How to Take a Walking Tour of Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a centuries old port city that sits on the shores of two small islands in Northern Denmark. As both the modern capital and home to the royal family, this city is steeped in history. And since the 1960s the city has become progressively pedestrian friendly, with an extensive network of car-free zones that make this an ideal place for a walking tour.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Guidebook
• Map
• Camera
• Internet access
• Walking shoes
• Journal

Self-Guided Walking Tour

1. Buy a comprehensive travel guide of Copenhagen. A good guide will have detailed maps of the city and maps of any public transportation. It should also have a bit of history about each landmark as well as descriptions of Copenhagen's culture and people.
2. Peruse the guide looking for points of interest that appeal most to you.
3. Make a list of the places you would like to see then find them on the map.
4. Decide how much time you have to spend and plan accordingly. Most walking tours, even when you're setting your own pace, will take at least 2 to 3 hours. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes!
5. Highlight each point on your map and plan the best route to get from A to B to C. Then, find a suitable place to begin your tour. Remember you're on foot so plan tours of sights that are reasonably close together.
6. Read about each location's history in your guide as you walk from point to point.
7. Take pictures of each landmark. Try taking pictures of things from unusual angles and distances to add interest to your photos.
8. Keep a journal of your tour, making notes about each place. Write down your first impressions, what feelings a particular place evoked or what you liked most about a sight as a way to remember the experience.

Professional-Guided Tour

9. Research Copenhagen before you go so you know what parts of the city you most want to visit.
10. Find a tour agency that provides walking tours. This is easily done by searching the Internet for walking tours. Most agencies offer various tours that cover different parts of the city. Some of the tours have themes, as well.
11. Book the tour of your choice. Generally these tours can be booked online in advance, or you can often meet at the starting point and pay on the spot. Most tours are reasonably priced and offer discounts for students and children.
12. Get directions to the starting point of the walking tour and be sure to arrive on time.
13. Take your camera and your travel journal to record your walking tour experience.

Tips & Warnings

• The advantage of a professionally guided walking tour is the expertise of the guide. Not only does the guide know the city well, so you won't get lost, he also knows the history. If you're a history buff and love listening to stories from bygone eras, a professionally guided tour is the best choice.
• Some travel guides are available online and provide suggestions and maps for walking tours. They also give background information on each landmark you visit. This is a good way to do your own walking tour without the cost of hiring a tour guide but with the same expertise. "Frommer's" is an excellent guide book for this type of tour information and is available in both print and Internet forms.
• In 2000, the 16-kilometer Oresund Bridge was inaugurated, officially linking Denmark and Sweden. This graceful state-of-the-art toll bridge spans the Oresund Strait which separates the cities of Copenhagen and Malmo, Sweden. This amazing engineering marvel, accessible by car and train, is not to be missed.
• As home to the Danish royal family and the oldest resident monarchy in the world, Copenhagen is indeed a noble city. There are dozens of elegant palaces and royal buildings to visit. The architecture of these historical buildings is uniquely Danish and should not be missed.
• For a bit of old-fashioned fun visit Tivoli, one of Europe's oldest amusement parks. This unique park is both traditional and modern, hosting attractions such as the pantomime theater and thrilling high-tech roller coasters. Aside from the rides, there are also concerts featuring anything from classical to rock music, a large aquarium and beautiful gardens. This is a great place for the whole family.

Who Can Help: