Copenhagen: 18 Interesting Facts You Might Not Know

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark (a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe bordering the Baltic and the North Sea). There’s probably a lot that you might not know about this city, but today my aim is to change that.

Here are 18 Interesting Facts You Might Not Know About Copenhagen

1, Copenhagen is the largest city in Denmark with an estimated population of 1.4 million (in it’s urban area). More than 2 million people call the city’s metropolitan area their home. Almost one third of Denmark’s population (5.8 million) live here.

2. Copenhagen is famous for its vibrant biking culture, earning its reputation as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities globally. The city boasts an impressive network of cycling infrastructure, including 400 kilometers (248.5 miles) of bike lanes.

It comes as no surprise that a significant portion of the population relies on bicycles for transportation. In fact, according to data from Copenhagen Municipality, approximately 120,000 individuals utilize the cycle bridges over the canals every day. This strong emphasis on cycling underscores Copenhagen’s commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly transportation options.

3. One of Copenhagen’s iconic landmarks is “The Little Mermaid” statue. Based on the fairytale by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, the statue sits on a rock by the water’s edge at Langelinie promenade. 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.

4. The city was originally a fishing village called ‘Havn’ and it wasn’t until the late 12th century when Bishop Absalon, an advisor to Danish King Valdemar the Great, moved in that the city’s name changed.

Fortifications were built around the emerging city and as trade continued to grow in the area it became known as København (or Copenhagen in English).

5. The city has become known as a foodie heaven in recent years, but something that may surprise you is the fact there are 15 Michelin-star restaurants. 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.

6. Copenhagen is home to two of the oldest amusement parks worldwide. Tivoli, situated in the heart of the city, holds the distinction of being the second oldest. It is often credited with inspiring Walt Disney in the creation of his own theme parks.

Tivoli celebrated its 175th birthday in 2018. On the other hand, Bakken, located north of Copenhagen within a charming deer park, proudly holds the title of the oldest amusement park in the world.

7. In 1416, Copenhagen not only became the capital of Denmark but also served as the capital of Norway and Sweden.

This unique circumstance arose when the three nations joined forces to establish the Kalmar Union, a strategic alliance aimed at countering German expansion. The union endured for 150 years until 1523 when Sweden decided to secede from the alliance, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of the region.

8. Copenhagen’s Carlsberg Brewery (which was established in 1847) is not only renowned as one of the most popular brewery museums globally but also holds the distinction of hosting the world’s largest collection of unopened beer bottles.

This impressive assortment of bottles was initiated by Danish engineer Leif Sonne in 1968 and has found its permanent home at Carlsberg. With a current count exceeding 20,000 bottles, the collection stands as a testament to the passion and dedication of its curator and offers visitors a remarkable glimpse into the world of brewing history.

9. The Øresund Bridge, spanning 10 miles, was finished in 2000, enabling Copenhageners to conveniently travel from the Danish capital to Malmö in Sweden. Each year, thousands of passengers utilize the train service, while over six million vehicles are estimated to cross the bridge, facilitating smooth transportation and fostering connections between Denmark and Sweden.

10. According to CNN, Copenhagen is the world’s best city when it comes to swimming thanks to its urban beaches and waterfront swimming areas in the harbour.

11. Copenhagen has emerged as one of the world’s leading green cities, thanks to its persistent efforts in addressing ecological challenges. The city’s municipality has taken proactive measures, including extensive development of cycling infrastructure, to combat these issues.

With an ambitious target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2025, Copenhagen stands out as one of the most forward-thinking cities when it comes to environmental concerns. Its proactive stance and commitment to sustainability have positioned it as a global leader in the pursuit of a greener future.

12. Copenhagen’s public transport system, particularly its metro, is known for its speed, efficiency, and punctuality. The fully automated metro, which opened in 2002, consists of four lines and has garnered recognition as the best subway in 2010.

Its success has also influenced the construction of metro lines in other cities like Brescia in Italy and Thessaloniki in Greece. Overall, Copenhagen’s public transport is highly regarded for its architectural design and operational excellence.

13. In 1971, squatters-hippies settled on an abandoned military base in Copenhagen’s Christianshavn district. They created Freetown Christiania, a unique self-governing community within the city. Christiania has its own laws, currency, flag, and anthem, making it a distinctive and independent enclave in Copenhagen.

14. Amalienborg Castle in central Copenhagen has been the royal family’s residence since 1794. It is an exquisite 18th-century neo-classical complex consisting of four identical buildings surrounding an elegant octagonal square. The castle’s location near the impressive Marble Church adds to its allure and significance as a landmark in the city.

15. Stroget, a renowned street in Copenhagen, is a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. Located in the heart of Copenhagen, it stretches from Kongens Nytorv Square in the west to the City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen) in the east.

The surrounding streets make up the largest shopping district in the city and Stroget itself holds the distinction of being the longest pedestrian street in Europe. It is a vibrant and bustling hub that attracts visitors with its array of shops and lively atmosphere.

16. Copenhagen is a city that exudes a vibrant local scene, brought to life through an array of festivals like Roskilde and Copenhell. These events go beyond music, also celebrating street art and design.

The city strikes a perfect balance between tradition and modernity, creating a captivating atmosphere that buzzes with activity day and night, throughout all seasons. It’s a place where cultural richness and contemporary energy blend harmoniously, offering visitors a dynamic and engaging experience.

17. 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.

18. Copenhagen is known for its contemporary design and architecture. It has a blend of historic buildings and modern design landmarks, including the Royal Danish Opera House, the Black Diamond (extension of the Royal Library), and the Copenhagen Opera House.

Well, there you have it, 18 interesting facts you might not have known about Copenhagen. If I’ve left out something important, feel free to comment below.

Check out the drone footage below to get an idea of how the city looks and the vibe it has going:

Watch this space for updates in the Facts category on Running Wolf’s Rant.

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