Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark
By Emmanuel Hadar, all rights reserved.
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
Tours to Copenhagen, Denmark from N.Y.C
Departure From New York
Trip code: DK TOUR
Departs: DEPENDS ON RESERVATION
Activity period: On request
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark, and the cultural capital of Northern Europe and some may say of Scandinavia; The Swedish, Finish, Icelander and Norwegian will disagree as each nation proclaim to be the capital of Scandinavia.
Welcome to Copenhagen, this is the cultural, media, political, and economic center of Denmark. And the birthplace of 'hygge'; the Danish (and Norwegian) lifestyle motto that may be translated into a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment. Copenhagen has royal credential and royal family to this day. The Royal Danish House has been existed for the past 1,000 years. Magnificent palaces, churches and castles are all around the city. Even though there is a lot of history to the city, the city is a vibrant modern and dynamic city and very welcoming for the tourist. You can find here all the things you have in New York, Paris or London; Nightlife, World class restaurant, high end boutique, parks and excellent coffee shops.
My experience from Copenhagen was like an epiphany, discovering an uncharted land in Scandinavia. I departed from Stockholm where I said Farewell to my dad and sister at Arlanda Airport (ARN-Airport Code), Sweden. After a week in Stockholm, I decided to have my own experience in Copenhagen without thinking or taking care of other family members.
Copenhagen was my solo tour, like in my younger years in south America; Uruguay and Argentina. And the experience was extraordinary. The moment I landed at Copenhagen Kastrup Airport, (1 hour and 10 minutes from Stockholm); I have realized, that I am on a different planet.
Never have I had such an amazing experience at International airport such as Kastrup, CPH. I am coming from New York City, where the city airports are outdated and confusing (and I am a long-time traveler), for international and domestic travelers. Especially JFK and Laguardia Airport. Even though LGA is under $8 Billion USD renovation, there is still hope. The only Airport that is on a European level is Newark Airport in N.J (only 3 terminals, A, B, C), The only problem is to get to the city (Manhattan, N.Y.C) from Newark. Taking a cab from Newark to the city will be very expensive (over $100.00 USD plus tip?), since it is in the state of N.J and not in the city limits of N.Y.C (no flat rate like JFK to the City).
For me, an airport is the face of the nation.
The Danish face and Welcoming 'Hygge' was fabulous.
After landing at Kastrup Airport, I took my trolley and went out to the train station (10 minutes' walk) and took the train directly to the Central Station of Copenhagen, 12 minutes ride.
Transportation
Kastrup airport is ranked among the best in the world for 'form and function', a rare quality for an airport. The airport is located only 5 Miles / 9 Km south of the city center. Extremely well connected to the train 'S tog' and Train system of Copenhagen. It takes only 12 minutes to get from the airport (Terminal 3, Norwegian Air Shuttle) to Copenhagen Central Station. You will need a 3-zone ticket (Zone 1,2,3) which will cost you 36 D.K.K (Danish Korona), the ticket is valid for 75 minutes after you purchase the ticket at the vending machine.
You can buy your fare at the end of Terminal-3 (T-3) right above the railway platform. You can take the metro instead of the train and it will cost you the same price 36 D.K.K, however, it will take you 14 minutes instead of 12.
I do not use Taxi / Uber, in other countries, I am always afraid to get over charge by the local taxi cab. And also, I prefer to meet with the local people and see them on the train. In this time, we live in, we do not need to carry so many things (gadgets) with us; any smartphone is a Camera/MP3 Player/Discman and also a phone… 15 years ago life was different you had to take your MP3 / Discman and a camera all separate devices, not anymore.
Danish efficiency; Copenhagen, has a clean comprehensive and well-integrated public transport system. With trains, Metro, buses, taxis and boats all integrated. The Trains, Metro and Buses are all linked by a common ticketing system. All public transport in Copenhagen operates on a zone system; the smallest ticket is the 2-zone ticket which cost 24 D.K.K and can be purchase from ticket offices, vending machine and bus drivers.
Your ticket allows you to travel around Copenhagen in 2 zones. The zone where you purchase the ticket plus an adjacent zone for 1 hour only. You can switch between all trains Metro and buses within this hour. As long as your last trip starts before your hour is up.
Tourist Pass;
City Pass, zone 1,2,3,4; A tourist pass can give you unlimited travel on train and buses and Metro including to and from the airport, passes come in either 24 hours (1 day) or 72 hours (3 days) increments, there are no 48 hours tickets.
You will need to get the one ticket that is most appropriate for your length of stay. You can get one from the ticket vending machines out there at the airport.
The Metro; Covers much of Copenhagen, and runs every 4 minutes during day time, and every 15 minutes throughout the night.
The Urban Train / 'S-Tog' System; is very similar to Berlin's 'S-Bahn' system, or Paris 'RER'.
The 'S-Tog', runs every 10 minutes, it is a very clean, modern and specious from the inside. You can take your bike with you, the 'S-Tog' has a special place to put the bike inside the car. Most of the 'S-Tog' have free Wi-Fi. Neither the Train 'S-Tog' nor the Metro require you to tap in or swipe your ticket or anything like that. However, you have to have your ticket ahead of time before you get on board. You can not buy a ticket on board, and if you will get a ticket without one there is a very hefty fine.
