Copenhagen City Guide Business Tourist Travel Information

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Copenhagen History & Overview

It is thought that Copenhagen’s origins date back to the 9th & 10th century called Havn (Danish for harbour) was established. ) By the 12th century’s it had developed significantly and was acquired by the Bishop of Absalon. Historians attribute 1167 as year Copenhagen was founded when the port was fortified. It subsequently became a important trading port and commercial centre. To reflect this it was renamed Copenhagen – Copen being the Danish word for commerce. In 1254 it was officially given the status of a city. Between 1658 and 1659 Swedish forces unsuccessfully laid siege to the city.

In 1801 the British Navy under Admiral Parker attacked the Danish Navy in the city’s harbour. When ordered to stop the attack Lord Nelson put his telescope to his blind eye so as to ignore the order. The British returned in 1807 and used cannon to bombard the city erasing it to the ground and killing hundreds of people. In the mid 19th century .the city was expanded and new homes were built around the lakes

By the beginning of the 20th century the sprawling city had incorporated lone towns such as Frederiksberg in its path. In April 1940 Nazis troops occupied the city and remained there until May 1945. The city has grown dramatically since WW2 and is now a populated metropolitan area. In 2000 the 4km straight of sea between Copenhagen and Malmo Sweden was breached by the Oresund Bridge and Tunnel. The connection provides both travellers with option of rail and road transport though the uptake of the latter is lower than expected due to high tolls. Some shops now accept Danish or Swedish currency.

Sightseeing & Attractions In Copenhagen 

Thorvaldsen Museum Copenhagen, Beterl Thorvaldsens Plads 2  This Museum is dedicated to the work of a single artist, Bertel Thorvaldsen. Thorvaldsen was a Danish Icelandic sculptor who is revered as one of the countries national treasure’s.  Most of his work took place in the 19th century and he spent the majority of his working years away from Denmark, in the Italian capital of Rome. The structure was built between 1838 and 1848 with the funds coming from a generous public collection. The majority of his art is designed in a neo-classical style.   Amongst the main features are masterpiece Marble statues and paintings of Ancient Greek and Egyptian antiques.   They are Open 10 am to 5 pm. Entry 40 DKK but free on Wednesday’s. website http://www.thorvaldsensmuseum.dk/  

Rundetarn, Copenhagen Kobmagergarde 52 A 1150  - Rundetarn is a 17th century Tower. The architectural style of this Round structure is Baroque. the construction took five years from 1637 and 1642.  It was one of many projects undertaken by Denmark’s   17th century king Christian IV.  It’s initial use was as an Astronomical observatory and   its contemporary use is as an observation Tower. In 1902 a Beaufort Car became the first motor vehicle to  ascend the Tower. In more modern times Thomas Olsen set a world record time of 1 minute 48.7 seconds when he cycled round the building on a Unicycle in 1989. The library Hall which is located above the Church is often utilized for musical concerts and Cultural exhibitions. website http://www.rundetaarn.dk/ 

The Amalienborg Palace Amalienborg 1257 Copenhagen The palace is the winter home of the Danish Royal Family. It is regarded as an outstanding example of Rococo architecture first built in the mid 18th century. Originally built as Town Mansions for Copenhagen’s socially well heeled it was bought by the Danish Crown in 1794 and transformed into four palaces. There is a daily ‘Changing of the Guard’ ceremony at noon.website http://www.copenhagenet.dk/cph-amalienborg.htm

The National Gallery Statens Museum for Kunst Sølvgade 48-50 1307 Copenhagen Locally known as the Staten’s Museum for Kunst, near the Botanical Gardens has a Danish and European air about it. Its collection of paintings and drawings, accompanied by sculptures span 700 years. website.http://www.copenhagenet.dk/cph-map/cph-gallery.asp

Tivoli Gardens in the centre of the city near City Hall Square is one of Copenhagen’s most popular attractions especially for families. Established in 1874 as a open air pantomime theatre it now also serves as am amusement park – with a three loop roller coaster (the Demon) and the Golden Tower which will bring you back to earth faster than you may think! The open air stage regularly offers classical music and ballet with rock concerts on fridays. Hungry visitors have the choice of 30 restaurants and not all hamburgers. All set in a very garden like setting. More info see website  http://www.tivoli.dk/composite-3355.htm

