H.C. Andersen
this year marks the 200th anniversary of Hans Christian Andersen’s arrival in Copenhagen. So take the opportunity to pay a visit to Andersen’s Copenhagen. What is a city today was only a small town 200 years ago, so most of these sites are within walking distance of the city centre.
Kongens Have (Rosenborg Castle Gardens)
An oasis in the centre of the city
What The memorial of Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) sitting in Rosenborg Castle Gardens with a book in his hands. The plinth bears several brass reliefs illustrating the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales ‘The Ugly Duckling’ and ‘The Stork’.
Why The huge flowerbeds are a spectacular sight during the summer months. They are situated in the country’s oldest royal gardens, which were laid out in Renaissance style by Christian IV in the early 1600s.
When Opening hours: The park opens at 7 a.m. The hour of closing varies, but the gardens are always open until at least 9 p.m.
Nyhavn
A Copenhagen classic
What Hans Christian Andersen used to live at house No. 20. This is where he wrote the fairy tales ‘The Tinderbox’, ‘Little Claus and Big Claus’, and ‘The Princess and the Pea’. He also lived for twenty years at No. 67, and for two years at No. 18.
Why Especially in the summer, Nyhavn is the perfect place to end a long day. Have dinner at one of the cosy restaurants, or do as the locals do: buy a beer from a nearby shop and put your feet up at the quayside.
When In practice, any time of day.
Hotel D’angleterre
A historic hotel
Where Kongens Nytorv 34
What The Hotel d’Angleterre is a place where Hans Christian Andersen stayed on several different occasions.
Why The hotel has long been regarded as the most prestigious and elegant one in the city, and has been the residence of many other notable guests, such as Winston Churchill.
When Every Sunday afternoon, you can treat yourself to the Hotel d’Angleterre’s afternoon tea. The magic and the money are worth it, though it’s not cheap.
The Royal Danish Theatre
The stage of kings and queens
Where Kongens Nytorv 9
What The Royal Danish Theatre, which played a huge role in Hans Christian Andersen’s life. The inauguration of what today we call the Old Stage took place in 1874. Here, both operas and ballets were given ample scope.
Why The Old Stage (Den Gamle Scene) at Kongens Nytorv features a richly decorated 17th-century theatre auditorium that many consider one of the most beautiful in Europe. The philosopher Søren Kierkegaard was also a frequent visitor here.
When See www.kglteater.dk for information regarding guided tours.
Assistens Cemetery
The final resting place
Where Kapelvej 4 – Accessible from multiple directions.
What Denmark’s best known cemetery, Copenhagen’s Assistens Cemetery is the final resting place of Hans Christian Andersen and such other famous Danes as the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard.
Why Today, the cemetery is one of the Nørrebro district’s lushest and most interesting green oases, a place where both locals and visitors like to take a stroll.
When Opening hours: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.