Copenhagen/Hamburg

Yesterday we got up early to get to the train station hoping to get to Hamburg at a reasonable time. When we got to the train station we find out we couldn't leave until 2:40 so we stored our luggage and went out into the city again. We visited the Town Hall and the Round Tower. Round Tower was quite unique since it had a speak ramp most of the way to the top and not stairs. There was an art exhibit about half way up with the architectural models of buildings that were built and ones that were not. 

We caught the bus to connect to a train to Hamburg on time at 2:40. The bus was OK but a train would have been nicer of course. We realised we needed to be on the bus thought to take a ferry away from the island Copenhagen was on. Turns out our ferry was late. By the time we got to our connection we had all missed it (3 buses of people in total). Our option was to wait almost an hour until the next express or take a local to Lubetz then transfer to another train to Hamburg. We took that option as that train was actually pretty convenient. We finally made it to Hamburg just before 10pm so we didn't see much until today.  We checked out of our hotel in Hamburg this morning then went on a walking tour of the city for about 3 hours. I actually really liked the city. The brick buildings and unique architecture. It really felt like a city with heart and soul. I hope I get to visit again someday.

We caught a train out of Hamburg to Cologne. It was a 4 hour ride and we got in town with just enough time for dinner at a restaurant with actual German food. Out first view when we left the train station is the cathedral at the top of this post I think it bodes well for the rest of time in Cologne.

Copenhagen Day 3

Our third and final day in Copenhagen started with laundry and food. The laundry room longer than we had hoped so we took time to visit Rosenberg Palace which was almost next to our hostel. It was quite an interesting Palace most notably because the throne room was on the third floor and the King and Queen's thrones were very different but also because the there were 3 crowns on display as well as the crown jewels. It was a nice stop.

Later in the day we once again for lost on our way to the main square with town hall and Tivioli on it. We thankfully did finally find it after a few miss turns one took us almost all the way back where we started. We were too late to go inside town hall but we did make it to Tivioli. Tivoli was amazing an amusement park in the middle of the city which was more for the adults then children with whimsical decor.

Copenhagen Day 2

Today was filled with a lot of walking but I feel like I saw most of the city and got a good feel for it. Started off with a really tasty breakfast buffet in true European style. Then we left with the group heading to the walking tour from our hostel. The walk to meet up with the tour was almost a tour in itself with a very fast walking local. We met at the town hall while a a wedding was being celebrated. We didn't go into the town hall deciding to wait until tomorrow. We were split into groups of about 20 each. We walked past trivoli then around the square heading the history and how the growth hall was actually the 6th due to fires and outgrowing the second to last one. We then set off for other parts of the area including 3 churches and 4 statutes of men on horses. We saw the buildings of Nyhavn and ended in Amelienborg where the royal family lives. The tour was 3 hours and really interesting I recommend taking a Copenhagen Free Walking Tour if you ever visit better.

When the tour let up Sara and I decided to visit the Design Museum Denmark. It was filled with all sorts of information about design in Denmark from children's toys, posters and furniture to funky adult furniture. There were textiles and interesting things galore. After all that walking we sat and relaxed for a few minutes.

We decided to go to the Norrebro Bryghus or Brewhouse. We didn't have anything except for an address to go on and only a map since our phones are WiFi only here. On our way we saw part of the Kastellet which is an active military fortification that is open to the public much like the royal castles are. It was a beautiful side trip as the park around it is outstanding.

The walk to the brewery was quite long and we hit one road block with a park in the middle of the road we were looking for the restaurant on. We finally found it and it was really worth it. Actually smoked almonds, great beer (lemon pale ale was my favorite). I had fish and chips as my entree and dessert was to die for. A rhubarb mousse and strawberries in fermented honey with juniper ice cream. It was the best dessert I have had in ages. After an enjoyable meal the walk back to the hostel didn't feel so long.

Tomorrow we are going to Tivoli the second oldest amusement park on the world. Then reserving our ticket to Hamburg for the next morning.

Copenhagen Day 1

Got off the plane and easily found our baggage, metro ticket and metro. It got a little tricky navigating to our hostel. We walked the wrong direction then turned around and walked the correct direction. Finding the street signs proved tricky as in European fashion they were on the sides of buildings. We finally made it to the right building then found the door and went up to check in. We expected to have to pay to store or luggage but instead our private room was ready. So up to the study room we went and took a couple hour nap. When awake we tried to find an ATM machine which turned out to be a few blocks down. Back to hostel we went to try and start the 3 hour walking tour. Our timing was off so instead we walked our way into the city. It wasn't as tricky as I feared and met up with the free walking tour of Christanhavn. The streets removed me of upscale Fremont. It was a fun walk. The tour itself was 90 minutes and took us to some pretty site and across the bridge to Christanhavn. We ended up in the strange hippie area of Christiana. It was quite the site. We meandered back to our hostel and grabbed dinner there. Tomorrow we are going to do the 3 hour walking tour.