Copenhagen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Copenhagen København  (Danish)
Capital city
City of Copenhagen Københavns Kommune  (Danish)
Christiansborg Palace Frederik's Church Tivoli Gardens Nyhavn The Lakes
Greater coat of arms
Copenhagen Location in Denmark Show map of Denmark Copenhagen Location in Scandinavia Show map of Scandinavia Copenhagen Location in Europe Show map of Europe
Country	Denmark
Region	Capital
Municipalities	Copenhagen Dragør Frederiksberg Tårnby
Established	1167; 858 years ago (1167)
Area
• Municipality	90.01 km2 (34.75 sq mi)
• Urban	525.50 km2 (202.90 sq mi)
• Metro	3,371.80 km2 (1,301.86 sq mi)
• Øresund Region	20,754.63 km2 (8,013.41 sq mi)
Highest elevation	91 m (299 ft)
Lowest elevation	1 m (3 ft)
Population  (1 January 2024)
• Municipality	660,842
• Density	7,298/km2 (18,900/sq mi)
• Urban	1,378,649
• Urban density	2,560.54/km2 (6,631.8/sq mi)
• Metro	2,135,634
• Metro density	633.38/km2 (1,640.4/sq mi)
• Øresund Region	4,486,958
• Øresund Region density	199.28/km2 (516.1/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Copenhagener
Time zone	UTC+01:00 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+02:00 (CEST)
Postal code	1050–1799, 2100, 2150, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2450, 2500, 2700, 2720
Area code(s)	(+45) 3

Copenhagen (Danish: København [kʰøpm̩ˈhɑwˀn]) is the capital and largest city in Denmark. About 1.4 million people live in its urban area. The city is located on the islands of Zealand and Amager. It is separated from Malmö, Sweden, by the Øresund strait. The Øresund Bridge connects these two cities by train and road.

Copenhagen started as a Viking fishing village around the 10th century. It became the capital of Denmark in the early 1400s. During the 16th century, it was the main city for the Kalmar Union, which ruled much of the Nordic region. The city grew as a cultural and economic center in Scandinavia during the Renaissance. By the 17th century, it was a major power center for the Danish government and military.

In the 1700s, Copenhagen faced a terrible plague and big fires. This led to major rebuilding efforts. New areas like Frederiksstaden were built. Important places like the Royal Theatre and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts were also created. The city was also a center for the Danish slave trade during this time. In 1807, a British fleet attacked the city during the Napoleonic Wars. After this, the Danish Golden Age brought a new Neoclassical look to Copenhagen's buildings. After World War II, the Finger Plan helped new homes and businesses grow along the city's railway lines.

Since the early 2000s, Copenhagen has seen a lot of growth in its city and culture. This was helped by investments in its buildings and transport. The city is Denmark's main cultural, economic, and government center. It is also a big financial hub in Northern Europe, home to the Copenhagen Stock Exchange. Copenhagen's economy has grown fast in the service sector, especially in information technology, pharmaceuticals, and clean technology. With the Øresund Bridge finished, Copenhagen has become more connected with the Swedish area of Scania and its largest city, Malmö, forming the Øresund Region.

Copenhagen has many bridges connecting its different areas. The city is known for its parks, walking paths, and waterfronts. Famous landmarks include Tivoli Gardens, The Little Mermaid statue, the Amalienborg and Christiansborg palaces, Rosenborg Castle, Frederik's Church, Børsen, and many museums and restaurants.

The city is home to several universities, including the University of Copenhagen, which was founded in 1479 and is Denmark's oldest. Copenhagen also has famous football clubs like F.C. Copenhagen and Brøndby IF. The annual Copenhagen Marathon started in 1980. Copenhagen is known as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world. Public transport is managed by Movia. The Copenhagen Metro, which opened in 2002, serves the city center. The Copenhagen S-train, Lokaltog (private railway), and Coast Line also connect central Copenhagen to other areas. Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup, is the busiest airport in the Nordic countries, serving about 2.5 million passengers each month.

What Does Copenhagen Mean?

Copenhagen's name in Danish, København, shows its history as a harbor and a place for trade. The original name in Old Norse, Kaupmannahǫfn, means 'merchants' harbor'. Over hundreds of years, the name changed to what it is today.

The English word "chapman" (meaning a traveling merchant) and "haven" (meaning a harbor) are related to the original Danish name. The English name "Copenhagen" comes from its Low German name, Kopenhagen. The city's Latin name, Hafnia, is even used for the element hafnium on the periodic table!

Copenhagen's Past: A Journey Through Time

How Old is Copenhagen?

Even though the first written records of Copenhagen are from the late 1100s, recent discoveries show the city is much older. During work on the city's subway system, archaeologists found parts of a large merchant's house from around 1020. They also found a well from the late 1100s and an old church with graves from the 1000s.

These finds suggest that Copenhagen started as a city at least in the 11th century. Many historians think it began in the late Viking Age. The natural harbor and plenty of herring fish likely attracted fishermen and traders. The first homes were probably near Gammel Strand (meaning 'old shore').

The first time the town was written about was in the 12th century. It was called Portus Mercatorum, which means 'Merchants' Harbor'. Copenhagen's official founding date is often given as 1167. This is when Bishop Absalon built a small fortress on Slotsholmen island, where Christiansborg Palace stands today. He built it to protect against attacks from Wendish pirates. After this first fortress was destroyed, a new one called Copenhagen Castle was built.

