Denmark spring itinerary

Last updated on March 23rd, 2024

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. . .

Crayfish are on many menus in Nyhavn in Copenhagen, Denmark - ExplorationVacation.net DSC_2393

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.

Studying Sustainable Design at the Danish Design Center - ExplorationVacation

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.

old harbor with boats

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.

beach at dusk

sunset with a tree

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.

rural farming area

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

 

Exploring Denmark

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Skip to content