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Copenhagen - A Travel Guide to CopenhagenThe Jutland peninsula and surrounding islands that form one of Europe's smallest countries has changed a lot from the days when the Vikings were dreaded throughout northwestern Europe. Tourists visiting Denmark now uncover a country that is peaceful, introspective and noted for its tolerance and liberal social welfare system. The country's capital, Copenhagen, is arguably the most diverse of the Scandinavian capitals. Its people are renowned for a laid back and fun loving lifestyle which enhances the cosmopolitan feel of the city. For Australians living in London, it is a great place to visit, particularly in the summer months when the sun is more prevalent than London Tube delays. We are even represented in Copenhagen year round by our very own "Taswegian" princess – Mary Donaldson. Donaldson met Danish Crown Prince Frederik at the Slip Inn Bar in Sydney following the Olympic games opening ceremony, where sparks were not immediate between the two, despite the Prince taking his top off and letting Donaldson and her female companion feel his chest in an almost "ocker" Aussie pickup attempt. The Prince though, proved to be as smooth as his chest, winning over the girl he was smitten with. The Royal wedding celebrations, held a little over a year ago, included performances by Australian musicians and bands, the serving of Australian cuisine, and a yacht race between Australian and Danish yachtsmen with Prince Frederik on board the Danish yacht and Mary Donaldson on an Australian-crewed yacht. Australians will have more interest in Copenhagen than our Princess when visiting however, as there are many attractions that make the short trip from Britain's capital more than worthwhile. THE LITTLE MERMAIDThe Little Mermaid sitting on the rock at Langeline is one of Denmark's little own Copenhagen's biggest tourist attractions. More than 1 million people visit the sculpture each year, though at 1.25 metres in height, it is not exactly the Eiffel Tower or the Statue of Liberty! The Carlsberg brewer Carl Jacobsen was inspired to fund a sculpture after having seen "The Little Mermaid" based on the fairytale by the most famous of Danes, Hans Christian Andersen. The tale says that the Little Mermaid is a sea king's half-human and half-fish daughter, who must wait on her rock for 300 years before she can enter the world of humans. She's been here since 1913 when Edward Eriksen sculpted her in bronze, so a little more patience is required on her part. It hasn't been an uneventful wait for her either, with the list of vandalism committed upon the sculpture in the last 40 years ranging from the weird to the symbolic. The sculpture has been drenched with paint on three occasions, been decapitated twice (with a close call in 1990 nearly making it three) and even had her arms amputated by a couple of drunks. Even Jebediah Springfield's bronze statue had it easier. The first decapitation was in 1964, and the head was never recovered forcing a new head to be made. Artist Jorgen Nash confessed to the crime in 1997, saying that he threw the head in a small lake in Copenhagen, though many choose not to believe him. CHRISTIANAThe place in Copenhagen the environmentally conscious and hippy types head for is Christiana. If Copenhagen is diverse, then the experiences on offer at Christiana are the liberal facet to the cultural tapestry. Christiania covers an area of more than 85 acres has almost one thousand inhabitants, and every year more than a million people visit the area. It is known among those who travel there as a banner for liberated and free-spirited lifestyle. "Christiania is a green, traffic-free city with paths, gravel roads and large water areas. Many even find the lack of street-lighting a distinct advantage - the stars appear so much brighter at night", is the unashamedly bias view the official website (www.christiania.org) has of Christiana, but visually, the description rings true. Despite what some people often think, Christiana is not a legal haven for the drug culture for which it has been associated with at times over the years from uneducated travellers. The use of hash is illegal in Denmark and possession is punishable. Christiana has been shrouded in controversy for years with the Government repeatedly trying to shut the area down. The hash booths once considered a major feature in Christiana were removed by the beginning of 2004. Still, in saying all that, the intrepid traveller will usually always have an interesting tale after having been to Christiana. TIVOLI GARDENS, CopenhagenIn the centre of Copenhagen, the Tivoli Gardens is another major tourist attraction that is definitely on the "things to do" list of most visitors. Like most of Copenhagen's parks, it was made within the old fortifications. They provided Tivoli with an embankment and a lake. There is an entrance fee to enter the gardens, but the features inside will assure that people of all tastes and demographics. According to the official statistics, the Tivoli has 4 million visitors each year. There are 25 rides, 28 restaurants, 110,718 outdoor lights, 134,000 tulips and narcissi, 876 trees, 6,200 m2 of water, and 20, 679 m2 of buildings in the gardens. Tivoli is open for the summer season (15 th April – 25 th September) from 11.00am and closes on or after midnight most nights. Strutt youself around CopenhagenGiven that Copenhagen is largely a traffic-free metropolis, simply walking around is a great way to see the sights on offer in Denmark's capital. Most of Copenhagen's streets and buildings were planned in such a way that makes its sights and attractions very accessible on foot, always a great way to soak up the atmosphere of a place you haven't been to. A number of world-class museums and galleries; streets full of specialist shops to please any shopping enthusiast; many fine restaurants; and a tempting and varied array of nightlife, are all situated within a few minutes walk from most of the accommodation in the city. Many young Australians will make the trip from London to Copenhagen next month as a springboard to one of Europe's best music festivals, Roskilde Festival (www.roskilde-festival.dk), but instead of just jumping on an outbound train and having an amazing time at the festival – try including a day or two on either end of the festival. This would only enhance the experience of going to Denmark.
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