Exploring Copenhagen: History and culture

Small yet cosmopolitan, designer chic alongside majestic tradition - you'll find it all in Copenhagen, a city that celebrates contrasts. There's no denying, Copenhagen is terribly expensive. But a stroll down Strøget, the city's famous high street, is an absolute must for visitors to this Scandinavian city. The Nyhavn Canal is the definitive postcard motif of Copenhagen. This branch of the canal was added to the harbor in 1673 and is now the favorite mooring place for old-fashioned ships. You'll find loads of extremely inviting restaurants and pubs in this area. Well-known Danish author Hans Christian Andersen adored this quarter. At various times in his life he lived here, in the midst of merchants who could dock their ships right in front of his door. There is no record of whether or not he wrote his world-renowned fairy tale "The Little Mermaid" while residing here or not. But that didn't stop Edward Eriksen from sculpting Copenhagen's most famous landmark, a bronze statue of The Little Mermaid inspired by Andersen's fairy tale. And now it's time to move closer to heaven. The Round Tower offers a gorgeous view over the entire city.

The Round Tower, or Rundetårn in Danish, is a Copenhagen landmark. By the way, the observatory perched above the viewing platform is Europe's oldest. The most unique thing about this tower, however, is a stairwell that has no stairs. Instead, a 200-meter-long sloping spiral walkway leads to the top. It was built on the occasion of Tsar Peter the Great's visit in 1716 so the tsar could climb the tower on his horse.

Every day at noon, when the queen is in the palace, the Danish Royal Guard causes a commotion in the center of Copenhagen. The guardsmen march towards the royal residence for the changing of the guard. They are heading to Amalienborg Palace, which is considered the most beautiful rococo palace in the world. The queen's personal guard troop can't complain about a lack of interested candidates. There are four applicants for every open spot in the Royal Guard. The Danes absolutely adore their royals and a large contingent of tourists love to see the pageantry of the old Danish nobility in the Danish capital. Copenhagen has something for every visitor and because the city center is so concentrated it is easily toured in a day, making this a perfect city to for a short trip.