Restaurants In Copenhagen

Det Lille Apotek (Store Kannikestræde 15; Tel: 3312 5606) at nearly 300 years of age is thought to be Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant. This moderately priced establishment – once frequented Hans Christian Andersen – offers traditional Danish cuisine in a very relaxed quaint atmosphere enhanced by the leaded windows and wood panelling. The house specialty is ‘Stone Beef’ which diners can cook themselves on a lava stone. The menu also offers a good choice of schnitzel, steaks and sea foods. Another decently priced establishment is Cafe Sorgenenfri ( 8 Brolæggerstræde; Tel: 3311 5880 ) which opens from 11am 8pm. It is popular with locals and can be very busy at lunchtime. Good beer and a decent sandwich is the order here, but in spite of its informality you may need to book!

Tyvenkokkenhanskoneoghendeselsker! locally know as ‘Tyven’ ( Magstr. 16, Tel: 3316 1292 ) is a contemporary restaurant with a reputation for slightly off the wall seven course meals. Baked cod in coffee apparently is not uncommon! Though a little adventurous the quality of food is good and the combinations are refreshingly successful. The desserts are even more intriguing. Not open lunch times..

Cafe Ketchup ( Pilestr. 19, Tel: 3332 3030) also offers patrons decent food and reasonable prices. In some ways it is a little ‘bohemian’ especially in the cafe area. Here the fare includes spring rolls, smoked salmon or cod. Early birds can also sample their brunch’ which includes yogurt, toast, turkey and bacon up until 1pm. The restaurant area offers more traditional food – the marinated duck with sun dried tomatoes and fennel salad is not to be missed..

For an exceptional treat Husmanns Vinstue ( Larsbjørnsstr. 2, Tel 3311 5886 ) should not be missed. This 120 year old restaurant is situated in a building that is nearly 300 years old. With thick wooden tables and a low ceiling It is a rare example of what eating out in Copenhagen use to be like. This establishment which is only open during the day specialises in herring dishes whether curried, fried marinated or spiced. Other options include an excellent roast beef and potato salad or smoked eel with scrambled eggs. Walt Disney is one of its former patrons. Another excellent restaurant only open during the day and is Iva Davidsen ( Store Kongensg. 70, Tel 3391 3655 ) which is often frequented by the famous. It is renowned for its smoked duck and horseradish-spiked cabbage salad. If the ‘HC Anderson’ sandwich which combines bacon, liver pate and tomatoes is anything to go by all their sandwiches are fairy tales!

Noma ( Strandgade. 93, Tel 3296 3297) has established itself as one of Copenhagen’s leading restaurants. Essentially the food is Scandinavian but in a broad context. The Jutland lamb and Scallops from the Faroe Islands are accompanied by a selection of herbs, wild berries and exceptionally fresh vegetables. Frankly patrons are spoilt for chance and the seven course meze menu is the answer!. If you can withstand this temptation (many can’t) there is an excellent ‘a la carte’ menu as well. Expensive but well worth it.

Krunch (Oresundsvej 14, Tel 3284 5050) primarily offers organic food of a high quality in a family friendly environment. Fare includes both meat and vegetarian main courses in a four course menu that reflects the seasonal produce. Contemporary with a French bias. 

Visitors to Tivoli in the summer are  spoilt for choice but  Promenaden (Vesterbrogade 3, Tivoli; Tel: 3375 0770 ) is one to consider. This two floor establishment includes a bar and a cafe , sausage bar and sandwich bar. The last two are very fairly priced. The cafe offers a good choice of international food including steaks, pasta and barbecue spare ribs. Open from midday to midnight.

Clubbing In Copenhagen

Like many Scandinavian cities, Copenhagen can be very expensive to doss in. Most bars in particular seem to have a very high mark up on wine and in some of the more plush establishments the cocktails prices can seriously damage your credit card if not your health.

For our detailed clubbing guide for Copenhagen with club reviews please follow this link 

Crime & Personal Safety & Security in Copenhagen Denmark

Crime in Copenhagen is low. Visitors may be the targets of pickpocket and occasionally bag snatchers especially in the summer.

Cautionary Note Re The Christiania “Free State” In Copenhagen