Denmark
We spent an amazing week in Denmark with our son Ari and his fiancé Hannah and got credit for bringing Hawaii weather to this Nordic nation in mid-September (when it's usually cold and rainy).
Driving into Copenhagen from the airport, we saw instantly why this is the most bicycle-friendly capital in the world. The investment in infrastructure has payed off handsomely, since they created the first bike lane in 1892! Today, year-round, 50% of all trips to work and school in Copenhagen are taken by bike.
After an overnight flight and an early check-in, we hopped on bikes for a 3-hour guided tour of city highlights that included the changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace Square, a 10'-high sculpture inspired by Rodin's The Thinker, barracks built for the Danish Royal Navy in 1641, The Little Mermaid sculpture, markers honoring Jewish Danes deported to Theresienstadt, and expansive city parks.
We switched from a bike to a boat to explore the Copenhagen canals.
We were privileged to get a personal tour of the PP Møbler workshop, where they make exquisite wood chairs by hand, exemplifying the best in Danish design and craftsmanship. Presidents Kennedy and Obama sat in the same chairs we got to try out. We even visited the nearby forest, where the woodworkers at PP Møbler plant their own trees.
Following our PP Møbler experience, we continued our design-themed day with visits to the wonderful Louisiana Museum and the Danish Museum of Art & Design, followed by a hygge evening at the beautiful home of a lovely Danish couple.
This is what our hosts Carsten and Lene referred to as their office. They prepared a scrumptious meal that included a stimulating conversation and fostered a human connection that is the best kind of souvenir.
We drove through Roskilde, the capital of Denmark until 1417, to visit both a historic cathedral and the Viking Ship Museum. Traversing the world's second longest free-span bridge on the three-hour ride, our destination was the thatch-roof Relais & Chateaux Falsled Kro on the island of Funen.
The ambiance and locale were delightful, as was our e-bike ride the next morning.
The way back to Copenhagen included a stop at the surprisingly interesting, clever, and interactive Hans Christian Andersen Museum.
The grounds of the magnificent Louisiana Museum are as much a part of the experience as the art itself. A wonderful way to spend our last day in Copenhagen.
By the way, we didn't go hungry on this trip.
Our last night, at Tivoli Gardens (the second oldest theme park in the world), was one for the kids. Ari and Hannah never looked happier!
