Copenhagen, Denmark, is a beautiful city rich in history and filled with beautiful architecture and public places. I had a chance to take in Copenhagen via bicycle during my overnight layover.
Bicycle Tour Of Copenhagen – A Photo Essay
After arriving into Copenahgen on SAS, I showered in the SAS Lounge then took the train into the city, where my friends met me.
One friend suggested we do a bicycle tour around the city…which was admittedly a little daunting for this American from Los Angeles where no one with any common sense rides a bike since drivers simply ignore them…but it worked out quite well.
First, we stopped at Ørstedsparken, which became a park after Copenhagen’s old fortification ring was decommissioned in 1868.
Next stop was Torvehallerne, the fresh food market. The Smørrebrød–a traditional Danish open-faced sandwich–looked delicious, but we did no stop eat. We later had Mexican food instead…
Then to Nyboder, a historic row house district of former Naval barracks. These barracks are so iconic in Denmark that a color “Nyboder yellow” has emerged.
Next to Kastellet, a historical gem in the heart of Copenhagen and is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Europe.
There’s an eternal flame heralding Denmark’s international efforts since 1948.
The famous “Little Mermaid” is nearby.
Looking across the water, my friend pointed out Copenhagen’s “recycling plant mountain,” officially known as the Amager Resource Center (ARC), also called CopenHill or Amager Bakke, a unique waste-to-energy plant with a recreational ski slope and other amenities built on its roof. Designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), it generates electricity and district heating from waste while offering a place for activities like skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and climbing. How cool is that?
We stopped for a drink. Even though it was a beautiful sunny day, sustained winds left me somewhat chilled!
Then to Amalienborg Palace, the official residence for the Danish royal family.
We finally biked by Christiansborg Palace before returning home, a government building on the islet of Slotsholmen in central Copenhagen that serves as the seat of the Folketinget (Danish Parliament) and is the only building in the world that houses all three of a country’s branches of government (executive, legislative, and judiciary). The first castle (it has been rebuilt several times, including twice by fire) was erected in 1167.
And of course, the iconic SAS building, the first high-rise in Copenhagen that is now the Radisson Collection Royal Hotel. The Arne Jacobsen masterpiece once served as a hub from which passengers could check in and drop off their luggage before proceeding to Kastrup Airport.
After dinner, we took an extended walk along the lake.
My takeaway: Copenhagen is a beautiful and supremely livable city. Expensive, yes, but a lovely captial city I look forward to returning to.
I think your friends may have been messing with you by giving you the bike you’re pictured with. Normally those are used by adults ferrying kids around during winter. Great city though.
LOL, that wasn’t my bike!
It’s a more contemporary version of a cargo bike. They are used in Scandinavia to transport kids, groceries or whatever else, and sometimes even other adults if they can fit in the cargo area on the front of the bike.
Copenhagen bus stops are very far apart. Miss your stop and expect a long walk.
I am in good shape. No knee or hip trouble. However, walking long distances in Copenhagen made my knee sore. Granted, I walked a lot and did not take much public transit that day. Since then, I have walked in many cities with no trouble, just Copenhagen.
u said erected!
Those Danes are very clever. They’ve figured out how to build castles with fire – an impressive trick!
Damn Matthew, the only things more impressive than your photography are your biceps! #zaddy
Nice tour! Do you have a .gpx file to share your cycle route? Or if it’s available on komoot, wikiloc, etc?
Is Copenhagen more expensive than LA? Except for owning a private car, LA seemed more financially strained for a family of 4 to live in on a $200k income in the last 10 or so years than for the same family to live on a $200k Danish kronor equivalent income in Copenhagen.