Copenhagen - the design capital

Sat along the canal in Nyhavn on my last day with the sun shining on my face, I couldn't help but feel absolutely lucky to have had this amazing 10 day holiday with two of my oldest and dearest friends. Having said goodbye to both, not knowing when I'll see them next, but having this experience with us which will take us through for a few years till we can plan another one of these and I hope we will no matter where in the world we are!

Copenhagen is beautiful, we couldn't quite tell on the first day we got there but then it was raining, grey and wet and so we skipped the city exploring and made our way to Kornborg Castle in Helsingor, one hour train ride north of Copenhagen and you can get a direct train from Copenhagen Central. The journey was easy and the town is super cute. Even though it was Good Friday and most places were closed we could see how quaint the town is. The Castle in itself didn't look as grand and big from a distance but as you get closer and notice the lines of defence, the gates and layers it has, the massive grounds, you can tell why it is one of the most popular Scandinavian Renaissance castles. In true Scandinavian style it is completely different from the Southern European castles I've seen, clean, minimal design even for the Renaissance period and of course stylish :) A nice walk along the coast with a faint glimpse of Sweden no thanks to the overcast skies, we warmed ourselves in the little cafe which was also living up to the Danish design standards.

Having finished this we made our way back on the same train and stopped by the modern art museum of Louisiana. Recommended by a few, this cottage converted museum doesn't look anything like one from its entrance, which is a simple country house. Now I'm not the biggest modern art fan, sometimes I just don't get the art, but the concept they had was very interesting. A collection of new, upcoming international artists from all over the world. People I hadn't heard of and each of whom had a different style. Some clear winners in the Illumination exhibit were Qatar by Andreas Gursky and Yayoi Kusana's installation of lights in a room with mirrors on all four walls. The grounds and views you get from there are as beautiful as the art within in. Exhausted with all the walking about, we headed back to recoup before going for dinner to meet one of my local friends I knew from Sydney. We went to PS Grill by the walking street and the food was delicious. Perfect end to a long day of exploring.

Qatar by Andreas Gursky

Yayoi Kusana's installation of lights

Louisiana Modern Art

deserted streets of Copenhagen

Next morning was bright and sunny and just right for us to explore this city, but since we are 3 girls and we have only one day to shop over the Easter weekend this day was spent admiring the beautiful Danish design and clothing stores all along the walking street of Stroget. And of course while you shop you need to refuel before continuing. One of our friends form Malmö joined us and took us to this adorable patisserie called La Glacé, one of Copenhagen's oldest ones. The cakes were to die for, literally. I think we all died and went to heaven. The hot chocolate was perfect, not too sweet and you get unlimited refills! I mean honestly what more can a girl ask for. So satisfied and happy we headed towards Nyhavn to get a glimpse of the most popular street of Copenhagen and luckily enough with the blue skies. It's stunning, beautiful and picturesque. Walking along the canal we managed to find a spot along the line of packed restaurants, grabbed a beer and a smoreboard and listen to two kids play some beautiful music. A perfect late afternoon of chilling with friends in a gorgeous city.

The next day was more touristy, Canal tour, Rosenborg castle, Church of our Saviour that gives you amazing views of the city but also beware, it's one of the first places I've climbed 400 steps to the top with no bars up top. It's popular baroque style spiral staircase at the top is completely open apart from a normal railing. Now I'm so not afraid of heights but honestly the moment it got narrower to the top, I could feel my hands shaking and feeling queasy, it seriously worth the climb. 

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Castle

Church of our Saviour view 

Following this it is a stop by Christiana, a self proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood city within Copenhagen with an interesting and controversial history worth a read and visit! A rewarding dinner at the Tivoli hotel top floor at Sticks and Sushi and sadly the trip overall was come to an end.

Christiana

Christiana