Christianshavn
Cross the harbor over the Knippelsbro Bridge and you find yourself in Christianshavn, the north-eastern edge of Amager Island and, separated from modern Amager by canals, a district in itself, and a very exclusive district at that.Christian IV established a settlement in the area as far back as 1619, naming it after himself: 'Christian's harbor'. Historically, it was predominantly workers who lived here, with a sprinkling of artists and bohemians: in recent times, however, the brightly painted house fronts and numerous canals have attracted the country's jet set, making Christianshavn not only one of Copenhagen's most charming quarters but also one of the wealthiest, a place where politicians reside alongside supermodels and celebrities.
Pleasant enough to wander around, eating in the area is recommended in some of the city's best restaurants, and top notch Danish cuisine can be enjoyed with a canal-side view. Overshadowing it all is the spiraling tower of Vor Frelsers Kirke (Church of Our Saviour), designed in 1750 by renowned architect Laurids de Thurah. Those with a special interest in buildings should also check out the Danish Architecture Center on Strandgade.
One of the fascinating things about Copenhagen is how short the distances are between luxury lifestyles and simple, cheap living, and Christianshavn is no exception. Still surviving long after its inception in the early '70s, the 'free state' of Christiania can be reached from Prinsessegade. Holmen, meanwhile, is the general name for a number of small islands north-east of Christianshavn, accessible by bridges as well as by the public harbor bus. This former naval base is now home to a number of the country's leading arts and theater schools, but since 2005 has been most known for the grandly designed national Opera House.
Nightlife
Attractions
Danish Architecture Center (DAC)
Overgaden Institut for Samtidskunst
Restaurants
Hotels
