Your own Copenhagen

7 June 2011

Kongens Have – the King’s Garden

Kongens Have – the King’s Garden (Palaces and Properties Agency)

Where everybody goes. This park was originally the kitchen garden for Rosenborg Castle. You won’t find any carrots or potatoes these days, but a multitude of flowers, trees and bushes. The park is quite varied, there is something for everyone here, and it’s all very well maintained. Which is why it remains the most popular park in Copenhagen.

The place is always full of life. Live, free jazz here during the Copenhagen Jazz Festival. At 14 and 15 Tuesday-Sunday there’s a puppet show for the kids (the pavilion in Kronprinsessegade 21).

Free entrance. Public toilets. Playground. Note: No BBQ or other open fire, no cycling.

Gothersgade, 1123 København K. Entrances from Gothersgade, Kronprinsessegade and Øster Voldgade.

Open:

January 7-17,

February 7-18,

March 7 -19,

April 7-21,

1 May – 14 June 7-22,

15 June – 14 August 7-23,

15 August - 31 August 7-22,

1 September - 14 September 7-21,

15 September – 30 September 7-20,

1 October – 14 October 7 -19,

15 October - 31 October 6-18,

1 November – 31 December 6-17

Krak map
Google map

Marionet Teatret (puppet show)

A bite to eat in/near Kongens Have

Pretty much everything is within reach of Kongens Have, so there is a multitude of options when it comes to takeaway. There are also some very good restaurants close by.

Orangeriet is a beautiful restaurant on the edge of the park that serves delicious French-inspired food and Danish smørrebrød. Book a table in advance – since they received a 'Bib Gourmand' mention in the Michelin guide, they are even more busy.

Main dinner course from DKK 175. Lunch from DKK 65.

13 Kronprinsessegade, 1306 København K

Tel.: 3111 1307

Email: mail@restaurant-orangeriet.dk

Online booking available - parties of 8 or more, please call the restaurant

Open Mon-Sat 11:30-15 and 18-22, Sun 12-16

Krak map
Google map

Il Senso wine bar offers simple Italian snacks and dishes. Alternatively you can buy a picnic basket to bring with you to the park. Everything is homemade or specially imported, and extremely delicious. (Same team as Magstræde 16.)

Baskets cost DKK 299-399 for 2 people (plus a DKK 200 deposit that you will get back when you return the basket) and contains everything the heart desires – but you’re of course welcome to order extra charcuterie and cheese if you’re feeling very hungry. The experts behind the counter will help you pick the perfect bottle of wine for your picnic. Order your basket in advance.

87 Gothersgade (the corner of Landemærket), 1123 København K

Tel.: 3312 8719

Email: ilsenso@ilsenso.dk

Open: Mon-Thur 16-23, Fri 16-24, Sat 13-24

Krak map
Google map

Bibliotekshaven - the Royal Library Garden

Bibliotekshaven - the Royal Library Garden (Palaces and Properties Agency)

This tiny park is squeezed in between mighty Christiansborg (housing our Parliament) and the Royal Library on the island of Slotsholmen. It’s very peaceful and quiet (and let’s keep it that way, people), and a favoured spot for those studying for their exams this time of year. Right now the 'beauty bush' is in full bloom, so have a seat under the pink cloud and enjoy whatever you brought.

Free entrance. Note: only ducks are allowed to swim in the fountain…

1 Søren Kierkegaards Plads, 1218 København K. Entrance to the garden through the doorway from Rigsdagsgården, and through the gate at Christians Brygge.

Open 6-22 every day

Krak map

Google map

A bite to eat in/near Bibliotekshaven

Søren K – fabulous view, good cuisine. Situated on the very edge of the harbour, inside Den Sorte Diamant (the Black Diamond), the extension to the Royal Library. Dishes from DKK 75 for lunch, from DKK 95 for dinner. Book a table in advance, the 'Bib Gourmand' mention in the Michelin guide means the place can be quite busy.

1 Søren Kierkegaards Plads, 1220 København K.

Tel.: 33 47 49 49

Email: soerenk@kb.dk

Open Mon-Sat 12-16 and 17-22

Krak map

Google map

Summer, the Copenhagen way

After some strange May weather which was at times more reminiscent of October, all of a sudden summer is upon us. And the first thing that happens when summer arrives in Copenhagen is that everyone moves out of their homes and into the parks! Not literally, of course, but it seems that we take up more or less permanent residence outside; in parks, in squares, on benches or chairs, even swimming in the harbour. If the weather allows we will meet here, eat here, drink here, tan here, get married here and have a BBQ while we’re at it.

So in line with the philosophy of St Ambrose ("when in Rome, do as the Romans do"), let’s get you out there too.

Remember; don’t pick the flowers, play nice and clean up after yourself. Our parks and recreational areas are only as inviting as we leave them. You will always find a garbage bin nearby.

See the individual posts for suggestions on where and what to eat. Disposable BBQs can be purchased at the nearest supermarket, and some parks even have proper BBQ facilities – just add coal and matches.

Bibliotekshaven

Tivoli

Kongens Have

Søerne

Note: Several parks are under the administration of Slots- og Ejendomsstyrelsen (the Palaces and Properties Agency), and you will have to obtain permission if you wish to have an event here. The agency can be reached at sesmail@ses.dk or tel. (+45) 3392 6300.

1 May 2011

Spring has sprung

Spent Saturday north of Copenhagen visiting the folks and enjoying the sunshine. This is my favourite time of year, and I'm almost a little sad that I missed 10 days of Danish spring because I was on holiday... Must make up for it with photos!