Travel to Copenhagen, the jewel of the north

Written by Maria Siritzidou

The journey starts in the summer, at the end of August, where you want to escape the heat of Thessaloniki and feel a little cool. Copenhagen is a suitable destination.

A European city that really has it all - cleanliness, quietness, aesthetics, gastronomy, parks, nature, museums, outdoor activities such as cycling, but also nightlife, bars, restaurants and pubs.

Copenhagen is the capital and most populous city of Denmark with a population of 1,336,982. It has been the fishing village of the Vikings since the 10th century and became the capital of Denmark in the 15th century.

So after learning a little about this beautiful city, it's time to get lost in its countless attractions.

Our first stop was Rosenborg Castle. This palace, now a museum with its glittering royal jewels and gardens, is worth a visit to get a taste of where the royal family lived. Now of course he lives in Amalienborg. The palaces consist of four identical Rococo buildings around an octagonal square.

The Nyhavn area is also one of the most beautiful in Copenhagen and at the same time the most central, where all the tourists gather to admire the colorful houses that are there. Among these houses is the house of Hanns Christian Andersen, the great Danish writer and specifically the writer of fairy tales.

Here you can still admire the big ships that are moored as well as get on a boat and take a mini cruise to see Copenhagen's canals which are many and beautiful. This walk is well worth it because you have the opportunity to see the various architectural buildings of the city from a distance. You will distinguish the opera house as well as the library building.

You will definitely take a walk to admire the little mermaid, a trademark of the city, and take a photo in front of her.

One of the most notable museums in Copenhagen is the National Museum of Denmark. It is the largest museum of Danish cultural history but also of foreign cultures. Here you will also learn many things about the famous Vikings. The tour lasts about three hours and its cost is very affordable, children are free.

The Marble Church (Frederiks Kirke) is one of the most characteristic sights of Copenhagen. Its construction began in 1749 and was completed after 150 years. It has the largest dome in Scandinavia and its unique architecture is worth admiring. 

There is no Copenhagen without Tivoli. This park became known to the public on August 15, 1843 and is the second oldest amusement park in the world. Here you will feel like a child again, climbing on its toys .If you visit it with children, they will go crazy about it.

For those who love plants and gardening as well as a relaxing walk in nature, I have to recommend a visit to the Botanical garden. This 24-acre park belonging to the University of Copenhagen has about 15,000 plant species.

Another attraction is the Round Tower. It is a very tall tower, which for those who have visited Thessaloniki looks quite similar to the White Tower. It is easy to climb, as it has no stairs but a winding climb, while along the way you will be able to learn the history of the surrounding buildings, since there is information on the windows. There are individual exhibitions on the floors, while finally from the top you will admire the view of the whole city. It is worth a visit and the entrance costs around €3.50 

As much as we love sightseeing, we need a break for a beer or a snack. We did this at the Reffen flea market which is worth a stop. It has many stalls with food from all over the world and you can choose what you like. 

Also an even more impressive market is the one in the city center Torvehallerne. Here you can find everything from various foods to household items.

You can try the Smorebrod sandwich with salmon or vegetables, drink a Carlsberg or just a bollemedost Danish bun.

Finally, it is worth mentioning the Christiania area. It is a more liberal version of Copenhagen. Christiania is a self-governing community located near the center of Copenhagen. It covers an area of 84 acres and is home to approximately 1,000 residents. It is estimated that every year more than one million people visit this so-called "free state".

It is one of the most important tourist attractions in the capital of Denmark as it is a living example of the liberal and progressive way of organizing Danish society.

Copenhagen is a city that has it all, whatever your taste. From a walk in Orsteds Park, a bike ride, a walk in the botanical garden or a beer in the city centre. It definetely worths a visit. Αnd don't forget to read the little book of Hygge -the Danish way to live well written by Meik Wiking. You will learn why the Danish are the happiest people in Europe!