I decided to go to Copenhagen for a night. I’d never been to a Scandinavian country before, so why not start with Denmark? I’ve always wanted to visit, so beginning with the capital city seemed like the perfect introduction.
My flight left Edinburgh Airport on Sunday morning. It was a short two hour flight. I picked a window seat so I could snap some photos of the clouds. After landing and making my way through passport control, I stepped outside for a five-minute vape, then headed to the airport’s train station for a 30 minute journey into the city. I wasn’t entirely sure where I was headed first, so I just went with my instincts and hoped for the best.
Kastellet
I got off the train at Østerport Station, which was a short walk from Kastellet, the star-shaped 17th-century fortress. For the locals, it was just a normal Sunday morning, with lots of people out jogging around the park. I considered joining them, but I had my backpack on and wanted to take my time absorbing the scenery.
It was a perfect place to begin my adventure, water, ducks, little bridges, and even a cool old windmill (Kastelsmøllen). I wandered through the red-brick barracks, passing by soldiers on guard. It felt like a peaceful introduction to the city.
Afterwards I wandered towards Amalienborg Palace, and I was a little shocked at the changing of the guard, a marching music band and a huge crowd of people came out of nowhere. The police were there moving everyone behind the line and I stood and watched the band pass by me. It was definitely unexpected.
The Round Tower
After stuffing myself with Danish cakes and pastries, I had about an hour before my walking tour began. I decided to visit The Round Tower, an old observatory with a long spiral slope leading to the top. The views from the top were great, and the tower itself was fun to photograph especially that iconic spiralling ramp.
I stayed up there for about 20 minutes, soaking in the sights, before heading back down to join a three hour walking tour. It was my first time doing a group activity on a solo trip. It was nice, but I think I’d have enjoyed exploring at my own pace just as much. Still, I’ll try another group experience on my next trip and see how it goes.
We visited many different sites on the walking tour such as the medieval square of Amagertorv, Christiansborg Palace, home of the Danish parliament, passed by Copenhagen cathedral and Tivoli Gardens.
Copenhagen from the Canal
At 5pm, I had a ticket for a one-hour canal boat tour. I had to run to make it in time, still wearing my backpack as I hadn’t checked into my hotel yet. Finally sitting down after walking all day felt amazing. I opened the window wide for the sea breeze and to get better photos, of course.
We passed by the Opera House, CopenHill, Amalienborg Castle, and more while a local guide shared some fun facts and stories. It gave me a new view of some places I’d already seen and helped plan where I’d head the next day—especially The Church of Our Saviour, known as the “Stairway to Heaven.” I’m not going to lie—I could’ve fallen asleep on that boat. But when the tour ended, I got back on my feet and finally made my way to the hotel… and collapsed into bed!
Copenhagen Day Two
I went to sleep, woke up at midnight, and decided to go for a little stroll. I expected the waterfront to be busier, but it was really quiet. I had to use my phone torch to light the way, but I felt completely safe. I wandered to the train station, grabbed a McDonald’s, and picked up some breakfast for the next day… which I accidentally ate as soon as I got back to the hotel. Classic.
In the morning, I packed my bag and set off again. Today I will travel in the opposite direction.
Stairway to Heaven
Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke) was high on my list. On Google Maps it’s labelled as the “Stairway to Heaven,” but when I got there it was just referred to as The Tower (Tårnet). I scanned a QR code at the door and picked the next available time slot, which was just 15 minutes away, so I waited on a nearby bench.
The climb was intense. I knew it would be steep, but I didn’t expect to be pulling myself up narrow staircases, squeezing to the side to let people past. It was claustrophobic and exhilarating at the same time. I didn’t take many photos on the way up as I was too focused on not slipping.
At the top, the outdoor views blew me away. Denmark is so flat, and I could see for miles. The views were even better than from the Round Tower. I continued climbing the spiral stairs, which got narrower and narrower until they just stopped. Coming down was the real challenge, my legs were shaking the whole way.
Back on the ground, I took a quick look inside the church before heading off in search of food. I was starving, thanks to my midnight snack mishap.
I found a place called Alice’s Ice Cream, where I ordered a breakfast platter: a poppyseed roll, two slices of cheese, blackcurrant jam, a hard-boiled egg, a big lump of butter, and a tiny teaspoon of salt. I wasn’t sure how it was supposed to be eaten, so I just mushed it together and hoped for the best.
CopenHill
The walk to CopenHill took over an hour, but I didn’t mind as I’d grabbed some sweets and energy drinks from a corner shop, and the scenic route was lovely.
When I arrived, there had been an emergency evacuation, and nobody was allowed in for over an hour. I sat and waited, scrolled through social media, charged my phone and vape, ate all my sweets. Life was good.
CopenHill is a power plant that also serves as a ski slope and climbing wall. There’s a café at the top, but the real highlight is the incredible views. As soon as it reopened, I raced up the stairs where the top was about 260 feet high. I was completely exhausted by the time I reached the top. I grabbed a Diet Coke and a chocolate muffin and sat to enjoy the views.
On a clear day, you can apparently see all the way to Sweden, beyond the wind farm. Unfortunately, it was too foggy, but the view was still worth it.
Freetown Christiania
After CopenHill, I walked to Freetown Christianiam which, in hindsight, is very close to the Stairway to Heaven, so I could’ve saved myself some time. Still, the walk was great.
I loved admiring the graffiti and street art. The vibe was completely different quirky, creative, and a little surreal. There were stalls selling all sorts of things, and even the woodland walk into the area felt like stepping into another world.
Eventually, it was time to head back to the airport. My flight was just after 8pm, so I left the city around 5pm to be safe. At the train station, I panicked for a while, realising I had no idea what train to take. I nearly boarded one to Odense, which would’ve taken me 160km in the wrong direction.
Eventually, I got on the right train… but I was still nervous. My phone lost signal, so I just sat there, hoping I was going the right way. Thankfully, I was and I arrived at the airport with time to spare.
By 10pm, I was back in my own bed, exhausted but buzzing from the trip. I’d walked 33,000 steps on Sunday and 28,000 on Monday—my legs were killing me, but it was so worth it.
Copenhagen was everything I hoped it would be and more. I’ve already booked my next trip abroad, this time for two nights. I can’t wait to see where my next adventure takes me!