Photography by Denver David Robinson
U.S. Ambassador to Denmark Rufus Gifford is a diplomatic superstar in Europe. Click through to get an idea why and discover the Ambassador and his husband's favorite Danish haunts.
Above: Ambassador Rufus Gifford at the Embassy of the United States, Copenhagen.
VOWS | Rufus Gifford Marries Dr. Stephen DeVincent
Ambassador Gifford poses for a selfie with a Danish fan in Københavns Rådhuspladsen (Copenhagen’s City Hall Square). The area effectively serves as center of the Danish capital city, and is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike. Most key public celebrations (including Copenhagen Pride) and demonstrations begin here.
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Ambassador Gifford meets with First Secretary and Public Affairs Officer Gavin A. Sundwall inside the U.S. Embassy.
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Copenhagen Lord Mayor Frank Jensen leads Stephen DeVincent and Rufus Gifford to the altar in Copenhagen’s City Hall.
Photo by Peter Brinch
Stephen DeVincent and Rufus Gifford exchange vows and rings in Copenhagen’s City Hall.
Photo by Peter Brinch
Ambassador Gifford and Dr. DeVincent at an event at their residence promoting Norwegian Airlines’ new nonstop service between Copenhagen and Las Vegas.
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Argo (Argie), Gifford and DeVincent’s dog, in the living room of Rydhave, the official residence of the U.S. Ambassador to Denmark.
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Ambassador Gifford answering questions from students in Copenhagen.
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Ambassador Gifford commenting on American interests in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership in the DR Forsiden (Danish Broadcasting Corporation) studio.
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Ambassador Gifford travels to his next appointment in the backseat of the official U.S. Embassy car — a black Cadillac.
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The White House, composed in Danish-made Legos, at Rydhave, the official residence of the American ambassador to Denmark.
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Ambassador Rufus Gifford stands in City Hall Square, which is a short walk from Københavns Hovedbanegård (Copenhagen Central Station) and lies at the southwestern entrance to Strøget, the city’s famed “walking street.” Many key attractions, including Tivoli Gardens, museums, hotels, and shopping centers are a short walk from the square. The world’s first same-sex marriages were performed in Københavns Rådhus (Copenhagen City Hall) more than 26 years ago.
Ambassador Gifford discusses Danish hygge (a proud tradition of creating cozy, warm and welcoming environments) at Torvehallerne.
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Torvehallerne is a popular Copenhagen market with more that 60 stands selling smoked meats, seafood, cheeses, coffee, chocolate, exotic spices, fruits (pictured) and more.
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Torvehallerne is also a great place to people-watch and grab a quick bite — try the Danish smørrebrød, open-faced sandwiches (pictured).
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The twin halls of the market were opened in 2011 and have become an essential stop for foodies in Copenhagen.
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For any proper gentleman in need of a trim or seeking a pampered shave, Ambassador Gifford and Stephen DeVincent highly recommend the services at Barberen i Vognmagergade (The Barbers at Vognmagergade).
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In 2007, barber Jonas Shiran Larsen took over the ownership and management of Barberen i Vognmagerade (The Barbers at Vognmagerade), which first opened in 1937.
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Explore this old maritime capital by sailing through Copenhagen on a tour through its canals and harbor. Many major attractions can be seen from the water, including Amalienborg Palace, the Opera House, Christianshavn, Nyhavn, and Christiansborg Slot. Boats launch several times an hour in the summer months and less frequently the rest of the year (from Nyhavn and Ved Stranden). Several options to access the city by water are available, ranging from the traditional canal tour boats to self-guided kayaks.
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Dyrehaven (The Deer Park) lies just north of Copenhagen in Klampenborg. The cultivated forested park covers more than 2400 acres. There’s a castle in the park and the odds of seeing a few of its more than 2000 deer are quite high. The park is a popular spot for picnics, cycling, long walks, horse-drawn carriage rides, and horseback riding (pictured). Ambassador Rufus Gifford and his husband, Stephen DeVincent, like to walk their dog, Argos, in the park (although Argos may prefer the off-leash Bernstorffsparken). Dyrehavn is also one of Gifford’s favorite places to run.
Photo by Denver David Robinson
The renaissance Rosenborg Slot (Rosenborg Castle) is centrally located in Copenhagen, and was the castle used by the Danish monarchs until around 1710. The castle still houses the Danish Crown Jewels and Regalia, as well as the Throne Chair of Denmark. Kongens Have, or The King’s Garden, surrounds the castle and has become a favorite local retreat, drawing an estimated 2.5 million visitors annually. The changing of the Royal Guard begins at Rosenborg Castle after 11 a.m. each day, when the guards march from their barracks through the streets of Copenhagen to Amalienborg, the Queen’s residence. The changing of the guard takes place there at 12:00 noon.
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While Strøget is Copenhagen’s better known and wider pedestrian street, Gifford and DeVincent, like their Copenhagen counterparts, prefer the narrower, less-trafficked Strædet, which parallels the former. The lesser-known street has many small design and retail shops and is a good place to search for souvenirs or gifts. Strædet is also known for its small cafes, one of which is as good a place as any for visitors to experience what the Danes mean when they say “hygge”―an experience or state of being that Gifford points out can be created with little more than a lit candle and slowing down enough to appreciate it.
