Port #7: Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a lovely city where almost everyone rides bicycles. I had a brief view of the city 12 days previous, as it was the embarkation port. My cab driver was making a mad dash to the port as I was running "a bit" late and made the ship by the skin of my teeth. In case you need to know, an hour and a half isn't enough time to get from Copenhagen's airport to Copenhagen's port. So it was nice to see some of the city at a slower pace when I returned. My excursion, though was to North Zealand to see Kronborg, the Peace Palace, and Frederiksborg. The castle at Kronborg is famous for being "Hamlet's Castle." It is in the town Elsinore, which I'm sure everyone remembers being referenced in Hamlet. Another point of interest: you can see Sweden from Elsinore. It's about 12km away.

The drive to Elsinore, along the northern Danish coast, is very beautiful. The properties are coastal and very nice. We didn't stop, but saw Karen Blixen's house (Author: Out of Africa).

Kronborg

Over the moat, through the gate, Kronborg

Through the outer wall, into the courtyard, Kronborg

Tower entrance, Kronborg

Pump near chapel entrance, Kronborg

Tapestry, original to castle (ca. 1580's), Frederick II

Chapel altar, Kronborg

Pew detail, Kronborg

Fredensborg Palace, or the Peace Palace, is the Danish monarchy's spring and autumn residence. The queen was there when we were let out of the bus for a photo opportunity; however, there was no inside tour. We were also unable to tour the gardens, which was a little disappointing.

Guard, Peace Palace, Fredensborg

Entrance guards indicating the presence of the queen

Neighborhood near Peace Palace, Fredensborg

Frederiksborg is exactly what you think of when you imagine a dark, mysterious Scandinavian castle. There was a pretty large fire in the 1800s. The founder and owner of Carlsberg beer spent a fortune restoring this palace to its grandeur. There is a tapestry in the main dining room depicting a royal processional featuring Christian IV. Mr. Jacobsen had his likeness added as one of the king's guards. So, just a little revisionist history in that tapestry, but well-deserved by the financier of the restoration.

Entrance Gate, Frederiksborg

Fountain, Frederiksborg

Entrance gate, palace interior

Tower, Fredericksborg

Entrance hall, Fredericksborg

Deer relief, entrance hall, Fredericksborg

Chapel, Fredericksborg

Medallions (for meritorious service to the monarchy)

Ballroom, Fredericksborg

Big fireplace, ballroom, Fredericksborg

Altar, ebony and silver, ivory ceiling details, Fredericksborg

Another big fireplace, Fredericksborg

Fancy inlaid table, Fredericksborg

Secret chapel entrance, leaving Fredericksborg

The trip was book-ended with stays in New Jersey with my friends Cathy and James. The trip out I was there two days. My flight back to the states went through JFK, so I stayed with them for another night. I was pretty done taking pictures by then, and didn't want to tote my tablet around, so you'll just have to take my word for it. Cathy and I met up near Penn Station and meandered around 10th ave, found a bar for dinner and drinks, then wandered up to Times Square after dinner for souvenirs and crowds. I love New York in June!