Historic Parks Tour

Today I logged about 21 thousand steps as we toured 5 different historic parks throughout Copenhagen. We started at a small park dividing Amalienborg Palace and the harbor, next was Kastellet, Europe's oldest military base still in operation. Third, and by far my favorite, was Ostre Anlaeg. Fourth was the Botanisk Have (Botanical Gardens) and lastly, Orstedsparken. These parks are all incredible in their own way, but Ostre Anlaeg struck a stronger chord with me.

Ostre was designed by H.A. Flindt who designed 3 out of 5 parks we visited. Ostre is a huge greenspace with the National Art Gallery at the southern end, three bodies of water with walking trails throughout the entire 12 hectares. There's something welcoming about walking by a gorgeous art museum before enjoying a serene greenspace. The benches throughout provide a great place to sit and relax or enjoy a quick lunch. There is also a playground for the young-ones and a basketball court for all ages, which both were being used to their full potential. An open air area with benches, pergolas and lots of greenery provides a great space for a picnic or sunbathing on a warm day, which people were doing just that. The amount of trees provide a great sound and wind barrier between the hustle of the city just meters away. There was a lot of diversity when it came to the different plants and perennials - the texture, the color - it created a harmonious physical and visual paradise. I think there was a bit of nostalgia walking through this greenspace; the trees, water and peacefulness made it feel like I was home for a few minutes. Not only that, but the diversity and amount of people using this public space made it feel like a giant community. Just goes to show you are never too old for a good park.