Exploring the City

Last weekend, I went into Copenhagen with some friends for a fabulous day of sightseeing. I really don't have many more weekends free (case in point, I am writing this post from the national Library, where I should be doing homework because I'm in the midst of midterms), so my friends and I have decided to see as much of the city as we can while we still have the time! The weather was beautiful (read SUNNY), despite the bitter cold that has become an ever-present part of my life.

Rosenborg Slot 

Our first visit was to Rosenborg Slot (Castle), originally built as a summer home for Christian IV in the 1600s. The castle was the official residence of the Danish Royal family until 1710, and is now a museum that houses the Crown Jewels, among other beautiful collections and exhibits. 

Us in front of the castle. From L-R, Megan, Becca, Emilia, Alana, Julia, me.
(thanks to Megan McPhillamy for the picture!)

Me in Nyhavn

After that, we walked to Nyhavn, the quintessential Danish street (if you search "Copenhagen" in google images, Nyhavn will be the first thing that pops up). The buildings mostly house cafes, restaurants and bars, and the whole street is incredibly beautiful. 

Nyhavn again 

(Photo courtesy of Julia Petraglia)

By the time we reached Nyhavn we were frozen solid, so we decided to stop at a bakery to warm up with some pastries and hot chocolate (two things that have factored heavily into my time here in Denmark)! 

Amalienborg

Next we went to Amalienborg Palace, the residential castle of the Royal Family, including Queen Margrethe II. Amalienborg was built in 1750, and in April the entire square fills with adoring Danes who come to see the Queen wave from a balcony on her birthday. 

Our final stop of the day was to the statue of the Little Mermaid in the Copenhagen harbor. The statue (which is smaller than you might think for such an important cultural landmark) honors Hans Christian Andersen, author of the original (and much darker than the Disney version) fairytale, and arguably the most famous Dane. 

Julia, Becca, me, and Alana in front of the Little Mermaid.
Notice the path through the ice for the harbor boats in the background.