If you’re planning a trip to Copenhagen, you’ll want to know all the interesting tidbits that make Denmark‘s capital city unique. From its impressive sustainability initiatives to its famous amusement park, there’s no shortage of fascinating things to learn about Copenhagen.

So sit back, relax, and let’s discover the top 23 fun facts about Copenhagen!

 

Facts on Copenhagen to Learn All About It

Ready to learn all about Copenhagen?

Facts are one of the best ways to learn more about something, and I personally love to read them! I’ve put together for you quite a bit of facts on Copenhagen; I’ve split them into 3 categories:

  • The most interesting facts about Copenhagen
  • Copenhagen facts for kids
  • General facts of Copenhagen

Let’s dive in straight away with our first category!

 

The Most Interesting Facts about Copenhagen Denmark

So that you learn the most important things first, I have put all the best Copenhagen facts at the top of the pile.

 
1. Copenhagen is one of the safest cities in the world

Denmark regularly appears in the rankings of the safest countries in the world. And so is Copenhagen: the city has even risen to the top spot of the safest cities in 2021 in The Economist magazine’s ranking.

 

2. Cycling is a religion in Copenhagen!

In Copenhagen, people cycle all the time, so much so that the number of bicycles exceeds the number of inhabitants and cars. With nearly 400 kilometers of bike paths, the capital city is home to no less than 40,000 cyclists per day, and more than 50% of Copenhageners cycle to work every day.

 

copenhagen denmark facts about cycling

 

3. Copenhagen is now one of the greenest cities in the world

For decades, the municipality has been actively tackling ecological challenges (which is why cycling is massively developed) with a goal to be carbon neutral by 2025. As a result, Copenhagen is considered one of the most progressive cities in terms of environmental issues.

 

4. Copenhagen has the best subway in the world

Copenhagen’s public transport is fast, efficient, and punctual.

Open in 2002, the metro has 4 lines and is fully automated. Its architecture and efficiency earned it the award of the best subway in 2010 and inspired the construction of metro lines in other cities like Brescia in Italy and Thessaloniki in Greece.

 

5. Working conditions are very pleasant

Working in Copenhagen is more pleasant than in many places. The salaries are high, gender equality is taken seriously, the workday usually ends between 4 and 5 pm and the welfare system is good.

It’s easy to understand why the city is so attractive to young workers.

 

6. A district of Copenhagen has its own flag and its own currency

In 1971, a group of squatters-hippies settled on an abandoned military base in the Christianshavn district of central Copenhagen. Over the years, they established their own community there and became Freetown Christiania, a city within a city, with its own laws, currency, flag, and even its own anthem!

 

copenhagen interesting facts about freetown christiania

 

7. Copenhagen Harbor is so clean that you can swim in it

Within a 30-minute drive from the city center, there are several sandy beaches to enjoy.

However, you can also swim in the harbor water as it’s clean enough for swimming. Even seals come up to town with their whiskers! If you’re looking for a more relaxing option though, there are several harbor baths available in Copenhagen, such as Islands Brygge or Kalvebod Brygge.

 

8. The Danish royal family lives in Copenhagen

Amalienborg Castle has been home to the royal family since 1794, following the burning of Christiansborg Palace. It’s a stunning 18th-century neo-classical complex of 4 identical buildings set around an elegant octagonal square a stone’s throw from the monumental Marble Church located in central Copenhagen.

 

fun facts about denmark copenhagen amalienborg

Amalienborg Castle

9. Copenhagen used to be a fishing village

It was originally a fishing village called Havn (port in Danish). At the end of the 12th century, Bishop Absalon – an advisor to the Danish king Valdemar the Great – settled and built fortifications on Slotsholmen, an island in the city’s inner harbor. As trade increased, it became known as Køpmannæhafn (merchant port) which Germanic translations shortened to København or Copenhagen.

 

10. Copenhagen was not only the capital of Denmark but also of Sweden and Norway

In 1416, Copenhagen became the capital not only of Denmark but also of Norway and Sweden. The 3 countries formed the Kalmar Union together, which lasted 150 years as an alliance against German expansion. It lasted until 1523 when Sweden decided to break the pact.

 

11. The famous Nyhavn canal was dug by Swedish prisoners of war

This very famous waterfront area in central Copenhagen lined with colorful houses, bars, cafes, and restaurants was indeed built under the rule of King Christian V from 1670 to 1673, dug by Swedish prisoners of war from the Danish-Swedish war of 1658-1660.

 

interesting facts about copenhagen denmark nyhavn

Nyhavn

12. Copenhagen has been devastated by the plague

In 1711, a third of Copenhagen’s population was swept away by the plague, killing 60,000 people. But the city experienced a golden age thereafter since its current old town got built, including the district of Frederiksstaden, and some institutions like the Royal Academy of Fine Arts.

 

13. The famous Carlsberg Brewery was founded in Copenhagen

The Carlsberg Brewery, one of the biggest beer producers globally, was established in Copenhagen in 1847 by Jacob Christian Jacobsen.

Today, you can tour the first brewery of the Danish brand situated in the southeast part of the city. This is a chance to learn more about the process of beer production and of course, indulge in beer tasting.

 

14. You can walk on one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in the world

If you’re visiting Copenhagen, it’s almost impossible not to come across Stroget, a famous street situated in the heart of the city.

