If you are planning a visit to Copenhagen, allow me to offer you a glimpse of this enchanting city through my personal collection of real pictures, facts and observations.
Rosenborg castle
Rosenborg castle was built in the 17th century by King Christian IV. in the Dutch Renaissance style. This style represents red brick walls and high towers and it took almost 30 years to build. If you want to visit the interior, the entrance fee is 130DKK = about 18 euros for adults. You can expect to see variety of rooms, from Winter room to the Marble room or the Danish Crown Jewels. To see the full pricing, visit Rosenborg’s official site.
If you don’t want to pay, go for a walk and take a break in the park surrounding this charming castle. I’ve visited Rosenborg gardens in summer and it was beautiful – lots of greenery and colorful flowers. You can also find a copper statue of Caroline Amalie, Christian IV.’s wife, who became the queen of Denmark between 1839-1848.
Opening hours may differ between the seasons. When I was here in June, it was open from 10am.
Frederiks Kirke or The Marble Church
This iconic church is probably one of the most popular buildings in Copenhagen. This baroque style church with copper green dome was once a half-finished ruin and it took 145 years to complete it. Frederik’s Church has the largest church dome in Scandinavia with a span of 31 m. You can also count 12 columns holding the dome and 14 statues around.
In 1749, the king Frederik V. decided to let build this church named after him. However, the Royal building master Nicolai Eigtved died in June 1754 in Copenhagen and that caused stopping the construction work of the Marble Church for some time. Furthermore in 1766 – King Frederik V. died and his successor, King Christian VII. decided to suspend the building process due to financial problems. At that time, the walls had reached a height of barely twenty metres and the church was nicknamed as “The Marble Church”.
Nowadays the church is open and you can enter for free or for a small admission of around 3€ if you want to visit the dome and enjoy the magnificent view to Copenhagen. You can find the church right by the Royal Palace – Amalienborg.
Amalienborg palace
Amalienborg Palace is a historic and iconic royal residence. It serves as the official residence of the Danish royal family and is one of the most significant architectural and cultural landmarks in the city.
The various palaces within the Amalienborg complex are used by different members of the Danish royal family. Each palace has its unique functions and significance. The Queen and her consort often reside in Christian IX’s Palace, while other members of the royal family occupy the remaining palaces.
Changing of the Guard ceremony also takes place here. The Royal Guard marches from Rosenborg Castle to Amalienborg in a colorful and traditional procession everyday at noon.
Nyhavn
Nyhavn, also known as “New Harbour,” is a picturesque and vibrant waterfront district. It’s centered around a canal that runs through the heart of the district. The canal is lined with beautifully preserved historic buildings, many of which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
This place is also the centre of culture. Throughout the year, Nyhavn hosts various cultural events, festivals, and concerts, adding to the lively and festive atmosphere. It’s a hub of activity, especially during the summer months, when people gather to enjoy the outdoors. When I visited Nyhavn in 2023, there was a celebration of 300 year anniversary of this colourful place.
You will also find a lot of restaurants and cafés here. Along the canal there are docked historic ships. Some of these ships are open to the public and serve as museums, providing insights into Denmark’s maritime history.
Stadsgraven
If you’re looking for some parks or natural landmarks, visit Stadsgraven. Also known as the City Moat, it is a historic canal system in Copenhagen. Stadsgraven was originally dug in the 16th century as part of Copenhagen’s fortifications to protect the city from potential threats. The moat played a vital role in the city’s defense strategy during various conflicts.
The banks of Stadsgraven are often covered with lush green spaces and parks, making it a pleasant area for walking, picnicking, or simply enjoying the scenic views. You can also find here several bridges connecting different parts of the city.
Today, Stadsgraven is a popular spot for boat tours. Over time the City Moat lost its original function and became a delightful urban feature, contributing to Copenhagen’s overall beauty and character.
Church of Our Saviour
The Church of Our Saviour, known as “Vor Frelsers Kirke” in Danish, is a magnificent Baroque-style church located in the Christianshavn district of Copenhagen.
The Church of Our Saviour was designed by the architect Lambert van Haven and built in the late 17th century. The architecture is primarily Baroque, with a touch of Dutch Renaissance influence. The exterior of the church is characterized by its red brickwork. At the top of the church, there is a globe with a golden cross, which acts as a weathervane. The globe is equipped with an angel that points to the wind direction.
The church is located in the charming neighborhood of Christianshavn, close to the canals and a short walk from the iconic district of Nyhavn. For climbing the tower, there is an entrance fee: 35DKK = about 4,70 euros. The church is open everyday from 11am to 3:30pm.
The Little Mermaid statue
The Little Mermaid statue is one of Copenhagen’s most famous and beloved landmarks. Created by Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen, the statue was unveiled in 1913 and has since become an iconic symbol of Copenhagen and Danish culture. The statue is based on the popular fairy tale “The Little Mermaid” written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen.
This statue symbolizes themes of love, transformation, and the yearning for something beyond one’s reach. It serves as a reminder of the complexity of human emotions.
The Little Mermaid is a major tourist attraction, luring visitors from around the world. Tourists often flock to the statue to take photographs and capture the beauty of this iconic sculpture. That unfortunately spoils the atmosphere here, because not all tourists are respectful and often even touch the statue. Over the years, the statue has faced various acts of vandalism, including having its head and arms removed. However, the statue has been repaired back each time.
Trinitatis Church
Trinitatis Church, also known as the Church of the Holy Trinity, is a historic church. It has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. It was commissioned by King Christian IV and designed by the renowned Danish architect Bertel Lange. Construction began in 1637 and was completed in 1656, making it one of Copenhagen’s oldest churches.
The church’s architecture follows the Dutch Renaissance style, characterized by its simple, elegant lines. It features a distinctive copper-clad roof and a prominent tower with a lantern. The interior of Trinitatis Church boasts beautiful Baroque decorations, including intricate woodcarvings and ornate altarpieces. The church’s design and decor create a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
Trinitatis Church offers free guided tours that provide insights into the church’s history, architecture, and cultural significance. It’s situated near the famous Rundetårn (Round Tower) in the centre.
Kastellet
Kastellet is a star-shaped fortress. It is situated on the northeastern side of the city, not far from the iconic Little Mermaid statue.
Kastellet was built between 1626 and 1664 during the reign of King Christian IV. The renowned Dutch military engineer Henrik Rüse was responsible for its design and construction. The fort’s construction was part of a comprehensive plan to fortify Copenhagen and protect it from potential enemies.
Throughout its history, Kastellet has served various military purposes. It functioned as a military stronghold during times of war and as a prison during periods of peace. Today, it still houses a military barracks and serves as the headquarters of the Danish Defense Intelligence Service. There’s also the St. Anne’s Church located within the fortress.
Kastellet is open to the public, and visitors can explore its grounds, walk along, and enjoy the scenic views of Copenhagen’s harbour and the surrounding areas. Various cultural events are hosted here throughout the year, including concerts, military ceremonies, and open-air theater performances. Its unique design and architecture makes it a captivating place for history enthusiasts, architecture admirers, and those seeking a calm escape in the bustling city.
