at the time.
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The most magnificently decorated hall of the palace was the ballroom - it hosted ceremonies and royal audiences. The palace served as a royal residence until 1710, when King Frederick IV changed the position, who built several more palaces in Copenhagen and left Rosenborg. Since 1838, Rosenborg Palace has been open to the public. It exhibits art and historical collections of Danish kings and royal regalia.
A royal garden is laid out around the palace; 2.5 million tourists visit it annually. There are many sculptures in the garden.
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Monument to Andersen
Another dragon, which are very popular in Copenhagen, as I said above.
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And very close to another park - park of the Copenhagen State Museum of Art. It is across the street from Rosenborg Palace.
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This park is laid out in the English style. The natural beauty of the natural landscape creates a dreamlike atmosphere. Andersen's fairy tale "Thumbelina" is immediately remembered, and the episode in which the everyday life of the frog family was described. Water lilies on ponds, croaking of frogs, singing of nightingales are indeed transferred to a fairy tale.
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The park of the museum is large in area, commensurate with the area of \u200b\u200bthe park in the Rosenborg Palace. The park of the Museum of Art is stretched out in shape, it has three ponds and a rather long, well-groomed path.
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The museum building itself was built in 1889-1896. The architects were V. Dalerup and G. E. V. Möller. The museum was built in the style of the Italian Renaissance.
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The museum contains a rich collection of works of art dating from the 12th century. It contains works by such masters as Mantegna, Titian, Tintoretto, Bruegel, Rubens, Hals and Rembrandt. The collection of contemporary art includes works by Picasso, Braque, Léger, Matisse, Modigliani and Nolde. Pictures, sculptures, installations and other works of Danish authors are widely presented.
After enjoying the silence and natural beauty in the park next to the State Museum of Art, I advise you to go to another park area in Copenhagen - in the park surrounding Kastellet.
You can get to it from the Rijksmuseum by crossing the road, past the train station along Oslo Plads street.
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Kastellet is one of the most powerful fortifications in Northern Europe, it is an island in the shape of a five-pointed star.
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The fortification was built in the 17th century and still retains the status of a military facility and belongs to the Danish Ministry of Defense. The fortress was built by the Dutch architect Henrik Rüse in 1660 to cover the city from the north. You will not see stone walls and towers here, but looking at the high embankments, you can admire the ancient cannons.
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The Dutch mill, built in 1847, also attracts attention, it is still in working order and provides the citadel with flour, the mill is launched annually on October 28.
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The fort is guarded by the royal guards, soldiers live in the barracks, access to Kastellet is limited, but you can freely walk in the park. This park has become a favorite vacation spot for residents of the Danish capital.
The nearest attraction from Kastellet is Copenhagen's most famous statue - the little Mermaid.
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The romantic image of the Little Mermaid excites the minds of almost everyone living on our planet. In Copenhagen, which is the homeland of this fabulous maiden, on the Langelinier embankment there is a bronze sculpture of the Little Mermaid 1 meter 25 centimeters high and weighing 175 kilograms. She sits on sea boulders and squeezes a sprig of seaweed in her hand, yearns for a lost beloved forever, or waits for him, and is ready to wait for her love forever ...
The date of birth of the Little Mermaid is 1837 - it was then that Hans Christian Andersen wrote his piercing and tragic tale. The monument appeared later - on August 13 (or 23), 1913. It was created by Edward Eriksen by order of the founder of the brewery Karl Jacobsen. The idea of \u200b\u200bcreating the statue was as follows: Carl Jacobsen was a wealthy man and did not experience material difficulties, which could not be said about matters of the heart. He was in love with the prima ballerina of the Danish Royal Ballet Juliet Price (Helene Pryce), but this love was unrequited, Karl could not succeed in getting the ballerina's favor. And then the brewer decides to order the statue of the Little Mermaid to the sculptor Eriksen, on the condition that Juliet Price will serve as a model, but she flatly refused to pose. The sculptor did not arrange long castings, sort out models and opted for his own wife. Edward Eriksen managed to convey the fragility and touching of the fairytale heroine and embody sensuality and femininity in harsh bronze.
Copenhagenes fell in love with their Little Mermaid, after them all of Denmark was filled with sympathy. Now the anniversary of the Little Mermaid is celebrated at the state level. The sculpture is decorated with wreaths of flowers, people gather around, music and loud speeches sound. The little mermaid has become a symbol and a visiting card of calm and measured Copenhagen, but this does not give rest to someone. Probably, it is difficult to find the second monument in the world, which suffered so much in his life. Vandals sawed off their hands, decapitated and poured paint, even blew up the unfortunate Mermaid. But the inhabitants of the Danish capital cannot imagine their life without the sweet romantic heroine of Andersen's fairy tale, and the sculpture has always been restored and erected in its rightful place. The Danes have a belief: as long as the beautiful mermaid sits on her stone, everything will be calm in the Danish kingdom.
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In addition to the story about the trials that fell to the lot of the young sea girl, I want to give a list of all the registered troubles and incidents:
The Little Mermaid has been repeatedly attacked by vandals; in 1961, 1963 and 1976 it was doused with paint, panties and a bra were added, once it was even blown up, but each time the statue was restored according to the original layout.
In 1964, unknown persons decapitated the Little Mermaid. Fortunately, the old plaster mold has been preserved, from which the new head was cast. The criminals were never found. True, there were rumors that the act of vandalism was committed by the Danish writer and situationist artist Jorgen Nash, who in 1997 admitted in his memoirs that he sawed off the Mermaid's head and drowned her in one of the small Copenhagen lakes.
