Copenhagen - The happiest city on Earth

Have you always dreamed of finding a place where you can have a peaceful happy life? Well search no more for you may have just found the spot. Based on the World Happiness Report in 2013, Copenhagen is considered the happiest place in the world. Wonder how is it possible that a place where there is freakishly cold and snowy half of the year could end up so high on the list? Let's find out :)

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As many of you probably know, Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark. As being part of the European Union and the Schengen Area, you will need a schengen visa to enter. What may surprise you however, is that the official currency is not the Euro, but the Danish Krone (the exchange rate is about 7.5 DKK for 1 Euro). The official language is Danish, but most people speak English and most of the signs in the city are also in English. 

Getting there

There is one international airport in the Copenhagen area. There are regular flights to most of the main european cities going to the Kastrup Interenational Airpor - CPH, as there is the hub for the national carrier SAS. Many flights are also operated by the norwegian low-cost carrier Norwegian. The train between the center of the city and the airport takes 12 minutes and the ticket costs 36 DKK. If your visit in Copenhagen lasts less than 24 hours, it would be advisable to actually buy the 24 hour ticket that covers the way there and back and also the transportation around the city for the whole day only for 80 DKK. 

There are also several trains to the rest of Denmark departing from the Copenhagen Central station, as well as several trains going to Malmö and rest of Sweden across the Oresund bridge. Coach carriers of Flixbus and Eurolines connect Copenhagen to the rest of Europe by bus (usually contains transportation by ferry to Germany, Norway or Sweden). 

Getting around

Copenhagen is not a large city and most of the tourist attractions are within the walking distance from each other. Still, should you need some public transportation, there are two lines of the Metro (M) and the commuter train network covering the whole Jutland metropolitan area (S-Tog). 

Also, if you do not arrive in winter (which i wouldn't recommend anyway), it is usually advisable to borrow a bike and ride around a city. Copenhagen is one of the most bicycle friendly cities in the world making it kinda Amsterdam of the north. 

Now, let's take a short overview of what is there actually to see and visit

Amalienborg

One of the official residences of the Danish monarch and the royal family, this palace in the historic center of Copenhagen is one of the most favorite tourist spots. Entrance fee is 50 DKK and allows you to enter two of four of the palaces. There is the statue Frederick V.'s statue and also worth visiting is neighboring St. Christian church with its marvelous dome. 

The Little Mermaid

One of the symbols of the city that you for sure shouldn't miss. Built on the shore of the Baltic sea, this statue comemorates one of the most well known people from Copenhagen, a fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen. Totally worth visiting, if even just taking a selfie with her. 

Rosenborg Castle

A renaissance castle located a bit further from the historic center. Built in the 17th century as the royal summer residence, today is open for public. If you visit the city in Spring or Summer, the park surrounding the castle is a great place for picnic. 

Nyhavn

This beautiful waterfront street and channel is a great place for a romantic walk or just taking some typical pictures from Copenhagen. 

There is a lot to see in the whole city. If you have any other tips, let me know in the comments below :)

Lex