Copenhagen (Sep '10) - Overview

Went to Copenhagen (哥本哈根) with my colleagues over the weekend from 03 Sep (Fri) to 05 Sep (Sun).

Copenhagen is the capital city and most populous city of the Kingdom of Denmark (丹麦王国) and in the Nordic countries. Originally a Viking fishing village in the 10th century, Copenhagen became the capital of Denmark in the early 15th century. This city has now become the major economic and financial center of Denmark.


Leisure trip at a glance

Country: Kingdom of Denmark
Period: 03 Sep to 05 Sep 2010
Flight timings:
03 Sep: EZY 1467, GVA–CPH, ETD 1010 ETA 1215
05 Sep: EZY 1468, CPH–GVA, ETD 1225 ETA 1425
Air tickets: Return tickets at CHF 127.90 per person (inclusive of airport taxes)
Accommodation:
CABINN Express Hotel (03 to 05 Sep)
Currency exchange rate: CHF 1.00 = DKK 4.34 (Sep '10 period)

There is no time difference between Switzerland and Denmark; both countries are in Central Europe time zone. Total damage was about SGD 450 including flight tickets, airport taxes, transport, food and hotel, excluding personal expenses.

Here's the overview of the trip itinerary:

Day 1 – Morning flight EZY 1467 from Geneva International Airport (Switzerland) to Copenhagen Airport. Took Metro from Airport to hotel. Explored Copenhagen landmarks: Royal Danish Theatre, Nyhavn, Frederik's Church, Børsen, Christiansborg Palace, Round Tower, Strøget and City Hall Square. Had dinner in a fast-food restaurant at City Hall Square and shopped in Hard Rock Café.

Day 2 – Trip to Botanical Garden and National Gallery of Denmark. Visited Rosenborg Castle. Took lunch in a fast-food restaurant at City Hall Square. Joined a half day sightseeing tour 'Hamlet Castle' to explore Frederiksborg Castle, Fredensborg Palace and Kronborg Castle. After tour, visited Gefion Fountain, Ivar Huitfeldt Column and the Little Mermaid (on vacation) at harbour front. Visited Amalienborg Palace and had dinner at Nyhavn.

Day 3 – Took Metro to Airport and had lunch in Airport. Boarded flight EZY 1468 to Geneva International Airport.

Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup

Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup, or Københavns Lufthavn, Kastrup in Danish, is the main international airport serving Copenhagen, Denmark, the rest of Zealand, the Øresund Region, and a large part of southern Sweden including Scania (left photo below). It is the second largest airport in the Nordic countries and one of the oldest international airports in Europe. It is also the fourth-busiest airport in Northern Europe, and the busiest for international travel in Scandinavia. The IATA code for this airport is CPH.

Copenhagen Airport has two terminals: Terminal 2 and 3, which handle all flights check-in and share a common airside passenger concourse as well as the arrivals section (right photo below).
The common airside passenger concourse houses many retail shops, including duty-free shop (left photo below) and souvenirs shop (right photo below).


We exchanged our Swiss Franc to Danish Krone at a currency exchanger operated by Danske Bank in the airport (left photo below). From CHF 300, I had gotten DKK 1,654.77 after a service charge of DKK 35 (right photo below).

Transportation

Transport Tickets

There is a uniform ticket for all transportation in metropolitan Copenhagen, including Metro system. A single ride (2 zones) Metro ticket can cost DKK 21 while a ten ride (4 zones) Metro ticket cost only DKK 130. However, both ticket types valid for only 2-hours.

The City Pass we bought cost DKK 180 which enabled us to travel within 4 zones by train, Metro and buses, and valid for 72-hours (photo below). It can be bought at any Metro or Train stations.
First thing we did once out of Airport was to get a City Pass. Bought our City Pass from a vending machine in the station (left photo below). Next, we then stamped the ticket for validity in the machine (right photo below) before boarding.


Getting in/out from the Airport

The easiest way to get in/out of the airport is by its Metro system for first time visitors. Conveniently the 'Lufthavnen' (Airport) station of Metro Line M2 is located two floors above the underground rail station at the northern tip of Terminal 3.

