Copenhagen

The camera stands on a viewing platform high above the old city, behind a wrought-iron parapet that runs right around the view. Below and in every direction is the thing Copenhagen is best seen from above for: an almost unbroken field of red pantile roofs, low and close-packed, with very little standing higher than five or six storeys. Out of it rise the spires - green where the copper has weathered, several of them visible at once around the horizon. There is no single landmark holding the composition together, which is the point. This is a city that reads as a texture from up here rather than as a set of monuments.

Copenhagen Denmark is the country's capital and largest city, and is filled with museums, attractions, and structures from the Medieval and Renaissance eras. The city is located on the eastern shore of Zealand Island, the country's largest island, as well as over a number of other islands in the Sundet, one of the three Danish straits separating Denmark from Sweden. Because of its maritime location, the city is a major port for ferries and Scandinavian cruises.

Copenhagen is known for several of its historical attractions. One of the best-known is the landmark Round Tower was built in 1642 by King Christian IV (the virtual tour above features the view from the top of the tower). It was built as an observatory and remains the oldest functional observatory in all of Europe. Numerous architectural gems were added to the cityscape after this, including Amalienborg Palace, which today is the residence of the royal family. West of the city is Roskilde Cathedral, dating to 1170 and located in the municipality that was once the country's capital. It is considered the most important medieval structure in the metropolitan area. For an even loftier view than from the Round Tower, you can head to the working-class district of Christianshavn (an artificial island) to ascend the Church of Our Savior spire via an external circular staircase. At the summit, try to touch the crowning globe more than 300 feet above the city. Copenhagen is also famous for its modern architecture designed by some of the world's finest modern architects, including Jorn Utzon who designed the Sydney Opera House.