Michi Photostory

I prepared an itinerary for our Copenhagen Trip because I want to maximize our 4 Days in Denmark but we did not follow it. Everything changed by the time we arrived in Copenhagen Denmark. In my mind, everything will be easy since we already have a guide to follow but I was wrong. We don’t have an internet connection so we’re kinda lost.


We had a slight problem when we arrived at Copenhagen DFDS Terminal because we don’t know how to go to the train station. There are taxis, buses, and DFDS Shuttle buses outside the terminal but we can’t find the way to the train station. We tried asking but they are also tourists so they also have no idea. 

Read: Cruise to Copenhagen: DFDS Crown Seaways Experience 

After several minutes, we finally reach Nordhavn St, it was a long walk from the DFDS Terminal, about 700 meters away. We went inside the 7-11 to buy Copenhagen Card but they are out of stock so we have no choice but to buy a single-entry train ticket. 24DKK for adults and 12DKK for children. You can just enter the train station without tapping anything because we only have a paper ticket. 

We got off at Copenhagen Central Station (København H) after 3 train stops. We bought 72 hours Copenhagen Pass at 7-11, 739DKK for adults, and 369DKK for kids. Going to Urban House Copenhagen by Meininger is not a problem because they provided a map on the website, it is just 200 meters away from the train station so you won't be lost. 

Check-in time is still 3PM so we just took a rest at their lounge. We’re contemplating if we will wait for 3PM or we will store our luggage at Storage Locker (5DKK per hour per luggage). Pero sayang ang oras so we went to Coin Exchange Vending Machine so we can use the locker. 

Read: Urban House Copenhagen by Meininger Review  

We had lunch first at Poonchai Thai Restaurant, which is a few meters away from the hostel. While waiting for our food, we checked the nearest tourist spots that we can visit because we only have a few hours left before the 4PM closing time of the tourist spots. That is one thing that I dislike in Scandinavian countries, late sila magbukas and ang aga din magsara. 

Read: Food Trip in Copenhagen Denmark 

Day 1 in Copenhagen Denmark 

So we did not follow my Day 1 itinerary and we just went to City Hall Tower, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, and H.C. Andersen Fairy Tale House. These attractions are FREE using our Copenhagen Card. We walked from Poonchai Thai to City Hall Tower using the map that we got. 



Copenhagen City Hall Tower 

Copenhagen City Hall Tower was built in 1892-1905 and was designed by Martin Nyrop. The architect got his inspiration from Siena City Hall so the Copenhagen City Hall has a National Romantic Style. The City Hall Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Copenhagen Denmark, it is 105.6 meters in height. This is a nice place if you want to see Copenhagen from a bird’s eye view. 



You can visit the City Hall Tower during the opening hours but if you want to climb the tower, check the schedule for the guided tour. Monday to Friday at 11AM and 2PM, Saturday at 12NN. Good thing that we made it on time, buzzer-beater at 2PM scheduled tour. 



I thought that we will just explore the City Hall Tower but I had no idea that we will climb 300 steps just to reach the viewpoint. I’m afraid of heights so it is really a challenge to go up but I have to conquer my fear just to see the view. This City Hall Tower allows you to see the inner Copenhagen City. 



Some of the popular buildings, attractions or church that you can see on top are København Hovedbanegård, Tivoli, Mariakirken, Kristkirken, Sankt Matthæus Kirke, Axelborg, SAS Hotel Royal, Bryghuset, Carlsberg Bryggerierne and many more. 

City Hall Tower 
Rådhuspladsen 1 
1599 København 

Ripley’s Believe It or Not 


This is the only Ripley’s Believe It or Not in Scandinavia so if you want to see the collection of Robert Ripley then visit this place. It is within walking distance of the City Hall Tower. You will see different exhibits, artifacts, and collections about sports, art, music, nature, science, and illusions from all over the world. There are also interactive displays that you can do inside. 



Ripley’s Believe It or Not 
Rådhuspladsen 57 
1550 København V 


H.C. Andersen Fairy Tale House

Hans Christian Andersen is a famous Danish author and he is popular because of his fairy tales. H.C. Andersen Fairy Tale House is just beside Ripley’s so you can visit two attractions in one location. This museum will teach you about the life of H.C. Andersen from childhood to adult life. You will also enjoy his famous fairy tales like Little Mermaid, Thumbelina, The Emperor’s New Clothes, and The Little Match Girl. You can choose from three languages, Danish, English, and German. 




