Unique Things To Do in Copenhagen, Denmark

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Lurking in the forests and woods surrounding Copenhagen’s suburbs, you may stumble across a few unexpected locals. The Six forgotten Giants are a series of enormous wooden sculptures by Thomas Dambo. Together they form what the artist describes as ‘an open air sculpture treasure hunt.’

These towering sculptures, made from recycled scrap wood, are designed to get people out into the open, fresh air. The giants span across several municipalities of Copenhagen, including Rødovre, Hvidovre, Vallensbæk, Ishøj, Albertslund and Høje Taastrup.

It’s a great opportunity to escape the city and appreciate the picturesque meadows, tranquil lakes and surroundings that make up the western side of the city, often overlooked by weekend visitors. Get to know each of the giants (including ‘Sleeping Louis’ ‘Little Tilde’ and ‘Oscar under the bridge’) personally as you stroll around the Danish countryside.

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You’ve probably seen the bronze statue of the Little Mermaid looking wistfully out to sea along the Langelinie harbour and promenade. From Danish author Hans Christian Anderson’s fairy tale of the same name.

It’s become the de facto symbol of Copenhagen since it was created and erected by sculptor Edvard Eriksen in 1913. In its time, the Little Mermaid has become a popular target for vandals, losing its head twice (after three decapitation attempts) an arm, and has survived explosive blast which knocked the mermaid of her porch and into the sea in 2003.

Just a few hundred metres away from the statue, you can find The Little Mermaid’s younger sister. The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid sits in an almost identical pose in bronze and granite, with two tails, a deformed head, and several other limbs replaced with misshapen parts and geometric shapes.

Part of a group of sculptures by the Danish professor Bjørn Nørgaard, called The Genetically Modified Paradise. The sculpture is designed to provoke discussion about genetic modification in the modern world.

95 DKK (€12.50) for adults and 85 DKK (€11) for students. Children under 18 are admitted for free.

Kronborg Castle, immortalised as the home of Shakespeare’s Hamlet is an exceptional sight to behold. A fort turned royal home, the castle has been around since 1420. In that time, it’s been burned to the ground and rebuilt, and remains an enduring feature of Danish pride and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This 16^th Century castle is not to be missed – not just for its historical and literary past. But for its dramatic, sweeping location. The castle is set on the strategically significant site commanding the Sund, the stretch of water between Denmark and Sweden.

Only a 45-minute drive from Copenhagen, in the town of Helsingør, Denmark. The castle is well worth a visit, if only to walk through the grounds and admire the renaissance spires, towers and copper domed roofs.

135 to 145 DKK (€19) 60 (€9) DKK for children

Known as “Denmark’s playground,” Tivoli Gardens is 19^th Century theme park and gardens are admittedly, not all that secret. It’s one of Denmark’s top tourist attractions, and for good reason.

It’s one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, opening in 1843 with applaud, with classic Victorian rides, merry go rounds, ferris wheels and carousels. The park, visited by Hans Christian Anderson and Walt Disney in its time, inspired the creation of Disney World theme parks.

The park is the home to ballet and dance performances, concerts, live bands and pantomime. But at night, the park takes on another life. Watch magical Tivoli become illuminated with brightly coloured fairy lights, trees and lamps which light up the ornate exotic architecture, water features and manicured lawns.

Heavy snow throughout the winter months means the park is only open throughout the spring and summer, starting at the beginning of April and lasting until the end of September. It also opens for around three weeks during Halloween.

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Looking for a relaxing haven during an otherwise busy city break? Copenhagen has got you covered on that front too. Hidden inside Christianborg Palace, the home of the Danish parliament, you can find Bibliotekshaven (quite literally, Library Garden).

And while you may think the heart of the Danish parliament is the antithesis of somewhere secret and peaceful, The Royal Library Garden is another story.

Enter through the gates of Parliament Square to find immaculately kept lawns, flora and fauna with a water feature at its centre.

Stroll through the gardens and admire the bronze statue of Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, or the equally interesting eight-metre-high copper sculpture which releases cascades of water by the hour is placed at the middle of the pool.