Copenhagen in the Middle Ages

In 1186, the castle and lands of Hafn (Copenhagen) were given to Bishop Absalon. When he passed away, the land went to the Bishopric of Roskilde. Around 1200, the Church of Our Lady was built, and the town grew around it.

As Copenhagen became more important, it was often attacked by the Hanseatic League. In 1368, it was taken over during the Second Danish-Hanseatic War. The city's fishing industry, especially for herring, helped it grow. In 1254, Copenhagen was given a special charter as a city by Bishop Jakob Erlandsen.

When the Kalmar Union (1397–1523) was formed between Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, Copenhagen became the capital of Denmark around 1416. King Eric of Pomerania moved his main residence to Copenhagen Castle. The University of Copenhagen was opened on June 1, 1479, by King Christian I. It is the oldest university in Denmark and one of the oldest in Europe.

Growth and Change: 16th to 18th Centuries

After the Reformation in 1536, Copenhagen's defenses were made stronger with new towers. The city became rich from more trade across the Baltic Sea.

During the rule of Christian IV (1588–1648), Copenhagen grew a lot. He built two important buildings on Slotsholmen: the Tøjhus Arsenal (a weapons store) and Børsen, the stock exchange. To help international trade, the East India Company was started in 1616. Christian IV also created the Christianshavn district with canals and walls, inspired by Dutch cities. He also built Rosenborg Slot and the Rundetårn (Round Tower). In 1658–1659, the city successfully defended itself against a siege by the Swedes.

By 1661, Copenhagen was firmly the capital of Denmark and Norway. All major government and military buildings were there. The city's defenses were improved with the Citadel in 1664.

In 1711, about 22,000 people in Copenhagen died from the plague. The city also suffered from two big fires. The Copenhagen Fire of 1728 destroyed about 28% of the city. This is why few old buildings remain in the city center today.

After the fires, a lot of rebuilding happened. In 1733, work began on Christiansborg Palace. In 1749, the beautiful Frederiksstaden district was started. It was designed in the Rococo style, with Amalienborg Palace at its heart. The city's cultural life also grew with the Royal Theatre and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts.

During the 18th century, Copenhagen was a center for the Danish slave trade. Many merchants in Copenhagen were involved in transporting enslaved Africans. Profits from this trade helped fund buildings like the Moltke Mansion and Yellow Palace. In the late 1700s, Denmark remained neutral in European wars, which helped Copenhagen's trade. After more fires in 1794 and 1795, work began on landmarks like Højbro Plads.

Copenhagen in the 19th Century

Description: Thorvaldsen's Museum, Copenhagen.
Title: Thoraldsens Museum
Credit: Own work
Author: Mahlum
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No {{File:Otto Bache - Soldaternes hjemkomst til København i 1849.jpg|thumb|Danish soldiers returning to Copenhagen in 1849, after the First Schleswig War – painting by Otto Bache (1894)]] In 1801, a British fleet attacked Copenhagen. This was because Britain worried Denmark might join forces with France. The battle was very tough, but the British won, taking or sinking most of the Danish-Norwegian navy.

In 1807, another British fleet attacked Copenhagen again. They bombarded the city from September 2 to 5. This attack killed many civilians and destroyed about 1,000 buildings, including the Church of Our Lady. The Danish navy was surrendered to the British. Denmark then declared war on Britain, starting the Gunboat War.

Despite these wars, Copenhagen soon entered a time of great creativity called the Danish Golden Age. Art and architecture flourished. In the 1850s, the city's old walls were opened up. This allowed new homes to be built around The Lakes. By the 1880s, the Nørrebro and Vesterbro areas grew to house people moving to the city for industrial jobs. The old city walls were no longer needed for defense, and better sanitation was also needed. From 1886, the western wall was removed, allowing the harbor to expand. The Freeport of Copenhagen was built in 1892–94. Electricity arrived in 1892, and electric trams in 1897. The city's population grew from about 120,000 in 1840 to 400,000 by 1901.

Copenhagen in the 20th Century

{{File:KBH 1890-1900.jpg|thumb|right|Slotsholmen canal, around 1900. From left: Church of the Holy Ghost, Trinitatis Complex, St. Nicholas Church, and Holmen Church.]] {{File:København fra luften Dmr topkbh k 07121.jpg|thumb|Central Copenhagen in 1939]] By the early 1900s, Copenhagen was a busy industrial and administrative city. Its center shifted west with a new city hall and railway station. New housing areas like Brønshøj and Valby appeared. Frederiksberg became a separate area within Copenhagen.

During World War I, Denmark remained neutral, and Copenhagen benefited from trade. In the 1920s, there were shortages of goods and housing. Plans were made to improve slum areas, and by the 1930s, new apartment blocks were built.

World War II in Copenhagen

Description: Shellhuset on fire.
Title: Shellhuset 210345
Credit: http://ditt.almanet.dk/images/ledende%20tyskere/Shellhuset%20210345.jpg, http://samlinger.natmus.dk/FHM/17877
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Attribution Required?: No Description: People celebrating the liberation of Denmark. 5th May 1945. At Strøget in Copenhagen.
Title: People celebrating the liberation of Denmark. 5th May 1945. At Strøget in Copenhagen.
Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nationalmuseet/7392700374/
Author: Nationalmuseet - National Museum of Denmark
Usage Terms: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0
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Attribution Required?: Yes During World War II, German troops occupied Copenhagen from April 9, 1940, to May 4, 1945. In August 1943, several Danish ships were sunk in Copenhagen Harbor to prevent the Germans from using them. Around this time, the Nazis began arresting Jews, but most managed to escape to Sweden.

