We arrived in Copenhagen Denmark by train about 4 pm, after crossing the sea from Sweden on the famous Oresund Bridge. This 8 km bridge carries road and rail, and includes a section crossing an island and then an under-sea tunnel for the last part, to allow shipping to pass unimpeded. We successfully transferred to the local metro train for the short ride to near our hotel, and walked the last 300 m pulling our bags.
We have just a short time here so wasted no time in setting out for a look at the city. Our first aim was the famous Tivoli Gardens amusement park, the second-oldest in the world. It opened in 1843.
 |
| Brian at the Tivoli Gardens entrance. |
 |
| Hans Christian Anderson having a look across the road to the Tivoli Gardens. |
 |
| A Thai group preparing to perform in the Gardens. |
 |
| Twenty-four people screaming in unison. |
 |
| Tivoli is very pretty at night when all the lights come on. |
The next day we set off for the historic Nyhaven quarter, and to see the royal palace and the changing of the guard, and perhaps the crown jewels.
 |
| The founder of Copenhagen, Bsihop Absalon (c1200). |
We naively ordered coffee at a cafe beside the Nyhaven canal, and busy tourist destination. Our pot of filter coffee for four, and two small buns, cost over $50 NZ. Scandanavia is indeed very expensive, as we have heard.
We decided to take a one-hour canal cruise, as we've found that's a good way to get an introduction to watery cities such as this. The lady gave a good commentary, in four languages in succession!
 |
| The new opera house - with the enormous eaves. Goes five stories below ground (and water) as well. |
 |
| The Little Mermaid statue is a tourist favourite - but a bit underwhelming. |
 |
| Your can moor your boat here if you are rich - and prepared to wait 20 to 30 years for a place!! |
 |
| The Danish Architecture Centre. Very boxy... |
 |
| Hundreds gather to watch the changing of the guards. We say the greeks do it better! |
 |
| Rosenborg Palace, where the crown jewels are kept. |
 |
| A sailing ship made from ivory (including the sails). |
 |
| The darkened vault containing the crown jewels. |
 |
| The bicycle park outside our nearest metro station! A bit like Amsterdam... |
In the afternoon we took a taxi to the ferry terminal, and boarded our ship (Crown Seaways) for the overnight trip to Oslo. This time we were able to board straight away, with no mad last-minute rush to board as at the ferry from Helsinki.