H.C. Andersen Fairy Tale House 
Rådhuspladsen 57 
1550 København V 

After visiting the 3 attractions, we went back to Urban House to get our luggage and room check-in. Our initial plan is, will just transfer our luggage and visit Tivoli Garden but when we arrived in our room, the bed is calling us. We decided to call it a day, we had early dinner and sleep. Day 2 will be a long day for us.

Read: Day 2 in Copenhagen
Day 3 in Copenhagen
Day 4 in Copenhagen

I don’t have a list of must-try restaurants in Copenhagen, Denmark so we just eat wherever we want. We stayed in Urban House Copenhagen by Meininger, this hostel is near Copenhagen Central Station so food and drinks are not a problem. There are several restaurants, hotdog stand, cafe, bakery, convenience stores, and even grocery.

Urban House has a Common Guest Kitchen where we can prepare and cook our own food. And because of this, we eat breakfast and dinner at the hostel. This is a big saving for us since the food in Copenhagen Denmark is not cheap.

Read: Urban House Copenhagen by Meininger Hostel Review

This post is not about the Copenhagen Food Tour or Where to Eat in Copenhagen, I will just share the foods and drinks that we have tried while exploring Copenhagen Denmark. This post will give you an idea of how expensive or cheap in Copenhagen, Denmark. Well, I live in the Philippines so for me, Copenhagen food and drink are expensive.

1. Poonchai Thai Restaurant 

We arrived in the hostel past 11AM and check-in time is still 3PM so we left our luggage at the storage locker and ate our lunch at Poonchai Thai Restaurant. This restaurant is just few meters away from Central Train Station and Urban House Copenhagen by Meininger. It was past 12NN but the restaurant was still empty.


The staff immediately ushered us to our table and gave us the menu. They offer soup, appetizers, and main course. Thai cuisine is known for spicy food so I just order Chicken Wings 125DKK. It is deep-fried chicken wings with garlic and pepper, it comes with rice and sweet chili sauce. My son and I enjoyed our chicken.


My mom ordered Chicken Satay 69DKK + Rice 20DKK. Four pieces of chicken skewer marinated in satay curry served with cucumber salad and peanut sauce. My husband ordered Pad Thai 119DKK, a thin ride noodles fried in Pad Thai sauce with tofu, eggs, and vegetables. You can choose your meat; chicken, pork, or beef. My husband chose beef. It served with roasted peanuts.



If you are looking for Asian food you can visit Poonchai Thai restaurant. The food and service are good, they even offer free wifi. There is a note at the receipt “Foreign Card had 3.75% extra fee.

Poonchai Thai Restaurant 
Istedgade 1, 1650 København V
12:00 - 22:00

2. Algade Pizzaria 

After visiting the Viking Ship Museum and Roskilde Cathedral, we had lunch at Algade Pizzaria. We just saw this pizza restaurant on our way back to the train station. The place is not that big, they only have 12 seats. They serve pizza, sandwich, burger, nachos, salad, pasta, omelet, and even grill dishes.



It is a self-service restaurant so you have to order your food, pay and claim your order at the counter. We just ordered 2 pizza with drinks and my mom ordered a sandwich meal with fries and drinks too. Total bill is 191DKK so it is budget-friendly.

Algade Pizzaria 
Algade 25, 4000
Rosnskilde, Denmark
Mon 10-8:30PM
Tue - Sun - 11:00 - 8:30PM

3. Gelato Rajissimo 



While walking in Strøget, we smelled a freshly baked bread so we went to Gelato Rajissimo. Rajissimo is known for gelato or good ice cream but they also offer waffles, churros, milkshakes, and hot coffee. It was cold so we did not order ice cream, we chose The Quella Waffle 55DKK and The Original Churros 58DKK.




They served warm waffle, the waffle is thick and crunchy. My son enjoyed his churros even he just ordered the original one with powdered sugar only. They accept cards and other currency like Euro, Norwegian Kroner and Sweden Krona.

4. Diamond Rice Restaurant

Rice is life so we ate at Diamond Rice Restaurant, it is a Chinese restaurant at Bredgade. We just saw this restaurant while looking for Amalienborg. It was past 1PM already so there were few diners. The restaurant is spacious with nice ambiance.

They offer a lot of meals from appetizer, noodles, dim sim, rice, and main courses. Before ordering, we asked the staff if the meal is good for one or sharing. She said that the food is good for one so we were really surprised when they served our food.