In March 1945, the British Royal Air Force attacked the Gestapo headquarters in Copenhagen. This attack, called "Operation Carthage", was very precise. Sadly, one plane crashed near a school, causing other planes to bomb the school by mistake. This led to the deaths of 123 civilians, including 87 schoolchildren. However, 18 political prisoners escaped from the Shell Building, and the Gestapo records were destroyed.

On May 8, 1945, British troops officially liberated Copenhagen.

After the War

After the war, the Finger Plan was introduced in 1947. This plan encouraged new housing and businesses to grow along five "fingers" stretching from the city center, with green areas in between. As the welfare state grew, schools, nurseries, and hospitals were built. In 1971, former barracks in Christianshavn were taken over, leading to the creation of Freetown Christiania.

Car traffic increased, and in 1972, trams were replaced by buses. From the 1960s, pedestrian streets and bike paths were created in the city center. The Copenhagen Airport expanded greatly. In the 1990s, large housing projects were built in the harbor area. The Black Diamond building, a modern library on the waterfront, was finished in 1999.

Copenhagen in the 21st Century

Since 2000, Copenhagen and Malmö, Sweden, have been connected by the Øresund Bridge. This has made Copenhagen the center of a larger area that includes both countries. The bridge has changed public transport and led to a lot of new development on Amager. The city's service and trade industries have grown. Many banks and financial companies have also been set up. Universities, especially the University of Copenhagen with its 35,000 students, have become more important.

Another big change for the city was the Copenhagen Metro. It opened in 2002 and expanded until 2007. By 2011, it was carrying about 54 million passengers a year.

Culturally, the Copenhagen Opera House opened in 2004. It was a gift to the city from a shipping company. In December 2009, Copenhagen hosted the worldwide climate meeting COP15, gaining international attention.

Where is Copenhagen Located?

Copenhagen is part of the Øresund Region. This region includes Zealand, Lolland-Falster, and Bornholm in Denmark, and Scania in Sweden. Copenhagen is on the eastern coast of the island of Zealand. It is also partly on the island of Amager and on several smaller islands. To the east, Copenhagen faces the Øresund, a strait of water that separates Denmark from Sweden. This strait connects the North Sea with the Baltic Sea. The Swedish city of Malmö is directly across the sound from Copenhagen.

By road, Copenhagen is about 42 km (26 miles) northwest of Malmö, Sweden. It is 85 km (53 miles) northeast of Næstved and 164 km (102 miles) northeast of Odense.

Copenhagen's Landscape

The city center is mostly flat, formed by ancient moraines from the last ice age. The hilly areas to the north and west can rise up to 50 meters (160 feet) above sea level. The slopes of Valby and Brønshøj are over 30 meters (100 feet) high. Near the center are the Copenhagen lakes: Sortedams Sø, Peblinge Sø, and Sankt Jørgens Sø.

Copenhagen sits on a layer of limestone with flint, formed about 60 to 66 million years ago. During the last ice age, glaciers left a layer of moraines up to 15 meters (49 feet) thick.

Beaches in Copenhagen

Amager Strandpark, opened in 2005, is a 2 km (1.2 miles) long artificial island with 4.6 km (2.9 miles) of beaches. It's just a 15-minute bike ride or a short metro trip from the city center. In Klampenborg, about 10 km (6.2 miles) from downtown, is Bellevue Beach. It is 700 meters (2,300 feet) long and has lifeguards and freshwater showers.

Besides beaches, Copenhagen also has Harbour Baths along its waterfront. The first and most popular is at Islands Brygge. It is famous for its design and allows swimming in the city's clean harbor water.

Copenhagen's Weather

Copenhagen has an oceanic climate, meaning its weather is often influenced by low-pressure systems from the Atlantic Ocean. This leads to changing weather throughout the year. Rainfall is moderate, with slightly more rain from July to September. Snow usually falls from late December to early March, but it can also rain, with temperatures around freezing.

June is the sunniest month, with about eight hours of sunshine a day. July is the warmest, with an average high of 22 °C (72 °F). In contrast, November to February have very little sunshine, sometimes less than two hours a day. Spring brings more sun, with four to six hours a day from March to May. February is the driest month. Sometimes, Copenhagen can get as much as 50 cm (20 inches) of snow in 24 hours during winter. Summer temperatures have reached 33 °C (91 °F).

Because Copenhagen is so far north, the amount of daylight changes a lot between summer and winter. On the longest day of summer, the sun is up for over 17 hours. On the shortest day of winter, it's only up for about 7 hours.

How Copenhagen is Governed

The urban area of Copenhagen includes the municipalities of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, and several others. These are all located in the Capital Region. Municipalities are in charge of many public services, like city planning, environmental care, public housing, roads, and social security. A mayor, a council, and an executive group manage the city.

Copenhagen Municipality is the largest, with the historic city at its heart. The main office for Copenhagen's city council is the Copenhagen City Hall (Rådhus). The second largest municipality is Frederiksberg, which is surrounded by Copenhagen Municipality.

Copenhagen Municipality is divided into ten districts. These include Indre By, Østerbro, Nørrebro, and Vesterbro.

