The Danes are some of the happiest people on earth, and it isn’t hard to see why. They have some of the most beautiful countrysides, waters and cities around (plus the people are pretty fabulous too). Copenhagen itself boasts 390 km of bike paths! (which is roughly 245 miles for my non-metric folk.. which is probably most of you reading this, and lets be real.. I know km in distances of 5k and 10k) So what is there to do besides cycling?! And that is just what Ryan (my new pharmacy friend) and I did.
Ryan and I in front of Rosenborg Castle
We set off from our hostel on rented bikes, which were perfect (if you ignored the squeal from Ryan’s back tire). It may have been a bit misguided at first from my meandering directions, but we eventually found our way. Once righted in our directions, we bounced down the cobblestone street a couple of blocks from our hostel to a local restaurant to try their smørrebrød (a Danish open faced sandwich). They were surprisingly delicious! (I always love to recommend trying the local food… “When in Rome…”)
My herring sandwich!
Normally when traveling, there are restrictions on the distance of visiting certain locations- these become open when you have a bike! Ryan and I set out for the oldest amusement park in the world, Dyrehavvsbakken, located about 13 km from the city. Being Copenhagen, there was a paved path following the highway out to the park and farther… The ride itself was relatively flat and the weather just phenomenal. If I had to guess, we made it in less than 45 minutes.
We were surprised that the park was open to any visitor. We parked our bikes and strolled in just expecting to pay an entrance fee. Luckily no fee existed, and we were able to explore the area. (Rides themselves were expensive). I loved the fact that everything there was in Danish… it gave way to the authenticity and separated itself from a tourist destination. I felt in the hours in which we explored, that I was Danish. (A side note for visitors: I cannot comment on the exact price, but seeing the rides, I would not advise buying a ticket… Since you are able to just walk through, check out the rides and then purchase a ride ticket if a ride speaks to you)
The ride home always seems faster than the ride out… We made it back to the city center in record time (even managed to ride though some spots of rain) Upon our return, Ryan and I headed straight out to an Italian pizza spot and gobbled up some amazing pizza (on the cheap! which is 50 dkk so roughly 10 USD)
I had such an amazing time in Copenhagen and would highly recommend anyone to visit. Between the people, sights, tours, bikes and food, it was phenomenal. I would have to place it relatively high on my list of places to visit, as well as those to come back to.
Visit Copenhagen!!!
Paige Ashley 