3) Copenhagen, Denmark

CHRISTIANIA

This controversial area is loved by many, but has been a turning point for strong debate especially because of the locals relaxed view on hash and their at times quite anarchistic statements.

Many will say that Christiania was better before the mission to "normalize" the area was started in 2004 when Pusher Street was removed. But the area is still a breath of fresh air in the nice and busy city.

Christiania was founded in 1971, when a group of people cut a hole in fence to the military barracks in Badmandsgade. soon the area was known for Pusher Street, where you could buy hash and pot but no hard drugs from various stalls.

A lot of the poeple living in Christiania created their homes themselves giving the area an extremely interesting architectural feel. And you will find a variety of eco-restaurants, workshops, galleries and music venues offering all sorts of cultural experiences.


Be aware that Christiania can still be a rough area and not everyone will feel comfortable after dark. At the main entrance you will find signs saying that taking photographs or running around Pusher Street is not permitted by Christiania law. 











AMALIENBORG PALACE

Amalienborg Palace is considered one of the greatest works of Danish Rococco architecture and was constructed in the 1700's.

It is made up of four identical building- The Christian VII's Palace is also known as Moltke's Palace, The Christian VIII's Palace is also known as Levetzau's Palace, The Frederik VIII's Palace is also known as Brockdorff' s Palace and The Christian IX's Palace or Schack's Palace- spread around the octagonal courtyard.

This is the main residence of Her Majesty the Queen. When the flag is raised, it signals that the Queen is present. 

Today audiences can visit two of the four palaces: Christian VIII's palace, which is partially organized as a museum for the Glücksburg royal family and Christian VII's palace, which is used by the Queen for receiving guests and official representatives. 

In the centre of the courtyard there is an equestrian statue of King Frederik V and it is considered one of the most outstanding equestrian statues in the world. The statue was unveiled in 1771- five years after King Frederik V's death in 1766. 

Amalienborg is also known for the Danish Royal Guard, who patrol the palace grounds. The Danish Royal Guard march from Rosenorg Castle at 11.30 daily through the streets of Copenhangen,  and execute the chaging of the guard in front of Amalienborg Palace at 12.00.

CHRISTIANSBORG PALACE

Christiansborg Palace, located on the tiny island of Slotsholmen, contains the Danish Parliament Folketinget, the Supreme Court, and the Ministry of state. 

Parts of the palace are used by the Royal Family for various functions and events. The Royal Reception Rooms include The Tower Room and the Oval Throne Room where foreign ambassadors to Denmark are received by the Queen. The Throne Room gives access to the balcony where the Danish monarchs are Proclaimed. 

The Great Hall is the most imposing room in the palace. This is where you will find the Queen's tapestries.The Danish business community marked the occasion of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II's 50th birthday in 1990 by ordering a gift of 11 tapestries. Bjørn Nørgaard painted the full-size sketches upon which the tapestries were woven. The tapestry series depicts 1000 years of Danish history.

The Prime Minister of Denmark also uses The Royal Reception Rooms in connection with state visits by foreign state leaders. The Alexandra Hall is used for official dinners.

If you hold a ticket to the Royal Reception Rooms, you are entitled to a free guided tour of the premises.

Karen Blixen Museum

The Karen Blixen Museum is located directly by the Øresund Sound in Rungstedlund, an enchanting park and bird sanctuary north of Copenhagen.

Karen Blixen (1885-1962), considered one of Denmark's most significant 20th century writers, was born in Rungstedlund, where she lived most of her life before and after her years in Africa. 

From 1914 to 1931, Karen Blixen ran a coffee plantation in the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya. Among her best known literary works are the novel Out of Africa, describing this important period of her life, and the short story Babette's Feast, both of which were turned into Oscar-winning films. 

The museum occupies the rooms where Karen Blixen lived, and it also houses a gallery featuring Karen Blixen's drawings and paintings, a documentary exhibit on her life and work, a library, a film screening room, a café, a museum shop, and an auditorium used for lectures and special exhibitions.