Laws and Safety in Copenhagen

Most of Denmark's main courts and legal offices are in Copenhagen. The City Court of Copenhagen is the largest of Denmark's 24 city courts. It handles cases for Copenhagen and nearby municipalities. Denmark's Supreme Court is located in Christiansborg Palace. It is the country's highest court for appeals.

The Danish National Police and Copenhagen Police headquarters are in the Politigården building. The Copenhagen Fire Department is the largest fire brigade in Denmark. It started in 1687 and became a city department in 1870. Its headquarters are in the Copenhagen Central Fire Station.

Copenhagen's Green Future

Copenhagen is known as one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the world. It has been praised for its green economy. In 2014, it was ranked as the top green city in the Global Green Economy Index. In 2001, a large offshore wind farm was built near Copenhagen. It produces about 4% of the city's energy. Years of effort in sewage treatment have made the harbor water clean enough for swimming.

Copenhagen aims to be carbon-neutral by 2025. This means reducing electricity use in buildings and cutting heat use by 20%. Renewable energy, like solar panels, is becoming common in new buildings. District heating will also be carbon-neutral by 2025, using waste incineration and biomass. New buildings must meet high energy-saving standards. By 2025, the city wants 75% of trips to be made by walking, biking, or public transport. They also plan for 20–30% of cars to use electricity or biofuel.

City planners focus on climate issues and energy-saving designs. They encourage sustainable drainage systems, recycling rainwater, green roofs, and good waste management. Streets and squares are designed to encourage cycling and walking instead of driving.

Who Lives in Copenhagen?

Copenhagen is the most populated city in Denmark and one of the largest in the Nordic countries. The City of Copenhagen (including Copenhagen, Dragør, Frederiksberg, and Tårnby municipalities) has a population of over 763,000 people.

Copenhagen Municipality itself has over 644,000 residents (as of 2022). The population grew a lot in the 1990s and early 2000s, partly due to immigration to Denmark. In 2022, about 73.7% of the people in Copenhagen Municipality were of Danish descent. The rest were from other countries or descendants of recent immigrants.

Copenhagen's urban area has a population of over 1.28 million. The larger Metropolitan Copenhagen has over 2 million people. Since the Øresund Bridge opened in 2000, many people commute between Zealand and Scania in Sweden. This has created a larger, connected area called the Øresund Region, with 4.1 million people.

Religion in Copenhagen

Most people (56.9%) in Copenhagen are members of the Lutheran Church of Denmark. The Church of Our Lady is the National Cathedral. There are also other Christian groups, with Roman Catholic being the largest.

More people from other countries have moved to Copenhagen in recent decades, bringing more religious diversity. The Grand Mosque of Copenhagen, Denmark's first mosque, opened in 2014. Islam is the second largest religion in Copenhagen, making up about 10% of the population. Many of Denmark's estimated 175,000–200,000 Muslims live in Copenhagen. There are also about 7,000 Jews in Denmark, mostly in Copenhagen, where there are several synagogues. The first synagogue in Copenhagen was built in 1684. You can learn about the history of Jews in Denmark at the Danish Jewish Museum in Copenhagen.

Quality of Life in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has often been ranked high for its quality of life. Its stable economy, good education, and social safety make it an attractive place to live. Even though it is one of the world's most expensive cities, it is also very livable. This is due to its public transport, bike-friendly features, and environmental policies. In 2013, Monocle magazine called Copenhagen the "most liveable city." They noted its open spaces, lively streets, and focus on community, culture, and food. Copenhagen also ranks high for its business environment and restaurants. However, it was ranked lower for student friendliness in 2012 due to high costs.

Copenhagen's Economy

Copenhagen is Denmark's main economic and financial centre. The city's economy is mostly based on services and trade. In 2010, most of Copenhagen's 350,000 workers were in the service sector, like transport, communication, trade, and finance. Less than 10,000 worked in manufacturing. The public sector (government jobs) had about 110,000 workers, including those in education and healthcare. From 2006 to 2011, Copenhagen's economy grew by 2.5%, while the rest of Denmark's economy shrank. In 2017, the wider Capital Region of Denmark had a large gross domestic product (GDP) of €120 billion.

Copenhagen is known as a leader in the global green economy. The Copenhagen region produces almost 40% of Denmark's total economic output. Denmark's GDP per person is among the top 10 in the world. Copenhagen has achieved this growth while also improving its environment and moving towards a low-carbon economy.

Many financial companies and banks have their main offices in Copenhagen. These include Alm. Brand, Danske Bank, Nykredit, and Nordea Bank Danmark. The Copenhagen Stock Exchange (CSE) was founded in 1620 and is now owned by Nasdaq, Inc.. Copenhagen is also home to big international companies like A.P. Møller-Mærsk, Novo Nordisk, and Carlsberg. The city encourages the growth of business clusters in new areas like information technology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, clean technology, and smart city solutions.

Life science is a very important sector, with a lot of research and development. Medicon Valley is a top life sciences group in Europe, covering the Øresund Region. Copenhagen has many companies and institutions focused on biotech research. Major Danish companies like Novo Nordisk and Lundbeck, which are among the 50 largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, are in this area.

Shipping is another key industry. Maersk, the world's largest shipping company, has its global headquarters in Copenhagen. The city has an industrial harbor, Copenhagen Port. After years of slow growth, it has grown again since 1990 after merging with Malmö harbor. Both ports are run by Copenhagen Malmö Port (CMP). Their central location helps them act as a hub for goods going to the Baltic countries.

