Copenhagen is the capital of Europe`s oldest kingdom and one of the most comfortable cities to live in on the planet. It is a city of contrasts: medieval streets here flow seamlessly into futuristic districts, and the strict lines of royal palaces are softened by the coziness of colorful embankments. Copenhagen is the quintessence of the very best that Scandinavia has to offer: design, sustainable development, and the art of enjoying the moment.
This is a city you want to explore slowly, ideally by bicycle. It can be many things: royal and ceremonial by the Amalienborg Palace complex, bohemian and free in Christiania, gastronomic and daring in its Michelin-starred restaurants, cozy and relaxed in its parks and along the waterfronts where locals have picnics at any time of year.
History of Copenhagen
From the fishing village of Havn to the capital of Scandinavian design. The history of Copenhagen began long before its official founding. In the 11th century, on the site of the future capital, there was a small fishing village called Havn, which in Danish means "harbor." The first written mention of it dates back to 1043.
A turning point in the settlement`s fate came in 1167, when the powerful Bishop Absalon of Roskilde—a figure who combined the roles of churchman, statesman, and warrior—founded a fortress on the small island of Slotsholmen to protect the Øresund strait from pirates. Thanks to its favorable location on the shores of an important trade route and successful herring trade, the city, then called Købmannahavn ("Merchants` Harbor"), began to develop rapidly.
In the 15th century, under King Eric of Pomerania, Copenhagen officially became the royal residence and the capital of Denmark. King Christian IV, who reigned at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries, left a particular mark on the city`s appearance. This passionate builder and architect initiated a veritable construction boom, creating many of the buildings that are today the city`s symbols — the Round Tower and the Old Stock Exchange.
Copenhagen`s history is full of drama. The city was repeatedly besieged by the Swedes in the 17th century, endured two devastating plague epidemics, and in 1807 was subjected to a brutal bombardment by the British fleet under Admiral Nelson, which destroyed a large part of the old city. In the 19th century, after the restrictions of the fortress walls were lifted, Copenhagen began to expand actively.
In the 20th century, the city faced the new challenges of industrialization and World War II. However, the post-war period was marked by an urban planning achievement — the "Finger Plan" of 1948. According to this plan, the city developed along five main transport arteries radiating from the historical center, with green wedges preserved between them. This approach became one of the world`s best examples of long-term urban planning.
Today, Copenhagen is a modern metropolis that consistently ranks among the cities with the highest quality of life in the world. It is a center of innovation, sustainable development, and undoubtedly one of the world`s capitals of design and architecture, awarded the title of UNESCO World Capital of Architecture in 2023.
The Architectural Code of Copenhagen
Copenhagen`s architecture is an astonishing synthesis of centuries-old traditions and bold futuristic experiments, where brick, steel, and glass create a harmonious and livable urban landscape.
Middle Ages and Renaissance. The narrow, winding streets in the center and preserved fragments of old fortifications recall the medieval past. The most striking example of the Danish Renaissance is Rosenborg Castle, built by Christian IV in the Dutch Renaissance style. The Old Stock Exchange, with its recognizable spire formed by the intertwined tails of four dragons, also appeared at that time — a masterpiece of the Flemish Renaissance.
Baroque and Rococo. In the 17th and 18th centuries, lavish Baroque and Rococo palaces appeared in Copenhagen. Charlottenborg Palace and the magnificent Amalienborg ensemble — four identical Rococo palaces surrounding an octagonal square. Since 1794, it has been the main residence of the Danish royal family.
Classicism and National Romanticism. The 19th century brought a fascination with Classicism. At the turn of the 20th century, the National Romantic style flourished, inspired by medieval brick Gothic. The best example is the monumental City Hall by architect Martin Nyrop with its famous tower. The Neo-Gothic Grundtvig`s Church, astonishing in its expressive power of forms, as if constructed from giant organ pipes, also belongs to this trend.
Functionalism and Modernism. The mid-20th century gifted the city masterpieces of Functionalism, such as the SAS Royal Hotel building by Arne Jacobsen, the first skyscraper in the city. Jacobsen, along with Verner Panton and Jørn Utzon, laid the foundations of Danish design.
Contemporary Architecture. The turn of the 21st century was an era of architectural renaissance for Copenhagen. The city was adorned with bold structures by world-famous stars. There is the "Black Diamond" — the new Royal Library building clad in black granite and glass, reflecting the water of the canal. There is the Royal Danish Opera House, resembling a giant spaceship on the shore. There are innovative residential and public spaces, such as the Nordhavn maritime quarter or the Superkilen park in Nørrebro, designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group and celebrating the city`s cultural diversity. The crowning achievement of modern engineering is Copenhill — a waste-to-energy plant with a ski slope on its roof, offering a panoramic view.
Sights of Copenhagen
Nyhavn canal. The most picture-perfect postcard sight in the city. This picturesque canal was dug in the 17th century as a harbor for merchant ships. Today, its embankment, lined with colorful houses, is a continuous line of restaurants, cafes, and outdoor bars, where a perpetual festive atmosphere reigns.
Amalienborg Palace Complex. A masterpiece of Danish Rococo, consisting of four palaces arranged around an octagonal square. The royal family lives here. The main tradition is the changing of the guard ceremony of the Royal Life Guards, which takes place daily at noon.
Rosenborg Castle. A fairytale castle in the city center, surrounded by Copenhagen`s oldest royal garden, the King`s Garden. The castle was built as Christian IV`s summer residence. Inside is a museum housing the Danish crown jewels, including magnificent regalia and treasures.
