Upon my arrival
in Copenhagen, I was greeted first by one of the oldest amusement parks in the
world, Tivoli Gardens. Also one of the world’s most visited theme
parks, Tivoli has not only rides, but also a pantomime theater and a classical
concert hall. At night, the iconic
entrance gate lights up its corner of Copenhagen adding a measure of
cheerfulness to this already colorful city.
Probably the
most photographed area of Copenhagen is Nyhavn, a seventeenth-century
waterfront along a canal reaching towards the harbor. Brightly colored historical homes and
businesses in blue, yellow, red and orange energize and gladden as you stroll
looking for one of the many places available for a meal, drink, or coffee. The best dessert waffle I had in Europe was
along this promenade.
After leaving
the Nyhavn promenade, walk toward the delightful statue of The Little Mermaid
in honor of Hans Christian Andersen who lived along Nyhavn. Beyond The Little Mermaid, Sweden’s Malmo is
visible just over the Öresund Bridge.
Cabled and understated with simple, Scandinavian lines, the Öresund
Bridge is just one of many such bridges which bind Denmark together and with
the rest of Europe. That is one of the
things so wonderful about Denmark—the simplicity of modern design along with
centuries-old architecture beckons you towards the past and draws you towards
the future.
Fyn (Funen)
Fyn is an island
in the heart of Denmark
offering both pastoral countryside and history-laden towns. Known as Denmark’s “garden island,” Fyn is
ideal for exploring by bicycle. Rolling
hills, thatched-roof farm houses, and a peaceful, bucolic environment make for
a pleasant holiday. If this pristine
countryside is not enough, consider this:
Fyn is the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen and the fairytale
castle, Egeskov. Hans Christian Andersen was born in Odense in
1805; his birthplace home is now a museum and well worth a visit. One can see why Hans Christian Andersen was
inspired to write fairytales just by seeing the Fyn countryside and visiting
Egeskov Castle.
Egeskov Castle
is noted as being Europe’s best preserved moat Renaissance castle. The grounds feature various gardens, hedge
mazes, a PlayForest, and a doll house, arguably one of the best in the
world. Informative and fun, Egeskov
Castle is a great destination for both adults and children.
Another great
place to visit on Fyn is Funen Village. Idyllic eighteenth and nineteenth-century,
thatched-roof homes, period farm animals, and “living history”—villagers
dressed in period clothing during the summer—provide an escape from the modern
world. There is also a family theater
for a couple of months during the summer.
Do You Want the Fairytale to Continue?
If you would
like the fairytale to continue, consider this:
International Vacation Home Exchange
has an ideal luxury
exchange home available on the island of Fyn. This 350-year-old manor has stunning
interiors complete with a formal dining room.
Outdoors boasts a parklike garden, a pond, and a forested area. The beach is just ten minutes away. See how this works, and read testimonials.
Thanks to travel writer Sona Schmidt-Harris. Follow her on Twitter @Sonag2000
0 comments :
Post a Comment
We would welcome your comments and ideas