Copenhagen has some of the highest wages in the world. However, high taxes mean that the money people take home is less after deductions. A special low-tax scheme for foreign experts has made Denmark attractive for international workers. But it is also one of the most expensive cities in Europe.

Denmark's "Flexicurity" model makes it easy to hire and fire workers. This makes Copenhagen an attractive place for foreign companies to invest and set up offices.

Tourism in Copenhagen

Tourism is a big part of Copenhagen's economy. Visitors come for the city's harbor, cultural attractions, and famous restaurants. Since 2009, Copenhagen has been one of Europe's fastest-growing tourist spots. The number of hotel rooms in the city is increasing a lot. From 2009 to 2013, the number of nights spent by international tourists grew by 42%. For Chinese visitors, it grew by almost 70%. In 2013, the total number of nights spent by tourists in the Capital Region was over 9 million.

In 2010, tourism from short city breaks brought in about DKK 2 billion (Danish Kroner). In 2015, 680,000 cruise passengers visited the port. In 2019, Lonely Planet named Copenhagen the best city to visit. In 2021, Copenhagen was shortlisted for the European Capital of Smart Tourism award.

Copenhagen's Look and Feel

Copenhagen's look today comes from its long history as a major regional center. The city has many different districts, each with its own unique style and history. Other special features of Copenhagen are its many waterways, parks, and bicycle paths on most streets.

Copenhagen's Buildings

The oldest part of Copenhagen's inner city is called Middelalderbyen (the medieval city). But the most famous district is Frederiksstaden, built during the time of Frederick V. It has the Amalienborg Palace at its center. It is also known for the dome of Frederik's Church (the Marble Church) and many beautiful 18th-century Rococo mansions. The inner city also includes Slotsholmen, an island with Christiansborg Palace, and Christianshavn with its canals. Børsen and Frederiksborg Palace are great examples of the Dutch Renaissance style. Around the old city center are residential areas like Vesterbro, Inner Nørrebro, and Inner Østerbro. These were built in the late 1800s when the city was allowed to grow beyond its old walls.

Copenhagen is sometimes called "the City of Spires" because of its many church and castle towers. The most unique is the Baroque spire of the Church of Our Saviour. It has an outside spiral staircase that visitors can climb. Other important spires are on Christiansborg Palace, the City Hall, and the former Church of St. Nikolaj. The Renaissance spires of Rosenborg Castle and the "dragon spire" of Børsen are also famous.

Copenhagen is known worldwide for its excellent urban planning. Its lively city center has modern buildings, inviting public spaces, and lots of activity. These designs were carefully planned in the second half of the 20th century.

Recently, there has been a boom in modern architecture in Copenhagen. Many buildings have been designed by famous Danish and international architects. Monocle magazine named Copenhagen the "World's best design city 2008."

The city's growth in the early 1900s was shaped by industry. After World War II, Copenhagen changed its medieval center to make way for cars. This separated different land uses, meaning people often needed cars to get around.

The growth in city development and modern architecture has changed Copenhagen's skyline. The city has decided to keep the historic center free of tall buildings. However, some areas, like Ørestad, have seen huge new developments. Ørestad is near Copenhagen Airport. It has one of Scandinavia's largest malls, many offices and homes, and the IT University.

Parks, Gardens, and Zoo

Copenhagen is a green city with many parks. King's Garden (Kongens Have), the garden of Rosenborg Castle, is the oldest and most visited. Christian IV first designed it in 1606. Over 2.5 million people visit it every year. In summer, it is full of people sunbathing, picnicking, and playing games. It also has a sculpture garden. The Botanical Gardens are also in the city center. They are known for their large 19th-century greenhouses, given by Carlsberg founder J. C. Jacobsen.

Fælledparken is the largest park in Copenhagen, covering 58 hectares (140 acres). It is popular for sports and hosts annual events like free opera concerts, open-air concerts, carnival, and the Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix for antique cars. Kastellet is an old citadel that is now a park. The Frederiksberg Gardens is a 32-hectare (79-acre) romantic landscape park. It has tame grey herons and other waterfowl. From the park, you can see the elephants at the nearby Copenhagen Zoo. Langelinie, a park along the harbor, is home to The Little Mermaid statue, a famous tourist attraction.

Many cemeteries in Copenhagen are also used as parks for quiet activities like reading. Assistens Cemetery, where Hans Christian Andersen is buried, is an important green space for the Inner Nørrebro district. Vestre Kirkegaard is Denmark's largest cemetery (54 hectares or 130 acres). It has thick groves, open lawns, winding paths, and lakes.

Copenhagen's official policy is that by 2015, all citizens should be able to reach a park or beach on foot in less than 15 minutes. Because of this, several new parks, like the Superkilen in Nørrebro, have been built or are being developed.

Famous Places by Area

Indre By: The City Center

Indre By, or the Inner City, has many of Copenhagen's most popular landmarks. The Frederiksstaden area, built in the 18th century, features the four mansions of Amalienborg, the royal residence. It also has the large-domed Marble Church. Across the water from Amalienborg is the modern Copenhagen Opera House. South of Frederiksstaden, the Nyhavn canal is lined with colorful 17th and 18th-century houses, now home to lively restaurants and bars. The canal leads to Kongens Nytorv, a large square built in 1670. Important buildings here include Charlottenborg Palace (for art exhibitions) and the Royal Danish Theatre.

