Day 2: Copenhagen

Around 9 o'clock, we take the metro to the city center of Copenhagen. At the main train station, we pick up our tickets for the pre-booked hop-on hop-off tour. So we board the bus around 10 o'clock. First stop is Christianhavn with the Church of Our Savior. The church is particularly known for its spiral tower and carillon. It's Sunday, so we are not allowed to enter due to the church service. Therefore, the bus ride continues quickly. Next stop is Amalienborg Palace, the Copenhagen residence of Danish Queen Margrethe II. The changing of the royal guard takes place daily at 12 o'clock. If the queen or the family are present, there is a musical accompaniment. We are curious about what awaits us today, but we assume it will be a small procedure. There is no flag raised at the palace. We still have time and watch the hustle and bustle on the square.
The Frederik's Church, often called the Marble Church, is located nearby. With its monumental dome, a replica of the Pantheon and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, it is the largest dome on a church building in Scandinavia and
thus shapes the silhouette of the city.
Before the changing of the guard begins, we have the popular Danish hotdogs. The square is now crowded. As expected, only the small change of the guard takes place, the queen is not present. The young men in their fur hats march in step across the square. We continue north along the waterfront. After a short time, we come across the Citadel, a fortress in the shape of a pentagon with ramparts and a moat dating back to 1667. Behind it lies the famous symbol of the city of Copenhagen, the Little Mermaid. The 125cm tall bronze statue of a mermaid, based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen, was erected on a rock in 1913. Today, many tourists are out and about. Everyone wants a photo and crowds along the waterfront promenade. We manage to take a photo, but Rene is annoyed by the crowds. Now we get back on the bus and rest for a while.
We stop at the National Gallery and walk through the Royal Garden of Rosenborg Castle on foot again. David is tired and takes his afternoon nap. Erik gets an ice cream for his running performance. A few steps away is Nyhavn.

Nyhavn was originally a bustling trading port where ships from all over the world docked. There were sailors, prostitutes, pubs, and bars here.

Today, the beautiful old houses have all been renovated, in vibrant colors, and upscale restaurants dominate the old harbor. We decide to take a boat tour and soon find ourselves on the boat. Our ride takes us through the main canal as well as through small side channels, past the many sights of Copenhagen. Also through the occupied district of Christiania, an alternative residential community that is currently tolerated by the government. The canals strongly remind us of Amsterdam.
Unfortunately, it also rains a little during our tour, but with good weather clothing, it is bearable. After 45 minutes, the ride is over. To finish off, we stroll through Stroget, the shopping street, back to the train station. We have dinner at a kebab shop and take the metro back. Exhausted, we reach our hotel. For giving up on room cleaning, I receive a glass of wine, which I enjoy while writing my blog.