Tourist Attractions

Copenhagen's world-renowned Tivoli Gardens  are ever so much more than just a central city park. The relatively small area in the heart of the city is actually one of the world's most thrilling entertainment complexes, drawing about three million visitors during its five-month summer open season each year. Tivoli dates back to 1843 when Copenhagen was still a fortified city surrounded by tall ramparts and a deep moat. Today the Tivoli Lake is all that remains of the moat, which now reflects the incredible trademark fireworks displays that light the sky over the gardens twice a week.

The Amalienborg Palace is home to the Danish royal family. Built in 1794 to commemorate the Oldenburg family's 300-year reign, it is Denmark's finest example of rococo architecture. It is comprised of four identical palaces, Christian VII's Mansion, Christian VIII's Mansion, Frederik VIII's Mansion and Christian IX's Mansion. The four palaces surround an octagonal square, one of the most beautiful in Europe, with Saly's equestrian statue of Frederik V in the middle. Every day at noon you can see the changing of the guard. There are also a number of rooms open to the public.

The Statute of the Little Mermaid is one of the most recognizable symbols of Copenhagen. Inspired by a Hans Christian Andersen story, this charming statue reclines on a rock at the harbor mouth near the ruins of Kastellet fortress. The sculpture was erected in 1913 and is 1.25 meters high.

The Rundetaarn (Round Tower) is Europe's oldest functioning observatory. Constructed in the 17th century, it consists of a spiralling 209 meter stairway/ramp which ascends within the structure. The panoramic views over the city are well worth the climb. The tower houses concert and exhibition rooms and there are numerous classical concerts and art exhibitions held here throughout the year.

Built in 1746 as a prince's palace, the National Museum of Denmark was renovated in the early 1990s. The museum has since lost much of its staid atmosphere and taken on a more modern ambiance. It is divided into prehistoric, medieval, Renaissance and 18th century sections and also features the royal collection of coins and medals, classical antiques, the ethnographic collection, the 'please touch' display on Greenland and the children's museum. The museum is so big that it is virtually impossible to see everything in one day. One of the museum's most famous collections is the Inuit treasure collection, one of the oldest and largest in the world with over 10,000 items displayed.

The Tycho Brahe Planetarium is housed in an amazing cylindrical shaped building. It opened in 1989 and is the county's foremost planetarium. It houses a permanent exhibition of astronomy and space travel where visitors learn through highly interactive and technologically advanced displays. Investigate, explore and learn about some of the many mysteries of space. The planetarium also houses an Omnimax cinema. With its 1,000 square meter screen, it is highly exhilarating and well worth a look.

Set up in 1971, the Free City of Christiania is a 20 acre 'alternative' society or enclave, located right in the middle of Copenhagen. About 1,000 non-tax paying citizens of Copenhagen (mainly hippies, artists, and political activists) live in Christiania which is a former-military barracks. There is plenty to see and do here with restaurants, coffee bars, shops and music venues attracting people from all over Denmark and the world. A visit to Christiania is an interesting and worthwhile experience, although it is not for the prudish or easily offended.

If the free city of Christiania is not your scene, then stay well away from the Erotica Museum! Established nearly 30 years ago when Denmark first liberalized pornography, (the first county in the world to do so) the museum is the oldest 'serious' erotica museum in the world. It traces erotic history from ancient times to the present day. Exhibits include erotic paintings, postcards, photos, films, magazines, sculptures, sex-toys and much, much more. It also features lifelike tableaux of the history of erotica with scenes from the days of ancient Rome through the 19th century as well as details of the sex lives of the rich and famous.

The 200 year old Frederikskirke or Marble Church is more impressive than Copenhagen Cathedral. Originally designed to rival St. Peter's in Rome, the church took over 100 years to build (due to budget restrictions) and features one of the largest copper domes in the world. Around the exterior are 16 statues of a range of religious leaders from Moses to Luther, and below them are sculptures of eminent Danish ministers and bishops. If you're feeling fit, you can climb the 273 steps to the outdoor balcony and gaze at the beautiful view.