Copenhagen - The Grand Tour

Rain had been forecast, but we awoke to sunny skies. As we would learn, weather is much more unpredictable here in Copenhagen than in LA or London. After a quick rinse in our tiny shower, we were on our way for day 2. As the weather looked to be good, we planned to do the Boat tour of Copenhagen.



We went down to breakfast, which was a very, very nice buffet spread. We had bacon, sausage, and eggs, but I made sure to save some room for a piece of pastry from Lagkagehuset, a bakery just a few blocks away. It turns out that they were recently voted the best bakery in Copenhagen, and they well deserve it. I could do some serious damage here.








This morning I had the Hazelnut Cinnamon Pastry. It was as amazing as I would have hoped. I definitely have my work cut out for me if I want to try to replicate these monsters.






Tony and I strolled down the quiet morning version of Stroget, which means Shopping Street in Danish, which is very busy later in the day. It is a beautiful area, built mostly in the 1800's it would appear, though occasionally, one will find buildings that are definitely from an earlier era.




We arrived at Nyhavn, which is Danish for New Harbor, and caught the 10:40 boat tour, which was just waiting for us. It was a beautiful warm sunny day (the best we saw while we were there), and it looked to be perfect boating weather as it wasn't windy.



The tour boat sailed out into the larger harbor and took in such wonderful sights as the new Opera House, which is waterside, and actually extends about 5 stories underground, or underwater. That must have been a challenge to build.






We went as far towards Sweden as the statue of the Little Mermaid. All the people on shore taking pictures of her made for quite a spectacle. In fact, she looked a little bored with all the attention.






We sailed past the building housing Noma, which recently had the honor of being named "Best Restaurant in the World". We can't afford to eat here, but I'm sure we will find something equally good.








It was a pleasant way to see the city and spend about 1.5 hours. It is as pretty a city from the water as from the land.







We arrived back at Nyhavn in time for lunch. We wandered around the city looking for one specific Hot Dog Cart that we'd read about called "Dop". They serve Gourmet Organic Hot Dogs.






The special that day was a Goat Hot Dog with Garlic Aioli sauce, Fried Onions and and Pickled Rose Pedals. It really was delicious and at $10 (after conversion), it was certainly the most expensive hot dog I've ever eaten.








But how often do you get the chance to eat a Goat Hot Dog in Copenhagen. . .








That afternoon, the moving Dop cart was located at the base of the Round Tower, which houses the world's oldest observatory. It is a really cool structure, but after the hot dog, we didn't feel like climbing all the stairs to the top.





Not far from the Round Tower is Rosenborg Castle. It was originally the summer palace for King Christian IV, and was situated outside of town. It is now part of a large urban park and is surrounded by the city. Of the castles we've visited, I could learn to live in this one. Charming. . .






It is still located on a manmade island surrounded by a moat. It is a beautiful manor house, and it is said to have been designed by Christian IV himself. It is here that he died.

The Royal Treasury is housed underneath the castle. There are some beautiful things to see in the castle including an ornate gold inlaid Colt flintlock pistol given to Fredrick VII by our own Abraham Lincoln.


We wandered around the lovely gardens enjoying the warm afternoon air. Many of the locals seemed to be doing the same. A beautiful final weekend of summer. I can only imagine that it must get much darker and colder here than it does in London over the winter months.



But for now, the wonderful roses dispel such thoughts. . .






Before we knew it, it was time for our afternoon coffee and pastry. We found the Holm Pastry booth, and grabbed a very nice danish. Sitting on the edge of a large fountain in a beautiful European square, we took in Copenhagen and wondered why there aren't more public spaces like this in the US.



The ones in Europe just feel so natural and organic in their creation and use - a pleasant and inviting way to pause and enjoy an afternoon.










At least I enjoyed it. . .







After a brief break at the hotel, it was time for dinner. We went back the same square that we had enjoyed the pastry earlier to a restaurant that served traditional Frikadeller (Danish Meatballs) and potato salad. We sat at a table enjoying the balmy evening weather.





And of course a Danish Carlsberg Beer.