It runs from Kongens Nytorv Square in the west to the City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen) in the east, and the streets surrounding it form the largest shopping district in the capital and the longest pedestrian street in Europe.

 

15. From Copenhagen, you can reach Sweden in less than 40 min

Copenhagen is connected to Malmö, Sweden’s third largest city, by the Øresund bridge-tunnel which can be crossed by train or car. This 16-kilometer-long bridge connects the European continent to Scandinavia in 36 minutes by train and 50 minutes by car.

Going to Malmö is in fact one of the most popular day trips to do from Copenhagen!

 

fun facts about copenhagen denmark oresund bridge

Oresund Bridge

16. It’s a lively city with a thriving cultural scene

The city boasts an incredible local scene that is expressed through various festivals such as Roskilde or Copenhell, showcasing not only music but also street art and design. Copenhagen is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, and it’s constantly buzzing with activity day and night, in all seasons.

 

17. Copenhagen is home to no less than 15 Michelin-star restaurants

Copenhagen has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in Scandinavia!

Noma, the city’s most renowned restaurant, is particularly acclaimed for its delicious Nordic cuisine, having been named World’s Best Restaurant an impressive 4 times. With this in mind, you can rest assured that you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options during your next stay in Copenhagen.

 

18. Copenhagen is the temple of design

For design, architecture, and interior decoration lovers, Copenhagen is heaven.

Simply take a walk around the city, as you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover a plethora of architectural gems and charming decor stores. Each store is more attractive than the last, and every street corner is bound to offer new surprises!

 

 

Copenhagen Facts for Kids

Of course, every fact in this list is suited for all ages. But kids have a very special thirst for knowledge, which is why I dedicated a whole part.

 

19. The Little Mermaid is the symbol of the city

The statue of the Little Mermaid from Hans Christian Andersen‘s masterpiece can be found sitting on a rock along the shores of the Baltic Sea to the north of the city.

This 1.25-meter bronze statue, weighing 175 kg, attracts millions of tourists each year and has become an undisputed icon of Copenhagen, even being recognized as a national monument.

 

little mermaid statue

 

20. The Little Mermaid’s author has lived in Nyhavn

The beautiful and colorful houses of Nyhavn have been home to many famous Danes, including author Hans Christian Andersen, who spent much of his life there. He lived first at number 20 and then at number 67 where there is now a memorial inscription.

 

21. Copenhageners place a high value on children

It’s almost impossible to walk around Copenhagen without seeing a baby carriage, a pregnant woman on her bicycle, or a little blonde head sticking out of a bicycle cart. It’s actually surprising: there are really a lot of children in Copenhagen.

 

22. Copenhagen hosts one of the oldest amusement parks in the world

Tivoli Gardens, which opened in 1843, is the second oldest amusement park in the world (after Bakken, also in Denmark). Some say that this park even served as an inspiration for Walt Disney to create Disneyland.

Tivoli Gardens continue to remain authentic while being a modern theme park and attracts a large number of visitors every year.

 

copenhagen facts for kids about tivoli gardens

 

23. Copenhagen hosts its own marathon since 1980

The Copenhagen Marathon takes place every year in May and attracts no less than 10,000 participants. The flat race is a loop: it starts and ends at Islands Brygge, crossing the old town and Frederiksberg.

 

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And we’re done with the 23 Copenhagen interesting facts! I hope you enjoyed them and that you learned something new today.

If you want to know more about the city, or Denmark in general, feel free to keep reading for more facts.👇

 

General Facts of Copenhagen

You’ll find below a few general facts of Copenhagen, to learn more about this Danish city:

  • Name: Copenhagen
  • Region: Copenhagen City
  • Province: Capital Region of Denmark
  • Land area: 183.20 km² / 70.73 sq mi
  • Population: 1,366,301
  • Name of inhabitants: Copenhageners (Danish or Danes)
  • Website: Copenhagen

 

More Facts!

If you want to learn more about Denmark, check out this other facts guide:

Or click here to see ALL the facts up on the blog! Spoiler alert: there’s A LOT of them.

 

Full List of the Best Copenhagen Denmark Facts

  1. Copenhagen is one of the safest cities in the world
  2. Cycling is a religion in Copenhagen!
  3. Copenhagen is now one of the greenest cities in the world
  4. Copenhagen has the best subway in the world
  5. Working conditions are very pleasant
  6. A district of Copenhagen has its own flag and its own currency
  7. The Danish royal family lives in Copenhagen
  8. Copenhagen Harbor is so clean that you can swim in it
  9. Copenhagen used to be a fishing village
  10. Copenhagen was not only the capital of Denmark but also of Sweden and Norway
  11. The famous Nyhavn canal was dug by Swedish prisoners of war
  12. Copenhagen has been devastated by the plague
  13. The famous Carlsberg Brewery was founded in Copenhagen
  14. You can walk on one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in the world
  15. From Copenhagen, you can reach Sweden in less than 40 min
  16. It’s a lively city with a thriving cultural scene
  17. Copenhagen is home to no less than 15 Michelin-star restaurants
  18. Copenhagen is the temple of design
  19. The Little Mermaid is the symbol of the city
  20. The Little Mermaid’s author has lived in Nyhavn
  21. Copenhageners place a high value on children
  22. Copenhagen hosts one of the oldest amusement parks in the world
  23. Copenhagen hosts its own marathon since 1980

 

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