Showing posts with label Nyhaven. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nyhaven. Show all posts

Tuesday 6 June 2017

a breath-taking view across Copenhagen

 Dear Sheddists,

we first catch sight of Vor Frelsers Kirke during our boat-trip around Copenhagen's canals, its twisting helter-skelter tower glittering in the afternoon sun.

We return two days later on foot, crossing over the pedestrian bridge from Nyhavn to Christianhavn island.  We lose sight of the tower amid the surrounding apartments for just a moment until its imposing form heaves into view. A challenge lies ahead!

There are some four hundred steps leading to the huge golden orb which tops off the tower. The climb begins inside, the flights of wooden steps gradually getting steeper and steeper as we progress.

At two or three points along the way there's access to partially opened floors that house a set of bells and a series of bizarrely-lit modern-art installations. These include Copenhagen's more romantic version of the infamous Tracy Emin bed.

At last the steps emerge onto a parapet almost at the summit of the tower. We pull ourselves blinking into the light and I stop here to take some photos whilst my brave wife decides to press on ahead alone. She follows an external staircase clad in brass railings as it twists four times round the spire to the enormous golden globe which crowns the very top of the church.

Photos taken I make my way down gingerly from the parapet, not wishing to sample the ultimate view of Copenhagen for fear a passing breeze may carry off the stair-well!

Best regards,

electrofried(mr)


 The walk through Nyhavn to Christianhavn island







Inside the tower







Views from the parapet









 View from across the harbour

Tuesday 30 May 2017

nyhavn, a picture-postcard

Dear Sheddists,

we pass this way several times on our journeys through the heart of Copenhagen.

Nyhavn is a 'picture-postcard' for the city, a harbour created in 1671 which at one point was home to the legendary Hans Christian Andersen.  The original intention for the new development was to attract investment from wealthy Dutch settlers, an objective which sadly failed to materialise.

It has to be said Nyhavn looks much better from the far side, away from the hustle and bustle of tourists who throng to sample the food and drink on offer from the many cafes and restaurants that pepper its brightly coloured facades.

At the end of the harbour lies a bridge to which have been padlocked hundreds of passing dreams and loves.  it stands in stark contrast to the earlier history of Nyhaven as an infamous red-light area.

We prefer to walk on, hand in hand, to a beautiful quiet haven just beyond.

Best regards,

electrofried(mr)