The Happiest Country On Earth

That's what various international surveys keep reporting. I'm not sure what the criteria are, but Copenhagen (Merchant's Harbor) has to be one of the most beautiful.

We.dropped our bags at the Sankt Annae (Saint Anne) Hotel and started walking our neighborhood. Geri made another great  pick, as we're 100m from the Nyhaven canal.
Tell me if these look familiar -

The wind was strong and the sky alternated from grey clouds to brilliant sunshine as we wandered, first on foot. We were never far from the water. As we often do, we bought HopOnHopOff tickets to get a quick overview of the city, hopping on and off at various sites.

One of the most striking was the  Operaen or Opera House. It seats 1700 and dominates its site along the harbor.

Next up was Gelionspringvandet, an imposing bronze statue showing the goddess Gelion plowing land to create the island of Zealand on which Copenhagen sits.

Ok, you've waited long enough ... here's the Little Mermaid, likely the most iconic symbol of Copenhagen. It was mobbed by tourists, but as Geri's photo shows, I would not be deterred.

Amalienborg Palace  built in 1750, is Denmark's Royal Family's home. It's an octagonal square with 4 identical palatial buildings surrounding a statue of King Frederick V. Palace guards stand outside whenever the Royal Family is in residence (currently away) and march through the city every day at noon.

I thought Stockholm was bike-friendly, but they have nothing on Copenhagen. Bike lanes are everywhere, including the sidewalks, where the lanes are often in the middle of the walk, leaving pedestrians hugging the building or curb.

And, of course, there are churches ...