Vor Frelsers Kirke, or Our Saviour's Church, is Copenhagen’s
most attractive and ornate church. It is topped by a 311 foot steeple which
affords breathtaking views over the city. One ascends the steeple by a 400 step
spiral staircase protected by a gilt railing. The church was completed in 1696,
with the spire being added in 1752. The golden globe,
topped with a 10-foot Jesus holding a flag, was a target for Admiral Nelson’s
fleet in 1807, although they only managed to hit its leg. Within, elephants hold up the church’s immense organ, represent the
royal Order of the Elephant. The Order,
induction into which is Denmark’s highest honor, was founded by King Christian V, who
commanded the church’s construction
Nationalmuseet
The Nationalmuseet or National Museum
is the place to visit to learn about Danish history and culture. The museum has
artifacts dating from the Upper Palaeolithic period to
the mid-19th century. Highlights include the Sun Chariot, which is over 3500
years old, and an exhibition of 3000-year-old bronze lur (Danish horns).
Of course the highlight is the Viking exhibit. Other
permanent exhibits include a collection of coins, a segment on Victorian homes,
and general facts about Danish history, ranging from prehistoric to modern
times.
The collections are arranged on two floors, starting with the earliest
artifacts in room 1 from the first people in Denmark,
up to 9000BC, and leading you logically through the Stone, Bronze, Iron and
Viking Ages. Be sure to check out the Hjortspring boat, an early Iron Age
longboat found in 1921. It is currently the oldest known plank built boat in Northern
Europe. Also interesting are the Gundestrup cauldron, depicting
Celtic deities and the oak coffin burials. Bronze Age bodies are so well
preserved that even hair and textiles remain intact.