Kobenhaven is Denmark's largest city, with 1.8 million Danes living in the greater Kobenhavn area. The name Kovenhavn, literally translates to merchants harbor, and it couldn't be more true.
Denmark
The city is situated on the Island of Sjælland, which is connected to the rest of Denmark by the Great Belt Fixed Link, which is the worlds second longest suspension bridge. The two towers that make up the bridge are actually the highest points in all of Denmark.
Despite being an expensive city to live in, it has been rated the number 10 city in the world to live in. It is home to Strøget, the longest pedestrian shopping street in the world, which does not disappoint (if you like shopping.) I also made my European debut at a karaoke bar on this street, which will quickly become known as "The street Ben made his big break."
Strøget at Night
Perhaps the biggest draw of the city, however, is the port and its surrounding waters. The city was founded by Vikings around 1167, so a location along the water and trade routes was vital.
Viking Ship Museum
The area of the city known as Nyhavn is home to the famous colored buildings along the harbor, which today offer a variety of places to eat. The north side of the port used to be called the naughty side, with sailors visiting small flats during their shore leave. The south, or nice side of the port was home to the markets which sailors sold their goods at.
Nyhavn
A controversial portion of the city, known as Christiania, cannot be described, but is rather experienced. The neighborhood covers 85 acres in Copenhagen and is home to 850 pseudo-residents in the "lawless" city (recently regulations on hard drugs have been enforced by Copenhagen Politi). This "Freetown" has established semi-legal status as an independent community, and has been passed as a social experiment by the Danish Government.
A walk down pusher street
Who could forget that Hans Christian Anderson comes from Denmark? Many of his stories were inspired by the sights and sounds in Denmark.
"Far out at sea the water´s as blue as the petals of the loveliest cornflower, and as clear as the purest glass; but it´s very deep, deeper than any anchor can reach. Many church steeples would have to be piled up one above the other to reach from the bottom of the sea to the surface. Right down there live the sea people."
Den Lille Havfrue (The Little Mermaid)
Also born and buried in Copenhagen was famous Philosopher, the Father of Existentialism, Søren Kierkegaard.
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards."
Kierkegaard's Grave
It is easy to see why the arts have flourished in this city, and it has quickly become the cultural center of Scandinavia. A stroll down Nyhavn Vej clearly gave and continues to give inspiration to all that walk in its path.
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