Copenhagen is a beautiful historic city with lots to entertain tourists. Bicycle transport is well established in the city, with dedicated cycle lanes throughout the city and ample bicycles available for rental. A great recent addition to the city is battery powered scooters for rental, which can also be used in the cycle lanes.
The public transport is quick, reliable and easy to use. I can recommend getting a city pass ticket from the airport which allows you to travel on bus, train and Metro for your selected amount of hours.
Special things to look out for while you are in Copenhagen is their delicious pastries, liquorice, outdoor markets, bistro’s, cafes and bars.
Brief History:
The first signs of human settlement in Copenhagen date back to 4000BC, although no permanent settlement was established until the 11th century when the first permanent settlement was established. Copenhagen was established as a fishing village. The fishing industry, harbour and resulting trade centre of early Copenhagen contributed to the growth and prosperity of the settlement.
In 1343, Copenhagen became a place of royal importance with King Valdemar Atterdag who established Copenhagen as the capital of Denmark. Even to this day, the Danish royal family live in Copenhagen. Copenhagen is also the seat of the government.
1. Nyhavn
Nyhavn is my favourite parts of Copenhagen. There are brightly coloured 17th and 18th-century buildings along the canal which create a scene for postcard-perfect photographs.
It’s full of bars, restaurants and cafes and boats embarking on tours. In good weather, you can find lots of people sitting along the canal in the sun. It’s a good spot to put your feet up and enjoy the scenery.
2. The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is an iconic bronze Copenhagen landmark since 1913, attracting more than 1 million visitors a year.
The Little Mermaid statue of H.C. Andersen’s fairy tale is depicting the mermaid becoming a human, as she gazes out over the sea.
3. Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world, opened in 1843 but also the world’s most-visited seasonal theme park, open each year from April to September.
Tivoli features an antique roller coaster and a range of family-friendly rides.
Tickets can be purchased for entrance only, or entrance with rides. If you choose an entrance only ticket, you are able to buy tickets for rides inside the park.
Markets, restaurants and cafes are available in the park.
4. Rosenborg Castle
The castle was built in 1606 as a summerhouse by one of Scandinavia’s most famous kings – Christian IV. The castle was expanded gradually until 1624 to the present structure which stands.
Attractions in the castle are the Knights Hall with coronation thrones, tapestries on the walls and three life-sized silver lion statues. Visitors can also see the king’s private writing cabinet and the bathroom.
The Danish Crown Jewels can also be found at Rosenborg Castle.
The castle grounds are beautiful and worth a walk around.
5. The Round Tower
The Round Tower was built in the 17th century and extends above the Trinity Church, 35m above the ground.
To get up the round tower, a reasonably priced ticket can be purchased followed by a walk up the spiral walkway inside the tower. Right at the top of the tower, there is a narrow staircase with a short flight of stairs to climb to the top to see the 360° view.
Features of the round tower include an observatory at the top, the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. There is a library in the tower which now houses exhibitions and displays.
6. Christiansborg Palace
The first castle at the site was built in 1167, but 3 castles, palaces and buildings have been built to replace the original buildings which were destroyed by fire, battles and attacks. The Christiansborg Palace itself has been rebuilt 3 times. The current castle which stands dates back to 1928.
During a tour, visitors are able to see the 12th-century remains of the castle at the historical exhibition.
It was since the early 15th-century that the buildings were used for administration, but it was only in 1794 that the Danish royals made Christiansborg Palace their home. The Palace has also served as the seat of parliament since 1849.
Today the Palace is no longer home to the royal family but is used for official events and state ceremonies by the Queen. Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Ministry of State are at the Palace.
7. Amalienborg Palace
Amalienborg Palace is home to the royal family. The Palace consists of 4 identical palace buildings around an octagonal courtyard, built in the 1750s.
At the Palace, visitors can see the changing of the guard at 12PM, noon.
There is a museum available at the Palace where you can find out more about Danish Royal life as well as the history of the Palace.
8. Østre Anlæg Park
Østre Anlæg was part of Copenhagen’s city fortifications which consisted of ramparts and moats around the Medieval town. Due to population ground of the city within the fortifications, the city was expanded out from the original centre.
Today this beautiful park is a quiet retreat to walk in.
9. Kastellet
Kastellet is a pentagon-shaped fortress with 5 bastions at each corner, it is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Northern Europe. The fortress was constructed in 1626 by command of King Christian IV, with a moat surrounding the fortress.
10. Freetown Christiania
Freetown Christiania was declared in 1971 in the abandoned former military area as an intentional /self-governing community.
Approximately 900 people permanently live in Christiania and the community have their own rules and regulations completely separate to that of the Danish Government. Christiania’s rules for their society include:
- No weapons
- No hard drugs (cannabis is allowed and traded there)
- No violence
- No private cars (you can only enter by walking or cycling in)
- No biker colours
- No bulletproof clothing
- No sale of fireworks
- No use of thunderflashes
- No stolen goods
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