A quick visit to Copenhagen, Denmark

We’re happy to be back in Copenhagen, Denmark. Before we board our cruise ship we spent some time exploring Copenhagen, Denmark. 

One of the original gates to the old city

The Dragon Fountain in City Hall Square was removed for 30 years and just recently returned to its home. 

On the waterfront 

Frederic’s Church popularly known as The Marble church for its rococo architecture. 

Church Interior

Rosenborg Castle

The Rundetaarn or Round Tower is a 17th century tower and one of the many projects of Christian IV of Denmark.  It was built as an astronomical observatory and noted for its equestrian staircase inside. 

Komgend Nytorv is a lovely public square centrally located at the end of the pedestrian street Strøget.  It was laid out by Christian V in 1670 with an equestrian statue of himself at its center. 

The Danish Royal Guard march from Rosenborg Castle to Amelie Palace where the ceremony takes place. 

Church of our Lady originally built in the 1100’s but rebuilt 3 times and completed in 1829

Church interior

A popular tourist destination is Nyhavn. It was packed with tourists,  Hans Christian Anderson lived on the other side of the canal. 

Art museum

Sankt Pauls Plads 2

These people are staging a protest. The owners of this square want to remove the statues and put in a car park.  I am not sure when I have ever seen such a bored group of people. 

Greek Orthodox Church 

 

Luxembourg City,, Luxembourg

We had an amazing e-bike ride through Luxembourg City.  It was an excellent introduction to this beautiful city.

Towns built on rivers have a special charm.  Luxembourg Grund is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the lower part of the city.  Some consider it a village within a city because it seems to have a calmer and quieter feeling than the nearby city center.

Grund is located in the valley below the centre of Luxembourg City on the banks of the Alzette river

Saint Michael's Church.  The first church was built on this spot in 986 as the castle chapel for the Count of Luxembourg.  Over the centuries the building was destroyed, rebuilt and renovated several times.

They are very creative in the naming of their bridges. This is the Red Bridge.  No explanation is needed.  There was also a Blue Bridge which is no longer Blue but has retained its original name.

The Adolphe Bridge is a double decked arch bridge.  The upper deck carries two lanes of road traffic, and the lower deck has two pedestrian footpaths.  We walked our bicycles across and admired the views.

Looking across at the double-decker arch Adolphe Bridge

The Grand Ducal Palace is the official residence of the grand duke of Luxembourg, and where he performs most of his duties as head of state of the Grand Duchy.  He has another palace where he spends most of his time.  This residence is used mainly for official duties.  

The Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art in Luxembourg City.  The museum stands on the site of the old Fort Thungen.  

This is the European Convention Center in Luxembourg City.

In the background is a promontory offering a natural fortification.  The rocky cliffs tower above the River Alzette.  This is where Count Siegfried built his Castle  Lucilinburhuc in 963.

The cliffs offer an amazing backdrop to the city

The Melusina mermaid's legend is an important element of Luxembourg's history.  Melusina was the beautiful wife of Siegfried, the first count of Luxembourg.  

Part of the old fortification of Luxembourg