Other landmarks in Indre By include the parliament building, Christiansborg, the City Hall, and Rundetårn, an old observatory. There are also museums, like the Thorvaldsen Museum, dedicated to sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. Strøget, one of the world's oldest and longest pedestrian streets, runs for 3.2 km (2.0 miles) from Rådhuspladsen to Kongens Nytorv. It is always busy with shops, cafés, and street performers. Rosenborg Castle, built by Christian IV in 1606, houses the Danish crown jewels.

Christianshavn: Canals and Charm

Christianshavn is southeast of Indre By, across the harbor. Christian IV developed this area in the early 17th century. Inspired by Amsterdam, he had Dutch architects create canals within its ramparts, which are still well-preserved. The canals, with their houseboats and pleasure boats, are a main attraction. Another interesting place is Freetown Christiania, a large area that started as a squatter community in 1971 and still has some independence. Other notable buildings include the Church of Our Saviour with its spiraling steeple, and the beautiful Rococo Christian's Church. The North Atlantic House, once a warehouse, now shows culture from Iceland and Greenland and houses the famous Noma restaurant.

Vesterbro: Lively and Modern

Vesterbro, southwest of Indre By, starts with the Tivoli Gardens. This is the city's top tourist attraction, with rides, games, and restaurants. The Carlsberg neighborhood has interesting parts of the old brewery, like the Elephant Gate. The Tycho Brahe Planetarium is by Skt. Jørgens Sø. Halmtorvet, the old hay market behind the Central Station, is now a popular area with cafés and restaurants. The former cattle market, Øksnehallen, is now a modern exhibition center. The Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, built by Arne Jacobsen in the 1950s, was once the tallest hotel in Denmark. Det Ny Teater (the New Theatre) is a popular place for musicals.

Nørrebro: Diverse and Historic

Nørrebro, northwest of the city center, has changed from a working-class area to a diverse, lively place with antique shops and international restaurants. Much of the activity is around Sankt Hans Torv. Copenhagen's historic cemetery, Assistens Kirkegård, is the resting place of famous people like Søren Kierkegaard and Hans Christian Andersen. Locals also use it as a park.

Østerbro: Elegant and Green

Just north of the city center, Østerbro is an upper-class district with many beautiful mansions, some now embassies. The district stretches to the waterfront, where The Little Mermaid statue can be seen from Langelinie. This statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, was created by Edvard Eriksen in 1913. Nearby is the old Citadel (Kastellet), one of northern Europe's best-preserved forts. The large Gefion Fountain stands near Kastellet. Its figures tell a Nordic legend.

Frederiksberg: Parks and Culture

Frederiksberg is a separate municipality west of Nørrebro and Indre By. Its landmarks include Copenhagen Zoo, founded in 1869, with over 250 species. Frederiksberg Palace was built as a summer home and now houses a military academy. It overlooks the large Frederiksberg Gardens with its waterfalls and decorative buildings. Frederiksberg Allé, a wide tree-lined street, has long been known for its theaters. The Betty Nansen Theatre and Aveny-T are still active.

Amagerbro: Southern Charm

Amagerbro (also called Sønderbro) is southeast of Christianshavn on northern Amager. The old city moats and parks separate these areas. The main street, Amagerbrogade, has many different stores, restaurants, and pubs. Amagerbro was built in the early 1900s and has typical 4–7 story buildings. Further south are the Sundbyøster and Sundbyvester districts.

Other Notable Districts

Near Copenhagen Airport on the Kastrup coast, The Blue Planet opened in 2013. It is Scandinavia's largest aquarium with 53 tanks. Grundtvig's Church, in the northern suburb of Bispebjerg, was finished in 1940. It is a rare example of Expressionist church design, with a striking front that looks like a church organ.

Copenhagen's Culture and Fun

Copenhagen is Denmark's cultural heart and a major hub in Scandinavia. Since the late 1990s, it has become a city with international appeal, like Barcelona or Amsterdam. This is thanks to big investments in buildings and culture, and the work of new Danish architects, designers, and chefs. Copenhagen Fashion Week happens every February and August.

Museums to Explore

Copenhagen has many world-class museums. The National Museum (Nationalmuseet) is Denmark's largest museum of archaeology and cultural history. Denmark's National Gallery (Statens Museum for Kunst) is the national art museum. Its collections go from the 12th century to today. It features Danish painters and international artists like Rubens, Rembrandt, and Picasso.

Another important art museum is the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. It was founded by Carlsberg's Carl Jacobsen and built around his collections. It focuses on classical Egyptian, Roman, and Greek sculptures. It also has a large collection of Rodin sculptures. The museum also has many Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings by artists like Monet and van Gogh.

Louisiana is a Museum of Modern Art north of Copenhagen. It is in a sculpture garden overlooking Øresund. Its collection includes works by Picasso and Giacometti. The Danish Design Museum is in an 18th-century building. It shows Danish design and international design.

Other museums include:

• The Thorvaldsens Museum, dedicated to the sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen.
• The Cisternerne museum, an art space in old cisterns with stalactites.
• The Ordrupgaard Museum, north of Copenhagen, with 19th-century French and Danish art.

Entertainment and Shows

The new Copenhagen Concert Hall opened in 2009. Designed by Jean Nouvel, it has four halls, with the main one seating 1,800 people. It is home to the Danish National Symphony Orchestra. The Tivoli Concert Hall in Tivoli Gardens is another important place for classical music. The Copenhagen Opera House (Operaen), designed by Henning Larsen, opened in 2005. It is one of the most modern opera houses in the world. The Royal Danish Theatre also puts on operas and plays. It is home to the Royal Danish Ballet, one of Europe's oldest ballet groups.

