Thanksgiving in Copenhagen

We decided that since David would have Thanksgiving off we would make a long weekend out of it and go to Copenhagen.  Why Copenhagen you ask?  Well, we were looking for Christmas markets to visit and didn't want to do what is expected so Copenhagen was our choice.

Getting there from here in Naples was unfortunately nearly a full day of travel.  Upon arrival though we found it very easy to catch the train from the airport to the area our hotel (The Copenhagen Island) was located with one change of train.

View from our hotel room

The hotel is very nice, near the harbor, next to a very large mall.  We had a partial view of the harbor thanks to a complimentary upgrade upon check in.  The room was of normal European size but the bed was very comfy (soft by European terms that we have experienced) and all of the normal hotel amenities.

Our first night was Thanksgiving so since we had our Thanksgiving feast the week prior decided that we would have sushi for our dinner.  Sidebar, we have yet to find a place for sushi here in the Naples area.



With a bit of research we found a place near the city center called Sachi Sushi. It was not busy but the food was marvelous!  It may not have been a traditional Thanksgiving meal but it sure was delicious!

After dinner on our walk back to our hotel we stopped at a pub we had noticed on the way to dinner.  It was very small but we were lucky to get two spots at the bar.  The pub served all craft style beers.  We tasted several and enjoyed getting to know our bartender who helped us choose our beers.  After about an hour and a half we were well rested and ready to make the final trek back to the hotel.

Day 2.  We started our day out slightly later than perhaps we would have liked but we were on vacation after all.  We decided to start our sightseeing at the furthest point and work our way back toward our hotel.  That meant our first stop would be the Little Mermaid statue.  Now, let me start by saying that if you are looking for a large ornate statue you will be disappointed.  The sculpture is a relatively small bronze piece that is in the harbor.  That being said, there is something wonderful about this diminutive piece of art.  She is beautiful and I am glad we went to see her.  We also had a nice walking experience through part of a park that leads you to the harbor so getting there was fun too. 

As we left the statue area we enjoyed the architecture of a the city and also happened onto the changing of the guard at the palace.  It was an unexpected and happy surprise that we enjoyed immensely.

After a long morning of walking we were exceptionally hungry.  We were unable to get into restaurant that we wanted to try but made a reservation for the next day, more of that to come, instead we went to the pub across from it called McJoys.

Dave enjoying a Christmas Ale

A pint makes even the chilliest, rainiest days better and McJoys was a great spot to have a well deserved lunch and several spirited games of cribbage.

Winning at cribbage is a good thing

Our wonderful lunch

The food at McJoys was a wonderful pub rendition of traditional Danish fare.  I was not at all dissuaded from trying the burger that sounded a bit odd on the menu (it included a beet and a raw egg yolk sauce) and was in love at first bite.  I still need to try this at home.  It was so yummy.


Now that we are fortified again we move on to exploring more of Copenhagen.

We are already in the Nyhvn harbor area which is small but does give the impression that you have traveled back at least one century perhaps two.  The storefronts and the harbor along with the beautiful wood sailing vessels hearken back to a a different time.  There are stalls set up for Christmas.  Unfortunately the rainy weather has made some of the vendors either not open at all or on a smaller scale.  It is a pretty area though and we enjoyed walking along taking pictures. 

 When we were cold and wet enough again we....found another warm pub.  : )

We were now ready to face the chill again and found a small but fun Christmas market just a street or two over.

Dave bought a nice wool hat that makes him look even more dapper.

From here we wander along the streets toward our hotel just enjoying window shopping and people watching.



My favorite part was along one of the pedestrian shopping areas.  There was a shop window with animated window.  You just don't see these much anymore and I loved watching it.  Made me feel like a little kid

Day 3 started back in the Nyhvn area again.  We had an 11 am luncheon reservation at Told and Snaps (http://toldogsnaps.dk/home/).  I was very excited to try this fun little place as I had already read up about them.  I hate to say they were further down on our wish list for places to dine in Copenhagen but much more in our price range than Noma or Geranium.

Told and Snaps are known for their traditional Danish open faced sandwiches that are paired with Snaps.  Snaps are Akvavit and often are flavored with herbs or fruits and are a perfect accompaniment to a meal or as a digestive.

After a lovely lengthy luncheon it was time to walk a bit of that off.  We headed toward the Church of Our Savior.  Dave had seen the spire of this church and immediately decided he needed to make the trek to the top of the spire.  I of course was perfectly content to see it from the ground but we began the hike over so that Dave could make the climb of 400 step to the top 90 meters above the ground.  I was content to enjoy the sanctuary and listen to the 1798 pipe organ that was being played.  It is a lovely church with magnificent architecture and worth at least a look.  Dave's pictures from the top made me wish to make the climb...well maybe only a little.

And now it was time for another warm rest in a pub and some more spanking Dave at cribbage to to fortify us.

After a nice rest we get on with our evening as planned and begin the long walk back toward Tivioli Gardens.

We had heard Tivoli had one of the more spectacular Christmas markets in Europe so we were very excited and even though our feet were beginning to feel the pain of walking all day we knew this was the thing we had come for.







It is a bit to early so we go to the Round Tower or Rudetaarn.  This tower is topped with an observatory which has been in use in one form or another since the 1600's.  The most intriguing thing about the tower is the helical ramp that you go up to reach the top.  This ramp circles the tower 7.5 times and is over 200 meters in length and is wide enough for a horse and carriage to go up in order to carry books and heavy instruments to the observatory.

I did make the climb to the top of the tower and views of the city were a wonderful sight to see.  There were even fireworks in the distance.

 Now, finally on to Tivoli. We had heard Tivoli had one of the more spectacular Christmas markets in Europe so we were very excited and even though our feet were beginning to feel the pain of walking all day we knew this was the thing we had come for.  There was of course a line.  Entry was what you would expect for a small amusement park and we were happy to pay for the experience.  I will say the lights are fabulous and make you feel like you are in a bit of a wonderland but I would never call it a Christmas market.  If you like rides they are all open at this time and the restaurants were crowded and I am sure a good experience.  For us the stalls were basically all the same and were definitely disappointed in that part of the experience.  As I said though the lights were beautiful as you can see and we made the best of our time.

Our original reason for going to Copenhagen (for Christmas markets) was perhaps not satisfied the way we wished but we had a wonderful time and saw things that we had not planned.  That is always what makes a successful trip in my mind.  Enjoying it all and who you are with.







After Tivoli it was one last dinner in Copenhagen.  For this we chose The BreWpub.  Although it sounds like an ordinary pub, which in all fairness to one side of the house, it is, it is also a wonderful place.  After tasting a brilliant sampling of beers they had on tap we had a wonderful meal.

And so our journey came to an end.  The next morning it was up at dawn to catch our flight home.  We had a wonderful trip and would love to go back in the future.