Zealand
Copenhagen
State
Country
Denmark
Continent
Europe
Size
88 KM2
Population
1,358,608
Spending Budget
$1,436 - $2,579
Famous For
- Rosenborg Castle
- Nyhavn
- Tivoli Gardens
Best Time to Visit
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
History
Originally a Viking fishing village established in the 10th century in the vicinity of what is now Gammel Strand, Copenhagen became the capital of Denmark in the early 15th century. Beginning in the 17th century, it consolidated its position as a regional centre of power with its institutions, defences, and armed forces. During the Renaissance the city served as the de facto capital being the seat of government of the Kalmar Union, governing the entire present day Nordic region in a personal union with Sweden and Norway ruled by the Danish monarch serving as the head of state. The city flourished as the cultural and economic center of Scandinavia under the union for well over 120 years, starting in the 15th century up until the beginning of the 16th century when the union was dissolved with Sweden leaving the union through a rebellion. After a plague outbreak and fire in the 18th century, the city underwent a period of redevelopment. This included construction of the prestigious district of Frederiksstaden and founding of such cultural institutions as the Royal Theatre and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts.
Present Day
Since the turn of the 21st century, Copenhagen has seen strong urban and cultural development, facilitated by investment in its institutions and infrastructure. The city is the cultural, economic and governmental centre of Denmark; it is one of the major financial centres of Northern Europe with the Copenhagen Stock Exchange. Copenhagen's economy has seen rapid developments in the service sector, especially through initiatives in information technology, pharmaceuticals and clean technology. Since the completion of the Øresund Bridge, Copenhagen has become increasingly integrated with the Swedish province of Scania and its largest city, Malmö, forming the Øresund Region. With a number of bridges connecting the various districts, the cityscape is characterised by parks, promenades, and waterfronts. Copenhagen's landmarks such as Tivoli Gardens, The Little Mermaid statue, the Amalienborg and Christiansborg palaces, Rosenborg Castle, Frederik's Church, Børsen and many museums, restaurants and nightclubs are significant tourist attractions.
Future
The transformation of this formerly industrial area has been more than 10 years in the making, and it isn’t set to be complete until 2050, when it will have housing for 40,000 inhabitants and workspace for another 40,000. But in the past 18 months, it has begun humming with unprecedented action, with enough completed buildings to house almost 5,000 residents and office workers across the former shipyard.
Tivoli Gardens
Walking from Town Hall Square and crossing H.C. Andersens Boulevard brings you to the inspiration behind the Disney theme parks: the famous Tivoli amusement park and pleasure gardens dating from 1843. It's impossible to miss the grand entrance at Vesterbrogade. Here, visitors are welcomed through a dramatic archway flanked by columns.
Christiansborg Palace
On the tiny island of Slotsholmen is the Danish seat of government and an attraction that should top any visitor's agenda. Christiansborg boasts more than 800 years of history and today, the palace is home to the Parliament, the Prime Minister's Office, and the Supreme Court. In addition, several parts are still used by the Royal House, although thankfully, much is open to the public.
National Museum of Denmark
An easy 10-minute walk from Tivoli along Vestergade brings you to the National Museum (Nationalmuseet), a must-see attraction for anyone with an interest in Danish history and culture. Some impressive runic stones are on display here, and the Danish history collection includes a sun chariot.
Statens Museum for Kunst
The National Gallery of Denmark displays the largest collection of Danish art from the 1700s to the present day, as well as impressive works from around the world. Highlights include the Danish and Nordic art exhibition, which spans 150 years, as well as paintings by the Dutch Masters, Edvard Munch, and Picasso among others.
Nyhavn Harbor
To the rear of Amalienborg lies Nyhavn (New Harbor), which is flanked by a street of the same name. This enchanting area is a hub of activity, especially during summer. Brightly painted gabled buildings line the canal, adding a splash of color to dreary days and enticing visitors to stop in for a peek at the wares for sale in the shops and a tasty bite in the restaurants and cafés that call this place home.
Den Bla Planet
Although you won't likely notice this from the ground, Den Bla Planet (a.k.a. the National Aquarium Denmark) was built to resemble a whirlpool. Think that's cool? Head inside where the aquarium's wow factor is even more impressive! The largest aquarium in Northern Europe, Den Bla Planet is one of the best attractions in Copenhagen.
The Round Tower
A particular treat is the platform, reached by a wide spiral ramp. From the top are magnificent panoramic views over the city. A new attraction is the glass floor hovering 25 meters above the ground where you can peer down into the castle's core. Fans of Hans Christian Andersen will be interested to know that the tower features in his well-known story The Tinderbox - "eyes as big as the Round Tower."
Amalienborg Castle
Less than one and a half kilometers from Rosenborg in the Frederiksstaden quarter, you'll find Rosenborg's sister palace, Amalienborg, along with its serene waterfront gardens. The four palaces facing onto the square were originally built as homes for the nobility, but were taken over by the Royal Family after a fire at Christiansborg in 1794.
Strøget Shopping Mile
A stroll of around five minutes from Christiansborg takes you to the bustling shopping area of Strøget where you'll find a wealth of boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. Strøget, a nickname from the 1800s, consists of several roads crisscrossing one another, beginning at Town Hall Square
Rosenborg Palace
Less than 10-minutes' walk from the Round Tower and now home to some of Denmark's greatest cultural treasures, this castle was originally built by Christian IV as a pleasure palace. Inhabited by the royal family until 1720 and after that used as a summer retreat, the castle and contents became a museum in 1838.