If you are reading this it’s probably because you are wondering where is the Happiest city on earth is. Copenhagen Denmark has been called the happiest city in the world for many years. Maybe it’s a combination of it’s old world charm with it’s cobblestone streets and quaint little buildings so colorful it looks like an artists pallet. It could be it’s warm, welcoming people who greet you with open arms as if you are a long lost relative they haven’t seen in years. Or maybe it’s there free health care, free education, or 5 weeks of vacation a year….yeah that might do it. (It all comes with a cost though, Denmark has an income tax rate up to 60%) The Danish people live by two philosophies, one is “Hygge” which encourages people to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. The other is a Danish term called “The Law of Jante” which means to live simply and not show off wealth, it’s just not in their style.
Getting around Copenhagen is fairly easy to navigate because it’s pretty flat, built around waterways and the downtown area is compact enough to be able to get around by foot fairly easily. If walking isn’t your thing public transportation and bicycle rentals are found throughout the city. You can purchase a Copenhagen Card at the airport or online and it gives you unlimited access to public transportation and free entrance to the city’s 72 museums and attractions for 24 or 48 hours.
One of the best sites to see in the city is the 400 year old Rosenborg Castle which was once the residence for King Christian IV. Visitors can stroll through the halls and see the crown jewels of the former kings and queens, ornate tapestries and porcelain art works as well as blood stained clothes from King Christian IV worn in battle.
Another one of the city’s crown jewels is the Copenhagen Botanical Garden in the city center downtown. Taking up nearly 25 acres, the gardens have an extensive complex of glass houses dating back to 1874. It has been around since 1600 but was moved twice before it was moved to it’s current location in 1870. The garden has over 13,000 plant species and this June the Butterfly garden has opened to the public during summer months. The garden also has 27 glass houses including an air conditioned section for arctic plants. There is a cafe onsite for refreshments and guided tours can be arranged by email at rundvisning@snm.ku.dk.
You can also spend an afternoon perusing the many works of art at the National Gallery of Denmark. The collections date back to the 1300’s and include works from Rembrandt, Rubens, Andrea Mantegna and many more.
Nyhavn community is a picture-perfect area of town that looks like your typical postcard with brightly colored buildings overlooking the canals. It was originally built in the 1700’s as a port for ships from all over the world. Today it is full of restaurants, cafe’s and places to take a canal tour.
Every afternoon at 12:00 you can watch the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace. It starts at their barracks and finishes at the Amalienborg Palace. Within the Palace is the Danish museum that dates back 150 years to King Christian IX and Queen Louise. You can take a guided tour through the Palace’s museum and royal quarter by contacting them directly. You need to book the tour at least 2 weeks in advance.
The Carlsberg Brewery is located in the heart of the city and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Tour guides will take you on a tour around the old Carlsberg brewery site and explain the history dating back to 18677 when they first begun brewing. Tours are available everyday and entrance is free with your Copenhagen Card. Every first Friday of the month during the summer, there is a laid back event called Carlsberg Friday’s complete with a BBQ, live music and of course lots and lots of beer.