We ordered Deep Fried Chicken Wings 58DKK, Yeung Chow Fried Rice 128DKK, BBQ Pork with Rice 118 DKK, and Beef in Hot Chili Oil 128DKK + Extra Rice. The food serving is big so we were not able to finish our food but we’re glad that we can take it home. The staff gave us plastic storage.





Service is quick and good. The price is budget friendly because of the big serving so it is good if you are going to eat with your family.

Diamond Rice Restaurant 
Bredgade 29, 1260
København, Denmark

5. Langelænder Pølsemandens 



While exploring Copenhagen Denmark, we've seen a lot of hotdog stands everywhere we go. Hotdog is a staple Danish street food so do not leave without buying one. There is Langelænder Pølsemandens just outside the train station, my husband tried this and he really enjoyed it especially the pickles on top. The price ranges from 22DKK to 40DKK, my husband paid 40DKK for one hotdog sandwich, it is PHP300+ if you convert it to our currency.

6. Food Market at Copenhagen Central Station

After checking out at Urban House Copenhagen by Meininger, we went straight to Copenhagen Central Station. It was time for lunch and most of the fast foods are full so we ended up at the Food Market. They serve breakfast rolls, croissants, sandwiches, and burgers.


My mom ordered a burger meal while our family ordered hotdogs. As I’ve said before, my husband likes the Danish hotdog so we want to try it too. So we ordered hotdog sandwiches with drinks at 55DKK so the price is similar to the hotdog stand. The hotdog is not usual because there is a crunch every bite. My son and I enjoyed our hotdog meal, too bad that we’re traveling to Stockholm already so we cannot try it again.

There are bakeries at the train station and near the hostel, so we also buy croissants, bread, and other pastries for our snacks. I did not leave Copenhagen without trying the Cocio, I bought Cocio while cruising at DFDS Crown Seaways and before riding our train to Stockholm.

We’re back in Norway last month and we stayed in my sister’s house in Elverum for the first few days. Oslo Norway is more or less two hours away from Elverum via car, bus or train. My sister was supposed to pick us up but there was an emergency so she could not make it. My mom informed me that she will just meet us at Elverum Station.


This was the first time that we are going to travel in Norway without my mom so I was a little bit worried because

1. We don’t know where is the train station.
2. We are not sure if the Ticket Counter is already open by the time that we arrived.
3. We are not sure if we can make it on time, 8:59AM is the first trip and the next one is 14:59.
4. We don’t know if our credit card or debit card will work in Europe.


Fast forward to our trip, after getting our luggage, we immediately look for the train station. I was thankful that we did not have a hard time looking for the train station. We just followed the sign to Train Station. We did not see any ticket counter so we bought our ticket at Automated Ticket Machine. There is English translation so just follow the steps.


Our dilemma began when the machine was rejecting our credit card, we tried it twice but payment cannot go through. We used our debit card and at last, we were able to purchase our train ticket. 650 NOK for two adults and 1 Kid.

Oslo Lufthavn to Elverum Station via NSB Train (Oslo Airport to Elverum Station) 

It was past 8AM but we just stayed at the train station even we were freezing because we don’t want to miss our train. Travel time is 1 hour and 36 minutes, after 3 stops, we need to transfer train at Hamar Station. There is no assigned seat number so we just sit anywhere, the conductor will check your ticket.


There is a small screen where you can look for your train destination. There is an announcement few minutes before the train stop but don’t expect for English Translation. Good thing I took note the different stops and time just to make sure that we will not get lost. I saw a vending machine inside the train so you can buy drinks or snacks. I'm thankful for free wifi on the train.

08.59 Track 1 R10
Line R10 towards Lillehammer List of stops: 3 stops Duration (51min)
Eidsvoll
Tangen
Stange
Arrival at Hamar Track 1


We got off at Hamar Station and we transferred to Track 2. There is already a train at the Hamar Station but we don’t know if that is our train. Good thing that we saw the conductor so we asked if that train is going to Elverum and he said yes. I realized that it is not easy to travel by train in Norway because most of the trains are elevated so we have to lift our luggage just to get in. It is not easy since we have three luggage. We just followed the seat number that was printed on our ticket. The conductor will check your ticket.

