10 Photos That Capture Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a city that everyone should visit. I'm not referring to your average tourist either, I'm talking about urban planners, engineers, mayors and heads of state. Copenhagen is a model of what a city can accomplish with the right confluence of foresight in planning, access to wealth, and a desire to ever improve. It seems that whenever I'm reading a study about the results of an experimental study that tests a shorter work week or something decidedly progressive, it was done in Copenhagen, or at least not far away.
Having lived in Oslo in 2010, I was able to visit this city back then, but I'm not quite sure I had the lens to understand what a masterpiece Copenhagen was and continues to be. Visiting hundreds of cities around the world, then arriving back provided a more than adequate lens to appreciate what I was seeing, and perhaps I can also attest to the fact that I may have matured a fair bit since I was 19 - at least I certainly hope so.
The city operates seamlessly, and has just the right balance of historical intrigue and modern innovation. I've selected 10 photos from my visit in late June earlier this year that hope to portray precisely that notion.
1. Strøget, Europe's longest pedestrian street, is a marvel to walk down. Constructed in 1962, it was one of the first streets specifically constructed for pedestrians. Copenhagen is always seemingly ahead of the curve.
2. Rosenborg Castle, a renaissance castle from the 17th century. When a castle is politely nestled into your downtown core, you've got something special going on.
3. Tivoli Gardens, the second oldest amusement park in the world, opened in 1843. It's also the second most visited seasonal theme park in the world, and adds undeniably charm to the heart of the city.
4. Nyhavn had to be my favourite area in Copenhagen, which isn't altogether unsurprising considering it's a 17th century waterfront entertainment district.
5. Stormgade. You can be sure that this effect was designed intentionally. Everything in Copenhagen is built with creative intentionality.
6. Near Christanborg Palace. Classic Danish architecture and modern touches of design make Denmark a pleasant place for a stroll.
7. City Hall Square. Arguably the major focal point of the city.
8. The area of Nyhavn was nearly enough to convince me to pack up my life in Istanbul, and hop on the first plane back to Copenhagen.
9. Børsen, also known as the Old Stock Exchange, is a prime example of the fact that Copenhagen has been pushing architectural boundaries since at least the middle of the 17th century.
10. It's only fitting that I end of with a photo of Nyhavn. This photos contains churns more emotion for me than I could put into words.