Outside the IceBar (located in the same building as the Hostel), we catch the Hop On Hop Off bus again. As we move through the stops, we wonder at the laid back attitudes of the staff - anyone would think that they are Aussies, and yet none we have encountered are!
In the 1970s a commune society set up in an area of the Christianshavn area that became known as Freetown in abandoned military buildings. Later, many of these residents self-built their own homes, paying no regard to rules or regulations. Following many attempts to make the residents conform to the laws of Denmark, finally in 2017 the 1,000 or so residents made their first payment to the state and so began the process of the area coming under the Copenhagen Council rule and home ownership status as opposed to squatter status.
But the area we have come to see is the magnificent Church of Our Saviour with its amazing helix spire that comprises 400 steps to the top. Needless to say, we did not climb it! This Church is definitely one of the more ornate and adorned churches we have seen here in Denmark. The organ pipes dated 1698 and set in elaborate carved timber work borne on the backs of two plaster elephants. While the altar is stunning, and the carved pew heads amazing in their work - appreciated all the more because of my opportunity to watch the carving process of the Peace Pole being developed for the Rotary Club of Maryborough-Sunrise back home, it is the baptismal font that is the pick of the ornate statuary. It is balanced at the other end by the austerity of the poor chests in the foyer. The locks on these, as with the many other examples we have seen would seriously challenge any pick-pocket - old or recent!From here, we walked back onto the City proper across
Description
Inderhavnsbroen - the opening bridge that crosses the inner harbour, passing by the Børsen, the 17th-century Copenhagen stock exchange, complete with its twisted spire of crocodiles or dragons - no-one really knows the inspiration. The commentary on the bus yesterday wondered at how many crocodiles the locals of the 17th century would have seen. We wonder how many dragons
We alight the bus for the citadel in front of an amazing fountain, and the only Anglican Church in Denmark - much later, being constructed in the 1870s. The fountain is the subject of a plethora of tour visitors making it very hard to get a good photo. One of the standout features of Copenhagen as a city are the number of statues that are to be found at every turn. This area is no different with artistic and commemorative statues almost every time you turn your head. The Gefion Fountain features large-scale oxen being driven by the legendary Norse goddess, Gefjun. It is located in Langelinie Park next to Kastellet and is the largest monument in Copenhagen and used as a wishing well. According to an ancient legend, Gefion was the goddess who ploughed the island of Zealand out of Sweden. The Swedish king Gylfe offered the goddess Gefion as much land as she was capable of ploughing within one day and one night.
Looking across the moat to the citadel, you can clearly trace the outline of the five pointed star. Michael and I first saw an example of this type of fort in Blaye in south-western France. Today, they are mowing the grass sides - with a domestic mower attached by a rope to a tractor riding along the top of the mound. It looks so comical, and yet is so practical.
The Citadel, or Description
Kastellet, is one of the best preserved fortresses in northern Europe, and like much of the existing city, dates back to the early 17th century. This is still a working facility with mess houses and the normal workings of a military establishment. It should have been easy to walk through the fort through to visit the Little Mermaid on the other side, but the City, among all the other places, is
The Little Mermaid sits on her rock pensively looking at you, pining for the loves she never. Not often spoken of alternative mermaid - the Genetically Modified Mermaid - is found off a new Square at Langelinie. She represents a tortured soul, albeit with feet,but still without a love.
The day is getting blustery now and darker clouds are moving in. We decided to ride the bus around to Nyhavn and have some early dinner before returning to the Hostel.
In the dying light of the afternoon, this colourful canal community is stunning. A 17th-century waterfront, canal and entertainment district, it is lined by brightly coloured 17th and early 18th century townhouses and bars, cafes and restaurants. Hans Christian Anderson lived in this district at the time that he wrote most of his fairy tales.
Not having had any lunch, we stopped at No.19 Nyhavn at the Skagen Restaurant where we feasted on seafood tapas (Donna) and Fish Soup (Maria) followed by Surf and Turf (Donna) and Rib Fillet (Maria). It is raining as we eat and the wind has really come up, so we take advantage of the blankets the restaurant offers.
From here it is a 5 block walk back to the normality of the hostel.
Tomorrow we begin our journey for home, flying first to Amsterdam from Copenhagen. It would have been nice to go by train, but it is an overnight trip and the train gets in a little to close to our departure for our Sydney bound flight.
One more night - this time back in Amsterdam.
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