København (Copenhagen)

København (Copenhagen) is the largest and liveliest city in Scandinavia, but the city center is fairly small and can easily be explored on foot. In the central area is the island of Slotsholmen, which serves as Denmark's seat of government. In 1167 Bishop Absalom built a small fortress there in an effort to defend the nearby town from raids by the German Wends. As a result the village started growing and it became known as Kømandshavn (Merchant's Port), which later became København.

In 1369 the fortress was destroyed by invaders from northern Germany and in 1376 work started on a new defensive structure, Copenhagen Castle. In 1416 King Eric of Pomerania moved into the castle and ruled Denmark from there and København has been the country's capital ever since. During the Renaissance, in the first part of the 17th century, several important buildings were built. They include the Rundetarn (Round Tower) that served (and still serves) as an observatory and the Borsen, which houses Denmark's stock exchange. These buildings were both constructed by ruler Christian IV.

At the beginning of the 18th century about 60,000 people lived in the city, but in 1711 almost one-third of them had died from bubonic plague. Several fires, in 1728 and 1795 destroyed large parts of København, as most buildings were constructed out of wood. In 1807, British Admiral Horatio Nelson bombarded the city, to punish the Danes for helping Napoleon during the Napoleonic Wars. Again large parts of København were destroyed.

In 1849 Denmark became a democracy and a long period of prosperity arrived. Prussia waged a short war on the city in 1864, but during WWI Denmark managed to stay neutral. During WWII though, the country and København were occupied by the Nazis for 5 years.

Since 1945 there has been peace and nowadays København is a major cultural and artistic center. The city's historic skyline has been largely preserved, as the highest apartment blocks are only 6 storeys high. Large parts of the center are pedestrian areas and there are plenty of parks. Most historic sights are within walking distance from each other. Since July 2000, the city has been connected to Malmö in Sweden by a 12 km (7.5 miles) long bridge-tunnel combination that provides both rail and road connections between Denmark and Sweden.

København sits on the eastern coast of Sjælland, Denmark's largest island. The main railway station, Central Station is an excellent point of reference when exploring the city.

Places of interest

Tivoli

Immediately northeast of the Central Station is the popular amusement park of Tivoli. The park was founded around 1843 and has been operating without interruptions. The park includes attractions such as a roller coaster, ferris wheel, open-air performances, carnival games and food pavilions. Between May and half September it gets very busy with school children. Cultural events such as traditional folk dances and ballets are organized there frequently. East of Tivoli are København's waterfront and the interesting district of Christianshavn. Just north of the park is the central square of Rådhuspladsen, which is the main terminus for the city's bus network.

Strøget

Also at the Tivoli's northern corner is Strøget, the world's longest pedestrian mall. Actually Strøget consists of an almagation of five streets that are filled with shops and eateries. The five streets of Strøget are Frederiksberggade, Nygade, Vimmelskaftet, Amagertorv and Ostergade. Strøget runs between Rådhuspladsen and Kongens Nytorv at the end of the Nyhavn canal. Along the canal are numerous pavement cafés and beautiful town houses.

Amalienborg Palace

Just north of the canal is the Amalienborg Palace, which has been the residence of the royal family since 1794. When the monarch is in residence the guards are changed several times a day. Many tourists come to watch this colorful event. The palace consists of four similar rococo mansions that surround a central courtyard. On this square is a huge statue of King Frederik V on horseback. A part of the palace is open to the public. You can see several apartments, which have been decorated in the styles of several different periods, varying from 1863 to 1947.

Little Mermaid

København's most famous icon is the statue of the Little Mermaid. It sits on the waterfront, about 10 minutes walking from Amalienborg Palace. You can also take a ferry ride to see it.

Nationalmuseet

The Nationalmuseet (National Museum) houses the country's largest collection of Danish historical artifacts, ranging from the Upper Paleolithic period to the 1840's and gives an excellent insight in Danish culture and history. The museum lies between the Tivoli and Slotsholmen and highlights include a Sun Chariot, which dates from 1500 BC and a series of bronze lures from around 1000 BC.

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is not far from the Nationalmuseet and houses an interesting collection of art and sculpture from the Greek, Egyptian, Etruscan and Roman periods. There are also numerous paintings by Gauguin, Renoir, Monet and Degas, amongst others. The museum was built at the end of the 19th century by beer magnate Carl Jacobsen.

Rosenborg Slot

The Dutch Renaissance-style Rosenborg Slot sits on the edge of Kongens Have (King's Gardens). It was built by King Christian IV in the 17th century to serve as a place where he could retreat to during the summer. Nowadays it houses the Danish royal jewels and can be visited. Upstairs are 24 rooms that are each decorated according to a certain era. The exhibition begins with Christian IV and ends with Frederik VII, Denmark's last monarch, before the country turned to democratic rule.

Slotsholmen

Denmark's national government has its seat on the island of Slotsholmen in the center of town. The island is connected to the rest of the city by a number of small bridges. The main attraction on Slotsholmen is Christiansborg Slot. The original palace was constructed in the 1730's on the place of the old Copenhagen Castle. Later several buildings, as well as the royal stables and the main courtyard, were added.

on the grounds of Christiansborg Slot are several interesting sights. Folketinget, or the parliamentary chamber is open to visitors on Sundays, all year round. Wanderer's Hall contains the original copy of Denmark's Constitution. De Kongelige Repræsentationslokaler (the Royal Reception Chambers) is used for royal banquets. The remains of two earlier castles, including parts from the original 1167 fortress by Bishop Absalom can be seen in the basements of the palace.

Latin Quarter

København's Latin Quarter is just north of Strøget. It surrounds the old campus of Copenhagen University and it is always very busy with people. Especially around the plaza of Kultorvet are numerous popular cafés, produce stalls and buskers. There are also numerous bookshops in the area.

From the top of the 35 m (115 feet) high Rundetarn (Round Tower) you'll have excellent views over the city center. The Rundetarn was built in 1642 to serve as an observatory. It is still in use as such, making it Europe's oldest functioning observatory. The stairs up the tower include 400 steps, of which the last 160 run along its outside rim. The Rundetarn is a few blocks east of the Latin Quarter.

Opposite from the university grounds is the Vor Frue Kirk, København's neoclassical cathedral. It was originally built at the end of the 12th century, but later it was destroyed by fires and rebuilt three times. Sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen decorated the interior.

Christianshavn

Another interesting church is the Vor Freslers Kirke (Our Savior's Church) in Christianshavn. It has a beautiful Baroque altar and carved pipe organ and it is topped by a 95 m (311 feet) spiral steeple that offers fantastic views over the city.

Christianshavn is an area on the eastern edge of the city. It was originally established in the 17th century as a commercial center, while the extra piece of land between København and the outside world served as a strategic defense against attacks from Europe. There are numerous canals, lined with beautiful houses.

The Orlogmuseet (Royal Danish Naval Museum) in the north of Christianshaven is home to over 300 model ships and antique naval items.

In the east of Christianshaven is Christiania. It was originally a military camp, but in 1971 some squatters proclaimed an independent state there and, although independence was never granted, the area enjoys a special tax-free status. You can explore Christiania on foot or by bike, as cars are not allowed there. Organized tours are also available.

Around København

Hillerød

Hillerød is best known for the beautiful castle of Frederiksborg Slot.

Møn

Møn is a beautiful island just south of Sjælland.

Trelleborg

Trelleborg is the best-preserved Viking ring fortresses in Denmark.

Activities

København is an excellent city to walk around or explore by bicycle. Especially the main north-south drag of Oster Voldgade boasts numerous interesting buildings and nice gardens. Some of the city's nicest parks are Kongens Have (King's Gardens), Botanisk Have (Botanical Garden) and Orstedsparken.

At the beach of Amager Strandpark, just south of the city, you can swim during the summer. København's International Airport is nearby, so it is not a quiet beach. Other beaches, though further way are Sydstranden (further south), Charlottenlund (north of town) and Klampenborg (also to the north). There are several public swimming pools in the capital.

Between April and October you can explore København's canals by boat. Tours are available and will take you to Slotsholmen, Christianshavn and the Little Mermaid. Bus tours to learn to know the city are also organized.

When to Go

During the winter days are short and the weather can be cold. Most attractions are closed during the winter months. The Night Film Festival is held in late February and early March. The festival is spread over a period of nine days and features some 150 international films.

In May and June the weather is usually pleasant and the city looks very green. During these months there are not too many tourists in the city, making it an excellent time to visit København. During the Whitsunday weekend at the end of May, the three-day Copenhagen Carnival is celebrated. During the carnival the streets are filled with colorful parades and exotic samba dancers. On Midsummer Eve (23 July), bonfires are lit to celebrate the year's longest day. Around the same time the Danish Derby horse races are held at Klampenborg.

The months of July and August are the main tourist season in København. The weather is very nice and the days are long. Early in July, the 10-day long Copenhagen Jazz Festival is held and later that month you can enjoy classical music during the Summer Festival.

From September to December the weather turns colder and rains get more frequent, although precipitation is spread quite evenly over the year. Denmark's 'Golden Age' (1800-1850) is commemorated during the Golden Days Festival in September. Christmas is celebrated throughout the country.

Transportation

Copenhagen International Airport has air connections with countless destinations worldwide. The airport is 9 km south of the city center and served by buses and trains.

In July 2000 the Oresundsforbindelsen (Oresund Fixed Link) was opened. The 12 km (7.5 miles) long bridge-tunnel combination links København by rail and road with Malmö in Sweden.

København has train and bus links to numerous destinations throughout Europe. All buses, including regional ones depart from the Central Station.

Transportation around the city is by metro, bus or taxi. The metro is called S-train and includes some 10 different lines. Rådhuspladsen is the main terminal for the city bus system HT (Hovedstadsomradets Trafikselskab).

Most tourist sights are within walking distance from each other, so transportation inside København is not really necessary. For trips further afield, cars can be rented. Traffic is light and it shouldn't be any problem driving in the region.

Accommodation and food

Most of the cheaper hotels and hostels are situated on the western side of the Central Station. Nice cafés can be found along Nyhavn. On Strøget and in the Latin Quarter are many nice restaurants, while Strøget is also the place to go if you want to see street artists, listen to live music or go shopping. In the Nørrebro District, north of the city center are numerous nightclubs, discotheques and bars.