Money:
Although Denmark is part of the European Union. They actually use their own currency the Krona. The krona is pegged to the Euro at approximately 7.45 Krona (D.K.K) to the Euro.
The Krona comes in 1/2, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 coins before notes take over.
Bikes:
The city is laces with almost 250 miles of bike lanes and cycling is a way of life for all ages.
Every day 1.2 million kilometers (0.75 million miles) are cycled in Copenhagen, with 62% of all citizens commuting to work, school or university by bicycle, this city is considered to be the friendliest bike city in the world alongside with Amsterdam.
Tour Copenhagen:
· Upon arrival to Kastrup Airport, Take the train to Central Station (12 minutes). You can leave your luggage in a locker and start your tour from the city center.
· Tivoli Gardens:
This magnificent garden and funfair attract kids and adults alike.
The rides are great for adrenaline and the feeling is magical just like Luna Grond, Stockholm. I would definitely go there in the morning one day and the following day at night time. As it is a magical experience with thousand of fair lights and Chinese lanterns. You can catch the dazzling Tivoli illuminations over the lake. There is also a light night show with fireworks, lasers, music and waterjets.
· Harbor sights at Nyhavn:
Walk around the charming harbor, which is filled with boats. Bars and restaurant are located along the water, and traditional Danish dishes. The best way to experience Copenhagen water ways is to take a boat trip along the canals of Slotsholmen and Christianshavn. It is also a good way to understand how the city was develop and constructed through the ages.
· Kongens Nytorv and Nyhavn:
Kongens Nytrov (King's New Square) and Nyhavn (New Harbor) are two of the most picturesque areas in Copenhagen. This square was once outside the city gates. Nyhavn transformed drastically, it is now a waterside attraction with restaurants, bars and nightlife.
· Nationalmuseet:
This museum is Denmark's largest museum of cultural history. Experience the heritage of Denmark, meet the famous Vikings and hear the story of how the nation came to be. This museum is a perfect example of how sophisticated the Danes design their museum.
Amalienborg and Frederiksstaden:
This stately complex was built in the 1750s, by the royal architect, Nicolai Eigtved. This complex was originally home to four noble families, enclose an octagonal square in Frederiksstaden, an aristocratic area built by Frederik V. Christian VII bought the palaces after the Christiansburg slot burned down in 1794. The Royal family has lived here ever since. It was named after a palace built on this site by queen Sophia Amalie in the 17th century.
Slotsholman:
This is the birthplace of Copenhagen and where it all started in the 12th century. The small fishing village of Copenhagen was founded on the island of Slotsholman in the 12th century. Bishop Absalon, the king's friend, built a castle here in 1167. Two centuries later, the castle was destroyed by the Hanseatic league (Hamburg), the European trade alliance, which resented Copenhagen's increasing control over trade.
Christiansburg Slot, which stands here today, is home to the Danish parliament, the Jewish museum and the palace church.
The present day Neo-Baroque castle was built in 1907-1928. However, it was never inhabited by the monarch. Instead it is shared between the royals and Parliament.
Latin Quarter:
One of the oldest areas in Copenhagen.
It is bounded by N?rregade to the west, Vestergade to the south, Vester Voldgade to the east and N?rre Voldgade to the north.
This neighborhood is home to Copenhagen's University. Where Latin language used to be the spoke language. Just like the Latin quarter in Paris, France (CDG).
this is one of the oldest areas in the city. A lot of 17th century architecture, which were built by the king's architect. In 1728 this whole area was burned to the ground by a massive fire that spread out and consume all the wooden buildings and structures. Today, the Latin Quarter is the loveliest and most bustling areas in in Copenhagen, with restaurant and cafes.
· Christiana:
This is the Village of Copenhagen. A wonderland of music venues, cafes, bars, art galleries and independent shops. If you want to see counter culture like in the east side gallery of Berlin, Christiana Copenhagen is the place to be.
· Havnebadet:
In summer time you can take a dip in the sparkling clean water of the harbor waters of this open-air pool.
Langeline:
one of the city's most scenic areas, wonderful place to walk around and take beautiful pictures of the harbor banks.
Operaen:
The modern opera house, was built in less than 4 years (2001-2004). It is a massive opera house that can accommodate 1700 seats. This opera house was designed by Henning Larsen a very famous architect, and the total cost was $500 million USD. Even though the architecture is magnificent, I still think that the most beautiful opera house is in Sidney, Australia (SYD) also designed by a Danish Architect named J?rn Utzon. I have not been to Sydney yet… but it is on my bucket list alongside with Melbourne and Perth. After Coronavirus there will be a lot of traveling as life has proven that suddenly world traveling may stop at any given time without terms and conditions…
Carlsberg Brewery:
The Carlsberg Brewery offers an exhibition and tour charting the brewery's history and its brands. Carlsberg is no longer produced on the premises (only Jacobsen Brewery survives). But the rich history of brewing can still be discovered here.
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Internet Reference website:
· https://www.norwegian.com/us/
· https://www.airport-copenhagen.com/terminals.php
· https://www.visitcarlsberg.com/
· https://copenhagencard.com/da
· https://www.copenhagenairport.net/transport/trains.shtml