Copenhagen: city of boats and bikes

Will had been to Copenhagen once with Charles for a brief trip a few years ago, and again just before the pandemic shut the world down. So we decided to go for a few days before heading to the Netherlands so I could see what they both liked about the city. Like Amsterdam, the first thing that is so obvious is how MANY people bike everywhere. Scooters don’t go in the same lane as bikes, so it seems a lot more orderly. Will got a short video for me to share.

We didn’t bike this time around, but I’m game for it the next time. Instead we walked miles through the different neighborhoods. We stayed in a part of the city called Island Brygge, a block away from the harbor and the very cool swimming area they have. Will got in to swim there 2 mornings and said the water wasn’t too cold. Copenhagen prides itself on having very clean harbor water.

Each neighborhood is unique; all have beautiful architecture, their own character, old and new buildings, and good food! I know it would take many more days to see them all. We had brunch all 3 mornings at this cool little place where you choose 5-7 things on a paper slip to order. Then everything comes on a platter with your choices in little bowls.

We stumbled into an artisans fair that seemed to go on for a few blocks. Each person’s work was beautifully crafted and presented. I was really inspired especially with the felting work this one woman does. She had wool foot stools, seat mats, coasters, and rugs that she makes by wet felting wool into small and large rolls. She and her husband work together and figured out a way to cut thin discs of the felt when it’s dried.

The sun came out as we walked, showing off the colors of the buildings along the harbor.

When we got tired of walking, we hopped on the harbor bus to see the city from the water. There are small electric boats people can rent to cruise with friends and have a cocktail hour as they go. It was impressive that no one got in anyone’s way. At one place along the river, I looked out to see a crane arm going up with a couple of people in the basket (?), and then one of them bungee jumped towards the water! Those of us on the harbor bus watched as the person bounced several times, never hit the water, and seemed to have a great time.

It was so nice cruising along that we didn’t realize the harbor bus had reached the end of its route, and wouldn’t be leaving for a half hour. When we stepped off the boat,we found ourselves in the middle of an outdoor bar with a DJ and everyone dancing. It was really fun, and great people watching.

Copenhagen has plenty of art and amazing design, on the streets and in their remarkable Design Museum Denmark.