Started out with plans to make the most of our last day in Copenhagen. We find the weather patterns most confusing. Yesterday was one of our best days and this morning it was drizzling. I borrowed an umbrella from the front desk and we stepped out into a several hours downpour. After lunch the sun appeared and it was a warm afternoon. To round out the day the muck moved in at the airport, the control tower disappeared into heavy rain and fog. By takeoff we had clear skies. Is this what it is like to live in Denmark in the summer?
There are three major palaces in the city of Copenhagen. Unfortunately not time for all so, with advice of our walking guide, we choose to tour Christianborg. This is the site of the original 11th century castle. Destroyed a number of times, the last two by fire, it was last rebuilt in the 1800's. The intent was for a royal residence but the family had moved to Amalienborg Palace during construction and they have never moved back. We toured the lavish royal reception rooms used for formal events of state, followed by the stables, and the underground ruins of former castles.
Our break for lunch was at a nice cafe across the street from a tea shop. Our service was very slow so we have a lot of time to watch the small, attractive tea shop. The crowds of people coming and going were constant, very often overflowing into the street. Our attempt after lunch to get inside proved fruitless so we returned later in the day.
On our 'must visit' list was the Round Tower, a 17th century masterpiece originally built as an astronomical observatory. The most unusual feature of the tower is its only method of getting to the top - it's 'equestrian staircase', a wide helical ramp that winds seven and a half times round and round uphill until you emerge in daylight. Historically, we discovered it had featured timed races to the top by penny-farthing and regular bicycles, and by racing car. Thankfully, as we reached the top the weather had cleared and we had reasonably good 360 degree views of the city centre and its surrounding suburban areas, including the protected natural area we had pedalled through for our arrival in Copenhagen.
With an hour left before our retreat to the airport we walked to The Little Mermaid. Neither of us had much interest but thought the viewing is expected for anyone visiting Copenhagen. It was as uninspiring as expected.
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