Departing from Hamar Track 2
Line Region towards Røros List of stops: 2 stop Duration (24min)
Ilseng
Løten
Arrival Elverum at 10.35


Finally, we arrived at Elverum after two stops. We were waiting for the door to open, then one passenger pointed us the button that we need to press. Keep in mind that there are trains that you need to press the button to open the door. lol


Read: Day Trip in Elverum 
Oslo Airport to Elverum Train Station Video

Most of the time we choose to travel by plane to visit other towns, cities, or countries. It is the fastest way to travel from point A to point B. But if you are going to visit Europe, sometimes it is better to travel by train because it is more than just transportation. It is a journey through mountains, forests, fields, wilderness, lakes, coastal, fjords, and other beautiful gems along the railway.


During our Scandinavian trip, we travel by train to Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Among our train rides, my favorite is Norges Statsbaner or Norwegian State Railways. NSB is the National Railway Company that offers train services in Norway. As of April 24, 2019, it is now called Vy after they united NSB and Nettbus.

Buying Tickets 

Traveling around Norway is expensive whether you choose bus, boat, train or airplane. With regard to train tickets, the best thing that you can do is to book in advance so you can get a cheaper fare. You can buy a ticket 90 days prior to your trip.


You can buy the ticket on their website, NSB.no now Vy.no. They have a mobile app too for Android or IOS, download Vy app (formerly NSB app). There are Automated Ticket Machines and Customer Service Counter at the train station too. Among the options, we tried buying a ticket using their website and Automated Ticket Machine.

The price varies depending on the date and season that you are going to travel. There are discounts for Senior Citizen, Person with Disability, Children, Students, and Military Members.

Passengers Seats 

About the seats, it depends on the ticket that you will buy, first class or second class. It also depends on the train that you will ride and how short or long your travel time is. We only purchased a second-class ticket and legroom space is good.


Some are FREE seating so you can choose whatever seats you like, it is on a first-come-first-serve basis. Some have assigned seats, you can check your seat number printed on your train ticket. Sometimes you need to pay extra so you can choose your preferred seat. Family-friendly carriages are available in some destinations such as Oslo to Trondheim, Oslo to Stavanger, Oslo to Bergen, and Trondheim to Bodø.

Foods and Drinks 


Food and drinks are not a problem if you travel by train in Norway because there is a vending machine or cafe. You can check the Cafe Menu online and pre-order your food. There is a printed menu on the train which is similar to the menu online. We just bought our food on the day of our travel. If you want to save money, you can bring your own food and drinks except for alcoholic drinks.

Traveling Around Norway via NSB Train 

Sharing our train experience via NSB train.

Trondheim Central Station to Røros Station 

Two years ago, we went to Røros, Norway and we rode the train from Trondheim Central Station to Røros Station. Røros Railway was built in stages from 1862 to 1877 and it is Norway’s oldest trunk line.


It was my first train ride in Europe and I enjoyed the Norwegian wilderness journey to the mining town. I did not mind the two hours and thirty minutes of travel time with 18 Train Station Stops.

Read: Trip to Røros Norway 
Trondheim Central Station to Røros Train Station Video 
Weekend Getaway at Røros Norway Post and Video 

Oslo Lufthavn to Elverum Train Station (Oslo Airport to Elverum Train Station) 


Elverum is just two hours away from Oslo, you can travel by car, bus, or train. If you land in Oslo Airport Gardermoen, riding a train is the easiest way to reach Elverum because there is already a train station just outside the arrival area. You can buy your ticket at the Automated Ticket Machine or Customer Service Counter. Travel time is 1 hour and 33 minutes with one transfer at Hamar Station.

Read: Day Trip in Elverum
Oslo Airport to Elverum Station via NSB Train
Oslo Airport to Elverum Train Station Video

Oslo S to Oslo Lufthavn (Oslo Central Station to Oslo Airport) 


After our Oslo trip, my husband needs to go back to the Philippines so we separate our ways. He took the train from Oslo Central Station to Oslo Airport. You can take a bus, Flytoget Airport Express train, or NSB train. My husband chose the latter because it is cheaper. He bought the ticket at the Automated Ticket Machine using his debit card. 105 NOK for one person. Travel time is 23 minutes with one stop at Lilistrøm Station.

Read: Glimpse of Oslo Airport

Oslo Central Station to Trondheim Central Station 

Whenever we go to Norway, we always book a Manila to Trondheim flight but this year, we only booked up to Oslo, Norway because we planned to have a side trip in Denmark and Sweden. It is cheaper to ride the train and boat than to fly to Copenhagen and Stockholm.

