Solo Traveling in Scandinavia DAY I
Arriving in Denmark, Public Transportation, a Quick Walk To The City & more
Are you a solo traveler looking for inspiration? Maybe you are just looking for travel tips, or just clicked in this blog by accident. This is my first backspacing experience, in a majestic trip that lasted nearly a month. This is DAY I, in my first stop: Copenhagen (Κοπενχάγη), Denmark. Train is living, let's begin!
Fall is a great time to visit Copenhagen if you're looking for fewer crowds and lower prices. The weather in September and October is still relatively mild, with average temperatures of 59°F (15°C), but the days start to get shorter, so you'll want to make the most of the daylight hours.
Let's start our journey, on a rusty train, that was probably built in the 1980's. I stayed up all night, having jittery nerves about the flight, about Brexit, and about the northern mockingbirds that would not stop their full-blown chorus. Adrenaline of the unknown is the best legal & free substance. At 5:00, I'm walking towards the station to catch the first train for Cambridge. The rest of the journey is a little hazy in my memory, but when I open my eyes, I see the most beautiful colors in the sky; it is 8:00, and in 10 minutes, I will arrive at the north terminal of Stansted Airport.
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| Jeppe Hein's work |
My flight is going smoothly, I am having a full bag of Skittles for breakfast, and before I know it, we are landing in my first destination: Copenhagen. Jeppe Hein's work salute me and all I am thinking is how each face has an individualized expression of the artist's interpretation of various emotional states such as feeling good, strange, afraid, surprised, angry, happy or ready. I am joking; all I am thinking is breakfast. Looking to experience Copenhagen solo travel for yourself, but need help with the planning? Then you’re in the right place!
“Sail while the breeze blows, wind and tide wait for no man.”
Let's assume we have a certain budget for our trip, since we are going to see other cities, and travel with the train. If you are anything like me, then you will probably grab the bus or choose to go at the metro station; if your budget is different then by all means you can opt for a taxi. Throughout the airport there are guidelines everywhere that will support you find the terminals for the bus or the metro; there are all written in English so you won't be confused. I picked the bus, as I always like living like a local, and getting to know the city I am in. Also, in my opinion a bus is like a free tour. Inside the airport before you go to the terminal, there is a ticket station; now be very cautious when you will chose your ticket. This is going to last you for 24 hours, there are different zones in Denmark and buying the right ticket is essential if you want to see different parts of the city or the country.
"This ticket covered the distance between the airport and the center of the city. It is valid for all available public transportat & has duration for 24 hours"!
I will include a few websites that you can get more information about the different zones in Denmark. Now remember, you have to know where you want to travel; I chose the above ticket which is valid for the zones1-2-3-4, and I paid 80.00 DKK, which is approximately 10,73 euros the day and time I am writing this article; inflation is the b*** word. When I had actually travelled to Copenhagen that was 8 euros...
Now remember you can either choose the bus or metro; I will speak to you about my route. I am at the airport, I am still hungry, I have bought my ticket and I am looking for directions in order to catch 5C, the bus that will take me from the airport to the city center. The bus stops are between the arrivals and departures areas so, on exiting arrivals, turn left towards terminal 2 following the bus signs. There are three DOT bus routes between the airport and Copenhagen; 5C is the line I chose, because it stops right outside my Hostel and it connects you with the Central Station in Denmark. Journey lasts me around thirty to thirty-five minutes; but again I am having a free tour to the center of the city. My plans is to find my hostel, leave my heavy weight, and grab something decent to eat before I start exploring the city!
Accommodation
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I stayed in Next House Copenhagen which is a hostel 5 minutes away from the Central Station, and approximately, 20 minutes away from the center (walking distance). It's a lovely Hostel, with many facilities for its guests including lockers, a gym, many different lounges/areas that you can use in order to read your book or charge your electronics (there is even a kitchen at the top floor). Personally, I loved my stay there; it was if not the best, one of the best Hostels I ever stayed in. There is a variety of different opinions around Hostels, and different experiences, so certainly do not follow my advice and do what's best for you! If you are a female solo-traveler, and you want a place that is safe and near walking distance from central locations, then I would definitely advise you to take a look at Next House. I will grab a quick bite in the Hostel, I will try to find a bakery for coffee & jump in a harbour bus to explore the city's canals.
