Copenhagen

Copenhagen (København) is Scandinavia’s largest city, with a population of around one million people. Denmark’s capital attracts tourists throughout the year, who enjoy the combination of Scandinavian tradition and impressive innovation.

København is located on the island of Zealand, and experiences very distinct seasonal weather. The Winter months are often very cold and blustery, whereas July and August can reach much warmer temperatures.

The currency in Denmark is the Danish Krone. There are roughly 11DKK to £1, and around 7DKK to 1Euro. Danish, which has Germanic roots, is the primary language. However, English is taught in schools, which means that many Danes, particularly young people, have a grasp of the language.

Attractions

The most popular tourist attraction in Copenhagen (and perhaps even Denmark) is Den Lille Havfrue - the little mermaid statue, which perches on the shore in the harbour of Langelinie. The four foot high bronze statue has been the national symbol of Denmark since it was sculpted almost a hundred years ago, in 1913, by Edvard Eriksen. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale of 1837, the statue attracts around one million visitors every year.

The city centre’s Tivoli Gardens continue the fairy tale theme. Established in 1843, the gardens offer a unique magical and romantic atmosphere, with their coloured lanterns and sparkling lights. In the summer, Tivoli hosts a number of theatre and musical performances. In winter months, the gardens offer outdoor ice skating on a frozen lake. The fun park also has several rollercoasters, fair rides, amusements and restaurants.

Copenhagen is unique in its combination of modern and historical architecture. This diversity is highlighted by the exhibitions of The Danish Design Centre, located on Andersens Boulevard, near the town hall square. A visit to the Danish royal family’s city centre winter residence, the Amalienborg Palace, is a must when taking in the city’s architecture. The stunning Rococo facades overlook a vast stone square, where the change of the royal guards can be seen daily at midday.

If the deluge of culture is taking its toll, take time out to visit the Carlsberg Brewery. The visitors’ centre is a short walk from the centre of Copenhagen, and is easily recognised thanks to the immense stone statues of the Carlsberg trademark elephants. The tour gives an insight into the brewing process, and finishes in the bar with free beer samples. The Swedish town of Malmo, 18 miles from Copenhagen, is popular for day trips. Traditional quaint squares, cosy wooden-decked eateries and Swedish craft stores offer a taste of the neighbouring country.

Shopping

For serious shoppers, there is only one place to head in Copenhagen – Stroget, the longest pedestrianised shopping road in Europe. Denmark’s capital is a city which doesn’t take fashion lightly. Its annual Fashion Week rivals Paris and Milan’s. Independent boutiques neighbour designer fashion stores and stylish restaurants. Fashion houses such as Prada, Karen Millen, Louis Vuitton and Cerutti have stores in the city.

Clothes aside, Copenhagen boasts an array of beautiful handcrafted ceramics, glassware and furniture. If it is handmade original designs which appeal, be sure to visit the indoor Design Market on Fridays and Saturdays on Sturlasgade 14. Located in a building south of the centre, the event is a showcase for talented Danish designers. Stalls sell clothes, jewellery and furniture.

Nightlife and Eating Out

Nyhavn is the area to go for Copenhagen’s nightlife. A host of cosy restaurants and bars can be found behind the brightly coloured facades of the tall buildings on the waterfront. This is the oldest part of the city’s harbour, and offers after-dark entertainment for all tastes.

The picture postcard setting is ideal for an early-evening drink of locally-brewed Carlsberg beer, watching the tall sails of the bobbing boats. The restaurants also have a relaxed atmosphere, with a casual dress code. Fish is a speciality, and most of the dishes are meat-based. Dumplings and broths are also popular.

Bars and clubs in Copenhagen often moonlight as restaurants and cafés by day, but by the early hours of the morning, clubbers fill the dance floor. Most nightspots are open until 5am. Two of the city’s most popular clubs, Vega (Enghavevej 40) and Rust (Guldbergsgade 8) are world-renowned for their top class DJs.

Tourist Information

Tourist information centre – Copenhagen Right Now is opposite the main entrance for Tivoli Gardens: Vesterbrogade Copenhagen, Sjælland, Denmark.Bernstorffsgade 1, DK-1577 København VPhone: +45 7022 2442Fax: +45 7022 2452www.visitcopenhagen.dk

Airport

Copenhagen Airport is very modern and is the busiest airport in Scandinavia. It is very convenient for the city centre, just eight kilometres south east from the capital, in a town called Kastrup. Direct flights from the airport are available to 132 destinations throughout the world.