Copenhagen capers

An accessible break in the happiest city in the world

Copenhagen

Copenhagen (København) is the beautiful capital city of Denmark, and home to the Danish royal family. Despite being a city Copenhagen isn’t as busy and chaotic as many other European capital cities, instead, it has the feel of a large town, with its friendly inhabitants and the ‘hygge’ way of life. Today it is known as the happiest city in the world, and has been declared the 2023 Capital of Architecture - which is not surprising as beautiful historic buildings sit right alongside sleek, innovative and modern designs. It was also named by Lonely Planet as one of the top 10 cities to visit worldwide! It is important to note that there are a few cobblestone areas, some are smoother than others, so if you are in a wheelchair we recommend researching your visit prior to going.

There is an abundance of information available online to help you plan, including this Visit Copenhagen website:

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Things To Do

There is plenty to do and see; you could start with a visit to the Royal Palace to watch the changing of the guards which occurs daily, see one of the many fairytale castles or perhaps visit the ‘Little Mermaid’ sculpture that sits in the harbour looking longingly at the shore, mesmerising visitors for over 100 years. There really is something for everyone here in Copenhagen.

Nyhavn

Nyhavn translates to New Harbour and once served as the main docks for Copenhagen. It was the home city for 18 years of author Hans Christen Andersen, famous worldwide for his Christian fairytales such as The Little Mermaid and the Ugly Duckling. Today it is known for its beauty and the traditional, colourful Scandi homes that line the waterfront. It is a great place to visit for a cold beer, and tasty food with a wide array of bars and restaurants, a vibrant and hip area that is popular with locals and tourists alike.

Den Blå Planet –

The Blue Planet, the national aquarium of Denmark

This is Northern Europe’s largest aquarium, and a trip here will not leave you disappointed. Opened in 2013 it has 53 different tanks and is home to a variety of animals including Hammerhead Sharks, sea otters and a giant pacific octopus. It is a short walk from the Kastrup metro station, close to the airport. The aquarium is fully accessible to wheelchair users, visually impaired and hearing impaired visitors. It’s a great day out for adults and children alike.

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Frederiksborg Castle

This Renaissance castle is direct from fairytales, built on three small islands and surrounded by water that perfectly reflects the stunning building and romantic turrets. It is an enchanting sight for adults and children alike. A royal residence until the mid-1800s, today it houses the Museum of National History for Denmark.

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Must See

Tivoli Gardens

No visit to Copenhagen is complete without a day at Tivoli Gardens. Built in 1843, the gardens are also the home of one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, which was visited by none other than Walt Disney, who drew a lot of inspiration for his own park. The gardens are fully accessible and open all year round. Within Tivoli, there are 60 places to eat, from restaurants to the food hall. Throughout the year it holds different festivals and events, including Christmas when the gardens are magical, with hundreds of lightfestooned Christmas trees holding thousands of baubles. The Christmas market there is one of the best in Europe and makes for a wonderfully festive day. You can enjoy a choice of Danish festive foods, from gingerbread to Æbleskiver (A traditional Danish-style pancake ball snack) – all best washed down of course with a traditional warm Danish Gløgg (mulled wine)

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Where To Stay

There is a huge choice of hotels to choose from in Copenhagen, from traditional to modern and a good selection to suit your budget. Always check directly with the hotels if you need to book accessible rooms, as not every hotel has this option.

AC Hotel

Bella Sky

This hotel is based outside the city centre close to the airport, but there is a metro station close by so it’s just a short 10 minute trip into the city centre. The hotel is modern and contemporary with excellent views over the city. The rooms are bright with floor-to-ceiling windows and showcase a modern monochromatic design. On site are 4 restaurants, including the rooftop bar and restaurant which affords excellent views.

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