In the summer of 1984, hooligans sawed off the Little Mermaid's right hand. The criminals turned out to be two young guys who themselves went to the police and admitted that they had committed this act of vandalism while drunk. Hooligans were punished only for "damage to communal property", and the Little Mermaid was repaired again.
In 1990, they almost sawed off her head, cutting off almost the entire neck.
In 1998, her head was again cut off, but a fragment was found and the sculpture was restored.
On December 16, 2004, the sculpture was dressed in a burqa and a sign "Turkey in the EU?" in connection with Turkey's intention to join the European Union.
In March 2007, in front of hundreds of tourists, vandals painted a bronze sculpture pink. They were able to return it to its original appearance using a special soap solution.
This is how difficult it is for the Copenhagen darling, but this gentle, touching person steadfastly endures all the hardships and adversities.
From the Little Mermaid, along the coastal strip, through the park, you will come to the Gefion fountain, and behind it is the Church of St. Alban.
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We cross the bridge and find ourselves in front of fountain Gefion. The fountain is a 50th anniversary gift to the city from the Carlsberg Brewery and is the largest monument in Copenhagen.
It was invented by the Danish artist Andreas Bungaard, who also created its central figures in 1897-1899. The pool and decorations were completed in 1908 and was first turned on on July 14, 1908.
The fountain is made in a cascade of three tiers and is decorated with large smooth boulders. In the center of the composition is the figure of the goddess and the powerful torsos of four bulls harnessed by her.
Initially, it was planned to be located in the main city square in front of the Town Hall, but it was placed on the Langelinier embankment. Since 1999, the fountain has been under restoration, and it was turned on again in September 2004.
Behind the fountain is located church of St. Alban.
The remains of the Danish king Knud IV and his brother Benedict, who were killed in the wooden church of Saint Alban in Odense, by the rebellious nobility in 1086, rested in the church of St. Alban, and then they were transferred to the Cathedral of St. Knud.
After this brutal murder in Denmark, there was a crop failure for several years. The Danes took it as God's punishment for a crime committed in a holy place. A mystical horror has given rise to rumors of ominous miracles that occur on the graves of the slain. All these events served as the reason for the canonization of King Knud of the 4th century. 1101, and Odense became a place where pilgrims from all over Europe flocked.
The Church of St. Alban in Copenhagen was built in 1885-1887 and consecrated in the name of the great martyr Alban. This church is English and was built mainly for the English community in Copenhagen.
Ahead awaits us amilienborg Palace. From St. Alban's Church to Amalienborg Palace, you can walk along Churchillparken Street, which turns into Amaliegade Street.
The palace is the official residence and residence of the Danish royal family. It is named after the wife of Frederick III, Queen Sophia Amalia, by whose decree a palace was built in 1673 called Sophie Amalienborg.
The original palace of Cophie Amalienborg, located on this site, burned down in a fire in 1689 that broke out in the court theater during an opera performance. The documents indicate that 171 people died. The building was not restored, but rebuilt.
The Marble Church (Marmorkirken) also known as Frederick's Church is a Lutheran church in Copenhagen.
The building was designed by the architect Nikolai Eigtved in 1740. The foundation stone was laid by King Frederick V on October 31, 1749. The future church was to be part of an ambitious plan for a new neighborhood in the Danish capital called Frederiksstaden. The basis was taken from the Church of St. Paul in Rome, according to the architect's plan, Norwegian marble was to become the main building material - probably the name from here.
However, construction slowed down as a result of budget cuts and the death of Eigtved in 1754. In 1770, the original design of the church was rejected by the Danish official Johann Friedrich Struensee. The church remained unfinished for almost 150 years.
The current building was designed by Ferdinand Meldahl and financed by Danish banker Carl Frederic Tietgen. The church was opened on August 19, 1894, in the construction of the shrine, both expensive Norwegian marble and ordinary limestone were used. The building has the largest dome in the region - its circumference is 31 meters, the dome rests on twelve columns.
And the last attraction of the route is canal Nyhavn.
From the Marble Church to the Nyhavn canal there is a straight Bredgade street, if you leave the church behind, you need to go right.
Anyone who has been to Copenhagen must have visited the famous Nyhavn Canal. Someone saw it bright and sunny, someone was there in rainy weather, someone in the morning, someone in the afternoon, well, and my husband and I got to this famous canal already along the night streets of Copenhagen.
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The canal is only one kilometer long and 15 meters wide. This canal was dug in 1671 to bring the waters of the Øresund Strait to the New Royal Square. Old wooden ships sway on the waters of the canal, taking the visitors of this place to the atmosphere of the 18th-19th centuries, and of course, to the old-old tales of distant countries and incredible adventures!
The entire Nyhavn area is filled with expensive cafes and restaurants, housed in colorful little houses. There is also the La Glace pastry shop, where every month they bake a pie according to a new recipe and name it after one of Andersen's fairy tales.
The area is also interesting by the fact that on houses N 18, 20 and 67 along the Nyhavn canal embankment you can read that Hans Christian Andersen lived and worked here in different years.
There is a large anchor at the beginning of the harbor - this is a monument to Danish sailors who died during the Second World War.
This is how our 5-hour walk in Copenhagen went. During this time, we managed to see the main sights of the city, get to know the Danish capital and love it, eat 2 times and sit at the bar once, take a lot of photos and gain impressions for several years to come!
