Karl WP Beyer Copenhagen on the Øresund is the capital of the Kingdom of Denmark. The city with a population of more than 630.000 (as of 2020) is located in the east of Denmark on the island of Zealand. The tranquil-looking metropolis is known far beyond Denmark's borders for the bronze figure of the Little Mermaid or the Tivoli amusement park.
The bronze figure of the Little Mermaid
Of the current 5,82 million inhabitants of Denmark, almost 1,3 million people live in the greater Copenhagen area. That is almost a quarter of the Danish population.
Copenhagen - history
The city's foundation goes back to 1167. The name was originally Køpmannæhafn, which meant merchant harbor. In the following period, the inhabitants became prosperous through trade. In 1254 Copenhagen was granted city rights. In the years 1362 and 1368, the city was destroyed by the rival Hanseatic League in the two Waldemar Wars. After the reconstruction, Copenhagen became the royal residence in 1416. The city has been Denmark's capital since 1443.
Bishop Absalon rendered services to Denmark
The economic, scientific and cultural center of Denmark
The metropolitan area is the economic and technological center of Denmark. Well-known companies such as breweries, shipping companies, pharmaceutical companies and IT companies operate from Copenhagen. Despite its remote location, the city is the country's most important transport hub. Copenhagen, together with the neighboring Swedish cities of Malmö and Lund, forms the Öresund region. It is considered to be one of the most business-friendly areas in the world.
The waiting hall of Copenhagen Central Station
The Royal Theater at Kongens Nytorv
The city is a science location as well as the seat of several prestigious universities and colleges. Cultural lighthouses are the Royal Theater on Kongens Nytorv, the modern opera house on Holmen, the new theater on the harbor and the cube of the concert hall in the Orestad district. The number and variety of museums are overwhelming.
Tourist destination of importance
Copenhagen is one of the most important northern European cities. The cityscape offers a delightful mix of historical and modern architecture. Extensive green areas and parks invite you to relax on nice days, and in the east the city borders the Øresund. The combination of urban life with successful urban architecture and an attractive landscape make Copenhagen a pleasant place to stay.
Rosenborg Castle - Surrounded by parks
Copenhagen for cruise tourists
In 2019, the city welcomed more than 940.000 cruise tourists. They arrived with 348 ships. Cruise ships dock at three cruise terminals. The Langelinie Terminal and the Nordre Toldbod Terminal offer berths close to the city centre. The Cruise Terminal Oceankaj is much further away from the center. The three-berth quay is located about eight kilometers away from the historic Copenhagen City Hall or the main train station.
Cruise ship at Langelinie quay
Especially when the ships are only a few hours in the city, passengers appreciate the short distances offered by the Langelinie Terminal and the Nordre Toldbod Terminal in Copenhagen. The city is easy to explore on your own, not least thanks to good transport routes. Under Copenhagen attractions let's call the main attractions of the city.
Updated Aug 2023