911爆料网

Copenhagen City Hall, designed by famous architect Martin Nyrop and inspired by Siena's Town Hall in Italy, stands prominently on City Hall Square. The hall was inaugurated in 1905, showcasing the pinnacle of national romanticism in Denmark.

The building is marked by a striking facade decorated in rich ornamental style, featuring among other elements the roof statues of polar bears symbolizing the giant Danish protectorate of Greenland. A golden statue of Bishop Absalon, the city's founder, presides over the central balcony, while the clock tower, reaching 105.6 meters, marks one of Copenhagen's tallest structures. The tower clock, a notable feature, chimes daily at noon and during New Year's Eve at midnight.

The City Hall's architectural complex comprises three aligned buildings connected by longitudinal structures. The hall is linked via tunnels to the nearby buildings, ensuring a blend of historical elegance and modern functionality.

The interior layout includes meeting rooms, a wedding hall, and a banquet hall used by the municipality. At its heart lies the Town Hall Garden, open to the public during summer months and accessible from Hans Christian Andersen Boulevard. The front entrance boasts a glass mosaic depicting Copenhagen's coat of arms, commemorating the city's historical privileges and the City Hall's inauguration.

Inside the building, looking down on the inner grand hall (which is open to the public) are the marble busts of four celebrated locals: fairy-tale writer Hans Christian Andersen, sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, physicist Niels Bohr, and the building's architect Martin Nyrop. Downstairs are the national archives dating back to the 1270s.

As you leave, check out the amazing World Clock (opposite the info desk), the supreme mechanical astronomical chronometer in terms of function and precision. Built between 1943 and 1955, its displays include lunar and solar eclipses, positions of the stellar bodies, and a perpetual calendar, in addition to the time across the world's time zones. The clock's fastest gear completes a revolution every ten seconds, while the slowest 鈥� every 25,753 years!

Tip:
The main hall is free to enter, whereas to go up the tower you'll have to pay a small fee.
They escort you in groups at 11 am / 12:30 pm and 2 pm on weekdays and noon on Saturdays. You can join a guided English tour at 1 pm (on weekdays) and 10 am (on Saturdays).
As the building is central, the views are great and the viewing platform is square and large.

City Hall Square (R氓dhuspladsen), situated in the heart of the Danish capital, fronts the striking Copenhagen City Hall. As a prime venue for a myriad of events taking place in the city, this is a favored gathering spot for street performers and international folk visiting the capital. The square is notably used as a reference point for measuring distances from Copenhagen much as for many miles of beautiful pedestrian streets within the city. Just as in so many other places throughout Denmark, English is spoken here widely and, surprisingly so, often of better quality than you would hear in many English-speaking destinations.

The square's historical relevance dates back to the times when it was a hay market and housed the Western Gate of the city's fortifications. Back then, the area was overcrowded (housing as many as 150,000 people), which quite naturally led to hygiene problems. So, eventually, the walls had to come down.

Following the removal of fortifications in the 1850s, the area transitioned into an exhibition space. The late 19th century brought further transformative changes with plans to construct a new city hall, thus turning the square into a significant urban space. Subsequent redesigns in 1996 and more recently, in 2010, with the introduction of a metro station, enhanced its utility and accessibility.

Today, the square hosts, among other attractions, significant buildings like Politiken's House, home to the national newspaper 'Politiken', and the rather peculiar Dansk Industri building containing a showroom for green technologies (the House of Green), plus a series of two-story flagship stores and restaurants on the adjacent Vesterbro Street. Also nearby is the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Copenhagen's only skyscraper, built in 1960 as the world's first design hotel that focuses on visual appearance such as architecture, interior decor, or aesthetics style.

Among the artistic highlights in the square are the Dragon Fountain, installed in 1904, depicting a mythical battle between a bull and a dragon, and the Weather Girl sculpture, perched atop the Richs Building, which provides a whimsical weather forecast. Other notable additions to the square's cultural landscape include the statue of Hans Christian Andersen, the most popular Danish writer, and the bronze depiction of Lur Blowers mounted atop a tall terracotta column. The latter was a gift to the city from the Carlsberg Foundation on the occasion of the centenary of its founder, Jacob Christian Jacobsen.

