Copenhagen — Secret of the Arctic Passage

Your quest begins at Israels Plads, a public square created in 1870 in the Nørrebro district, named in tribute to Copenhagen's Jewish community. This location, immediately adjacent to the Krystalgade Synagogue built in 1833, was a historic crossroads for trade routes converging on Copenhagen's northern port and the Sjælland region. It was here that goods from the north passed through, a prelude to major maritime expeditions. You will then follow in the footsteps of merchants and explorers to Nørreport Station, a major railway station opened in 1888, whose Neo-Renaissance architecture testifies to its strategic role as a transport hub towards northern Sjælland and the Arctic ports.

Continue towards the Rundetårn, the Round Tower, erected between 1637 and 1642 during the reign of King Christian IV. Standing 34.8 meters high, it housed the royal astronomical observatory. Its 209-meter internal helical ramp, allowing horses to reach the top, offers panoramic views of Copenhagen and direct access to the historic royal library. This Danish historical monument, listed in the register, was a crucial observation point for navigators and cartographers preparing distant expeditions. The stars observed from its summit guided ships through the Arctic ice, essential knowledge for the Baltic-Arctic trade route.

Reach Højbro Plads, a historic square in Copenhagen dating back to the Middle Ages, mentioned in municipal archives as early as the 14th century. This former market and trade area for the Baltic and Arctic routes is dominated by the equestrian statue of Bishop Absalon, founder of Copenhagen (1128-1201). The square is directly connected to Christiansborg Slot by the Højbro bridge, built in 1621. Christiansborg Palace, home to the Danish Parliament (Folketing) since 1849, was the royal residence from which Danish Arctic expeditions and trade with Greenland and Iceland were coordinated, particularly under Christian VI and Christian VIII between 1740 and 1828.

Cross Knippelsbro, a historic bridge connecting Copenhagen to Christianshavn, built in 1618 under Christian IV. This 43-meter bridge, one of Denmark's oldest, was a strategic control point for merchant ships and Arctic expeditions entering and leaving the port. It was rebuilt in 1937 with a movable span. You then enter Christianshavn, a district founded in 1606 by Christian IV as a military and commercial port area. Its characteristic Dutch architecture, with canals and fortifications, made it a center for naval armament and ship outfitting for expeditions to Greenland and the polar regions.

Your journey concludes on Holmen, a former artificial island created in the 17th century by Christian IV as a royal shipyard and military arsenal. It was here that ships for Arctic expeditions and northern trade routes were built, with a capacity of up to 5 ships simultaneously. Today a cultural site housing the Royal Danish Opera (opened in 2005), Holmen preserves the remains of fortifications and historic anchors from Arctic ships. By completing your exploration of Copenhagen, a UNESCO heritage site since 1985, you not only carry the secrets of Danish polar explorations of the 17th-18th centuries but also a deep understanding of Copenhagen's history and the monuments of Sjælland, witnesses to its maritime grandeur and role in the Arctic adventure.