landmark
Tivoli Gardens
One of the world's oldest amusement parks, opened in 1843, blending fairy-tale gardens, rides, and performances in the heart of Copenhagen.
0 km · about 5 min drive
Capital Region, Denmark · Europe
Copenhagen works well as a base: 10 minutes from Vanløse, 1km from Christiansborg Palace.
Copenhagen is a major city located in Capital Region, Denmark. With a population of 1,153,615, it is one of the largest urban centers in Europe.
On a road trip, Copenhagen sits in Denmark, where you drive on the right. It's in the Europe/Copenhagen time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Copenhagen to your route.
Copenhagen (Danish: København [kʰøpm̩ˈhɑwˀn] ) is the capital and most populous city of both the country of Denmark and the wider Kingdom of Denmark, with a population of 671,714 people in the municipality and 1.4 million in the urban area. The city is situated mainly on the island of Zealand (Sjælland), with aRead more
smaller part on the island of Amager. Copenhagen is separated from Malmö, Sweden, by the Øresund strait. The Øresund Bridge connects the two cities by rail and road.
Settled as a Viking fishing village in the 10th century in the vicinity of what is now Gammel Strand, Copenhagen became the capital of Denmark in the early 15th century. During the 16th century, the city served as the de facto capital of the Kalmar Union and the seat of the Union's monarchy, which governed most of the modern-day Nordic region as part of a Danish confederation with Sweden and Norway. The city flourished as the cultural and economic centre of Scandinavia during the Renaissance. By the 17th century, it had become a regional centre of power, serving as the heart of the Danish government and military. During the 18th century, Copenhagen suffered a devastating plague outbreak and urban conflagrations. Major redevelopment included the construction of the prestigious district of Frederiksstaden and the establishment of cultural institutions such as the Royal Theatre and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. The city became the centre of the Danish slave trade during this period. In 1807, the city was bombarded by a British fleet during the Napoleonic Wars, before the Danish Golden Age brought a Neoclassical look to Copenhagen's architecture. After World War II, the Finger Plan fostered the development of housing and businesses along the five urban railway routes emanating from the city centre.
Since the turn of the 21st century, Copenhagen has seen strong urban and cultural development, facilitated by investment in its institutions and infrastructure. The city is the cultural, economic, and governmental centre of Denmark; it is one of the major financial centres of Northern Europe with the Copenhagen Stock Exchange. Copenhagen's economy has developed rapidly in the service sector, especially through initiatives in information technology, pharmaceuticals, and clean technology. Since the completion of the Øresund Bridge, Copenhagen has increasingly integrated with the Swedish province of Scania and its largest city, Malmö, forming the Øresund Region. With several bridges connecting the various districts, the cityscape is characterised by parks, promenades, and waterfronts. Copenhagen's landmarks, such as Tivoli Gardens, The Little Mermaid statue, the Amalienborg and Christiansborg palaces, Rosenborg Castle, Frederik's Church, Børsen, and many museums, restaurants, and nightclubs are significant tourist attractions.
Copenhagen is home to the University of Copenhagen, the Technical University of Denmark, Copenhagen Business School, and the IT University of Copenhagen. The University of Copenhagen, founded in 1479, is the oldest university in Denmark. Copenhagen is home to the football clubs F.C. Copenhagen and Brøndby IF. The annual Copenhagen Marathon was established in 1980. Copenhagen is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world. Movia is a public mass transit company serving all of eastern Denmark except Bornholm. The Copenhagen Metro, launched in 2002, serves central Copenhagen. Additionally, the Copenhagen S-train, the Lokaltog (private railway), and the Coast Line network serve and connect central Copenhagen to outlying boroughs. Serving roughly 2.7 million passengers a month, Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup, is the busiest airport in the Nordic countries.
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Discover famous landmarks, scenic roads, and more near Copenhagen.
Copenhagen offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
Plan your road trip to Copenhagen with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Copenhagen as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.
Copenhagen is located in Capital Region, Denmark, Europe. The coordinates are 55.6759 latitude, 12.5655 longitude.
Copenhagen has a population of approximately 1,153,615 people, making it a major city in Denmark.
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Essential numbers in Denmark
Dipped headlights required at all times.
Full driving guide for Denmark8 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
One of the world's oldest amusement parks, opened in 1843, blending fairy-tale gardens, rides, and performances in the heart of Copenhagen.
0 km · about 5 min drive
castle
The seat of the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court, and Prime Minister's Office on the islet of Slotsholmen: a power centre for over 800 years.
1 km · about 5 min drive
cafe
Denmark's oldest confectionery, serving layer cakes and hot chocolate in the same Copenhagen rooms since 1870. The 'sportskage', whipped cream, nougat and choux: has been on the counter since 1891.
1 km · about 5 min drive
castle
The home of the Danish royal family, four identical Rococo palaces around an octagonal courtyard with the daily changing of the guard.
2 km · about 5 min drive
landmark
Bronze statue on the Copenhagen waterfront depicting Hans Christian Andersen's famous fairy-tale character.
3 km · about 5 min drive
landmark
One of Europe's oldest zoos dating to 1859, known for its Norman Foster-designed elephant house.
3 km · about 5 min drive
coastal drive
The classic coast road north from Copenhagen to Elsinore along the Oresund shore, passing Bellevue Beach, whitewashed villas, fishing harbours and the Louisiana museum. Denmark's most stylish Sunday drive.
11 km · about 20 min drive
photogenic
Old skipper town on Amager 12 km from central Copenhagen: 350 protected mustard-yellow, thatched houses along cobbled lanes by a working harbour. Locals' favourite evening stroll that most visitors to the capital never find.
11 km · about 20 min drive
May to September
Far northern latitude: short daylight hours outside summer make long drives harder.
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