Day 23 & 24 (1 & 2 April): Copenhagen

In 33 days, we'll be exploring Copenhagen! A city that's been on the bucket list for a long time, we've been told great things. I've also got a great colleague who is from Copenhagen, and his stories sound fantastic.

Copenhagen has a rich history dating back over 1,000 years. It was originally a small fishing village, founded around the 10th century by the Vikings. The name København derives from Købmandshavn, meaning "merchant’s harbour".

In 1167, a castle fortified the settlement, laying the foundation for its growth. By the late Middle Ages, Copenhagen had become Denmark’s main city, thanks to its strategic location for Baltic Sea trade. During the 17th century, under King Christian IV, the city flourished, with landmarks like Rosenborg Castle and the Round Tower being built. However, it also endured hardships, including the devastating fires of 1728 and 1795 and British bombardments in 1801 and 1807. The 19th and 20th centuries saw Copenhagen transform into a modern metropolis with industrialisation and urban expansion. Today, like the rest of Denmark, it is known for its sustainability, design, and high quality of life, blending historic charm with cutting-edge innovation.

What fascinates me most about all these city histories is how intertwined they all are, which makes sense given they are so close - a concept we aren't so used to down under!

Rosenborg Castle with crocuses

The weather is likely to be between 2ºC and 10ºC, and layers will be our friend! Spring will be well and truly springing - so we expect the blossoms to be out! There are lots of things we might get up to, including:

• Frederiksborg Castle

• Christiansborg Palace

• Tivoli Gardens

• The famous Little Mermaid

• Freetown Christiania

• Hiring bikes to scoot around town

Literally can't wait for this!