Clean, green, and at times obscene, Denmark’s capital Copenhagen certainly ranks amongst the coolest destinations on the planet. Copenhagen is a cosmopolitan city renowned for its lush parks, liberal attitudes, and strong belief in environmentalism. It is a city where modern Scandinavian design melds comfortably with centuries old churches and castles.
Today’s Copenhagen is more than just the backdrop for Shakespeare’s Hamlet or the home of Hans Christian Anderson; it embraces its rich past while looking boldly into the future as a European leader in education, technology, and art. Like the bracing winds that roll in off the Baltic Sea, or the bizarre late August hail storm that greeted my arrival in this port city of just over 1 million inhabitants, Copenhagen is dam cool!
While every visitor must discover the joys of this city for themselves, here are some reasons why I think Copenhagen is one of the coolest cities out there:
The Strøget
Follow Copenhagen’s most famous road as it meanders through the city’s historic core. As Europe’s longest pedestrianized shopping street, the Strøget takes travelers from the Radhus (city hall) to the picture postcard worthy harbor of Nyhavn. Once there, enjoy scenic Copenhagen at its best with a drink or meal in one of the many brightly-colored bars and restaurants that line the water.
Vikings
Most young boy dreams about being a Viking. Being big and strong, answering to no one, taking what you want, not having to get a haircut or take a bath—Vikings are certainly cool. While Copenhagen was but a small fishing village during the time of the Vikings (approximately 700 AD to the mid 11th century) the nearby city of Roskilde boasts a Viking ship museum, and several other sights of historical significance.
Hot dogs
Cheap and tasty street eats are in no short supply in the Danish capital. While hot dogs may not seem that cool to you jaded big city types, these baguette wrapped hot dogs can be bought with ketchup and mustard already inside them! Now that’s pretty cool. For those traveling in Denmark on a budget, you’ll be happy to know that dinner is never far away.
The Copenhagen Jazz Festival
Jazz cats invented the word cool after all! Each year some 200,000 spectators take in over 900 shows at more than 100 venues all across the city. The festival attracts Danish and international mainstays and rising stars alike. This year’s festivities kick off July 3rd and run until July 12. Click here for more.
Roskilde Festival
Jazz not your scene? Check out the Roskilde Festival, which takes place in the university town, and former Viking settlement of the same name. Located just outside of Copenhagen, Roskilde is one the world’s biggest rock festivals. This year’s headliners include Coldplay, Oasis, and Kanye West. Roskilde runs from July 2 to 5, 2009 so why not hit both music festivals this year?
The “Independent Republic” of Christania
Hey far out man. This hippy commune of 850 people is located in the borough of Christianshavn—a part of the city known for its canals and bohemian atmosphere. “Freetown” Christania exists in a state of legal limbo where a tolerance of soft drugs is generally accepted within the collective. In recent years the commune has played host to a number of conflicts with the outside world, authorities, biker gangs and hard drug pushers. Cars and cameras are not welcome within this controversial part of town.
Carlsberg Beer
This sprawling brewery is the original source of “probably the best beer in the world”. While the brand’s slogan expresses typical Danish modesty, the brewery itself is a pilgrimage that all beer lovers must make at least once in their lifetime. Renowned for its famous elephant gates and Victorian-era architecture, the brewery affords visitors the opportunity to take a self-guided tour of the original production facilities followed by plenty of delicious samples.
Carlsberg
For those who crave something different Carlsberg’s excellent microbrewery line Jacobsen is brewed on-site as well, but a host of award-winning breweries and brewpubs are scattered across the city. Check out the Nørrebro Bryghus for some top-class brews served alongside traditional Danish fare.
Environmentalism
Everybody knows that green is cool, and Copenhagen is considered by many to be the greenest city on the planet. To say that Copenhagen is “bike friendly” is an understatement. It has been estimated that some 36 percent of daily commuters pedal to work each day, and an extensive network of paths and bike lanes keeps them safe from on-coming vehicles.
Denmark was the first nation in the world to implement environmental laws and invest heavily in environmental planning schemes. Today’s green city is a result of many careful, conscientious decisions that were made by city brass in the early 1970s.
The Tivoli Gardens
After being cooped up for hours on a train, travelers can get wild at this world famous amusement park located just across the street from the central station. Considered the second oldest amusement park in the entire world, fun doesn’t always come cheap at this city landmark. However, the beautiful gardens and nightly illuminations alone are worth the price of admission.
Ørstedparken and Rosenborg Castle
If roller coasters and merry-go-rounds aren’t your scene relax in one of the city center’s many leafy green parks. The lake-filled Ørstedparken, or the grounds of the Rosenborg Castle are both great alternatives.
Aqua
While not at Roskilde or the Jazz fest this year, you can’t forget about Aqua! So maybe this Eurodance-pop group that hails from Copenhagen hasn’t had a hit for a while, but in 1997 they were on top of the world with Barbie Girl! As a matter of fact, Aqua is still the best selling Danish act of all time! Just another reason to love Copenhagen!
Originally published on TripAtlas.com
Photo courtesy of TripAtlas.com
