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Copenhagen |
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City Scenes |
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| In Copenhagen, we stayed at the
Plaza hotel. It was built in 1913 by King Frederick VIII as a
residence. Although it is in a busy location adjacent to the train
station and Tivoli, and just a few blocks from the Town Hall or Radhuset,
the rooms were fairly quiet and comfortable. Will and Jamie enjoyed the
glass-walled elevator that runs up and down the center of the main
staircase. We chuckled at a plaque in the lobby containing many names
of "famous" guests who have stayed in the plaza. With
dozens of rock bands, it looks like the line-up from a K-Tel "70's
Hits" record. (http://www.accorhotel.dk) From the Plaza Hotel it is a short walk to Strøget, the main pedestrian shopping area. Tivoli, an amusement park built in 1843, is right across the street. We spent a fun evening there; the kids' favorites were the close-up fireworks display and the big fun house. Marjorie and Ed appreciated the 19th century architecture and the garden setting. Our first night, as we tried to sleep off jet lag, we were wakened by the Tivoli fireworks display at midnight and watched them from our window. (http://www.tivoligardens.com) While in Copenhagen we attended a Danish language Mass in an 1800's church, took a canal boat sightseeing ride, and shopped on Strøget. The National Museum has a great children's history museum, as well as artwork and artifacts from all periods of Danish history. |
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Royal Palaces |
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| Many of the royal buildings in
Copenhagen were constructed in the 16th century by King Christian IV.
These include Christianborg palace; the Tøjhusmuseet, or armory museum; and Rosenborg Castle. None of these are the home of the
current queen, Margrethe. She lives in Amalienborg palace (which we
didn't visit).
We spent an afternoon roaming in the Tøjhusmuseet. The boys had a great time making their voices echo in the big cannons. This large building is full of every kind of cannon, gun, artillery, swords, and uniforms, dating back to the 1200's. We toured Rosenborg Castle and saw the Lifeguard begin their march. Every day, at the changing of the "Royal Lifeguard", soldiers in tall furry hats parade from Rosenborg to Amalienborg. The crown jewels are kept in the basement of Rosenborg Castle. |
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