Denmark is a nation rich with history and innovation. The Danish people have contributed much to the modern world including wind energy, The Little Mermaid fairy tale, and the invention of LEGO. The Danish are also attributed with being the happiest people on Earth! Here is the Impulse Odyssey Copenhagen Travel Guide.
According to the UN Happiness Report, Denmark came in third on the list of top five happiest countries in the world. Could this be from Denmark’s high work wages and low unemployment? Or perhaps it’s from being able to live around breathtaking architecture alongside beautiful canals. Denmark is a travel destination worthy of any globetrotter’s travel bucket list.
The happiness expressed among the citizens is something that I was able to witness firsthand during my time wandering the canals of Copenhagen during Christmas. The city encompasses all aspects of Danish culture and is the heart of the country. I have created a guide with a list of places to go and things to see. Whether your time spent here is a 6-hour layover or a holiday vacation, this guide will show you the way to pure Danish happiness.
I recommend that you get tickets for either the canal boat tour and/or the bus tour. I did both, each tour only lasts about two hours, and it is a great way to sit back and listen about the history of the city while at the same time scoping out places and attractions that you might want to explore later on foot.
Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens is an amusement park in Central Copenhagen. The park has rides, games, musicals, ballets, and major concerts. Make this a stop if you have extra time to spare!
The Little Mermaid Sculpture
Famous bronze statue made by Edvard Eriksen in 1913. This sculpture represented Denmark at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai. Eriksen made the statue based off of The Little Mermaid fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen in 1837.
Fun fact: Although the Little Mermaid Sculpture is well-renowned, she has been decapitated three times, blown up, painted red twice, and had her arms cut off.
Amalienborg Palace
The Amalienborg Palace is the home of the Danish royal family. The palace exhibits the continuing prominence of Danish history. For example, the palace at one point was home for King Christian IX and Queen Louise. Christian IX was referred to as the father-in-law of Europe. Having married a foreign princess, his family tree was one of nobility which branched out to kin who became royal figures across multiple countries in Europe.
At the palace, you can experience the changing of the Royal Guard every day at 12pm.
Frederik’s Church
A few blocks down from the Amalienborg Palace is Frederik’s Church. This church was constructed with marble and its copper green dome makes it one of the most impressive churches in all of Copenhagen.
Fisketorvet
If you need to do some last-minute holiday shopping, be sure to check out Fisketorvet Shopping Centre. This mall has three floors of stores and restaurants. I had dinner here and admired the art sculptures that were hung up. Many of the sculptures and art are fish-themed since the grounds of the mall used to be Copenhagen’s fish market.
Nyhavn Harbor
Last, but not least is Nyhavn Harbor. This is Copenhagen’s most beautiful attraction! Small boats and ships docked in front of bright colorful buildings on both sides of the canal. Originally a commercial trading port, Nyhavn Harbor is now a hot spot where people can experience top-quality food while listening to live music and watching the street lights turn during the sun set.
Christmas Market
The Christmas Markets at Copenhagen were the highlight of my trip. In the holiday season, what would normally look like an average shopping square is decked out in festive Christmas decorations. There are Ferris wheels, carousels, and hundreds of merchandise booths run by friendly locals. You can find long hot dogs, Danish pastries, funnel cakes, pretzels, candy, hot chocolate, and hot wine everywhere. It seemed like the possibilities were endless. Copenhagen was a city that took me by surprise. I’d go back in a heartbeat if given the opportunity again.
As for the rest of you, Denmark awaits. Copenhagen has so much to offer in addition to what I have listed above. Copenhagen is ready for you to explore!
