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Attractions |
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Ships docked at the Langelinie piers are within walking distance of several of Copenhagen's most famous attractions.
Chief among these is the Little Mermaid Statue. After attending a ballet in 1909 based upon Hans Christen Andersen's tale of a mermaid who leaves the sea because of her love for a prince, brewer Carl Jacobsen commissioned the sculptor Edvard Eriksen to create a statue depicting the tale. Today, that statue is located on a rock that is just off of the Langelinie Promenade. In fact, it is so close that tourists routinely surround it. Also nearby is the 300 year-old Kastellet (Citadel) (above right). The fort is still used by the Danish military. However, tourists and locals stroll its grounds and its earth covered-ramparts. Inside is the Kastelskirken (middle right) a colorful littlechurch. Another attraction along the Promenade is the Gefion Fountain (right), which has been described as Copenhagen's most spectacular and elaborate fountain. It depicts the goddess Gefion who turned her four sons into oxen in order to plough the island of Zealand out of Sweden. |
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During World War II, Denmark was occupied by the Nazis from 1940 until 1945. The Resistance Museum tells the story of
Denmark's struggle against the invaders during this period. |
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Walking further on, one comes to the official residence of Denmark's Royal Family, the Amalienborg Palace. Situated around a large octagonal plaza, the palace consists of four essentially identical buildings that face each other across the plaza. These were originally built as residences for noblemen in the 1750s but were acquired by the Royal Family after their palace was destroyed by fire in 1794.
The palace is guarded by the Royal Danish Guards who march each day as 11:30 a.m. from the Rosenborg Palace to the Amalienborg for the Changing of the Guard, which takes place at noon. When the monarch is in residence, they are accompanied by their band.
The palace is guarded by the Royal Danish Guards who march each day as 11:30 a.m. from the Rosenborg Palace to the Amalienborg for the Changing of the Guard, which takes place at noon. When the monarch is in residence, they are accompanied by their band.
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At the head of one of the streets radiating out from the Amalienborg Palace is the Marble Church or Frederik's Church.
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A former home of the Danish Royal Family is Christiansborg Palace. This is the sixth palace to be built on this site since Bishop Absalon built here in 1167. Today, it is the seat of Denmark's government and houses the parliament, supreme court and the Prime minister's department. The building is open to the public, subject to governmental events, and also houses the Royal Arsenal Museum and a theater museum.
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The Radhuspladen (Town Hall Square) is sometimes referred to as the heart of the city. (It is located beyond walking distance from the cruise terminal for most guests).
Leading off of the square is the Stroget, the world's longest pedestrian street. It has shops and cafés and is the shopping center of Copenhagen. Across from the Town Hall is one of the City's most famous attractions the Tivoli Gardens. These pleasure grounds were opened in 1843 and include amusement park rides, sculptured gardens and green space as well as theaters. It is one of the world's oldest amusement parks but its historic attractions are always being supplemented by new additions. |
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Nearby is the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, which has been described as one of the great museums of Europe. (See separate profile). The nucleus of the collection is the works collected by brewer Carl Jacobsen. Today, it houses an extensive array of ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman sculpture as well as a significant collection of Impressionist paintings and sculptures.
Also nearby is the National Gallery of Art (not shown) with its large collection. |
Some other places of interest in Copenhagen include the Rosenborg Castle, which contains the Danish Crown Jewels as
well as a museum on royal history.
The National Museum (Nationalmuseet) is one of the largest museums in Scandinavia with exhibits ranging from pre-histroic times to the Middle Ages.
The Round Tower, which was built in 1642 as an astronomical observatory.
well as a museum on royal history.
The National Museum (Nationalmuseet) is one of the largest museums in Scandinavia with exhibits ranging from pre-histroic times to the Middle Ages.
The Round Tower, which was built in 1642 as an astronomical observatory.
Cruise destination travel guide - - Denmark- - Copenhagen - - Attractions