Read: Trip to Norway

I thought that I would be bored during our 7 hours train ride but I was wrong because I enjoyed every minute of our train ride. I have no idea that Dovre Railway is one of those scenic railways in Norway. You will enjoy the different landscapes and waterscapes along the tracks of Oslo to Trondheim.


Dovre Line passes Mjosa Lake which is Norway’s largest lake, the town of Lillehammer where the 1994 Olympic Winter Games were held, Gudbrandsdalslaagen River which is one of the largest rivers in Norway and Gudbrandsdal Valley and we also reached the highest point at Hjerkinn Train Station.


Read: Day Trip in Trondheim Norway
Oslo Central Train Station to Trondheim Central Train Station via NSB train
Oslo Central Train Station to Trondheim Central Tran Station Video

Whenever we travel, most of the time we stay in a hotel because we’re used to it. But when we are planning for our Scandinavian trip, hotel is not an option because I know how expensive it is. So for our Copenhagen trip, we planned to stay in AirBnb or hostel but I chose the latter because most of the AirBnb that I’ve seen is outside the city center.


I'm looking for an accommodation that is near the central station so we can save money on transportation. I searched for an affordable hostel in Copenhagen and among my list, we booked at Urban House Copenhagen by Meininger.

view from our room

Urban House Copenhagen by Meininger 

Urban House Copenhagen by Meininger is only 200 meters away from København H or Copenhagen Central Station. We traveled by Ferry Boat from Oslo, from Copenhagen DFDS Terminal Seaport we took the train From Nordhavn St to Copenhagen Central Station then we just walked from the station. Going to the hostel is not difficult, you can check the map on their website.

Read: Cruise to Copenhagen: Oslo to Copenhagen via DFDS Crown Seaways

Train Ticket Cost 

24DKK - one way/one adult
12DKK - one way/one child


We arrived past 11AM and check-in time is still 3PM. No early check-in but you can stay in the hostel, they have a library, pool table, kitchen, and lounge where you can kill your time.




If you don’t want to waste your time, you can store your luggage in their locker area for 5DKK per hour and start exploring the city. It is quite expensive because the locker can only fit one luggage and we have 4 big pieces of luggage. Lockers only accept coins.


Family Room or Quad Room

Urban House Copenhagen by Meininger offers dormitory, single, double and family room. We are a group of 3 adults and 1 kid so we booked the family room. The rate is 3109.35 DKK for 3 nights or PHP2000+ per person/per night. It has 4 beds; beddings and towels are provided.



The pillows, duvet, and bed are comfortable. There is a small table, bench, side table, and storage.


For the bathroom, it provides toilet paper, hair, and body soap, sanitary bag, and hairdryer. No bidet. The room and bathroom are clean.

Food and Drinks 

Foods and drinks are not a problem because they have a bar where you can eat breakfast buffet, buy snacks or order packed lunches. The buffet breakfast is not yet included in the room package.

Breakfast 6:30AM to 10:30AM
Bar 11AM to 12AM
Check-in is 3PM
Check out is 11AM

Guest Kitchen 

Traveling to Europe is expensive because foods and drinks are so costly. So one thing I like in this hostel is the Guest Kitchen, we can prepare and cook our own food. We saved money because we eat breakfast and dinner at the hostel.


They provide the cooking and eating utensils, cooking stove, microwave, kettle, fridge, and even storage. You can buy your own food and store it in the kitchen but don’t forget to label your food. The most important thing is clean as you go. Yes, you are free to use the kitchen but no one will clean or wash the dishes for you.


You can also check the shelves for FREE FOOD, guests can leave their leftover food like rice, herbs, salt, sugar, cooking oil or other grocery supplies that you don’t want to bring home and you think other guests can use. There are labels that you can put so guests will know your departure date.


Washing Machine and Dryer Room 

If you run out of clothes, they have a laundry room. I just have no idea about the fee since we haven’t tried it.


Overall, we liked our stay in Urban House Copenhagen by Meininger. The room and bathroom are clean, there is a guest kitchen, it is near the Copenhagen Central Station and some bus stops, restaurants, convenience store and tourist attractions like Tivoli, City Hall, Ripley’s and more. The most important thing is FREE WIFI.


Note: They don’t accept CASH payment so make sure you have a credit card or debit card that you can use in Europe. Payment upon arrival. They provide an access code for the door.

Urban House Copenhagen by Meininger 
Colbjørnsensgade 5-11,
1652 Copenhagen, Denmark