Charm of Copenhagen history, lifestyle

Visitors to the ancient country of Denmark usually start their journey in Copenhagen, the gateway to the Baltic. Evolving over centuries on the coast as a trading city, it has reaped many rich rewards from its business dealings.

Today Copenhagen is progressive but maintains its Old World charm through a variety of old buildings and historical attractions.

There are also a number of beautiful public gardens and parks for public relaxation, often featuring open-air performances.

The next stop for many visitors is Arhus. Close to both beaches and woods, it is a pleasant change from the city-orientated lifestyle of Copenhagen. Many hire a bicycle and head out to enjoy the gentle roar of the sea or the cool shade of the trees.

A tour of the countryside should include Aalborg with its architectural masterpieces of varying ages as well as Danish ruins, museums, galleries, theater and opera.

Among Denmark's other attractions are:

Tivoli Gardens

The opening of Tivoli Gardens each year marks the beginning of summer. Throughout the season, the gardens feature fairground rides, fireworks, fountains and a variety of nighttime entertainment, including live music on Fridays.

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

Copenhagen's finest art gallery, it houses an array of Greek, Roman and Egyptian art and artifacts, as well as one of the biggest and best collections of Etruscan art outside Italy. It also has excellent examples of modern European art, including some Degas casts, Manet's Absinthe Drinker and works by Man Ray, Chagall and Picasso.

Copenhagen City Museum

The museum contains reconstructed house fronts and tradesman's signs from early Copenhagen, a large room depicting the city under King Christian IV and a collection of memorabilia on 19th century Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard.

Frederikstaden

Edvard Eriksen's Lille Havfrue - Little Mermaid - the tiny but world-known statue in Copenhagen's harbor, honors Hans Christian Andersen's version of the tale. It is high on the list of most visitors, particularly children.

The Moesgard Museum of Prehistory

The museum chronicles Arhus' history from 4,000 BC through the Viking age and displays the famous mummified Grauballe Man.

(China Daily 06/05/2008 page19)