{"id":5326,"date":"2013-10-08T13:24:04","date_gmt":"2013-10-08T17:24:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theprofessionalhobo.com\/?p=5326"},"modified":"2025-01-10T09:54:07","modified_gmt":"2025-01-10T14:54:07","slug":"copenhagen-modern-day-fairy-tale-globaltravelernora","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theprofessionalhobo.com\/copenhagen-modern-day-fairy-tale-globaltravelernora\/","title":{"rendered":"Copenhagen: A Modern-Day Fairy Tale"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This post is part of the Club Carlson Global Traveler program; a 3-week, 8-country adventure I’m taking through Europe, paid for and compensated by Club CarlsonSM (now Radisson Rewards<\/a>). During the trip, I’m exploring the world of hotel points and how to take advantage of accommodations and upgrades with various strategies (I’ve got a really good strategy today \u2013 read on)!<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In all cases, opinions expressed herein are my own; don’t worry – I haven’t sold my soul. <\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This post was originally published in 2013. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. <\/em>

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Copenhagen feels like a fairy tale. From the buildings that pop with colour, to the ornate architecture, the generally friendly people, and the idyllic bits of nature interspersed throughout, it stands to reason that it’s the birthplace and inspiration for Hans Christian Anderson’s many iconic fairy tales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Hmm…I wonder if this has anything to do with the fact that Denmark is also the world’s happiest country…)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seriously, people. This is a happy place. <\/b><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Copenhagen<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n


It’s Also Safe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Happy people aren’t particularly angry people. So Copenhagen also ranks among the world’s top 10 safest cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All this happiness is due \u2013 like most of Scandinavia \u2013 to the fact that there is a strong social support structure, generally making its residents feel secure and safe in the knowledge that there’s a medical\/educational\/income\/housing safety net in place.

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Safety Costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

But \u2013 again, like most of Scandinavia \u2013 it’s expensive. I suspect there’s a strong correlation; similar to Switzerland<\/a>, the cost of living is very high but the income is generally commensurate. Once you’re \u201ctied into the system\u201d and earning in local currency you can live securely.

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What to See in Copenhagen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Because I only had a day and a half to explore, I didn’t venture much beyond Copenhagen’s central area. It’s an incredibly vibrant and walkable place. Hence, the presence of Stroget, which is the world’s largest pedestrian shopping area in Europe<\/b>. As with Glasgow’s Buchanan Street<\/a>, I didn’t venture into any of the stores, but I enjoyed the vibe \u2013 especially on a sunny Sunday afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Bicycle<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

While wandering aimlessly (I can’t help myself; I love getting lost on city streets), I also saw bicycle lanes everywhere. It’s all very organized and easy to use; which is what coins Copenhagen as the world’s top city for cyclists. There are over 340kms of cycle lanes <\/b>\u2013 and yes, it seems more organized and usable to me than even Amsterdam<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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