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Oscar Bar Café is one of central Copenhagen’s most popular LGBT cafés, conveniently located just across from City Hall and on an entrance to Strædet. Known for its non-smoking, friendly atmosphere, the café offers several local beers on tap, eclectic cocktails, and a full menu. Free wi-fi is available, and guides to Copenhagen’s LGBT scene can be found in abundance. Dr. Stephen DeVincent says that the couple has probably visited it more times in their two years in Copenhagen than any other gay café or bar: “It’s a good, casual place to meet friends, and it’s a stone’s throw from City Hall on a prominent corner.”
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On the other side of City Hall Square, and on the classier, more upscale end, the couple recommend heading to Nimb Bar at Nimb Hotel for a classic cocktail or glass of wine. The bar is on the third floor of the hotel in a beautiful room with a fireplace that partially overlooks Tivoli.
Photo by Denver David Robinson
On the other side of City Hall Square, and on the classier, more upscale end, the couple recommend heading to Nimb Bar at Nimb Hotel for a classic cocktail or glass of wine. The bar is on the third floor of the hotel in a beautiful room with a fireplace that partially overlooks Tivoli.
Photo by Denver David Robinson
About 40-45 minutes north of Copenhagen and easily accessible by S-tog or train, Lousiana Museum of Modern Art is not to be missed. Located directly on the shore of the Øresund Sound in Humlebæk, this well-visited museum offers a grand view of Sweden across the water from its famed Sculpture Garden (pictured). Inside, the museum’s permanent collection features modern and contemporary art, from WWII to the present. DeVincent and Gifford highly recommend that visitors check the museum’s website for special exhibitions and allow plenty of time to take in the architecture and setting of Louisiana, which is considered to be a milestone in modern Danish design with its synthesis of art, architecture, and landscape.
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Although Gifford and DeVincent don’t often make it to Søerne, (The Lakes), they agree that The Lakes are a favorite spot for many people in Copenhagen. Composed of three rectangular lakes that curve around the western perimeter of the city center, The Lakes have become one of Copenhagen’s most unique (and oldest) features. Here visitors will find joggers, families feeding swans and ducks, couples walking hand-in-hand, cyclists, and sunbathers. The Lakes are an easy walk from Torvehallerne, Rosenborg Slot, and Copenhagen’s Botanical Gardens.
Gifford and DeVincent's beloved dog, Argo, strikes a pose in his favorite spot to run free, Bernstorffsparken leash-free park.
Photo by Stephen DeVincent
Inner-city kayaking
Photo by Stephen DeVincent
Kødbyen
Photo by Stephen DeVincent
Built in the 17th century, Nyhavn (New Harbor) is one of Copenhagen’s most recognized and photographed attractions. Today the district serves as one of the city’s favorite points for entertainment and canal tours. The brightly painted 17th- and 18th-century buildings offer an array of bars, cafés, and restaurants, just a few feet from Kongens Nytorv (King’s Square) and Strøget.
Photo by Stephen DeVincent
For trendy, quirky restaurants and cafes, head to Kødbyen, Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District in Vesterbro. Originally home to businesses related to the meat industry, developers and entrepreneurs realized in the early 2000s that part of the district would be an appealing location for eclectic restaurants and bars. Today Kødbyen is a culinary hot spot and favorite among locals seeking to dine out in Copenhagen. For street food and fun people watching, go to Papirøen (Paper Island, pictured). Located on the harbor, Paper Island offers a great array of inexpensive street foods. The island that once had no public access gets its name from its history as a paper storage location for the Danish Press. The beautiful and modern Opera House and The Royal Playhouse are located along the harbor front nearby.
Photo by Stephen DeVincent
For a meal visitors won’t soon forget, DeVincent and Ambassador Gifford recommend dinner at Restaurant Pluto, where they held a welcoming reception for their weddings guests. But be sure to book a reservation in advance, as the restaurant fills up fast. Pluto’s chef, Christian Arildsen, will also be overseeing the kitchen at the restaurant group’s new venture, Otto. Gorilla, a “sister” restaurant located in the Meatpacking District, is another dining favorite of the couple.
Photo by Peter Brinch
Copenhagen's annual Pride parade steps off from City Hall Square. In August, Gifford and DeVincent (pictured) led the annual Pride Parade for the U.S. Embassy, the only embassy in Copenhagen to host such an event. British Ambassador Vivien Life marched with them.
Courtesy photo
Opening on August 15, 1843, Tivoli Gardens is the second-oldest amusement park in the world and beloved internationally. There’s something for everyone at Tivoli, which features exotic architecture, beautiful gardens, and historic buildings alongside its popular amusement rides. At night the park is illuminated by thousands of colored string lights to create a magical atmosphere befitting native Danish fairy tale writer, Hans Christian Andersen, who visited the park many times throughout his lifetime. Tivoli is one of the world’s most-visited theme parks and receives millions of visitors annually.
Photo by Denver David Robinson
