Copenhagen II

Nyhavn is the place you see on all the Copenhagen postcards and even in the chill of a January day it did not disappoint. I loved the cluster of different coloured restaurants still with their tables and chairs outside (as well as candles for a bit of hygge) for the more resilient Danes! There was a fair breeze blowing when I took this picture and as I had to take my gloves off to work my camera phone, I could hardly feel my fingers after about five minutes!

Next up was Rundetårn (Round Tower) which was built in the 17th century as an astrological observation tower. The cobbled road that spirals up to the top is wide enough to drive a horse and carriage up and in 1902 a car was driven up! It is quite peaceful inside and made me feel like I was in a giant seashell! The from the top there is a spectacular panoramic view of Copenhagen, I loved looking down on all the red and grey gables.

After a reviving hot drink and cake from La Glace (the best place for cakes in Copenhagen) we were back outside again, heading to Christiansborg Palace. My husband and I are fans of the Danish political drama Borgen so we were very excited to be heading to the place where all the action happens (the palace is split in half, with one half used for Parliament and the other half used by the Royal family for functions - they live in Amaliensborg).

I don't seem to have taken as many photos of Christiansborg Palace as I thought. We went round on the guided tour which was really interesting so I ended up not snapping away! Even though the Danish Royal family have a room with thrones, they do not sit on them as they are only heads of state. Even when they meet people in this room they screen these thrones off so that no one sees them.

In the Great Hall there were a series of tapestries by Bjørn Nørgaard, this one shows the 1900s with the 1st and 2nd World Wars and Cold War. It's not to my personal taste, but I could still appreciate the skill and artistry in producing something like this. Down the bottom are various political leaders from the century - can you spot Churchill?

They also have another room filled with amazing porcelain - this seems to be a standard thing in Danish palaces. I thought this delicate basket of pinks, cowslips, morning glory and irises was amazing. Although I wouldn't like to have to dust it!

We also visited a wonderful Danish shop called K&Co. There were so many gorgeous things I wished I had room in my suitcase for!

But one of my favourite places has to have been Brumbleby Village in Copenhagen. These sweet pastel coloured houses were built after a cholera epidemic in 1835 to provide working-class Copenhagners with better housing outside the city walls but they are now one of the most fashionable places to live in the Østerbro area of Copenhagen.

The snow came down thick and fast on our very last day, the snow ploughs were out in force at the airport ready for the coming onslaught of winter weather. We enjoyed ourselves so much that before we had even left we were planning a return trip in the Summer!