All about Copenhagen 1/4 [] Kastellet > The little mermaid > Fredrik church > Amalie garden

A Journey to Escape the Heat: A 2013 Summer Trip through Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark

This travelogue was updated in 2020. Please note that operating hours can vary depending on the season and that there may be regular closure days as well as closures on specific holidays such as Christmas, Epiphany, and New Year's Day. Therefore, when planning your schedule, be sure to check Google Maps or the official websites directly.

Last Stop on My European Adventure: Copenhagen, Denmark

My journey through Europe was about to reach its final destination: the charming city of Copenhagen, or as the locals say, *København*. I had a solid 4-night, 5-day stay planned, so I decided to invest in a 72-hour Copenhagen Card, which seemed like the best way to make the most of my time there. Since I arrived late the previous evening, I didn’t count that night—my Danish adventure officially kicked off on the second day.

When you think of Denmark, what comes to mind? For many, it’s the birthplace of some iconic brands. There’s the world-famous #LEGO, a name synonymous with childhood creativity. Then there’s #BangandOlufsen, known for its high-end audio equipment that’s more like art than tech. Sports enthusiasts might think of #Hummel, while shoppers (even in Korea) might recognize the quirky #FlyingTiger stores. And let’s not forget #Carlsberg, a beer brand that has made its mark worldwide. Did someone say Danish milk? If that crossed your mind, you’re not alone!

My first destination in Copenhagen was a must-see: the famous Little Mermaid statue, inspired by the beloved fairy tale by Denmark's own Hans Christian Andersen. Unlike many landmarks, this statue isn’t in the bustling city center. Instead, it required a ride on a suburban train rather than the metro, which gave me a glimpse of the city’s more artistic side—graffiti adorned many walls along the route. I couldn’t help but wonder how on earth the artists managed to paint so close to the tracks.

Though it’s not a grand or ornate statue, the Little Mermaid attracts crowds of tourists, each eager for that perfect photo. The area was bustling with tour buses and visitors, which was a bit surprising considering its somewhat secluded location. To reach the statue, I took the suburban train to Østerport Station, from where it’s about a 20-minute walk.

As I made my way there, I passed by the Kastellet, a star-shaped fortress that offers both a picturesque setting and a bit of Danish history. If you have time, I recommend taking a detour through the fortress grounds—you’ll be rewarded with some lovely views on your way to see the Little Mermaid.

If you're planning to explore multiple attractions in Copenhagen, be sure to check out the benefits of the **Copenhagen Card**! This handy pass offers free admission to over 80 attractions and museums, as well as unlimited public transportation throughout the city, including buses, trains, and the metro. It's a great way to save money and make the most of your visit, especially if you’re planning to see a lot in a short time. Whether you're visiting iconic landmarks like the Tivoli Gardens, taking a canal tour, or exploring the city's museums, the Copenhagen Card can make your trip smoother and more affordable.

@Kastellet

Open_ 6:00~20:00

When you get off at the suburban train station, you'll find that on your way to the Little Mermaid statue, you'll pass by **Kastellet**, a star-shaped fortress. This historic site is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Northern Europe, and it offers a scenic and peaceful walk. The fortress is surrounded by a beautiful park with well-maintained paths, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. As you walk through Kastellet, you'll not only enjoy the serene environment but also get some great views of the surrounding area. It's definitely worth a visit as you head towards the Little Mermaid.

@Den little havfrue; The little mermaid

I was surprised by the sheer number of people there—clearly, the Little Mermaid's global popularity is no joke! Despite its relatively small and unassuming size, the statue attracts crowds of tourists from all over the world. It was quite the sight to see so many people gathered around, all eager to snap a photo with Copenhagen's most famous landmark.

@Frederiks kirke; Fredrik church

Open_ 10:00~17:00/ Fri, Sun 12:00~
Close_ When a concert is taking place, general admission is not allowed.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Copenhagen expanded its territory further to the north. King Christian IV, who reigned during this time, commissioned the construction of several architectural landmarks that remain cultural symbols of Copenhagen today, including the Rosenborg Castle, the Stock Exchange, and the Round Tower. During the reign of Frederick V, urban planning in the eastern district of the city took shape. He appointed the Danish architect Nicolai Eigtved as the chief planner for the development of Frederiksstaden, a district known for its grand and elegant structures, including the Amalienborg Palace.

At the heart of Frederiksstaden lies a church, built to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the royal family’s rule. The church was designed by Nicolai Eigtved in 1740 as part of the Frederiksstaden development plan. The foundation stone was laid in 1749 in a ceremony led by King Frederick himself. After Eigtved’s death in 1754, French architect Nicolas-Henri Jardin took over the project, bringing significant changes to the original design.

Initially, the church was to be constructed entirely of Norwegian marble, but the project became so costly that in 1770, Prime Minister Struensee ordered its suspension. Struensee was executed two years later, and although there were several attempts to resume construction, none succeeded. For nearly a century, the church remained incomplete, with only ruins standing in the square. It wasn't until financial support was secured from a businessman named Carl Frederik Tietgen, who promised to fund the completion through Professor Meldahl, that the church was finally finished. The church was completed on August 19, 1894.

The church was primarily constructed using Norwegian marble, as originally planned, but the upper sections were built with a variety of materials, including Danish marble. The dome, one of the largest in Europe, features a stunning fresco painted by Chresten Overgaard, based on preliminary sketches by Henrik Olrik.

Inside the church, there are two organs: a modern Swan organ, which is no longer in use, and a more contemporary Marcussen organ that has been in service since 1963.
Surrounding the church, you’ll find numerous statues, including those of Denmark's most prominent figures such as philosopher and writer Søren Kierkegaard, Ansgar, Kingo, and Grundtvig. The terrace of the church’s roof is also adorned with statues of significant historical figures, ranging from Moses to Martin Luther King.

This church serves as a parish church for the local community and is also the national church of Denmark, known as the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Among Copenhagen residents, it is more commonly referred to as the Marble Church.

@Amalie garden

Near Frederik's Church is the Amalienborg Palace, and just nearby, the lovely Amalie Garden with its impressive fountain. While I was there, a group of young people asked me to take a photo of them with the fountain as the backdrop. After I snapped the shot, they came over to check the photo.

It got me thinking about how different cultures approach photography. Sometimes, when foreigners take pictures of us, their focus seems to be more on placing the person right in the center of the frame, with less emphasis on the background. On the other hand, when a Korean, like myself, is asked to take a photo, we often prioritize the background, framing the person in a way that captures the scenery too. Just as I find people-centered photos a bit unusual, I imagine they might find my background-focused shots a bit strange as well. It’s a fun little cultural difference that I noticed. 😊

As lunchtime rolled around, I found myself opting for a gelato from a street vendor instead of a proper meal. The weather wasn't particularly hot, but there's something refreshing about a cold treat, and when you get it in a cone, it’s surprisingly filling. Honestly, there's no better summer snack—it’s both satisfying and a perfect way to cool down.