An Introduction to Swedish Food
Swedish food is not often a cuisine you think about much (unless you frequent IKEA). While the first thing that comes to mind for many people is Swedish meatballs, there are many other delicious Swedish delicacies that I tried during my short trip to Sweden. Continue reading An Introduction to Swedish Food
Sofiero, Helsingborg, Sweden
ofiero entered the Swedish history books in 1864 first as the summer residence of Crown Prince Oscar and his wife, Sophia. The couple called their new home, Sophie-Ro, named after Sophia (her nickname was Sophie) and ro, the Swedish word for tranquility. King Oscar II and Queen Sophia gave Sophiero to their grandson Gustav Adolf and his first wife Margareta. These two are the reason Sophiero is now home to a garden since both were passionate about gardening. Margareta and Gustav Adolf developed gardens, planted rhododendrons and planted a huge kitchen garden. Continue reading Sofiero, Helsingborg, Sweden
Helsingør and Hamlet’s Castle
Kronborg Castle is strategically placed at the narrowest part of the Øresund, the sound between Denmark and Sweden. Due to this strategic placement, there has been some sort of fortification here since the 1420s. King Frederick II had the fortress transformed into a magnificent Renaissance castle. In 1629, a fire destroyed lots of the castle, but our old friend King Christian IV had it rebuilt. While the outside was restored to its glory, the interior never really recovered. Compared to other castles I visited in Denmark, the interior was pretty plain. Continue reading Helsingør and Hamlet’s Castle
Frederiksborg Castle
Fredriksborg Castle is the largest Renaissance Castle in Scandinavia Frederiksborg Castle was built in the first part of the 17th century by King Christian IV, who also built Rosenborg Castle and a number of other important buildings and cities throughout Denmark and Scandinavia. Continue reading Frederiksborg Castle
Carlsberg, Probably the Best Beer in the World
He founded his brewery in 1847 and named it “Carlsberg” in honor of his son Carl and the fact that it was on a hill. Carlsberg quickly became known for its superior quality and taste and became very popular. The original brew house caught fire in 1866 but was quickly rebuilt and still stands there today, housing the museum. Continue reading Carlsberg, Probably the Best Beer in the World
Roskilde, Denmark
For the past 1000 years, there has been some sort of church where the Roskilde Cathedral now stands. It started as a simple wooden church, then a stone church and now a magnificent brick church. The church that stands now was started in the 1170s and the body of the church was completed in 1280. At that time, the Gothic style was all the rage, and Roskilde Cathedral is one of the earliest examples of French-inspired Gothic brick architecture and was the first brick Gothic church in Europe. Continue reading Roskilde, Denmark
A (Very) Full Day in Copenhagen – Part 2
I headed back into the main area of Copenhagen for more royalty at Rosenborg Castle. This castle was built in the early 17th Century by King Christian IV, one of Denmark’s most ambitious and prosperous kings. He is also the longest-reigning monarch in Danish history, reigning from 1588 to 1648 (59 years). Continue reading A (Very) Full Day in Copenhagen – Part 2
A (Very) Full Day in Copenhagen – Part 1
You can’t visit Copenhagen without visitinge Den Lille Havfrue, aka The Little Mermaid. The Little Mermaid was a gift from Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen (of Carlsberg beer) to the city. Dedicated in 1913, it pre-dates the Disney classic by about 76 years. Jacobsen was inspired by a performance of the ballet The Little Mermaid at the Royal Theatre, and especially the ballerina who portrayed the titular character, Ellen Price. Continue reading A (Very) Full Day in Copenhagen – Part 1
Arrival in Copenhagen
During the tour, our guide mentioned that the evening was a great time to go to Tivoli Gardens since it’s all lit up (and there are fewer children). Also, it was one of the few attractions open after 5 pm. Tivoli Gardens is like an amusement park, a food court, and a garden all combined into one place. Continue reading Arrival in Copenhagen
20 Hours in Iceland
When WOW Air launched service from St. Louis direct to Iceland, I knew it was only a matter of time before I ended up in Iceland. I’ve jealously viewed photos from friends who have visited Iceland and heard the stories of the wild beauty of the scenery. Continue reading 20 Hours in Iceland
Where's Mary? 