Lost, Locked Out and Fish-Kissed in Copenhagen

Welcome to Copenhagen

Embarking on my journey to Copenhagen, little did I know that my visit would be filled with unexpected twists and turns.

From language barriers and navigation challenges to surprising accommodations and one very unusual spa experience, my Copenhagen adventure unfolded through a series of unforgettable moments.

And since this was my first true international solo adventure, I was learning as I went.

No GPS, No Cell Service and No Idea Where I Was Going

Navigating a foreign city without GPS or cellular connectivity proved to be a daunting task.

I found myself deciphering unfamiliar landmarks, figuring out local transportation options, and trying to make sense of Danish terms along the way. I also had to make sure I had enough local currency—especially since sometimes you have to pay to pee!

My adventure began before I even reached my Airbnb. My host had provided minimal directions, leaving me to figure out how to find the apartment on my own.

Twenty Buzzers and the Wrong Apartment

When I finally arrived at the address, I was confronted by a massive building with no obvious way to get inside.

There were about 20 buzzer buttons, each with a different name. Unfortunately, none of them belonged to my host. I started getting a bit restless and began randomly punching buttons.

Eventually, a foreign voice answered one of my attempts. I tried to communicate, but we couldn’t understand each other. Then, surprisingly, the buzzer sounded and the door unlocked. Success!

Or at least I thought so.

I climbed one flight of stairs and found a confused man standing outside his apartment. His arms were folded, and he had a slight scowl on his face. I showed him my directions and the address. We quickly realized that the apartment I was looking for was right next door to his.

Unfortunately, nobody was home.

Stranded as Darkness Approached

My only means of communicating with my host, other than email, was a phone number that looked more like a complicated mathematical code than a telephone number.

The man tried unsuccessfully to reach my host, but there was still no answer. I found myself at a standstill, with darkness beginning to settle in and no idea whether I was going to have a place to sleep that night.

So I did what any resourceful traveler would do. I went looking for Wi-Fi.

A Pub Comes to the Rescue

I eventually stumbled upon a small pub and managed to get online. I emailed my host again while simultaneously exploring possible backup accommodations.

Then, finally, a response arrived.

My host was full of apologies and explained the situation. With a renewed sense of hope, I made my way back to the apartment. Thankfully, the ordeal had finally been resolved. I had a place to stay.

There was just one more surprise waiting for me. The room had a shower located right in the bedroom.

It was a completely new experience for me—and, as I would discover during my travels, not the last time I’d encounter such an unusual bathroom arrangement.

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Exploring Copenhagen by Bicycle

Once my lodging drama was behind me, I was ready to experience Copenhagen.

The city’s reputation as a cycling paradise had piqued my curiosity, so I decided to rent a bicycle and explore the city the way many locals do. Biking through Copenhagen was a fantastic way to see the city.

I could move at my own pace, explore neighborhoods away from the main tourist attractions, and stop whenever something caught my attention. There was just one problem.

When the Rain Came

An unexpected rainstorm interrupted my ride. I needed shelter, and that’s when I stumbled upon something I certainly wasn’t expecting:

FISH KISS.

It was a fish spa. Since I was already there, I decided to give it a try.

I submerged my feet into a tank filled with toothless carp, which immediately went to work exfoliating the dead skin.

It was unusual. It was a little gross. And, admittedly, it was also pretty fascinating.

When the fish were finished with me, my feet felt surprisingly refreshed.

Getting Lost in Copenhagen

Refreshed and back on my bicycle, I continued exploring. Copenhagen’s labyrinthine streets proved to be a challenge for my sense of direction, especially without GPS. I got lost multiple times.

But rather than being frustrated by it, I discovered that getting lost often turned into part of the adventure.

Every wrong turn revealed another hidden corner of the city. Charming neighborhoods, unexpected sights, and beautiful views appeared where I hadn’t planned to go. I found myself stopping frequently to take photographs, knowing that these were moments I would want to remember.

Embracing the Unexpected

My Copenhagen journey was filled with misadventures and unexpected encounters.

I struggled with language barriers, arrived at an apartment I couldn’t get into, wandered through unfamiliar streets without GPS, got caught in a rainstorm, and ended up putting my feet into a tank of hungry fish.

And somehow, that’s exactly what made the trip memorable. Travel doesn’t always go according to plan. Sometimes you get lost. Sometimes you get locked out. Sometimes you have no idea what’s happening.

But when you’re willing to embrace the unknown, those frustrating moments can become some of your best stories.

Copenhagen taught me that lesson well. I arrived as a solo traveler trying to figure things out as I went. I left with something much more valuable than a collection of photographs.

I left with greater confidence in my ability to navigate the world on my own.

My Copenhagen journey, marked by misadventures and unexpected encounters, was a testament to the resilience of a solo traveler. Overcoming language barriers, navigating unfamiliar terrain, and embracing unique experiences, I discovered the joy of embracing the unknown.