We were ready for another day of blue skies and Danish hospitality as we rode our ship’s shuttle into Old Town Copenhagen to set off on our own.
Rosenborg Castle
Our first stop was Rosenborg Castle – or “Slot,” as castles are called in Denmark. Built as a royal residence in the early 1600s by King Christian IV, Rosenborg houses Danish cultural and historical artifacts as well as the crown jewels. The rooms are well preserved and offer a glimpse into royal life at that time. We arrived just before opening, and it felt as if we had the castle to ourselves. Our entire day seemed to unfold that way. The city was busy and tourist-filled, but it never felt crowded.
The real crown jewel of Rosenborg is the Rosenborg Castle Gardens, the oldest park in central Copenhagen. Lovely wide walking paths lined with beautifully cared-for trees offer a charming, peaceful ambiance. It’s a popular place for locals, and like everywhere we visited in Copenhagen, it’s impeccably clean.
A.C. Perch’s Thehandel
We headed back into the winding, cobblestone streets of Old Town to find A.C. Perch’s Thehandel, where I had made reservations for lunch. (Tea & Coffee Shops Around the World.) As we rounded a corner, the Changing of the Guard passed by on its way to Amalianborg Palace. The procession struck me as being understated and elegantly simple, almost as if it didn’t want to draw too much attention to itself.
Christiansborg Palace
Our final stop before heading back to the ship was Christiansborg Palace. The Palace – also referred to as “Slot” – is the seat of the Danish Parliament and Supreme Court and is used by the monarchy for royal receptions. As we wandered through the graceful and welcoming rooms, we once again felt as if we were the only ones there.
We passed the Copenhagen Courthouse on our way to the shuttle. I later learned that the Danish translation on the building’s façade was, “With law the country shall be built.”
Sailing Away
That evening, Herb and I stood on the top deck of the Crystal Symphony as we watched Copenhagen fade into distance. There is always a convergence of emotions for me at the sail-away, with memories of one place needing to be put aside in anticipation of what lies ahead in the next port. But this time was a little different. Copenhagen is one of those cities that quickly and quietly gets under your skin. It’s not an easy place to say farvel.
