Parks in Copenhagen

Copenhagen was surrounded by moats and ramparts as were the norm centuries ago. The population of the city multiplied that eventually people moved outside the city limits. The existing fortification and moats were eventually transformed into unique parks, gardens and lakes. Most gardens in the city of Copenhagen were laid out more than 150 years ago. Visiting parks and gardens in and around Copenhagen while on a campervan is a great idea.

Tivoli Garden - Perhaps the most popular park is Tivoli Garden Park. Present-day Tivoli Garden is a mixture of garden spaces, amusement centre, hotels and exhibits. The garden park is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. It opened its doors to the world in 1843 when Georg Carstensen convinced the King of Denmark to build an amusement park right in the middle of Copenhagen. Over 4 million people visit the garden park yearly. Tivoli Garden is akin to a fairytale village twinkling in the heart of Copenhagen. There is something for everyone in Tivoli Garden - from fantastic flower gardens, theatres, gourmet restaurants, outdoor stages, cafés, bars and park rides. This theme park is not usual as the place does not carry the usual theme park branding with its accompanying fast food stalls. In preparation for the Christmas season, Tivoli Garden transforms into a winter wonderland.

Bakken -is the oldest amusement park in Copenhagen dating back to the 16th century when a spring that reportedly has healing properties was discovered in the area. It is now a tapered version of Tivoli Garden and it is located in Kalmpenborg.

Amaliehaven- is a beautiful fountain garden adjacent the Amalienborg Palace, the royal residence. The garden is accented by graceful fountains and magnificent waterfalls and rose gardens. The garden, designed by Jean Delogne affords a great view of the palace and the Marble Church.

Amalienborg, the Marble Church and Amaliehaven

Photo by C Jill Reed, Flickr Creative Commons

Botanisk Have- This Park was formerly part of the city’s defensive moat. When Copenhagen grew, moats and fortifications were turned into gardens and lakes. The Botanisk Have is now a part of Copenhagen’s Botanical Gardens. The greenhouses are special as they house many tropical and subtropical plants alien to native Copenhagen. Included in the garden are houses for different types of cacti, palms and Alpine plants. Its location is in Gothersgade 130, Copenhagen 1123.

Churchillparken - This Park beautifully surrounds the Nationalmuseet or National Museum. Located in this garden hill is St. Alban’s Church that has worship services in English. Location is in Ny Vestergade 10.

Churchillparken

Photo by Mark Chapman, Flickr Creative Commons

Dyrehaven- Located in Klampenborg this garden park is at the city outskirts. This area used to be the private hunting grounds of the King of Denmark. Today the park is lush patch of beautiful blooms and plants for visitors to see. This park also offers a view of the sea. Adjacent to the park is Bakken amusement park.

Kongens Have- King’s Garden is located behind Rosenborg Slot near Strøget, the pedestrian shopping area in Copenhagen. Kongens Have is filled with patches of different blooms, flower beds and trees. These plants and flowers wash the whole area with fresh scent and vibrant colours. In the park is a statue of Hans Christian Andersen.

Royal Library Gardens-Located in Søren Kierkegaards Plads 1 this garden park occupies the former Christian IV’s naval port. The garden park was established in 1920 and the small pond in the park serves as reminder of the area’s maritime beginnings. The park has benches and seats in and around trees for visitors to rest. The gardens are placed between the Parliament building and Royal Library.