The Little Mermaid

My aim today was to see some of Copenhagen most beautiful attractions. My first stop was at The Little Mermaid. The Little Mermaid is one of the most visited attractions in Denmark. It was constructed in honour of Hans Christian Anderson.

Believe it or not there are several copies of this mermaid around Copenhagen but the most photographed and recognisable statue or the ‘real’ one is set within Langeline in Copenhagen’s harbour.

Above are some photos of me and the mermaid I was actually a little disappointed about how small the statue was considering all the way I had to travel :S then I had to fight off other photographers just to get the best photo.

Kastellet

After the Little Mermaid I went to the Kastellet.

The construction of this fort began in 1626, started by the King of Denmark, Christian IV. This fort, while has been constructed in various phases under different leadership, has served as the nation’s defence in several battles, including the Sweedish siege and the Battle of Copenhagen against England. Today, this peaceful area serves as tourist site for visitors to the nation, with beautiful grounds to tour. Soldiers still guard the fortress. While primarily a tourist attraction, the site still serves as an administrative compound for both the Danish guard and the Home Guard of the city.

Amalienborg Palace / Royal Palace

Princess Mary (From Tassie, Australia) resides here so I thought I’ll paid her a visit

The palace was named after Queen Sophie Amelia. Visitors to the palace have an opportunity to tour 2 of the 4 portions of the palace and can take photographs with the Royal guards stationed within the Palace’s yard. I managed to come just in time for the changing of the guards, this is when the guards change shift at noon.

The Guards

The purpose of the Royal Guard is to both guard the royal palaces as well as to train the army. Approximately 1000 guards are trained annually for service. When the queen is taking residence at the palace, this changing of the guard is accompanied by music. You will know if the queen is at home by looking for the flag in the highest position at Christian IX’s palace. The Royal Guard serves a 24 hour shift, with the change in shift as mentioned earlier taking place at noon daily when the royal family is in residence. If you are lucky enough to see the parade, which-includes guards, drummers, in blue uniform with bearskin hats, you are sure to capture some one of-a-kind photographs. As you would imagine, the palace guards are dressed in traditional apparel, including their coats and large, black British like hats.

Part of the centerpiece of the yard is a statue of Frederick V, also a great photo opportunity for visitors.

Related posts:

1. Copenhagen (Denmark) – Art and Design Museum & National Museum
2. 2009 Royal Melbourne Show
3. Royal Flying Doctor Services (RFDS)
4. Stockholm – Sweden – Gamla Stan (Old City)
5. Rome – Vatican City (St Peter’s Basilica and Square, Vatican Museums)