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What is the largest city in Scandinavia

00:00 Mon 13th Aug 2001 |

asks jellybean

A. Copenhagen is the largest city in Scandinavia, and is the capital of Denmark.

Q. What is Copenhagen like to visit

A.It is a great place to visit, especially for a long weekend from the UK. It takes less than two hours to get there by plane. Copenhagen is situated on the east coast of Denmark's largest island, Zealand. As well as being the largest, it is also the cheapest city in Scandinavia and is full of parkland, canals, copper-roofed buildings and street theatre.

It dates back to 1167, has lots of art museums, old buildings, the statue of the Little Mermaid in the harbour entrance and the longest pedestrian mall - the Str�get - in the world. The Str�get in effect combines five massive streets into one -�the Frederiksberggade, Nygade, Vimmelskaftet, Amagertorv and �stergade - and runs right through the centre of the city between R�dhuspladsen and Kongens Nytorv, the square at the head of the Nyhavn canal. Copenhagen is known to be a very liberal and fun place to live. It has a red-light district, a huge squat that dates back to the 1970s and a large gay population.

Q. What are the best places to look out for

A. The best places to visit during your stay include:

The Latin Quarter -�a lively area north of Str�get near the university,�well known for its cafes and bookshops. It�contains�an amazing neo-classical cathedral - Vor Frue Kirke - that dates back to the 12th Century.

Christianshavn - this area to the east of the city is full of canals and has a bohemian atmosphere. It is also home to the Naval Museum (Orlogmuseet).

Christiania (on Badsmandstr�de) is a huge squat dating back to the early 70s and epitomises Danish liberalism.

Str�get�- is the place to go for shopping, eating and generally hanging out, and because it is so large it never feels crowded. If you visit in the summer you'll also be able to experience local street theatre and live music.

Tivoli Gardens - Tivoli is Copenhagen's famous amusement park. It is located in the city centre and has been going for over 150 years. It has all the usual suspects found at the fair - big wheel, rolle-coaster etc. - but that doesn't make it any less fun, it is still hugely popular and is usually heaving with Danes and tourists alike from April to September. The park is open from 11am until midnight every day between April and September, and closed for the winter. More information: www.tivoli.dk

Nationalmuseet (National Museum) - This is the best place to visit if you wish to see Danish artefacts. Many are over 4000 years old.

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek - this museum has a great collection of Greek, Egyptian and Roman art and sculpture and also houses work by Degas, Gauguin, Monet and Renoir. More information: www.glyptoteket.dk

Rosenborg Slot - this palace was a summer retreat built by King Christian IV in the 17th Century. Today it is home to the Royal Jewels.

Slotsholmen - is an island located in the centre of Copenhagen and home to its government buildings - the Christiansborg Slot. It is connected to the mainland by a series of small bridges.

Royal Academy of Art (on Charlottenborg) has some great eclectic art exhibitions and is really worth a visit.

Music History Museum (off Kultorvet at �benr� 30) has a great instrument collection and you can listen to any of the LPs in its massive collection on headphones if you wish to.

Museum Erotica (on K�bmagergarde 24) is a fun place to visit. It used to be in the red light district, but has since moved upmarket. It still exhibits sex toys, historical photos and waxworks.

Q. When is the best time to visit Copenhagen

A. Any time of year, apart from winter when most tourist attractions close down due to short daylight hours. If you go in March, you should go to the ten-day�Night Film Festival. This features over 150 international films in their original languages. If you speak a few languages, this is a great cultural event. Another good month to visit is May, when you can enjoy the three-day Copenhagen Carnival.

Q. Is it easy to get around the city

A. The best way to get around is to use the metro, known as the S-Train, which is easy to use and has 10 lines running through the city. Or use the bus - known as the HT (Hovedstadsomradets Trafikselskab). Fares for both are charged on a zone system (similar to the tube in London) and you can buy special weekend or day tickets.

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By Karen Anderson

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