Copenhagen, Denmark

After the end of my second season overseas, I took ten days to explore Scandanavia with my aunt. We met in Helsinki, travelling across the Gulf of Finland to Tallin, and then onto Bergen and Reykjavik. Before the final leg of my journey home, I was able to squeeze in one more destination during my layover in Denmark. Upon landing in Copenhagen, I stored my luggage at the train station and had about eight hours before I would come back to airport to sleep for the night.

My first stop was Nyhavn, a.k.a. the colorful wharf that Copenhagen is famous for. I meandered through the shops, picking up a few gifts and souvenirs before hopping on a boat for the canal tour of the city. I had taken similar tours in Amsterdam and Paris, and its a great way to see the city without sacrificing my feet. From the river, I was able to see the royal residence and the famed Little Mermaid statue.

Once firmly back on land, I took my time wandering through the city and stumbled upon the Rosenborg Castle gardens. It was the perfect spot to enjoy a sunny, spring afternoon, with its beautiful array of tulips and the stately castle rising above the manicured grounds.

The last stop on this solo adventure was the Tivoli Gardens, the second oldest amusement park in the world. While a smaller park than Disneyland or EuropaPark in Germany, Tivoli Gardens is a magical destination for all ages, with rides, theatres and flower gardens. Catch a show at the pantomime theatre, enjoy a treat from Cakenhagen, and taken in the beauty of this Nordic locale.