Despite visiting Europe a number of times with affordable Eurail tickets offered on Rail Europe, you can never truly feel like you've "done" a city. There’s always reasons to go back again and again, and there are always ways to discover new reasons to love Copenhagen. Here’s a few of the latest finds: (Photo "The Harbour of Copenhagen" by BeverlyLR)
1. Christiana Free Zone
While most locals are fairly dismissive of Christiana, it is an interesting example of an alternative lifestyle commune that has found its place within the heart of a major city. Established in an old military barracks, the unmistakeable aroma of marijuana dominates your senses. Visitors are welcome but you have to be respectful of the rules of the commune. There is a surprisingly good vegan cafe here that serves great coffee. An interesting expedition if you are looking for somewhere to chill out for the afternoon. (Photo "Rosenborg Castle" by lausdeo)
2. The Distortion Festival
This is a four day dance music festival held every year in the Summer. What makes it a bit different is that it is describes as a “Party Tsunami” - it is held outside in the streets of Copenhagen, and each day it moves to a different neighbourhood, like a rolling event that progressively takes over the city. It is hugely popular with the locals, and surprisingly orderly despite the thousands of people that flood the streets, drinking and dancing in the evening sun.
Last year year the opening night took over Nørrebro - the coolest area in Copenhagen. The entire area beyond Nørrebrogade bridge was shut down and rammed with people. The music is really great and it was impossible to not be tempted to grab a six pack of beers and join in the fun.
3. Swimming in the harbour
It is easy to think of Denmark as a cold country, but Summer in Copenhagen is really quite magical. The water quality of the city’s harbor is surprisingly good - the water clean and fresh. On warm sunny days, everyone seems to head to the swimming pontoon at Islands Brygge - easy to cycle to or get there by public transport. There is a stretch of grass overlooking the pontoon which is perfect for sitting, chatting, and sunbathing, and when you feel like cooling off you can go and jump in the water at the pontoon. There’s also a diving tower here - it doesn’t really look that high when you’re climbing the steps, but when you stare down over the edge it is a different proposition completely.
Copenhagen is a city that is defined by light, space, and water. The low-rise nature of the city opens the sky and this is a city where the air feels fresh, hinting of a world waiting to be discovered.