The 'Lufthavnen' (Airport) station is located above ground and thus has a good view of its surroundings (left photo below). The train cabin is wide enough with 'flex areas' of folding seats providing space for luggage, wheelchairs, strollers and even bicycles (right photo below).

Copenhagen Metro System

Copenhagen Metro, or Københavns Metro in Danish, is a 24/7 rapid transit system in Copenhagen consisting of two lines: M1 and M2 in 2010. The metro trains run very frequently: every four minutes in rush hours, every six minutes outside rush hours and on weekends, and every 15/20 minutes at night.

Clear indication of Metro Station location (left photo below) and train arrival signages (right photo below) make it convenient for any visitors.


Each of the driverless train is 2.65-meters wide and 39-meters long consisting of three cars in modern design (photos below).
Sightseeing Buses

Like most sightseeing buses worldwide, the Copenhagen Excursions Bus (left photo below) had a distinctive design that was easily recognized and differentiated from the rest of public buses. The bus was air-conditioned and audio guide was available in several languages (right photo below).
Accommodation

CABINN Express Hotel

CABINN Express Hotel (left photo below) is located in the Frederiksberg district of Copenhagen, and is just 5-minute walk from the 'Forum' metro station. Booked this hotel via the internet at DKK 1350 for 2 nights per single triple room. Additionally, we also paid DKK 120 for buffet breakfast per person for two days.

Interestingly the reception also double-up as a snack shop for the hotel (right photo below).
The room design was inspired by cabins on a ship; thus its bed and bathroom were relatively compact in size compared to other hotels (photos below).


Breakfast was not taken at the lounge-café area (left photo below) in front of the reception, but rather taken at another hotel just 3-mins walk away (right photo below).
There were limited selections of bread, cereals, hams and beverages provided (photos below).
Therefore, choice of my breakfast was rather similar on the second day (left photo below) and third day (right photo below) of this trip.

Interesting Observations

• Post offices Denmark boxes are located around the city centers and can easily be spotted due to its bright red color (left photo below).


• Vikings (Seafaring people from Scandinavia) which is now an icon in Danish popular culture, appeared as a cute display in a souvenir shop (right photo below).
  
  


• Besides Amsterdam, Copenhagen seems to be another "bicycle country" (left photo below) where designated lanes are allocated for bicycles only (right photo below).
  
• Outdoor chess games spotted at City Hall Square (photos below).
  
• Copenhagen is recognized as one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the world and it is not difficult to find the evidences. A greenery wall panels of European Environment Agency office at Kongens Nytorv was spotted (left photo below). Middelgrunden offshore wind farm was spotted some 3.5 km from Copenhagen (right photo below) which delivers about 4% of power to the city.
  
  


• There are thousands of thatched roofs in Denmark (photos below). These thatched roofs keep the heat in and the rain out; therefore very practical for the climate and it is environmental friendly too.
  
• Besides the original statue of the Little Mermaid, there is a copy in a smaller scale inside the airport. Visitors can even 'hug' the statue in close proximity during photo-taking (left photo below).


• The famous Danish beer-maker 'Carlsberg' is producing Mineral Water (right photo below). From the label, it states "Natural Mineral Water from the Springs source without Soda".
  
  

Suggested Souvenirs

• For practical tourists, there are varieties of Postcards and T-shirts to choose from (photos below).
  
• There are also cute figurines of Danish Guards, Vikings and the Little Mermaid (photos below) sold in most souvenir shops.
  

Travel Tips:

If you're staying in Copenhagen for more than 2 days and a museum-lover, then it is worth the money to get a Copenhagen Card (left photo).

This Copenhagen Card, during 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120-hours, provides free entry to over 80 attractions, free use of public transports and exclusive promotions. For a 24-hours Copenhagen Card, it costs EUR 54, while a 48-hours cost EUR 80. Do check out the website to find out more to take the advantage of the discount.


Useful Links:

The Official Guide to Copenhagen:
https://www.visitcopenhagen.com

Denmark.net:
https://denmark.net

Wikitravel – Copenhagen:
http://wikitravel.org/en/Copenhagen