COPENHAGEN- STILL WONDERFUL

Without doubt, Copenhagen is one of the clear highlights of any summer cruise in the wonderful waters of the Baltic. It's a unique mix of old world charm, cutting edge modernity and a fantastic, freewheeling vibe that makes it truly one of the absolute stand out cities of Scandinavia- a city with a reputation for fun and frivolity unmatched by any of the other Baltic countries.

Copenhagen is a relatively compact city, so seeing quite a bit in even a short amount of time isn't too difficult. On no account miss the great theme park of Tivoli Gardens. Twenty three acres of fun rides and whimscial characters form a shimmering, ethereal wonderland that was Walter Disney's inspiration for his stream of theme parks. It's uniquely magical, and it could only really exist in Copenhagen.

Stroll the mile long, cobbled Stroget, the largest pedestrialised shopping street in Europe. With it's cutting edge electrical and retail shops, outdoor cafes and restaurants and fantastic street entertainers, you could easily lose yourself for a day in the place. And, while the prices might well be high, the sheer quality of goods on sale here is truly world class.

Nearer to the harbour, don't miss the famous Little Mermaid as she perches on her lonely rock, staring out to sea with sightless eyes. The subject of a tale by local hero Hans Cristian Andersen, she was inaugurated in 1914, and has since become the national symbol of Denmark. You'll probably be surpised by just how tiny she actually is. As for Mister Andersen himself, you'll find him immortlaised in petrfied bronze, sitting on a chair straight opposite his much beloved, oft visited Tivoli.

But it's the sense of sheer friendliness and energy the sweeps this vibrant, bustling city in the summertime that really makes Copenhagen so wonderfully compelling. Enjoy some local beer outside along the bracing streets of Nyhavn, with the adjacent canal thronged with fishing boats and tourist boats that beetle through the city centre. In the long. light days of summer, darkness never falls before eleven at night, and dawn begins just a scant few hours later.

In Orsteds Park, you'll find the tranquil green lung of the city, a haven of rolling lawns, spectacular summer foliage and dark, silent lakes spanned by spiderly, wrought iron bridges. The silence here is almost defeaning, the feeling of serenity quite unique in such a bustling city. Copenhagen truly is a wonderful city on so many levels, and one visit will most certainly never be enough..