Copenhagen has a big jazz scene. Many American jazz musicians came to live in Copenhagen in the 1960s. Every July, the Copenhagen Jazz Festival fills the city with jazz concerts. It is one of Europe's top jazz festivals, with about 900 concerts at 100 places.

The largest place for popular music in Copenhagen is Vega in Vesterbro. It was named "best concert venue in Europe" by an international music magazine. Every September, the Festival of Endless Gratitude (FOEG) takes place. This festival focuses on indie and experimental pop music with art exhibitions.

For free entertainment, you can walk along Strøget. In the late afternoon and evening, it becomes like a street show with musicians, magicians, jugglers, and other street performers.

Books and Libraries

Most of Denmark's major publishing companies are in Copenhagen. These include book publishers like Gyldendal and newspaper publishers like Berlingske and Politiken. Many important Danish writers, like Hans Christian Andersen (fairy tales), Søren Kierkegaard (philosopher), and Ludvig Holberg (playwright), lived much of their lives in Copenhagen.

The Royal Library, part of the University of Copenhagen, is the largest library in the Nordic countries. It has almost every Danish book printed since 1482. The Royal Library has four locations in the city. Copenhagen's public library system has over 20 branches. The largest is the Central Library (Københavns Hovedbibliotek).

Art and Sculptures

Copenhagen has many art museums and galleries. These include the Statens Museum for Kunst (Danish national art gallery) and the nearby Hirschsprung Collection. Kunsthal Charlottenborg shows contemporary art. The Arken Museum of Modern Art is in southwestern Ishøj.

Many famous sculptures can be seen in the city. Besides The Little Mermaid, there are two historic statues of kings on horseback: Jacques Saly's Frederik V on Horseback in Amalienborg Square and the statue of Christian V on Kongens Nytorv. Rosenborg Castle Gardens has several sculptures, including those of Hans Christian Andersen and Dowager Queen Caroline Amalie.

Copenhagen is thought to have invented the photomarathon photography competition, which has been held there every year since 1989.

Food in Copenhagen

As of 2014, Copenhagen had 15 Michelin-starred restaurants, more than any other Scandinavian city. The city is becoming known worldwide as a great place for food. These restaurants include Noma and Geranium, which have three Michelin stars. Noma was named the Best Restaurant in the World in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014. This sparked interest in the New Nordic Cuisine.

Besides fancy restaurants, Copenhagen has many types of Danish, international, and experimental restaurants. You can find simple eateries serving open sandwiches, called smørrebrød, which are traditional Danish lunch dishes. Danish pastry can be bought from many bakeries. Denmark's oldest still-operating pastry shop, Conditori La Glace, was founded in 1870.

Copenhagen has a long history with beer. Carlsberg beer has been brewed since 1847. In recent years, there has been a huge growth in microbreweries. Today, Denmark has over 100 breweries, many in Copenhagen. Some, like Nørrebro Bryghus, are also brewpubs where you can eat.

Nightlife and Festivals

Copenhagen has many restaurants and bars. Nightclubs and bars stay open until early morning. Areas like Istedgade in Vesterbro and Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro are known for their nightlife.

Copenhagen has several yearly festivals, mostly in the summer. The Copenhagen Carnival happens every year during the Whitsun holiday. It features 120 bands, 2,000 dancers, and 100,000 spectators. Since 2010, the old B&W Shipyard has hosted Copenhell, a heavy metal rock festival. Copenhagen Pride is an LGBT pride festival every August. Most of the celebration takes place at City Hall Square, which is renamed Pride Square during the event. Copenhagen Distortion is one of Europe's biggest street festivals, with 100,000 people joining parties in early June.

Amusement Parks

Copenhagen has the oldest and third-oldest amusement parks in the world.

Dyrehavsbakken, founded in 1583, is just north of Copenhagen in a forest. It is the oldest amusement park still running in the world. It has rides, games, and restaurants. Pierrot, a character dressed in white, is one of the park's main attractions. There is no entrance fee.

The Tivoli Gardens is an amusement park in central Copenhagen. It opened in 1843, making it the third-oldest amusement park in the world. Its rides include the oldest operating rollercoaster, Rutschebanen, from 1915, and the oldest ferris wheel, opened in 1943. Tivoli Gardens also hosts many shows and is an active part of Copenhagen's cultural scene.

Learning in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has over 94,000 students in its largest universities. The University of Copenhagen has about 38,000 students and is Denmark's oldest university, founded in 1479. It welcomes about 1,500 international students each year. In 2016, it was ranked 30th in the world by the Academic Ranking of World Universities.

The Technical University of Denmark is in Lyngby, north of Copenhagen. In 2013, it was ranked as one of Northern Europe's top technical universities. The IT University of Copenhagen is Denmark's newest university, focusing on technology, society, and business related to information technology.

The Danish Academy of Fine Arts has taught arts for over 250 years. It includes schools for visual arts, architecture, design, and conservation. Copenhagen Business School (CBS) is a business school in Frederiksberg.

Sports in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has many sports teams. The main football (soccer) teams are FC København and Brøndby. FC København plays at Parken in Østerbro. Brøndby plays at Brøndby Stadion in the suburb of Brøndbyvester. Other notable teams include FC Nordsjælland, Fremad Amager, and B93.