In addition to being a dynamic venue for public expression, the square is surrounded by multiple bars and nightclubs and serves as a central transportation hub, continuing its legacy as a pivotal city landmark.

Conveniently located in central Copenhagen, very close to the train station (for those traveling into town), Tivoli Gardens is the original inspiration for Walt Disney World 鈥� and it shows. The lovingly tended grounds 鈥� a wonderland of rides, games, restaurants, marching bands, funny mirrors, and roulette wheels 鈥� are picturesque and equally friendly for both kids and adults.

Tivoli is actually the second oldest, still operational amusement park in the world; the oldest one is also in Denmark. The wooden "Mountain" Roller Coaster (Bjergbanen or Rutschebanen) was built in 1914; its operator actually controls the ride by braking, so that it does not gain too much speed while descending the hills! Another roller coaster, The Demon (D忙monen), features an 鈥淚mmelmann鈥� vertical loop and a zero-gravity roll 鈥� all in one ride that lasts one minute and 46 seconds. Also of note is The Star Flyer swing ride, opened in 2006, offering panoramic views of the city from an 80-meter (260-foot) elevation.

Apart from these exciting rides and a few thrilling towers, Tivoli is a venue for performing arts, counting among the major cultural hubs in Copenhagen. So even if you are not interested in the rides, there is plenty of space just to walk around, admire the prodigious flowers and large fountains, catch a free concert, or try a wide range of different foods: Mexican, Asian, Japanese, Italian, French, Danish, or regular street food like sandwiches/burgers, etc.

Tickets are both "pay as you go" and "pay once for all", which is affordable for every budget and worth it just to see the Danes 鈥� both young and old 鈥� at play. In the summer months they have fireworks displays every Saturday at 11:45 pm and if you don't want to stay all day, just have your hand stamped so you can re-enter at a later time.

Why You Should Visit:
Supposedly, this was the template that inspired Walt Disney to create his theme parks!
Fun to walk around in even if you don't go on any rides 鈥� a lovely way to spend time with friends.

Tip:
Great to come a bit before sunset, so you can see the place both in daylight and illuminated in the evening.
You can also take your own food and drink in a bag (they don't check them), as it's rather expensive inside.

The New Carlsberg Glyptotheque (Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek), commonly known simply as The Glyptotheque (Glyptoteket), is the sculpture museum that features the private art collection of Carl Jacobsen (1842鈥�1914), the son of the founder of the Carlsberg Breweries.

The museum contains over 10,000 artworks spanning ancient Mediterranean cultures and modern European art, including the largest collection of Auguste Rodin's sculptures outside France. It also boasts numerous paintings by French Impressionists and Post-Impressionists (such as Monet, Manet, Degas, C茅zanne, Van Gogh, Picasso, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, etc.), as well as Danish Golden Age artists, complete with the extensive collections of Greek, Roman, Etruscan, and Egyptian antiquities.

Carl Jacobsen, a dedicated art collector, amassed a wealth of antique, French, and Danish sculptures during his life, which were initially displayed in his private villa's winter garden in 1882. As the collection outgrew its space, in 1888, Jacobsen donated all of it to the Danish State and the City of Copenhagen, contingent on them providing a suitable exhibition facility. A new location was chosen near Tivoli Gardens and opened on May 1, 1897.

Celebrated for its architectural elegance, the building harmoniously blends art with its structure. Featuring the historicist Dahlerup Wing with its Venetian Renaissance style and the neo-classical Kampmann Wing, it also includes a connecting Winter Garden and the minimalist Henning Larsen Wing, used for prestigious events.

What is more, the museum's wings are built around a very soothing, Victorian-style garden, rich with greenery and sculpture, under a translucent glass dome. If you can afford some extra time, it's always a nice place to relax for a while and enjoy coffee or lunch 鈥� especially in the winter, as you can be in nature and enjoy the warmth.

