When we were travelling here, we had checked the weather forecast which advised three days of rain / showers. But we have been very lucky, bringing sunshine everywhere we have travelled thus far 🌞🌞🌞 so much so, that people have commented on the unseasonality of the sunshine - trust the Aussies!
After a lighter breakfast that we have gotten used to, we got ready and headed out - sans umbrellas into a beautiful autumn day. Then we stepped outdoors and were greeted by the breeze!Still, it was sunny and we were out for a stroll.
The streets of Copenhagen house an amazing array of beautiful buildings - residential and commercial.
First we made tracks for Rosenborg Castle, a royal hermitage set in the King’s Garden in the heart of Copenhagen and about four blocks from here. The Castle features 400 years of splendor, royal art treasures and the Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia. It was built by one of the most famous Scandinavian kings, Christian IV, and completed in the early 1600s. 
I got excited as the steps to the next floor are quite navigable, until you get to the first landing are are greeted by the dreaded spiral staircase which continues up the next two floors, so Donna gets the photos of the balance of the building.
The main attractions include the Knights’ Hall with the coronation thrones and three life-size silver lions standing guard. Tapestries on the walls commemorate battles between Denmark and Sweden. The Castle was abandoned as a residence in the 1700s and became a place where the precious and the priceless relics of following monarchs were stored. It opened to the public as a museum in 1838. Today, it is presented as a timeline of Danish and Scandinavian history from the early 17th century to the present day.
The attached Treasury holds the greatest riches including the crowns, tiaras and Crown Jewels. They are truly a sight to behold and were only ruined by some pompous American 'guide' imposing his political views not only on the couple he was guiding, but on everyone else within the two chambers that his rasping voice carried across. After 'bumping' him so we could take photos, he takes his leave, promising his guidees that he would see them tomorrow - bet they are hoping he doesn't!The Kings Garden that the Castle is set within is a picture of manicured lawns, partierre gardens, espaliered trees, avenues of mature trees and lots of statuary. There are lots of people enjoying the early autumn sunny weather.
Their are soldiers on guard duty at various points around the Castle and Treasury. And in a Parade Ground next door, there are two groups of soldiers being put through their paces with the orders(in Danish) barked out loudly enough for anyone watching from the Castle grounds to hear. Good set of lungs that man had!
From here we head towards the centre of the City and Trinitatis Church, where there are a number of people sheltering from the weather that has now started to turn. Inside their is an orchestra and choir practising, but we are unable to take photos. It is sprinkling, but we are not really missing our umbrellas.
At the end of this building is the Round Tower, which we had considered going up to get a birds-eye view of the City. It is a spiral walkway going up six floors. No stairs, just a constantly graded brick floorway. It is when we see people coming back down, almost on their tiptoes trying to stop hurtling forward, that we decide against it. Too bad, rooftops are always very interesting.
From here we meander through the pedestrianised inner city. The closure of streets to traffic commenced in 1962, meaning the Copenhagen has favoured pedestrians and bicycles for a long time now.
We had read about, and Siobán had told us about Strøget, one of the main pedestrian malls with an amazing tiled pattern running across one of the squares. While it is impressive at any time, anyone who has seen it will tell you that it is at ist most impressive when wet - and so, the gentle rain that we have half dodges for the last half hour or so has become . . . very opportune!
Strøget is one of Europe's longest pedestrian streets with a wealth of shops, from budget-friendly chains to some of the world's most expensive brands. The stretch is 1.1 kms long and runs from City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen) to Kongens Nytorv. While looking around the amazing architecture here, and photographing one of the stunning buildings, I realise that I am standing in front of none other than the Royal Copenhagen display and outlet centre. Joy of joys! After a thorough visit, I even selected a keepsake and had it freighted home - you'll have to come and visit to find out what it is!
We manage a quick glimpse inside the Helligaands Church before all the visitors are ushered out as the church is being closed for the day. Again, quite austere, although there is a touching memorial to the unknown concentration camp victims in its grounds.
The Lego store isn't too far away, and so this is where we head next, in increasing showers. Bit disappointed when we get there as this really is nothing more than what the name suggests - a Lego sales store. Nothing that we can't buy in Australia, or online, so we leave here empty handed but for a photo.
By now the rain has set in and we dodge in and out of doors and dash across squares and the evening peak hour traffic. We take refuge in the largest department store in Copenhagen - Magasin - and sit for a few minutes at the Coffee and Juice Shop - Joe and the Juice - with a cold drink before heading back to our accommodation.
Another big day of walking with more to come in the next few days.
Copenhagen, it appears, has much to see, find and do, so we are glad that we have a full three days to explore at least some of it. Perhaps the Little Mermaid and the Fort tomorrow, weather dependent, or if not, perhaps the Guinness World Record Museum!
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