Copenhagen, Denmark, is a beautiful city rich in history and filled with beautiful architecture and public places. I had a chance to take in Copenhagen via bicycle during my overnight layover.

Bicycle Tour Of Copenhagen – A Photo Essay

After arriving into Copenahgen on SAS, I showered in the SAS Lounge then took the train into the city, where my friends met me.

One friend suggested we do a bicycle tour around the city…which was admittedly a little daunting for this American from Los Angeles where no one with any common sense rides a bike since drivers simply ignore them…but it worked out quite well.

First, we stopped at Ørstedsparken, which became a park after Copenhagen’s old fortification ring was decommissioned in 1868.

Next stop was Torvehallerne, the fresh food market. The Smørrebrød–a traditional Danish open-faced sandwich–looked delicious, but we did no stop eat. We later had Mexican food instead…

Then to Nyboder, a historic row house district of former Naval barracks. These barracks are so iconic in Denmark that a color “Nyboder yellow” has emerged.

Next to Kastellet, a historical gem in the heart of Copenhagen and is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Europe.

There’s an eternal flame heralding Denmark’s international efforts since 1948.

The famous “Little Mermaid” is nearby.

Looking across the water, my friend pointed out Copenhagen’s “recycling plant mountain,” officially known as the Amager Resource Center (ARC), also called CopenHill or Amager Bakke, a unique waste-to-energy plant with a recreational ski slope and other amenities built on its roof. Designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), it generates electricity and district heating from waste while offering a place for activities like skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and climbing. How cool is that?

We stopped for a drink. Even though it was a beautiful sunny day, sustained winds left me somewhat chilled!

Then to Amalienborg Palace, the official residence for the Danish royal family.

We finally biked by Christiansborg Palace before returning home, a government building on the islet of Slotsholmen in central Copenhagen that serves as the seat of the Folketinget (Danish Parliament) and is the only building in the world that houses all three of a country’s branches of government (executive, legislative, and judiciary). The first castle (it has been rebuilt several times, including twice by fire) was erected in 1167.

And of course, the iconic SAS building, the first high-rise in Copenhagen that is now the Radisson Collection Royal Hotel. The Arne Jacobsen masterpiece once served as a hub from which passengers could check in and drop off their luggage before proceeding to Kastrup Airport.

After dinner, we took an extended walk along the lake.

My takeaway: Copenhagen is a beautiful and supremely livable city. Expensive, yes, but a lovely captial city I look forward to returning to.