The Danes rank among the happiest people in the world, and Copenhagen shows you why.
Copenhagen is an energetic design capital that mixes royal history, culture, and modern architecture with sustainability, trendy living, and impressive Nordic cuisine. Constantly evolving, it is one of the world’s most eco-friendly and developed cities.
Copenhagen sits on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager and is linked to Malmö in southern Sweden by the Öresund Bridge. Indre By, the historic centre, contains Frederiksstaden, an 18th-century Rococo district. Nearby is Christiansborg Palace and the Renaissance-era Rosenborg Castle, home to the crown jewels.
The Amalienborg Palace, made up of four identical buildings, is the official residence of the Danish royal family; Margrethe II, the current Queen of Denmark, ascended to the throne in 1972. The Palace was constructed in the 1700s and is considered one of the greatest works of Danish Rococo architecture.
Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s old harbour, best recognized for its colourful renovated 18th-century townhouses that line the river, while classy restaurants and cosy cafés add to the appeal. A heritage harbour, Nyhavn shelters historical wooden ships at its docks and the Memorial Anchor commemorating the fallen soldiers in World War II.
Copenhagen is divided into equally loveable neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct look and feel, from gritty Refshaleøen to stylish Frederiksberg. A recent mega-project illustrating the green transition in Copenhagen is the city’s new neighbourhood, Nordhavn, located in the northern part of the harbour.
It’s no coincidence that Copenhagen streets are dominated by biking adults and children of all ages. Named the world’s best bike city, since the 1960s Copenhagen’s mobility has centred on biking as a smart, safe, and healthy way of getting around, even in the dead of winter.
Nørrebro is a melting pot of all things delicious and vibrant. As Copenhagen’s most culturally diverse neighbourhood, it is home to thriving creativity and street culture, where independent shops line the streets and sharma is a staple.
Copenhagen proudly ensures that no city-dweller lives further than 8 minutes on foot from a green zone. These green spaces include urban parks, gardens, walking and cycling trails and even an ancient theme park with plenty of greenery.
Denmark’s National Museum exhibits artefacts from the Viking Age, with a large collection of ethnographical, classical, Eastern, and Danish antiquities. It also exhibits the well-preserved remains of the Huldremose Woman, dating back to the 1st century.
The Little Mermaid – Inspired by the famous children’s fairy tale created by Hans Christian Andersen, The Little Mermaid is one of Copenhagen’s most famous tourist attractions and tells the story of a young mermaid who fell in love with a young prince on land.
** This post forms part of my 100x Magical Places series which offers an introduction to my favourite destinations.
** Pics sourced on Pixabay.
