Copenhagen express: an inside look at Copenhagen, Denmark

by Mannie Daly Rheinland-Pfalz Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Summer Intern
Graphic by Cozyta/Shutterstock.com
Graphic by Cozyta/Shutterstock.com

My third trip with Army Outdoor Recreation was to Copenhagen, Denmark on the Copenhagen Express. Between Copenhagen’s waterways and beautiful colored buildings, I suggest anyone and everyone put Denmark on their list of must-see places.

While the bus ride to Copenhagen was a long one, it was split up by a relaxing ferry ride. We arrived just in time for a free walking tour of the city that started at Copenhagen’s Town Hall Square. The three-hour tour covered Kongens Nytorv, picturesque Nyhavn, Amalienborg Palace and the Royal Palace. I was interested to hear that flags hang outside of the Royal Palace whenever the royal residents are currently there.

Our group learned an interesting fact about fire safety in Copenhagen from our tour guide: Fire hoses will get backed up if they are caught on buildings with square edges rather than rounded edges. So, if you pass a building with a rounded exterior, it is safe to assume that was done to extinguish building fires without difficulty. Following the highly suggested walking tour, it was time for lunch. Smørrebrød, or open-faced sandwiches, are a Danish tradition. Smørrebrød have a rye bread base, capped with an endless variety of toppings, and often include meat or fish. I highly suggest indulging in Smørrebrød if you are looking for a great meal that doesn’t break the bank.

A fellow trip attendee and I headed off to a nearby district of Copenhagen, the unique, laid-back, artsy neighborhood of Christiania. Freetown Christiania is drastically different from the city center, as it is a self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood. The building walls are covered with graffiti and the back roads filled with young hippies. Loads of people can be seen lounging around drinking Danish beers. Christiania is worth the visit if you are looking for an off-the-wall experience in Copenhagen.

After a busy day thus far, I was looking to relax in nearby King’s Park. King’s Park provides a great place to wind down and take in the beauty of nearby Rosenborg Castle.

Before I knew it, it was about time to head back to the bus, but first I had to catch a panorama view of Copenhagen. I paid a small fee to get to the top of the Round Tower, which offers a 360-degree view
of the city. On the way up, visitors have the privilege of stopping in the museum of Danish tattoo art. Fascinating pictures display some of the oldest modern-day tattoos.

In short, Copenhagen offers vibrant views and a variety of must-see landmarks. There are many places I did not get the chance to see during my time in Copenhagen, all the more reason to go back. For more information on the next Copenhagen Express trip with Outdoor Recreation, call Pulaski Barracks, Bldg. 2925 at 493-4117 or 0631-3406-4117.

Mannie Daly is an intern at Outdoor Recreation and the Marketing Office. She writes reviews on her trips each weekend. Read more about Mannie’s travels in upcoming KA’s.