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| Make use of the harbour buses |
"Explore the canals as your own captain". Glittering water, fresh air and good food is just a great combination, do you need anything else? I used the public transportation, and made a tour of the canals while having a pastry. The harbour buses take you all the way through the harbour from Sluseholmen in south to Refshaleøen in north. A pretty nice way to see the city and get around - and it only costs the same as a bus ticket!
As mentioned above, you can purchase a daily ticket, as it is valid for all public transport, and lasts for 24 hours. And yes, the daily ticket also covers the harbour buses, & trams. You can follow the link and it will take you to the official tourist guide for public transport in Denmark. You can purchase your ticket online, and download the DOT tickets app on your phone. Not only does the app make purchasing tickets easy, but it also suggests the most convenient routes for your journey. The app is 100% free, I downloaded it, for the rest of my trip in Denmark, so definitely you should give it a go.
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| Rundetårn Copenhagen |
This 17th Century tower and observatory is one of Copenhagen's most iconic buildings. Today the observatory is still used by amateur astronomers and many visitors and is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. It's right at the roof of the tower, accessed by a spiral walk. The observatory is encircled by an outdoor platform offering magnificent views of the old part of Copenhagen. The observatory isn't the only thing you can visit in the round tower. There's also a grand library hall, which once housed the entire book collection of the university. Author Hans Christian Andersen used to visit the library and found inspiration for his work here. I get inspired by the view of the city so much so that I lost the track of time. I visit the second floor, where I see the project: "When the world becomes our body". As I am leaving I notice another art project to the right of the exhibition, where the visitors can take part. I draw my initials and my favorite quote: "Carpe Diem" on a canvas and I continue my walk through the city.
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| Panoramic view of the city |
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| Nyhavn |
Nyhavn, a 17th-century harbor, is easily the most iconic landmark in Copenhagen. Lined with wooden ships, modern boats, multicolored townhouses, and seafood restaurants, this port is a must-see, and its storied quay is perpetually bustling with locals and visitors. This landmark a public space, so it’s easy to come and go as you please. Nyhavn attracts a crowd as diverse as its history. Over the bridge in the neighboring hood of Christianshavn, you’ll also find some of the oldest houses in Copenhagen.
"If the hour is getting late, you can stop for a hot dog or lunch before exploring one of the oldest parts of the city"
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| Explore the city with a bike |
Copenhagen is a marvelous city to see by bike. Grab a coffee from Prolog before heading south along the Cykelslangen (bike snake), which leads to the other side of the harbor. Bike onto Olafur Eliasson’s Circle Bridge, then ride back over the harbor on the new Lille Langebro bridge. Continue along the water to Nyhavn before riding back over the harbor along the Inderhavnsbroen, AKA the Kissing Bridge. In Christianshavn, you'll bike past the old Noma space and Restaurant 108—grab a pastry on the way—and over the Butterfly Bridge.
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| Alchemist |
Copenhagen can be an expensive place to go out in, but actually, it doesn't have to be. No matter where you find yourself in Copenhagen, you’re never far from a world-class beer bar to help you quench your thirst. Since my birthday was only a few days ago (I am writing this blog in Spring lol), I had saved up for months. So I wanted to splurge a little bit (don't judge me). Expect the unexpected! That's the mantra of 2-starred Michelin restaurant, Alchemist. Behind its massive bronze doors hides theatre, 50 courses and a holistic dining experience to blow your shoes off. While you may not like all of them—how could you?—you will either be challenged or pleasantly surprised. As such, this isn't the kind of place for a casual meal with the kids. On the contrary, it's where you come when you've saved up for months so you can celebrate a truly special occasion. Punk Royale, and Høst are also amazing (but they = €€€).
Now, if you want to eat on budget Gasoline Grill serves amazing burgers! I would not suggest MacDonalds as the price point is ridiculous (let's not forget, we are at Copenhagen), and the taste is so and so. Give Gasoline Grill a go, you won't regret it! I will include a few others on the list, that I have searched and their price point is €€: La Banchina, Aamans Deli, Brus, H15, Warpigs Brewpub. Now, don't forget to try the hotdogs (it's a sin if you do not try the hotdogs!). The best place? DØP! And their price point is €.
Stay tuned for DAY II!
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| Pictures were taken by Nikon D500 |
Chrysoula Veizi is a founder and Editor-in-Chief at ᴛʀᴀᴠᴇʟɢʀᴀᴍᴇʀᴄ.
Γαῖα is a concept that I had in my mind for many years. Join me in this wonderful journey.
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