Copenhagen Holidays & Holidays in Copenhagen - Denmark
Ask yourself this; when was the last time you went a day without seeing a car? We bet your answer is never, but believe it or not, this is exactly the kind of unusual experience you can find in a cultured Copenhagen holiday! For proof of this, travel to Christianshavn & Christiania area, where instead of cars, you can be transported by canal boat, hire a cycle or walk and take in the magnificent natural surroundings.
If, however, you wish to shop in a more conventional climate, you will find yourself at home in the Strøget, a 3.2km long pedestrianised street covering pretty much any product you may wish to purchase!
If culture is your bag, the Nationalmuseet delivers in the shape of relics dating back more than 3,500 years, chronicling the history of Copenhagen and Denmark. After you have seen the sights and soaked up the history, unwind outside at one of Copenhagen's many alehouses with a freshly brewed authentic beer, the production of which Danes are rightly proud!
Whatever you choose to do on holiday, Copenhagen will more than pamper to your needs!
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Where Is Copenhagen?
Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark, which itself is located in northern Europe between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.
The island of Zealand is where Copenhagen is situated, and is home to 1.7 million citizens, the largest city in all of Scandinavia.
Copenhagen Local History
A visit to Copenhagen on holiday unveils a complicated and motivated past, with a story to be told almost everywhere you look!
The city has changed dramatically over thousands of years; originally a humble fishing village, Copenhagen grew to be the capital of the Danish empire, and is now a prominent city with regards to the worlds fashion industry.
Here are a few facts to allow you to appreciate Copenhagen's rich past:
The first written records of Copenhagen are made in 1043, when the town was simply known as Havn (harbour). At this time, fishing of the plentiful herring in the Øresund river, the narrow stretch of water separating Denmark and Sweden, was the occupation of most of the inhabitants.
As the town moved forwards, Bishop Absalon was granted control of the city in 1167 by King Vademar. The Bishop is considered to be the founding father of Copenhagen, and Denmark's Baltic Empire.
In 1254, Erlandsen who at this point in time held power, creates the towns first charter, in order to win the support of local merchants for his power struggle with the King.
In 1479, Christian I is crowned first king of the city. He founds Copenhagen University in 1479.
The influential Lutheran Church of Germany exercises its power in Denmark, and convinces the Danish Church to split from Rome in 1526. Christian II and Catholics are exiled from Copenhagen. However, many people side with him and rise up against Christian III (who was appointed by Germany), creating Denmark's last civil war, Grevens Fejde (the Count's Feud 1534-6).
Christian III defeats the uprising, centralising his attack on Copenhagen, and Lutheranism remains the country's official religion, as it is today.
In 1596, Christian IV, known as the Architect King, comes to power, and brings sweeping changes to Copenhagen's landscape, commissioning the building of such famous sites as the Rosenborg Castle, the Round Tower, parts of Christiansborg Castle, and the Stock Exchange. However, this extravagance has a price, as Denmark foots the bill and is almost plunged into bankruptcy. Christians answer to this economical problem was to declare war on Sweden in order to invade them and plunder their land. Alas, the war was a major downfall for Denmark, as they lost much of their Empire during this period to the Swedes. This feud is the main reason for the historical rivalry between Danes and Swedes that still exists today.
The 18 th Century saw Copenhagen go through an unfortunate spell; first, there was a plague in 1711, and then 2 devastating fires in 1728 and 1795, which saw the city destroyed and new stone buildings replace the burnt out wooden ones.
The early 19 th Century (1801 – 1807) saw Copenhagen bombed by Admiral Nelson (1801) and the Duke of Wellington (1807), as the British did not want to see Denmark fall into the hands of the French.
The Second World War saw Hitler's troops land in the town of Kastellet on the 9 th April 1940, prompting the evacuation of 7,000 Danish Jews to Sweden. Denmark would be liberated by the British lead by Field Marshal Montgomery on the 4 th May 1945.
Fast forward to modern day Copenhagen, and we see the opening of the Øresund Bridge in 2000, connecting the town of Kastrup, Copenhagen to Malmo in Sweden. Copenhagen opens it's first metro line in 2002, and in 2007, it will be extended to Copenhagen airport, meaning central Copenhagen will be less than 20 minutes away on the metro, something to bear in mind if you plan to visit Copenhagen in the upcoming years!
