Copenhagen

As the capital of Denmark, and one of the most modern cities in the world, Copenhagen offers a rich selection of culture, entertainment, night life, shopping and events. Copenhagen has something for everybody. All kinds of accommodation are available; from luxury suites to simple lodging. There is plenty to do for families with children and it’s easy to make one’s way around town by an extensive bus and train network.

FACTS ABOUT COPENHAGEN

Copenhagen is the capital and the biggest town in Denmark. It is situated on the islands of Själland and Amager, on Öresund. The town (its densely populated area) has slightly more than one million inhabitants. You can easily walk round the central part of Copenhagen. Europe’s longest pedestrian precinct “Ströget” runs through the town centre lined by shops with Danish design, fashion and much more.

SIGHTS

Copenhagen’s symbol is the only 125 cm tall statue The Little Mermaid which was inaugurated in 1913. The statue was made by the sculptor Edvard Eriksen (1876-1959) at the request of the brewer Carl Jacobsen and it represents the main character in H.C. Andersen’s fable The Little Mermaid.

Opposite the Central Station lies the Tivoli – one of the world’s oldest fun-fairs, (the oldest, Dyrehavsbakken, is situated north of the town). The Tivoli is open during most of the year. Running parallel with the park is H.C. Andersen’s Boulevard with Copenhagen’s Town Hall on the other side. The Town Hall is decorated with many Renaissance style sculptures which were made between 1892 and 1905. The tower of the Town Hall is 113 m and is Denmark’s highest tower.

Near to the University there is Vårfrukyrkan (Vor Frue Kirke) by Christian Frederik Hansen in classic style with statuettes by Bertel Thorvaldsen. A little further to the north you can find “the Red Tower” with an excellent view over the town and Trinity Church.

Between Ströget and Inderhavn lies Christiansborg’s Castle. The building has been the seat of Denmark’s Parliament since 1918. Earlier, on the same site Copenhagen’s first castle was built in the middle of the 12th century. The present castle was built between 1907 and 1928. The Castle Church (Slotskirke) joins the Castle on the north side together with the Royal Library, which is Denmark’s national library. Here, the Exchange building from 1620 is also found which, until 1974, held the stock exchange.

Another well known sight in Copenhagen is Nyhavn Street. It is characterized by houses which stand with their gables facing the street; this is the gastronomic centre of the town. Kongens Nytorv (Denmark’s largest market place) with a statue depicting Kristian V lies at the west end of the street. A few hundred metres from the market place, to the North West, lies Rosenborgs Castle which today houses a museum with the Crown Jewels of Denmark.

The Royal Castle Amalienborg was built approximately 1750 in Rokoko style. The castle consists of four buildings which are situated round an octagonal courtyard. At noon every day there is a changing of the guard.

The so called `free town´ Christiania, was founded as a sanctuary for people with an alternative life style in 1971. The newly built Opera on the Islet – designed by the architect Henning Larsen – is a modern architectural sight worth seeing.

SPORT

The successful football clubs FC Copenhagen and Bröndby IF are both based in Copenhagen. FC Copenhagen’s home arena is called the Park and is Denmark’s national stadium.

AIR SERVICE

Those who want to get out into the world have really come to the right place. In principal, it is possible to get to any part of the world from Copenhagen Kastrup Airport– the choice of international air service is enormous.