Copenhagen, Denmark: Iconic Sights and Beyond

Heading on a nine-day journey through Denmark and Norway, I found myself among a few familiar faces and the rest strangers, all part of a meticulously planned tour. After months of saving and planning, I landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (FREMANTLE & LAKE LUGANO), gearing up for flights to Amsterdam and eventually Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup.

Touching down in Denmark, our first stop was Slotsholmen, nestled right in the heart of Copenhagen. We kicked off with lunch at a nearby Chinese restaurant. Though I didn't catch the name amidst the excitement (PRETORIA SOUTH AFRICA MOMENTS), the delicious dishes set the stage for our dining experience (CHANDIGARH INDIA URBAN MARVELS). As the lone Indian among twenty-nine Chinese travelers, I relished the flavors of the ten mouthwatering dishes, shared with ten people at each table.

Post-lunch, we had two hours to explore the nearby shops lining the streets. Amidst the bustling crowds, the majestic silhouette of Christiansborg Palace captured my attention. Once the residence of Danish royalty, it now houses the country's parliament, supreme court, and state ministry. Though we only observed it from the outside, the palace's grandeur and historical significance left a profound impact as we continued our exploration of Copenhagen.

Crossing the road, we boarded the awaiting coach, eager to venture to Langelinie (Copenhagen Harbour Promenade). The scene that greeted us was truly marvelous and splendid - a waterfront oasis adorned with gardens and park walkways. We leisurely strolled along until we reached the iconic "The Little Mermaid" statue. Perched demurely on a rock by the waterside, it exuded a sincere and meaningful presence. This beloved tourist attraction has captured hearts since 1913, skillfully crafted by Edvard Eriksen and modeled after the Royal Theatre ballerina, Ellen Price.

However, amidst throngs of Western tourists and a noticeable number of Chinese visitors, snapping a picture required some maneuvering. It's quite remarkable how such famous sightseeing spots can draw such crowds.

With just an hour to spare, we unfortunately missed out on the canal tours despite the wonderful weather. Instead, we opted for a visit to Churchill Park, where we marveled at the impressive Gefion Fountain. Surprisingly, we found ourselves the only group present in the open square, but that didn't dampen our excitement as we circled around this monumental structure. Inaugurated in 1908 to commemorate Carlsberg Brewery's 50th birthday, the fountain showcases the powerful Nordic goddess Gefion and her four oxen as the main figures.

Following our visit to the fountain, we embarked on a leisurely twenty-minute stroll to St. Alban Anglican Church, nestled amidst a charming garden setting. Within the church grounds, we encountered several poignant statues dating back to 1887. As its name suggests, St. Alban Church is dedicated to St. Alban, the first martyr of Great Britain.

A visit to Carlsberg Brewery is a must for anyone visiting Copenhagen. With its world-renowned reputation and iconic attractions, it feels like stepping into a hall of fame within the expansive brewery grounds. Starting off at the merchandise outlet, we delved into the rich history and beer-making process, spending at least two immersive hours exploring each section.

It's easy to lose yourself in the experience, wandering from one area to another, until you find yourself at the beer courtyard where you can exchange coupons for drinks, whether beer or soft drinks. While I typically refrain from drinking on holidays, I happily passed on my beer coupons to others and opted for a refreshing soft drink instead.

Following our brewery tour, we embarked on a city tour of Copenhagen. The stunning waterfront views left us in awe, resembling scenes straight out of a postcard. As we cruised past in the coach, our guide pointed out landmarks such as the stock exchange, offering a glimpse into the city's laid-back pace of life, so different from the bustling traffic back home.

As the day came to an end, we checked into our hotel, enjoyed a hearty dinner, and called it a night, eagerly looking forward to day two in Copenhagen.