Copenhagen Attractions & Sightseeing
For a thoroughly individual and unusual outing, we recommend a trip to the Christianshavn & Christiania area, where you can take a canal boat, walk or cycle around this car free zone. It is home to the Vor Frelsers Kirke (Our Saviour's Church), which, at 311ft, allows breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Inside, you will find the celebrated statues of Christ and the 12 apostles by sculptor Bertel Thorvaldensen.
The Øresund Aquarium Strandpromenaden of Helsingør – is a fabulous aquarium housing many species of fish and over 150 species of invertebrate from around the Zealand region. Uniquely, there is a special ‘Touch Aquarium' that allows visitors to handle certain animals whilst experts talk you through a synopsis of their natural living conditions.
Warmth and hospitality are prevailing in the Latin Quarter – situated around the site of the old University, sitting opposite the aforementioned Vor Frelsers Kirke. Here you will find plenty of cafes, bookshops, beer gardens and small market stalls selling local produce, all bristling with trade throughout the year, especially in summer.
Historical facts can be uncovered at the Nationalmuseet, which delves into the history and culture of Denmark, which is vast to say the least! It houses the biggest collection of Danish artefacts in the country, two of which are the famous Sun Chariot, which is more than 3500 years old, and the 3000 year old Danish horns (lurs).
Another place of historical note not to be missed is the Rosenborg Slot, once home to Christian IV and now a museum. Here you will find a multitude of regal artefacts from over the centuries; everything from the crown jewels, to Christian III's jewel-encrusted sword to the enchanting emeralds and pearls of the present Heir, Queen Margrethe II.
Copenhagen Shopping
The bustling city of Copenhagen offers its visitors a range of shopping temptations; from old antiques to tailored suits, all types of articles can be found here.
Journey to the consumer heaven that is Strøget, a 3.2km long pedestrianised street, with its quirky design stores and variety of independent and successful smaller outlets blended with high-street brands, or venture to Kronprinsensgade, home of cutting-edge Danish fashion, or Ravnsborggade for beloved antiques.
Look out for the spectacular Det Ny Illum, with its ornate glass dome and breathtaking interior, or the Magasin du Nord – which was Scandinavia's first, and still largest, department store, situated opposite the Royal Theatre. Both are as much artistically absorbing as they are grand shopping excursions!
Copenhagen Restaurants
Copenhagen does not shy away from it's reputation as being an expensive place to dine; the elaborate Kommandanten, Adelgade, is testament to this, as it is the only the Danish restaurant to be awarded two Michelin stars.
The Tivoli area of Copenhagen is home to many experimental eateries, such as The Paul, a lively branch of Café Ketchup and the swish Italian Café Ultimo. Elsewhere, Noma of Strandgade serves up modern food with a traditional Scandinavian angle.
If, however, you are not one of those lucky enough to be of the gold card elite, the district of Vesterbro serves budget ethnic food throughout its many eateries.
Copenhagen Cuisine
If you are in search of that most famous of authentic Copenhagen cuisine, smørrebrød (open sandwich) look no further than the superb Told & Snaps, which uses only the freshest ingredients for its concoctions. Also, try some of the regional, lean reindeer meat or traditional frikadeller (Danish meat balls).
Copenhagen Bars & Clubs
When it comes to drinking, the Danes do not shy away! A visit to the famous ‘mine field' area of north Strøget bears testament to this, with its lively party atmosphere day and night. Charlie's of Pilestræde and Den Tatoverede Enke of Gothers – gade both have an impressive selection of beers, whilst Ølbaren of the Elmegade region is a more simple affair, shunning imported and well know beers and ales for traditional ones in its large alehouse.
Tango may not be the first thing you expected to find in Copenhagen, but believe us, it's here, in the form of the vastly popular Q-House of Dance of Tivoli. Definitely not to be missed, if you enjoy dancing the tango this is the place to be; some night feature tuition for any novices interested.
For a tranquil and unusual way to end your evening, try the Base Camp. This bar is located on the island of Holmen overlooking its picturesque canal, the perfect scenario for a late night moonlit traditional beer.
Copenhagen Weather
Copenhagen's climate and temperatures vary considerably during the year, most noticeably during the winter period. July averages high temperatures of just below 20°C, whilst February is generally the coldest with an average of just below 0°C.
Cosmos Tourama Holidays in Copenhagen & Denmark
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