The Glyptotek Auditorium regularly hosts classical concerts featuring notable artists, as well as other cultural events including poetry readings and debates. Known for its excellent acoustics, the venue also accommodates rehearsals and performances by musical ensembles.

Why You Should Visit:
To enjoy a surprisingly good collection in a gorgeously modified setting (the open rooftop affords great views of the city!), plus the magnificent palm garden with many benches, ponds, a delicious caf茅, and some horticultural wonders.

Tip:
Pick up a floor plan as you enter to help navigate the somewhat confusing layout. Take breaks to go through one wing at a time. You will need breaks, as the place is huge in an unexpected way.
Keep in mind that Tuesdays are free, so perhaps you could go multiple times to make sure you see it all.
The on-site classical music concerts are frequently free too, so try to catch one.

The National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet) is the largest institution dedicated to the country's cultural history. Its main building showcases a diverse range of exhibits spanning from Greenland to South America, emphasizing both Danish and international cultures.

Recounting 14,000 years of history, the museum presents a detailed narrative of Denmark's past from the Ice Age reindeer hunters to the Vikings, and further into the religiously influential Middle Ages. The museum explores the identity and evolution of the Danish people through various exhibits that detail daily life, national events, and the broader societal changes in Denmark from 1560 to 2000.

A prominent feature within the museum is The Greenland Research Center dedicated to archaeological and anthropological studies of the island. Also notable is the major Vikings exhibition, opened by Queen Margrethe II in 2013, which was featured internationally, including at the British Museum in London.

The museum's numismatic collection includes Danish coins from the Viking era to modern times, as well as ancient Roman and Greek coins, showcasing a broad perspective on historical currencies.
Additionally, the museum boasts a wealth of ancient artifacts from Greece, Italy, the Near East, and Egypt, highlighted by items from the 1957 Danish excavation of Tell Shemshara in Iraq.

Outside its core responsibilities, such as archaeology, ethnology, numismatics, ethnography, natural science, and conservation, the museum also plays a key role in managing the National Treasures (Danef忙) and overseeing antiquarian efforts related to Denmark's churches.

Tip:
After paying your entry fee, be sure to find out when a free one-hour tour of the museum's 'greatest hits' is available in your language.

Christiansborg Palace is where Danish democracy, royal pomp, and a bit of architectural resilience come together. This place isn鈥檛 just a palace but the unicorn of government buildings. It鈥檚 the only structure in the world that houses all three branches of government: the Parliament, the Prime Minister鈥檚 Office, and the Supreme Court. Talk about multitasking...

The current palace is the third on this site. The original castle built by the city's founder, Bishop Absalon, stood here since 1167. Its remains, along with those of its successor 鈥� Copenhagen Castle 鈥� have been excavated and are now visible in the subterranean section at Christiansborg. After suffering two major fires, in 1794 and 1884, the palace was rebuilt in a historicist Neo-baroque style by 1928.

Often called "the Castle of the Realm" or simply "the Castle", Christiansborg is also used by the Danish monarchy, hosting dignitaries in its lavish Royal Reception Rooms, holding ceremonies in the Palace Chapel, and presumably waving regally at horses in the Royal Stables.

Speaking of horses鈥攈ere鈥檚 a bit of drama. King Christian IX's equestrian statue at the Riding Ground Complex, unveiled in 1927, caused controversy. The horse model for it was sourced from Hanover, Germany, thus causing discontent among Danish breeders.

Owned by the Danish Government, parts of Christiansborg are open to the public. If you have a Copenhagen Card for tourists, admission to the royal reception rooms (as well as the stables, kitchen, and underground ruins) is free. Highlights of the experience include the Queen's china collection, her ornate ceremonial library, and the Great Hall, adorned with tapestries chronicling Denmark's history.

But even if you don't have the card, no problem. You can still wander the courtyard and head up the Tower鈥擟openhagen鈥檚 tallest. The views are impeccable. The elevator鈥攖iny but mighty. And the security check is mildly official.

