Podcast: Insider's Guide to Copenhagen - Blixen, Shakespeare and maritime Elsinore

Karen Blixen was a famous Danish author who was born on Rungstedlund. Today, Rungstedlund is a museum and a celebration of her life. Blixen was very fond of birds, and the lush garden contains a bird sanctuary. She wrote many of her stories inside of these walls, and most of the decor is still there. It is like stepping into a picture when visiting Rungstedlund, and the walk from the train station to the house is almost fairytale-like. Karen Blixen is buried under a 400-year-old tree on the premises, so it is possible to visit her grave.

Are you in the mood for Mexican food, while your friends are in the mood for Syrian food? No problem! At Værftets Madmarked, the street food market in Elsinore, food from all over the world is among hundreds of couches, so everyone can eat what they want while relaxing on the couches. Located at the Elsinore harbourfront, it is easily accessible. Wether you are just two people like Keri and Esben, alone or a giant group, there will be space for you, and more food and drinks than you can imagine. 

The Maritime Museum of Denmark in Elsinore presents an interactive experience exploring the country’s maritime history. At the museum, you will hear about the mythology of shipping and the technology that has made it possible to navigate the oceans. You will also learn more about how shipping has tied the world together. The museum is great for both adults and children, and the building itself is fascinating. It was designed by Bjarke Ingels Group and is the shape of an underground ship.

Strandvejsristeriet is so much more than just a regular coffee shop and cafe. It is North Zealand’s first micro-roastery, crafting quality coffee from the finest beans, shipped to Denmark from all around the world. It is also the best place to enjoy a coffee and overlook Kronborg Castle, as Esben and Keri do. The coffee house is located in the UNESCO world heritage Kronborg Castle, inside a historic garrison building that supplied the castle's soldiers with food and provisions for 350 years. 

Is this Elsinore or Hogwarts? The old courtyard at Sankt Mariæ Kirke is one of the best-preserved monasteries in Northern Europe, where time stands still. Surrounded by roses and ferns, the single tree planted in the middle of the courtyard stands out as a token of time. As Keri says, it is easy to imagine what life was like before now.

Even though Keri and Esben do not go inside Kronborg Castle, it is impossible to visit Elsinore and not be enchanted by its beauty. The "proper castle," as Keri calls it, started to be built in 1420, more than 200 years before New Zealand was even discovered. The building simply captivates you and is definitely worth a visit.