THE BALTIC SEA REGION

In August, I took the opportunity to drive up to the Baltic Sea region and cross the Danish Straits, one of the world's strategic maritime chokepoints. Despite being in Germany from 2004 to 2007 and recently since 2022, this trip was my first time heading north toward Denmark. As a fan of the historical dramas Vikings and Vikings: Valhalla, I looked forward to the area that inspired those shows. On a long weekend, I plotted my trip north that would include Hamburg, Germany; Copenhagen, Denmark; and Malmö, Sweden.

HAMBURG, GERMANY

The first leg of my trip was Hamburg, Germany, which took approximately five hours to drive from Wiesbaden, Germany. Hamberg is a major port city along the Elbe River that feeds into the North Sea. Hamburg's position makes it a key location for Germany's export-driven economy, as the riverfront is lined with major port facilities.

I arrived and checked into the North-Hotel Green Lounge on Reeperbahn Strasse. Reeperbahn is the epicenter of Hamburg's nightlife, as the area is full of restaurants, bars, and disco clubs. After checking in, I walked down toward the waterfront for dinner. I made my way down to St. Pauli Pier, lined with more restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops. I walked along the pier, heading toward the famous Elbphilharmonie (Hamburg's Music Concert Hall). Along the way, I passed a German naval vessel docked along a pier, and the crew appeared to be celebrating something special. I turned back and stopped at a seafood restaurant where I ordered a flavorful fish and shrimp that came with boiled potatoes.

After dinner, I made my way back to Reeperbahn and walked around. The crowds of people grew larger as nightlife picked up. Suddenly, I witnessed a large bicycle parade on the street with several riders with bright neon lights on their bikes and music blasting as onlookers cheered them. The area was festive; however, I knew I had a long drive the following morning and returned to my hotel.

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

The following day, I made my way north to Copenhagen, Denmark, and the trip was approximately four and a half hours long. Along the way, I took the Puttgarden Ferry to cross from Germany into Denmark. The ferry took approximately 45 minutes, and I enjoyed a warm cup of coffee while enjoying the view of the Baltic Sea from the top deck. Later in the morning, I arrived in Copenhagen and checked into the Moxy Copenhagen Sydhavnen Hotel – a Marriott chain. Once I checked in and dropped my bags in my room, I headed to the metro station and went to the central train station in downtown Copenhagen.

I left the station toward the Tivoli Garden Area, which was closed off for a festival. I made my way to Christiansborg Palace, the Danish Parliament's location. Unfortunately, I did not have a chance to take a guided tour of the palace; however, I hope to do so in a future trip. Within walking distance of the palace, you can also visit the Thorvaldsen Museum, the Danish War Museum, the Danish Jewish Museum, and the Royal Danish Library.

After visiting the palace, I walked across a bridge to Christianshavn Island and went to see the Church of our Savior. Next, I made my way along the pier area toward Amalienborg, the official residence of the Danish Royal Family. Finally, I walked to Langelinie Park, where The Little Mermaid Statue is located in honor of Hans Christian Andersen.

There was so much more to see in Copenhagen, but my 46-year-old legs began to tire, so I returned to the hotel for the evening. I still had a short trip to Sweden the following morning and then the long drive back to Wiesbaden, Germany.

MALMÖ, SWEDEN

The following day, I drove from Copenhagen to Malmö, Sweden, which took just under an hour. I parked downtown and walked through Kungsparken. Within the park, I visited the Malmöshus Slott (fortress) and stopped for lunch.

After lunch, I walked to the Ribersborgsstranden beach area. You can see Copenhagen from across the water as you stand on the beach. I went back downtown, where I could purchase souvenirs for my family and myself. I couldn't leave without buying both Danish and Swedish Viking T-shirts. Afterward, I drove back to Wiesbaden, Germany. However, this time, I decided not to take the ferry route. Instead, I went the route that took me to Odense, Kolding, southward toward Flensburg, Germany. The trip back to Germany took over ten and a half hours; however, it was worth seeing the beautiful landscape driving from Sweden, Denmark, and Germany.