Denmark > The terraces around Nyhavn

In preparing for the weekend in Copenhagen, you hear people talking about Denmark here and there. So many people have already been to Copenhagen—it seems as if everyone has visited the Danish capital at least once. Armed with a wealth of tips on things to do, I head to Schiphol. It’s 7:30 in the morning, and fortunately, the roads are not busy. I check in for flight KL 1127 to Copenhagen. After the usual formalities and a coffee, I board the plane shortly after 9:30. One seat behind me is unoccupied, although the passenger has checked in. For safety reasons, the luggage in that seat must be unloaded, which takes a little time. Just as the plane takes off about half an hour late, I realize my phone is still on in the overhead luggage compartment, despite repeated requests to switch off all electronic devices. I decide to leave it as it is.

Denmark - Crowds around the Little Mermaid

About forty-five minutes later, Denmark comes into view below.

Denmark - Ships in the Nyhavn harbor

The plane begins its landing, but just after the landing gear is deployed, the aircraft takes off again—a go-around. The captain announces that the plane approached too high and will make another circuit. You can almost hear everyone thinking, “try it again.” Surely it’s not because of my phone? No, that can’t be. The second attempt goes more smoothly. Despite heavy turbulence, the pilot lands the plane safely. In the arrivals hall, I buy two train tickets for 30 DKK each (about 4 euros) and board the ready train immediately. Twelve minutes later, I arrive at Central Station in downtown Copenhagen. As I leave the station, Tivoli amusement park is right in front of me, right in the city center. The sounds of roller coasters reach me. I walk past the park toward the hotel. The weather is beautiful. Via Slotsholmen, the parliament, and many smaller streets, I arrive at the hotel. It’s now 1:00 in the afternoon. In the afternoon, I wander around Copenhagen. Walking along the waterfront, I arrive at Nyhavn, the city’s quintessential tourist spot. The old trading houses have now all been converted into restaurants and cafés with terraces in front. There’s a lively atmosphere. I stroll down Strøget, the main shopping street, and wander through the city center. At a terrace, I have a beer and watch the city life of Copenhagen. I visit Vor Frue Kirke and walk across the university grounds (even though I probably shouldn’t be there). At Nikolaj Church, I pause at a terrace. In the evening, I order a meal at a café and finish with coffee at one of Nyhavn’s terraces. Nyhavn is crowded—the terraces are full, and groups of people sit along the quay with their own drinks. The sun slowly sinks toward the horizon, but at this time of year, it takes a long time for it to get truly dark. Taking a detour past the former stock exchange building, I walk back to my hotel near Nyhavn.