Christiansborg Palace. A powerful palace on the island of Slotsholmen, built on the ruins of Bishop Absalon`s fortress. This unique building today houses all three branches of government: the parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Prime Minister`s Office, as well as the royal reception rooms. The Christiansborg Tower is open to the public and offers the best panorama of the center.
Frederik`s Church, or the Marble Church. Impressive with its grandiose dome, one of the largest in Europe, inspired by St. Peter`s Basilica in Rome. The construction of the church, designed by Nicolai Eigtved, stretched over nearly 150 years.
Rundetårn, or the Round Tower. Another gift from Christian IV, built in the 17th century as an observatory. Instead of stairs, a unique, gentle, spiral ramp 210 meters long leads to the top, along which horsemen and even carriages could once ascend. The tower is mentioned in Andersen`s fairy tale "The Tinderbox." The observation platform offers a magnificent view of the old town.
Tivoli Gardens. One of the oldest operating amusement parks in the world, opened in 1843. It is said that Tivoli inspired Walt Disney to create his famous parks. It is not just an amusement park but a magical garden with pavilions, fireworks, concert halls, restaurants, and exotic architecture.
The Little Mermaid Statue. The main symbol of Copenhagen and one of the most recognizable monuments in the world. This bronze statue, placed on a rock by the water in 1913, was created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen at the behest of brewing magnate Carl Jacobsen, who was captivated by a ballet based on Andersen`s fairy tale.
Palaces, Castles, and Museums of Copenhagen
In addition to the main palaces, there are many other gems in Copenhagen and its surroundings:
Kronborg Castle in Helsingør (Elsinore). Located a bit further from the city, but a must-visit UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where Shakespeare "placed" his Prince Hamlet.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. A beautiful museum founded by brewer Carl Jacobsen, with a rich collection of ancient and Mediterranean art, as well as Danish Golden Age painting.
Statens Museum for Kunst (The National Gallery of Denmark). The country`s main art museum, featuring works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Titian, Picasso, and the best Danish masters.
National Museum of Denmark. Here, artifacts from the Viking Age, ethnographic collections, and objects telling the history of Denmark from prehistoric times are preserved.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Located in the suburbs, in a picturesque spot on the shore of the Øresund strait. It is one of the most beloved modern art museums in Europe, famous both for its collection and its architecture, harmoniously integrated into the landscape.
Parks, Canals, and Special Flavor
Christiania. A self-proclaimed "freetown" in the Christianshavn district, founded by hippies and squatters in 1971 on the site of abandoned military barracks. This is a unique community with its own rules, living by the principles of self-governance and alternative culture.
Strøget. One of Europe`s longest pedestrian streets, connecting City Hall Square with Kongens Nytorv (King`s New Square). It is the main artery for shopping and strolling, where you can find mass-market brands, luxury boutiques, and the oldest Danish stores.
Christianshavn`s Canals. A boat or kayak trip through the canals of this district opens up a completely different, watery perspective of Copenhagen, allowing you to see the city from its most picturesque side.
Frederiksberg Gardens. A lush landscape park in the English style with canals, waterfalls, and pavilions, adjacent to Frederiksberg Palace.
Unusual Corners and Contemporary Spaces
Copenhill (Amager Bakke). An innovative complex combining a waste-to-energy plant with a ski slope on the roof and the city`s tallest artificial climbing wall. A symbol of Copenhagen`s sustainable development.
Superkilen Park. A park in the Nørrebro district, divided into three zones, featuring urban furniture and artifacts from around the world — from Brazilian swings to Japanese octopuses — as a symbol of the multicultural community.
The Black Diamond. The modern extension of the Royal Library, clad in black marble and glass, sharply contrasting with the historical buildings and becoming an important cultural center with a concert hall and exhibition spaces.
Cisternerne (The Cisterns). A unique underground exhibition space in Søndermarken Park. In the former water reservoirs, humidity and temperature are constantly high, creating special conditions for experimental installations.
Copenhagen Trolls. Hidden throughout the city, in parks and forests, are huge wooden troll sculptures created by sculptor Thomas Dambo. Searching for them is an exciting quest for children and adults.
Practical Tips
When to go. The best time is from May to September, when the days are longest and warmest, the city blooms, and life spills out onto the streets and into cafes. During this time, there are jazz festivals, carnivals, and Culture Night. In December, Copenhagen transforms into a Christmas fairy tale with markets in Tivoli and a cozy hygge atmosphere.
Transport. Copenhagen is an ideal city for cycling. City bike-sharing services are popular and convenient. The metro runs 24/7, and buses complement the network. For tourists, the City Pass is convenient, offering unlimited travel on all types of transport within the zones.
Where to eat. Be sure to try the famous open-faced sandwiches, smørrebrød. Look for them in traditional cafes or at the TorvehallerneKBH market. Copenhagen is a gastronomic capital of the world with a huge number of Michelin-starred restaurants, including the legendary Noma.
What to drink. The main local drink is beer. Visit the Carlsberg brewery to learn the brand`s history, or discover numerous craft beer bars throughout the city.
Good to know. The weather in Copenhagen is changeable, so even in summer, always have a windbreaker with you. Many museums are closed on Mondays; always check opening hours in advance.
Copenhagen is the capital of the world`s oldest kingdom, a city with a population of about 1.3 million in the metropolitan area. It offers travelers an interesting combination of the imperial past of Vikings and kings, the coziness of old quarters, cutting-edge design, and the philosophy of sustainable development, creating an atmosphere you want to let in and take a piece of with you.
