Tr avel report COPENHAGEN I
F Carlsberg made holidays, Copenhagen would probably be their must-visit destination.
The Danish capital wouldn’t be on everyone’s bucket list, but on our four-day visit, we discovered a Scandinavian jewel.
The range of activities, sights and attractions around the city make it a place everyone can enjoy.
From the bustle of the city centre to the idyllic docks and the edgy Christiania neighbourhood, Copenhagen is whatever you want it to be.
Unlike some tourist cities, it is clean and perfectly kept, the air not saturated with exhaust fumes.
For the locals, the preferred means of travel is by bike. In a city as beautiful as Copenhagen, there’s more than enough to explore via pedal-power.
The Little Mermaid is the sight tourists flock to, but visits to the old Carlsberg brewery, Copenhagen Zoo and the waterfront proved as enjoyable as the world-famous statue, but much less busy - and they are all within striking distance of one another.
The vibrant city, with its welcoming locals, is a place I would recommend visiting, but it comes at a cost.
If you’re looking for a cheap city break, Copenhagen is probably not for you, with a pint of Carlsberg costing anywhere from £7-£10. Probably the most expensive lager I’ve ever drunk.
A trip to the wild Freetown Christiania district wouldn’t put a strain on your wallet, but you may find yourself partying there all night, with people of all ages coming together to dance the night away in a hippy-style commune atmosphere.
One thing Denmark may not be so famous for is its food. Pickled herring can be found on many a menu, but you can also find more refined cuisine.
We had the pleasure of dining at the Mielcke & Hurtigkarl restaurant, situated within the Frederiksberg gardens.
The stunning scenery was matched by a spectacular 13-course meal.
Not only did each course marry seemingly absurd flavours and ingredients into a divine dish, but the staff were friendly and eager to explain each course, and the sommeliers were on hand to recommend a wine pairing with each plate.
The meal mixed traditional Scandinavian ingredients with offthe-wall accompaniments, such as the langoustine grilled in papaya juice.
One of the starters contained cured boar, which the head chef had hunted the previous summer, painted with warm boar fat to make it extra-succulent.
Although Mielcke & Hurtigkarl stood out as one of the finest dinners I’ve experienced, the food across Copenhagen was exceptional, and the always-friendly service enhanced the experience.
We were reminded several times during our stay that Denmark has been voted the happiest nation in the world for several years in a row. That pride in their country and joy of the Copenhageners makes a visit a warm, friendly experience.
We stayed at The Absalon Hotel, handily located just a short walk from the station. The hotel offers daily bike rental so we donned our shorts and t-shirts to tour the city on two wheels.
From our perch in the saddle, we saw the city fly by, the sea-salted breeze whistling past our faces.
In 20 minutes, you can pass from the tourist haven of the harbour, through the old city, past the financial district, weave through the shopping area and be in the green paradise of the parks on the other side of town.
And that, for me, is where the real magic of Copenhagen lies.
Not in its sensational scenery, its gorgeous gardens or its sociable citizens, but because it can be whatever you want it to be.
There are so many different parts to the city, so many things to do and see and so many friendly people to meet. They make Copenhagen a truly special place.