The Fortification Parks

In general, urban greenspace provides a means through which individuals living in an urban, bustling setting can experience the benefits of nature. Usually, urban greenspace comes in the form of parks and gardens. In these spaces, individuals can relax, engage in physical activities, read, and gather with friends. One of the more obvious and well known examples of urban greenspace is Central Park in New York City. As a native New Yorker, I can confidently conclude that Central Park is viewed as one of the most peaceful, relaxing and beautiful landmarks in the city—no doubt related to the park’s ability to offer each New Yorker a green oasis in which every individual can see and experience many of nature’s benefits.

For the most part, greenspace in Copenhagen offers many of the same benefits as greenspace in other urban settings. When you go to these parks and gardens, you find that people engage in many of the same activities you would expect—running, picnicking, talking with friends, soaking in the sun. However, while greenspace within Copenhagen may serve a similar function to other urban greenspace, the difference lies in the availability of these spaces.  In Copenhagen, there is not merely one main park or green area. Rather, greenspace is so prevalent that it is able to make Copenhagen more than a bustling and concrete urban metropolis, but instead a functioning model of a green, peaceful city.

         In one day, within a span of less than 4 hours, I was able to visit 5 examples of Danish Urban greenspace. These examples included: Ameliehaven, Kastallet, Østre Anlæg, Botanisk Have, and and Ørstedsparken. Using Botanisk Have and Østre Anlæg as examples, it can be seen that the diversity and prevalence of urban green areas within the city allow for a multitude of different experiences. While both of these green spaces are beautiful, they are entirely different. Østre Anlæg is a park which at first glance doesn't seem to belong in a city. Within it lies sprawling lakes, small gardens, and large, looming willows which seem hardly man-made or planned. When walking through this area, the city is effectively forgotten. The beauty of Botanisk Have on the other hand lies in its strict man-made layout. It is a space in which almost every plant is labeled, and every part of nature is placed within the garden purposefully. As you walk down the stone steps, leading from greenhouse to greenhouse, there is an inescapable feeling that you are indubitable gaining a knowledge and appreciation for each individual part of nature.

Ornamental Onion flowers within a small garden in Østre Anlæg

A lake within Østre Anlæg

View from inside Botanisk Have

A set of flowers displayed in the greenhouse

When exploring urban greenspace within Copenhagen, it is clear that there is no one clear function. Instead, the city's abundance of natural settings and greenery allow for each individual to experience nature in diverse ways. While some parks offer a glimpse of preserved history, or perhaps a place to run in the mornings and reflect in the afternoons, other parks offer an escape from the urban setting-- becoming a green oasis capable of both providing a peaceful and educational experience.