Christianshavn in Copenhagen: an island paradise

The district of Christianshavn in Copenhagen dates back to 1618. Across the channel from Old Copenhagen (the heart of the city), the buildings are just as medieval. Not only do people live in the many old and modern apartments, but they also live in houseboats.

Many restaurants are located on the cobblestone streets, including Noma, the restaurant that topped the S.Pellegrino list of the world’s best restaurants for the second consecutive year in 2010 for its innovative gastronomy. Unfortunately reservations are made months in advance, or as people say in Denmark, it’s easier to get an invitation with Queen Margrethe than it is to acquire a seat at Noma.

Christiania is a must see area of Christianshavn. Back in the 1970s a group of hippy intellectuals made it their own community by taking over the abandoned military barracks and named it Free Town. There’s an ongoing debate over its politics, independent rules, and the selling of cannabis. Walking down Pusher Street, people can be offered Red Afghan or Black Nepal, but they aren’t travel tickets! However, the innovative architecture is worth visiting. There are tree-homes hobbit-like structures, colourful cabins, and futuristic UFO-inspired residences. There is still a local blacksmith where the famous Christiana bicycles are made.

However, the main harbour attraction, on Dock Island, opposite the Amalienborg Palace, is the Copenhagen Opera House (the Operaen). It is one of the most modern and most expensive opera houses ever built, costing over US$500 million. It commenced construction in 2002 and was completed in October 2004. It was opened on January 15, 2005. Designed by architect, Henning Larsen, and constructed by engineers Ramboll and Buro Happold in collaboration with theatre consultant, Theatreplan, it is a glass construction that reflects the harbour's waterways.

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