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Copenhagen

Visit Copenhagen

Copenhagen is the harbor capital where copper spires meet the clean lines of modern design. You are driving through a city of neon lights and historic canals that flow right past the glass walls of new libraries. This is a place to ditch the highway and explore a network of bridges and secret harbor spots. Get yourself near the docks to jump onto a wooden ferry or walk the old ramparts that once protected the city center.

The view from the top of the Round Tower shows a sea of orange rooftops and a horizon of giant offshore wind turbines. From here you can follow the harbor roads to find the colorful 17th-century townhouses and old wooden ships of Nyhavn. The route north takes you past the Little Mermaid statue resting on her rock and the royal residence where guards march in tall bearskin hats every noon. The city lanes are filled with artisan bakeries selling buttery pastries and local coffee to the morning crowds.

The Reffen district has transformed old industrial halls into a massive playground for food lovers and artists. Driving toward the historic naval base reveals quiet residential canals and the famous spiral steeple of Christianshavn. Local life here is all about the balance of city energy and the calm of the public gardens. Forget the GPS for a moment and let the harbor be your guide because this city is built for those who love to wander.

Top sights to visit

  • Nyhavn Waterfront Walk along the most famous canal in the city to see the bright houses and historic wooden ships docked at the quay. This 17th century harbor is a perfect spot for a photo or a quick lunch of traditional rye bread sandwiches.
  • The Little Mermaid & Kastellet Stroll the star shaped fortress grounds before visiting the iconic bronze statue that sits on a rock at the water's edge. The surrounding park is filled with old cannons and a traditional red windmill.
  • The Round Tower (Rundetårn) Climb the unique spiral ramp of this 17th century observatory for one of the best 360 degree views of the city center. It was built for astronomers and still houses a working telescope at the very top.
  • Reffen Street Food Explore this massive outdoor market located in an old shipyard where dozens of food stalls serve global flavors from shipping containers. It is the best place to catch a sunset over the water with a drink in your hand.
  • The Black Diamond Library See the striking modern extension of the Royal Library made of shiny black granite that leans over the harbor water. The glass bridge inside offers a quiet place to look out at the busy boat traffic in the canal.
  • CopenHill Power Plant Visit this world class piece of architecture that features a year round ski slope on the roof of a clean energy plant. You can hike the trail to the top for a panoramic view or watch skiers fly down the green turf.
  • Freetown Christiania Enter this unique autonomous neighborhood to see colorful murals and hand built houses tucked away in the old city ramparts. It is a car free zone known for its creative spirit and peaceful lake paths.
  • The Cisterns (Cisternerne) Go deep underground into these former water reservoirs that have been turned into a dark and atmospheric art museum. The damp stone caves under the city park create a hauntingly beautiful setting for modern light installations.
  • Superkilen Urban Park Drive to the Nørrebro district to see this vibrant public space filled with objects and designs from over 60 different countries. The bright red and black striped floors make it one of the most unique photo spots in the city.
  • The Opera Park Discover this green island oasis hidden right next to the modern opera house featuring themed gardens from around the world. It includes a massive underground parking garage and a greenhouse café for a quiet break.

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History of Copenhagen

Copenhagen began as a small Viking fishing village in the 10th century known as "Havn" or Harbor. By 1167 the city took its first big step when Bishop Absalon built a stone fortress on the island of Slotsholmen to fight off pirates. This turned the village into a "Merchants' Harbor" where wealth flowed in from the herring trade and the busy Baltic Sea lanes. In 1416 it officially became the capital of Denmark and the royal seat of power for the whole region.

The golden age arrived in the 1600s under King Christian IV who was a master builder with a grand vision. He created iconic spots like the Stock Exchange and the Round Tower which you can still drive past today in the heart of the city. Despite surviving the Great Fire of 1728 and the bombardment of 1807 the city kept growing beyond its old stone walls. In the 1850s those walls were pulled down to create the lush green parks and lakes that now define the modern city layout.

While the Little Mermaid watches the modern cruise ships glide by, the bones of the Viking Age still rest deep beneath the cobblestones. The old naval dockyards have become creative hubs like Reffen and the ancient palace ruins sit directly beneath the modern parliament. From the red brick walls of the old citadel to the massive steel bridges, the history here is about staying connected to the sea. Copenhagen remains a place where the past is not just preserved but is used to build a faster and brighter future.