EVERY year, more Aussies are heading to Northern Europe to cruise, and many begin or end
their voyage in wonderful Copenhagen. For most cruise travellers, Copenhagen is the jumping off
point for an incredible Baltic Sea extravaganza, visiting Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Finland, Poland,
Germany and Sweden. Some cruises may begin and end elsewhere and include Copenhagen as a
highlighted port of call.
Where your ship docks in Copenhagen is very convenient. There are two possible locations and
the best is Langelinie Pier. It is reasonably close to downtown Copenhagen and if you’re a walker,
I highly recommend you take the stroll into town, which takes about ½ an hour, but because it
passes many places of interest, it could take you much longer. Right on the pier you’ll easily find
taxis, which are efficient and affordable, plus just a few steps across the road are several shops for
souvenirs and an information bureau. The Hop-on Hop-off Explorer bus, which is great way to see
the major sights, also stops here.
Walking into town is flat and simply awesome. Map in hand you can effortlessly plan a route to
take you right by the famous Little Mermaid. For many, their final walking destination is Strøget,
the long pedestrian shopping precinct of Copenhagen offering touristy shops, a wealth of designer
boutiques and numerous places to eat. However, plan carefully, as this city dating back to 1043 CE,
is full of historic sites and museums and your stroll could end up taking hours, with highlights such
as Amalienborg Palace (home of the Royal Family), Rosenborg Castle, Botanic Gardens, Nyhavn
(for lively harbourside dining), the Natural History Museum, National Museum and National
Gallery of Denmark.
All of this is before you’ve even considered colourful Tivoli Gardens, the Viking Ship Museum, the
interesting Ny Carslberg Glyptotek (art museum), or Kronborg and Frederiksborg Castles outside
of town. Not everyone’s cup of tea would be a visit to Copenhagen’s freetown of Christiania, a
controversial area that is unlike any other district in the city. Read up on it before you decide to
visit. Strøget is where most shoppers end up and you could easily spend hours here on one of
Europe’s longest pedestrian streets lined with cafes to people-watch.
Best Months: June – August
Don’t Miss: Tivoli Gardens Classical Music Festival
Tour or Not: On your own in town, but tour further afield
Sightseeing: Stroll or use the City Sightseeing Explorer Bus
Food: smørrebrød (Danish sandwich), Real Danish pastries
Language: Danish
Currency: Euro
Shopping: Anything Danish design – furniture, jewellery
Cash or Card: Credit Card and Danish Krone
