Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is the largest city in Scandinavia, yet retains a walkability that makes it charming to visit.  As a matter of fact, its Stroget is the longest and oldest pedestrian street in Europe. There are canals and narrow streets as well as the hustle and bustle of an active port.

            The most important sights for the tourist visiting Copenhagen are several castles/palaces: Christiansborg Palace, which is the seat of political power in Denmark and has been for many hundreds of years (it houses the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, the Prime Minister’s offices and the royal reception rooms), Rosenborg Castle, which is the repository for the Danish Crown Jewels and the Treasury, and also encompasses the King’s Garden and the Botanical Gardens, and Amalienborg Palace, which is the current home of the Danish royal family and which has a Changing of the Guard ceremony at noon when the family is in residence. 

            The symbol of Copenhagen, however, is the Statue of the Little Mermaid, sculpted in 1913 on rocks just offshore, which is reminiscent of Hans Christian Anderson, the famous native son who authored so many children’s stories. Another attraction, geared for the child in all of us, is Tivoli Gardens, a combination amusement park/flower garden in the center of town. 

            An interesting excursion lies only about 30 kilometers west of the city where visitors will find the city of Roskilde, once the most important city in Denmark.  Its cathedral, Roskilde Domkirke, is the final resting place for many Danish monarchs. Also in the city is the Viking Ship Museum, which has on display five Viking vessels which have been painstakingly pieced together.

          Gary’s Gem — My walking tour incorporates most of the sights described above. It was posted on my blog on Jan 9, 2009. Check it out!