Tip:
Always look out for the free English one-hour tours included in your ticket (they run at 3 pm each day but also at different times during weekends: 12 pm or 2pm). That is of course unless you'd rather wander the rooms on your own, reading the descriptions.

Once known as "the commodity bourse"鈥攂ecause "stock exchange" didn鈥檛 sound quite grand enough in the 17th century鈥攖his building was constructed between 1619 and 1640 by two Flemish-Danish architects who clearly wanted to show off a bit. In essence, this red-brick beauty was King Christian IV鈥檚 way of saying, 鈥淗ey, Europe, Copenhagen means business.鈥�

Its long waterfront fa莽ade was basically a fancy welcome mat for merchants sailing in from afar. Styled in the Dutch Renaissance fashion鈥攚ith all its ornate gables and scrolls鈥攊t quickly became a symbol of the city鈥檚 ambition to be the trading capital of Northern Europe.

But what really turned their heads was that wild Dragon Spire! Imagine the tails of four dragons braided together, topped with crowns like a scaly Scandinavian power move. This symbolism was a nod to the union of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden鈥� and maybe a subtle hint that Copenhagen wouldn鈥檛 mind being the emperor of trade in the north.

The spire originally went up in 1625 but was swapped out in 1775 for a sturdier version. According to legend, it kept the building safe from fire and enemies鈥攍ike a very pointy good luck charm. And for centuries, it worked. Even as neighboring buildings were reduced to ashes, the Bourse stood tall鈥� until April 16, 2024.

On that day, during renovation works, flames got the better of it. Half the building was lost, and the iconic spire came crashing down. Denmark mourned, comparisons to Notre Dame flew, and officials quickly vowed, 鈥淲e鈥檒l rebuild it!鈥�

And while that phoenix moment is still ahead, you can check out the spires over in Christian's Harbor鈥擟openhagen鈥檚 own 鈥淟ittle Amsterdam.鈥� They鈥檝e got flair of their own.

Tip:
If you want the perfect photo of the Bourse (or what's left of it), take the elevator in Christiansborg Palace across the street. It鈥檚 got a killer view. And if you're itching to see inside the Bourse, mark your calendar for Culture Night in October. But brace yourself鈥攖he lines are long because, apparently, exclusive historical architecture is still very much in.

Copenhagen has no shortage of statues, but when it comes to fountains, it isn鈥檛 exactly 鈥渄rowning鈥� in them. This is why the Stork Fountain on Amager Square stands out like a bird in a bathhouse.

This eye-catching splash zone is set in stone鈥擨talian granite, to be exact鈥攕urrounded by dignified old buildings, one of which has been standing there quietly since as far back as the year 1600.

Now, the fountain wasn鈥檛 just plopped there randomly. It was a silvery little gift to Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Louise for their 25th wedding anniversary. Unveiled in 1894, it is basically the royal equivalent of a really, really fancy anniversary card. With plumbing...

The design features three storks caught mid-flap, as if about to deliver... babies, if you believe Hans Christian Andersen鈥檚 iconic tale from 1838. Around their feet: decorative aquatic plants and cheeky bronze frogs perched on dock leaves, doing their best impression of water cannons.

For years, locals whispered that the birds might be, in fact, herons鈥攕candal! But in 2008, the Danish Ornithological Society set the record straight: definitely storks. Case closed.

Another peculiar fact associated with this place is the midwife dance. Yes, that鈥檚 the thing. Since 1950, newly-minted Danish midwives have been celebrating their graduation by dancing, wading, and sometimes full-on splashing in the fountain. If you want to see it with your own eyes, show up in mid-summer, claim a table at a nearby caf茅 with a good view, and prepare for a delightfully soggy spectacle. Champagne optional.

Stroget, a pedestrian thoroughfare in the heart of Copenhagen, is renowned as one of Europe's longest shopping streets, extending over 1.1 kilometers. Initially known as Ruten until the late 19th century, the street has been a fashionable hub in the Danish capital since its layout was established in 1728 following a major fire. The architecture along Stroget mainly dates from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the oldest building erected in 1616.

