Snow globes from Copenhagen
Copenhagen (København) meaning merchants' harbour is the capital and biggest city in Denmark. It was originally a Danish fishing village first established in the 10th century. It is an island city built across the islands of Zealand and Amager, there being some 443 islands comprising the whole country.
The Vikings were Danish and other Scandinavian explorers. They traded, raided, and settled across large parts of Europe and further, from the eighth to the middle of the eleventh century.
The Danes were feared for their famous long ships that allowed Vikings to travel the vast distances even to Asia and North America.
Inspired by Danish, Hans Christian Andersen’s, fairytale about a mermaid, the sculpture is made of bronze and granite and sits on a rock at Langelinie Pier.
It was a gift from Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen to the City of Copenhagen in 1913. The mermaid attracts some trouble, twice the statue has lost her head, once
the arm was sawn off, and paint poured on it multiple times. It is the most famous tourist attraction in Denmark and one of the most photoed statues in the world.
Nyhavn's used to be a commercial port area of Copenhagen. Its old houses occur in various colours and are represented in the globes base. Danish fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen lived in 3 of these houses for over 20 years in total whilst writing his books.
The Round Tower (Rundetårn) 34 metres high, was built by King Christian IV in the 17th-century. Built as an astronomical observatory it is still used by amateur astronomers and is the oldest continous observatory in Europe. It has a unique circular staircase, which is still used to take visitors to the viewing platform at the top, with its views over Copenhagen. Various Copenhagen buildings adorn the base along with the national flag.
Amalienborg is the official residence of the Danish royal family. The 4 palaces which form the square were ordered to be built in the middle of the 18th century by the king Frederik V. The distinctive lantern sentry box is included along with the Royal Guard soldier within the globe.
Amalienborg Palace is famous for its royal guard,called the Royal Life Guard established by Frederik III on 30 June 1658. Every noon when the King is in residence, they march from Rosenborg Castle to Amalienborg. When on guard duty, they wear bearskin headdresses (since 1803), dark blue tunics and light blue trousers with white stripes. The ceremonial scarlet uniform shown in the globe is, worn only on special state occasions.
