Why Here

"Copenhagen Stopover" 

Aug 2018 - This was an extended stopover on my way to Greece

Getting There

ORD to ATH with Copenhagen as a less than a 24-hour stopover. It was reasonably easy to buy tickets for a quick 15-minute train ride into the city to station Norreport. 

Money Exchange

DKK at the airport

Visa

Not needed for US Citizens

Denmark is Schengen and EU

Hotel

Hotel Nora

View from the room

Our hotel wasn't that far, and we probably could have walked, but we caught a cab to the Hotel Nora because we got disoriented and were tired from our travels. The hotel is pretty budget by most standards, they provide the basic needs, but the location is ideal to shops and restaurants. 

What to do

We caught a cab to the little mermaid statue. 

We spent about 10 minutes taking pictures and about 15 minutes trying to find a cab. With no luck finding a taxi, we decided to walk, and we walked for about another 30 minutes before we found a cab to take us to our next destination…Christiania. 

This former military barracks, later turned anarchist commune is a partially sovereign community within the city of Copenhagen.

On arrival at the entrance, you will see many signs stating that photography within the limits is forbidden.

While inside, you will see many stands selling "things." 

We visited an indoor-outdoor bar.

I tried taking pictures but was quickly thwarted by passing by residents.

Outside of the confines of the commune is the Church of Our Saviour. Famous for the helical spiral staircase up to its top.

There are great views at the top, from what I hear, but we viewed its magnificence from the ground.

We took a cab back to our hotel to find a place for dinner and then walked around the corner and randomly fell upon Spisestedet Feed (Feed Bistro), a cozy basement local with delicious Nordic food.

We walked home that night, exhausted and full, to retire in our hotel room and leave early the next morning to finish our final leg to Athens.

General Tips

Lots of bikes, like a lot of bicyclists everywhere. 

What I'd do differently

I'd avoid the little mermaid statue, it was very underwhelming, in my opinion. We wanted to visit the Christiansborg Palace, the Danish Parliament House, but the Royals were hosting some dignitary, so the Palace was closed to the public. This Palace is unique in that it houses all 3 powers (executive, legislative, judicial) all under one roof. But even more impressive that the political uniqueness, the architecture is something to marvel in. Think Danish Versailles, which is still in use. If you decide to go, be sure to confirm they are open to the public in advance of arrival.