Scandinavia is full of examples of great modern design, and Copenhagen is no exception.

Here’s the epic Opera House, which opened in 2005.

You can’t tell from here, but its physical position is part of its design. It’s directly across the canal from and in line with the Royal Palace. The city didn’t want it built there. But the Chairman of Maersk (which is headquartered in Copenhagen) said, “I’m paying for it. I get to say where it is.”

It was closed; I was sorry I didn’t get to go inside.

Then there was this very elegant office block duo near my hotel.

I saw lots of other nice things in the city. Following is a random sampling.

I learned of this new pastime the Danish people had invented, known as “Smokebathing.”

Few people realize the yucca plant is actually Danish in origin.

The Church of our Savior, in addition to featuring the corkscrew steeple I climbed, has this out-of-control pipe organ supported by dressed-up elephants!