Fascinating Copenhagen

Posted on Thursday, May 13, 2010

Copenhagen, largest city and capital of Denmark, is home and final resting place of author Hans Christian Andersen, and, in fact, the fairy tale feel of the city is everywhere, from the coppery green towers alongside gingerbread houses to the cobblestone streets lined with bikes and warm people.

Rosenborg Castle

This was the royal residence until the 19th century, and is one of the city’s most popular museums, where you’ll see the Royal Crown Jewels, costumes, and other royal memorabilia.

The Little Mermaid

The main charachter in Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale is Copenhagen's landmak and the most photographed statue in the world.

Tivoli Gardens

Perhaps the best known of all Copenhagen’s attractions, Tivoli Gardens is the world-renowned amusement park located in the very heart of the city. Visitors are dazzled by the park’s fairyland lights, beautiful flowers, gift shops, rides, restaurants and strolling musicians.

Strøget

Copenhagen’s popular shopping district is made up of five streets reserved for pedestrian traffic only, and it features fine eateries, elegant stores and trendy boutiques filled with everything from luxury items to souvenirs.

Learn most about Scandinavia tours including Copenhagen

Norway Travel Information

Posted on Tuesday, July 28, 2009

About 2/3 of Norway is made up of mountains. There are approximately 50,000 islands off its much indented coastline. It has one of the longest coastlines in the world. 

The capital of Norway is Oslo. The currency used is the Norwegian Krone (Nkr). 

Climate and Clothing:

Given the extreme northerly position, the mainland climate in Norway is surprisingly mild. This is mainly because of the trade winds and warm currents. Lightweight clothing generally suffices in summer, however evenings can get chilly, so it is always a good idea to take along a sweater or wrap. If you are here in winter, you will definitely need an overcoat, scarf, gloves and warm shoes/boots.

Food and Drink: 

High quality fish, meat and dairy products are easily available in Norway. Norwegian meals are often large with an emphasis on fish and seafood specialties. A typical specialty is a ‘smorgasbord’ meal, a vast selection of meat, fish, salad, hot dishes, puddings and cheese. Specialty dishes and ingredients include Lutefisk (a hot, highly flavored cod fish), smoked salmon, cod, herring, sardine products and mackerel. Popular meats include reindeer, lamb and fowl. Liquor laws are very strict and in some parts of the country alcohol is not available at all. Where it is available it is very expensive. The water in Norway is safe to drink.

Best Buys:

Pottery, sports equipment, enameled ware, sportswear, pewter, silver and knitwear. If you like the unusual, a hand painted troll is something to add to your collection. Tax-free is available for tourist from shops displaying a ‘Tax free for tourists’ sticker. Tourists save 11-18% of the price paid by residents. Refunds are paid in cash at airports, ferries, cruise ships and border crossings.