Unexpectedly cheap airfare and a chance to connect with cousins from Finland for a few days led to a week exploring Copenhagen and the Danish countryside in May 2011.
A spring get-away in Denmark
Last year an email address provided by an elderly relative on the east coast of the United States led to contact with cousins in Finland, which was followed by last summer’s visit and on-going communication via email and Facebook.
May 11 – Copenhagen
So now Lane and I are waiting in Copenhagen’s airport, watching for my Finnish cousins to appear. The internet has made the world a much more closely connected place. I think that is a very good thing.
(The cousins arrive while I am in the bathroom putting in my contact lenses. Somehow, without having met before, they connect with Lane and the three of them are chatting when I return. This is going to be a good trip.)
Nyhavn
A Glimpse of Life Along the Water
May 12 – Copenhagen
Vor Frelsers Kirke – Our Savior’s Church
The Round Tower
The King’s Gardens and Rosenborg Slot
The Marble Church
It was a long, slow route from the laying of the cornerstone for the Marble Church (formally named Frederik’s Church, but more famous for its solid marble walls) in 1749 to its completion in 1894.
During that interval the Copenhagen church sat abandoned for more than 100 years – something that’s a little hard to believe today.
Amalienborg Slot
From Crayfish to Sushi
We had “snacks” late in the day in a cozy courtyard in Nyhavn.
By snacks, I really mean lunch. . .
May 13, 2011 – Copenhagen
Rådhus – City Hall
Morning Architecture Tour
Studying Sustainability at the Danish Design Center
We visit the Danish Design Center mostly for their on-going exhibit of iconic items from the past. As we wander through, my cousin points out the dishes and telephones and other objects that she has owned over the years — and at things none of us have seen before.
Sadly, my own homes have had much less modern design sense. (And neither of us are quite sure what to make of that car.)
Overwhelmed at the National Museum
Train Station Goodbyes
My cousins are heading home today, so we all head back to the train station.The central train station (Copenhagen H, with the H standing for Hovedbanegård) was constructed in 1911, so has the high ceilings and dramatic metalwork of that time.
It is both elegant and gritty at the same time. We have already determined that it is always busy. And it is a fitting place to say goodbye.
Wandering and Window Shopping
Copenhagen is a great place for simply wandering about and window shopping. Indeed, it’s almost impossible to avoid window shopping in Copenhagen!
Saint Nicholas Church
We end up at the 16th century not-a-church of Saint Nicholas (Sankt Nikolaj Kirke). It’s a contemporary arts center today, but it must have been a magnificent church at one time.
(The very contemporary playground behind the church seems entirely appropriate.)
Nyhavn Reflections
We end up in Nyhavn again. Despite being so touristy, it really is a wonderful part of the city.
One way of escaping tourists is to focus on reflections in shop windows.
May 14, 2011 – from Copenhagen into the countryside
Life in a Bicycle City
Rather Random City Snapshots
Market Day in Køge
Stevns Klint
Crossing the Farø Bridge to Falster
Denmark is a land of wonderful bridges and the Farø Bridge is certainly among the more dramatic. It’s actually two bridges (that intersect with a third) on the tiny Island of Farø. It looked interesting on the map, but the southern cable-stayed portion is absolutely gorgeous – even in the rain!
Evening in Bandholm
May 15, 2011 – Lolland, Falster, and Møn
In Search of the Past at Fuglse Church
The Search Continues in Vester Ulslev
Thatched Houses Amid Fields of Gold
Lolland is not known as a tourist area, but the quiet rural roads are lined with charming thatched buildings and fields of what I think is rapeseed for canola.
Put Nysted on the List for Next Time
Back Across the Farø Bridge and on to Møn
Fanefjord Frescoes
Around Our New Neighborhood
On Møn we are staying at Tohøjgaard, a charming rural bed and breakfast. It is a pleasant spot with friendly hosts, an abundance of cats, and a view of the sea.
It is located just beyond the tiny, picture perfect settlement of Hjelm.
Møns Klint
Liselund Slot
Sunset Along the Baltic
You can walk from our room to the beach, but it is a bit of a hike and we are feeling lazy, so we drive.
May 16, 2011 – Møn and Zealand
A Rainy Day on the Road
Today we are traveling from Møn through Zealand toward the north of the island.
Jaegersprise Slot
Frederiksborg Slot
Looking for Ice in Helsingor
A Rainy Night at Hamlet’s Castle
May 17, 2011 – Between Denmark and Sweden
Rain and Fog
Ordinarily the ferry between Helsingør, Denmark, and Helsingborg, Sweden, provides a wonderful view of Kronborg Castle.
Visiting Family in Sweden
It’s always good to come around a bend and see Brogård in the distance. It feels like home even if my visits are always short.
Crossing the Øresund Bridge
Evening in Dragør
May 18, 2011 – One last morning in Denmark
A Quiet Morning in Dragør
Staying at a Farm Cottage
Travel Details
Related Posts
Thursday Photo: Fast Food in Denmark (May 19, 2011)
Thursday Photo: Our Savior’s Church (May 26, 2011)
Thursday Photo: Window Shopping in Copenhagen (June 9, 2011)
