Copenhagen Day 2

Another beautiful day in Copenhagen. Also it’s Saturday so lots of people out and about, especially in the water. Boaters, kayakers, paddle boarders and tons of swimmers. The water looks clean and someone said you can drink it. Wait isn’t it sea water so doesn’t that mean it’s salty? I will research that another time.

I started my day with a tour of city hall which is called Rädhus located in the town square. It’s looks quite old but was actually built in 1905. We had a great tour guide that not only described the building and architecture, but quite a bit about the history and beliefs of the Danish people. They are very proud of their democracy and everything is built around the importance of keeping it. That’s the city’s founder above the entrance in gold - Bishop Absalon (1128-1201).

Lots of detail inside filled with symbolism and history.

They have a special room that houses Jens Olsen’s World Clock built from 1943 to 1955. The most precise clock in the world. One of its gears does a complete rotation every 25,753 years. That makes zero sense to me but still pretty cool.

Outside to the left of the building is a statue of Hans Christian Andersen. I read the tradition is that you sit in his lap, take off your shirt and take a picture. What? Just reporting what I read! I didn’t see anyone do that and I was not inclined. The Danes do seem to be quite fun loving so maybe another time.

Lots of bakeries in Denmark - just look for the pretzel hanging outside. This one had a pretty good line so I hope to get back there before I leave.

Next up Rick Steves walking tour. He never disappoints for people like me that want to know all the history including the statues, fountains and hidden courtyards that usually just the locals know about. Here are a few pics of things that stood out to me. Top left - fountain in the old town square. It’s a pregnant woman squirting water from her breasts next to a boy urinating. I’m not making this up! The people were appalled so they raised it high hoping no one could see it, and in all honesty it’s a little hard to see. Top left - the Round Tower. Built in 1642 it connects a church, library and observatory and offers a great view of the city. Bottom left - Christiansborg Palace which the royal family shares with parliament. Bottom right - Sankt Peters Church. Lots of weddings happening all over town today - from City Hall to all the churches.

I found a cute place for lunch on the walking tour. It was in a sweet courtyard off the busy main street so I enjoyed a delicious panini sandwich and did some people watching while sitting in the shade.

There are lots of cute street food stands and quite a number of them offer sausages. Always makes me think of my son. He would be trying them all. This one looked particularly good so I was tempted. Not there yet.

One of the most popular things to do here is take a canal tour. The main company is called Canal Tours - so creative. There are other companies that use much smaller boats and would be fun for a group of friends - but I just did the traditional one and really enjoyed it. You get to see lots of impressive buildings, museums, neighborhoods, the Royal yacht, where the queen lives, and also go under about 30 of the lowest bridges you’ve ever seen! I saw the famous Little Mermaid statue but just from the back. Tomorrow I might rent a bike and go see it from the front. The guide doing the tour has to actually crouch down and almost sit on the floor of the boat not to get knocked over. Plus on a nice day it’s fun to get out on the water. Tours are an hour.

Walking back to the hotel my GPS took me right through the Royal Garden which is between Parliament and the library. So beautiful! An unexpected surprise and great way to wrap up a fun day.

Thanks for coming along💕 Farvel That means goodbye.