Copenhagen - Denmark - page 122

Nyhavn, eyeing up its crayon-coloured townhouses and
imaging a past filled with rowdy sailors and women of 'ill repute'. Commissioned by Chris-
tian V, the canal was constructed by Swedish war prisoners in the 17th century to connect
the harbour to 2 Kongens Ny

Start your stroll at iconic 1 Nyh

s Nytorv, Copenhagen's largest square. At the southern end of
the square stands the 3 Magasin department store , a commanding example of French
Renaissance Revival architecture. Built in 1894, it replaced the Hotel du Nord, which was
home to Hans Christian Andersen between 1838 and 1847.
Continue south into Laksegade, turning right into Nikolajgade. The street leads to
4 Nicolaj Kunsthal , a contemporary art space set inside Copenhagen's third oldest
church. Head west down Fortunstræde to 5 HHøjjbro Pla o Pladds, home to a statue of Copenha-

gen's founder, Bishop Absalon. Close by is superlative wine bar 6 Ved Stranden 10 . Stop
for a swill, then cross the canal at Holmens Bro. In front of you is 7 Christiansborg Slot,
home to the Danish parliament. Head through the archway to the left of the palace, then
through the second archway on your left. Awaiting is the 8 Royal L y Gardden, built on

top of Christian IV's old naval port, Tøjhushavnen. Head back through the archway, con-
tinuing south to the late-baroque 9 Ridin

al Liibrary G

plex, the only remnant from the
original Christiansborg Palace. The riding ground leads out to the 18th-century a MMarble

iding G g Grouund C d Comple

rble

Bridg idge. Cross it, turning right into Frederikshoms Kanal until you reach b MMagstrædde,

Copenhagen's oldest street. Wander down it, turning left into Knabrostræde and then left
again at Brolæggerstræde. The street spills into Nytorv, home to Copenhagen's pink-
stucco court house c Domhuset . Head down Slutterigade to the left of the building, at
the very end of which soars the architectural flourish that is d Rådhus .

Activities
You'll be forgiven for wanting to damn the Danes. Despite their high-level intake of to-
bacco, alcohol and fat, svelte bodies are the norm on Copenhagen streets. So what's their
secret? A passion for physical activity. Top of the list is cycling, which combines eco-
friendly transport with a decent workout. Beyond the pedal are a number of fine swim-
ming options…allowing the locals to flaunt those frustratingly fine figures.

Beaches
If brisk water doesn't deter you, the greater Copenhagen area has several bathing spots.
The water is tested regularly and if sewage spills or other serious pollution occurs, the
beaches affected are closed and signposted.