Copenhagen has several handball teams, a very popular sport in Denmark. These include Ajax, Ydun, and HIK. The København Håndbold women's club was recently started. Copenhagen also has ice hockey teams. The Copenhagen Ice Skating Club, founded in 1869, is the oldest ice hockey team in Denmark.

Rugby union and rugby league are also played in Copenhagen. The Danish Australian Football League, based in Copenhagen, is the largest Australian rules football competition outside of English-speaking countries.

The Copenhagen Marathon, an annual marathon event, started in 1980. The Round Christiansborg Open Water Swim Race is a 2 km (1.2 miles) open water swimming competition in late August. Copenhagen hosted the 2011 UCI Road World Championships (cycling) in September 2011, using its bike-friendly roads.

Getting Around Copenhagen

Airport Connections

The greater Copenhagen area has excellent transport, making it a hub in Northern Europe. Copenhagen Airport, opened in 1925, is Scandinavia's largest airport. It is in Kastrup on the island of Amager. You can reach the city center by metro and train. In October 2013, the airport had a record 2.2 million passengers.

Roads, Trains, and Ferries

Copenhagen has a large road network, including highways connecting the city to other parts of Denmark and to Sweden via the Øresund Bridge. Cars are still the most common way to travel within the city. The Øresund train connects Copenhagen with Malmö 24 hours a day.

Copenhagen also has a daily ferry service to Oslo, Norway. In 2012, Copenhagen Harbor handled 372 cruise ships and 840,000 passengers.

The Copenhagen S-Train, Copenhagen Metro, and regional train networks are used by about half of the city's commuters. The rest use buses. Nørreport Station is a central hub for all these transport types. About 750,000 passengers use public transport every day. Copenhagen Central Station is the main hub for the DSB railway network, serving Denmark and international destinations.

The Copenhagen Metro expanded greatly with the opening of the City Circle Line (M3) in September 2019. This new line connects all inner areas of the city by metro, including the Central Station. It added 17 new stations. In March 2020, the Nordhavn extension of the Harbour Line (M4) opened. These new metro lines are part of the city's plan to encourage public transport and cycling instead of cars.

Copenhagen is praised by city planners for how well it combines public transport and city development. The Finger Plan made Copenhagen one of the first "transit metropolises." Areas around S-Train stations are early examples of transit-oriented development.

Cycling in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has been ranked as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world since 2015. There are more bicycles than people! In 2012, about 36% of people working or studying in the city cycled to work or school. Copenhagen cyclists (residents and commuters) travel 1.27 million km (790,000 miles) every workday. About 75% of Copenhageners cycle all year round. The city has extensive bicycle paths, with 400 km (250 miles) of lanes separate from cars or pedestrians. Sometimes, these bike paths even have their own traffic lights, giving cyclists a head start.

Healthcare in Copenhagen

Promoting health is important for Copenhagen's city government. Their "Long Live Copenhagen" plan aims to increase how long citizens live, improve their quality of life through better health, and encourage more active lives. The city has goals to encourage people to exercise regularly.

Copenhagen University Hospital includes several hospitals in the Capital Region and Zealand. Rigshospitalet and Bispebjerg Hospital in Copenhagen are part of this group. Rigshospitalet started in 1757 and became state-owned in 1903. With 1,120 beds, it handles many inpatients and outpatients each year. It aims to be the top specialist hospital in Denmark, with many researchers studying cancer treatment and surgery. The hospital is also a training center for medical students and scientists. Bispebjerg Hospital was built in 1913 and serves about 400,000 people. Other large hospitals in the city include Amager Hospital, Herlev Hospital, Hvidovre Hospital, and Gentofte Hospital.

Media in Copenhagen

Many Danish media companies are located in Copenhagen. DR, the main Danish public service broadcaster, moved its operations to a new headquarters, DR Byen, in 2006 and 2007. TV2, based in Odense, also has its Copenhagen offices in a modern media building. The two national daily newspapers, Politiken and Berlingske, and the two tabloids, Ekstra Bladet and BT, are based in Copenhagen. Kristeligt Dagblad is also based in Copenhagen. Other important media companies include Aller Media, the largest publisher of magazines in Scandinavia, the Egmont media group, and Gyldendal, the largest Danish book publisher.

Copenhagen has a big film and television industry. Nordisk Film, started in Valby, Copenhagen, in 1906, is the oldest film production company still running in the world. It now owns the 17-screen Palads Cinema in Copenhagen. Filmbyen (movie city), in a former military camp in Hvidovre, has several movie companies and studios. Zentropa is a film company co-owned by director Lars von Trier. He is known for international movies and founded the Dogme Movement. CPH:PIX is Copenhagen's international film festival, held in mid-April. CPH:DOX is Copenhagen's international documentary film festival, held every November. It shows over 100 documentary films and has many events, concerts, and exhibitions.

Copenhagen's Sister Cities

Copenhagen is connected with these cities:

• Beijing, China
• Marseille, France
• Kyiv, Ukraine

Honorary Citizens of Copenhagen

People given the special title of honorary citizen of Copenhagen include:

Date	Name	Notes
21 November 1838	Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770–1844)	Danish sculptor

While honorary citizenship is no longer given, three people have been named honorary Copenhageners (æreskøbenhavnere):

Date	Name	Notes
16 June 1967	Poul Reumert (1883–1968)	Danish actor
16 June 1967	Victor Borge (1909–2000)	Danish comedian
16 June 1967	Steen Eiler Rasmussen (1898–1990)	Danish architect

See also

In Spanish: Copenhague para niños