Stroget is renowned for its extensive shopping opportunities. It hosts a wide range of shops, from international brands to local boutiques, offering fashion, design, jewelry, and more. It's a shopper's paradise and attracts both locals and tourists alike.

Throughout the day, especially during weekends and holidays, Stroget comes alive with street performers, musicians, and entertainers. This adds to the lively atmosphere and creates a festive mood.

Numerous caf茅s, restaurants, and bars line Stroget, offering a variety of cuisines and refreshments. It's a great place to stop for a meal or a coffee break while soaking in the bustling ambiance.

King's New Square is a central hub in Copenhagen, noted for its significant size and historical prominence. Established in 1670 by King Christian V, the square was part of an extensive urban development aimed at expanding and fortifying the city.

Originally a chaotic site with muddy terrain outside the city's fortifications, the area was transformed into a planned, cobblestoned space inspired by royal squares in Paris. It served both military and social functions 鈥� first, as a military alarm square and then as a venue for royal ceremonies and public gatherings.

Dominating the square, at its center, is the equestrian statue of King Christian V. The oldest of its kind in Scandinavia, first crafted in 1688 and recast in bronze in 1939, it exudes a historical aura.

Surrounding the square are prominent buildings such as the Royal Danish Theater, Charlottenborg Palace (now housing the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts), the Thott Palace (currently the French Embassy), and notable commercial establishments like the Hotel D'Angleterre and the Magasin du Nord department store.

Also, check out an old kiosk and telephone stand from 1913. Built in Baroque Revival style and featuring a copper-clad roof and hand-carved ornamentation, it once hosted Copenhagen's first public telephone service and now serves as a caf茅 with outdoor seating.

Today, the square is not only a historical site but also a vibrant public space that hosts outdoor exhibitions and ice skating in winter and is a traditional spot for high school graduation celebrations.

New Harbor鈥攚ith all its bright colors, wooden ships, and a dash of nautical nostalgia鈥攊s by far Copenhagen鈥檚 most photogenic waterfront. Here, 17th-century Danish townhouses line up like they鈥檙e auditioning for a postcard.

Built between 1670 and 1675 under the direction of King Christian V鈥攗sing a workforce of Danish soldiers and captured Swedish war prisoners鈥擭ew Harbor was designed to boost trade with the Dutch. In reality, however, it quickly became Copenhagen鈥檚 go-to district for beer, brawls, and brothels. Trade and trouble? Why not both?

In his turn, the famed Danish author Hans Christian Andersen also called New Harbor home for a whopping 18 years. He first moved into Number 20, the red house, in 1834. Then, he shuffled over to Number 18 and eventually spent his longest stretch lounging around Number 67 from 1848 to 1865. Basically, he was living that prime canal-side real estate life before it was cool.

After World War II, the harbor鈥檚 hustle slowed to a crawl, and the area nearly faded into obscurity. But the 1960s gave it a second act. In 1977, the Veteran Ship and Museum Harbor dropped anchor, and by 1980, the quay was pedestrianized鈥攁ka, turned into the selfie paradise and caf茅 haven we know today.

Take a stroll now, and you鈥檒l spot all sorts of restored museum ships moored along the canal鈥攅ach one with enough maritime drama to fill a Netflix series. At the far end of the harbor sits the Memorial Anchor, quietly honoring Danish sailors lost in World War II.

Wander a bit further south, and things take a modern turn. Jazz clubs, tattoo parlors, trendy caf茅s, and enough open-faced sandwiches to keep your Instagram busy for hours.

Tip:
If you're on a tight budget or just pretending to be Danish, skip the overpriced bar scene. Grab a beer or coffee from a convenience store, plop yourself down at the quayside, and soak in the view. For something classier, head to the Royal Playhouse at the far end鈥攇reat drinks, decent prices, and panoramic views that will make your camera weep with joy.

And hey, if your feet are screaming for mercy, you can always hop on a boat tour right at the harbor entrance. One hour of effortless sightseeing and zero walking required.