Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark is Scandinavia's most fantastic city, and part of the most dynamic region in Northern Europe, the Oresund Region. The city is one of Europe's oldest capitals with a royal touch - the Danish monarchy being the oldest in the world!
Copenhagen was founded in the years 1160-67 by Bishop Absalon (1128-1201), who was at that time the counsellor for King Valdemar I. It was King Valdemar I that gave Absalon the task to build a city on the east coast of Zealand to protect trade on the Sound (Oresund). In the years 1160-67, Bishop Absalon built a little fortress on the Isle of “Slotsholmen” to protect the new city. This was the first step to found the Danish capital Copenhagen. From a small fishing village that hardly anyone had ever heard of to a position as the dazzling capital of the Danish Empire and to its current position as one of the world's most talked about as well as sung of cities is a colourful history. There are evidence that Copenhagen existed as a settlement more than 6,000 years ago, but its first written record dates 1043 AC. Copenhagen, in those days called "Havn" meaning the Harbour, was of little strategic or political importance. In the next two centuries fishing and trading turned the small fishing village into a flourishing town.
The weather in Copenhagen is mild through all the four seasons. Summers bring temperatures averaging around 68°F (20°C), while in mid-winter temperatures hover just above or below zero. Rainfall is moderate too, but spread throughout the year, so showers are possible in any season. Grey skies are the norm rather than the exception in Copenhagen.
Denmark has a successful economy, with a low rate of unemployment. Employees enjoy good working conditions and a high standard of living and union involvement in negotiations of pay and conditions is the norm. It has a strong agricultural sector, particularly in northern parts of the country, as well as high tech industries. The country is self-sufficient in energy and is a leader in sustainable energy, with much of the country's power needs being met by offshore wind turbines and other ecologically friendly measures. Along with foodstuffs, energy is one of the country's key exports.
The education system is organised in four levels. Preschool starts at the age of 6 after kindergarten . Basic education is compulsory in Denmark. Compulsory education starts in the year of a child’s 7th birthday and lasts for 9 years. The general upper secondary education is more academic oriented and results in a High School Degree, which qualifies the student for admission to universities and other higher education institutions. Higher education in Denmark is largely financed by the state, which finances the programmes irrespective of whether they take place at state or self-governing institutions. The University of Copenhagen is the largest educational institution in Denmark. Together, the eight faculties offer over 200 programmes for study in health sciences, humanities, law, life sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, science, social sciences, and theology.
Copenhagen's public transport is exceptionally safe, reliable, clean and inexpensive. The Metro, buses and trains in the city and surrounds operate on a one-fare system, where tickets are valid for all three types of transport with no extra cost for transfer. The Metro runs from Vanlose Station to Lergravsparken in East Amager, to Orestad in West Amager and to Frederiksberg. Buses are yellow and bus stop clearly marked with matching yellow signs. Copenhagen is well supplied with licensed taxis, operated by five different companies. Taxis display a lighted sign when they are for hire, and can be flagged down anywhere. A favourite mode of transport for locals and visitors is the bicycle, and the city has cycle paths and routes along all major streets. Cycle taxis, similar to the rickshaws operating in the Far East, have also been introduced and are popular with visitors. Traffic is usually congested in the city centre and a car can be a liability rather than an asset. The city has a complicated colour-coded zone pay parking system in operation during business hours.
The Helligandskirken along Stroget is the oldest church in the city dating back to the fourteenth century. The Skt Nikolai Kirke also began its life as a place of worship, but this has now taken a back seat with its role increasingly being as an exhibition hall and cafe. Further along the Stroget is the Guinness World of Records Museum a real family-puller. Out of the Indre By area lies the Gothersgade to the north; marking the border with the old city and its medieval beginnings. East lies the Habour area where both aristocracy and museums have found their home. The Rosenborg Slot is worth a look through the area. Further up along the water’s edge and close to the Oslo ferry port, lies the home of one of the most famous Danes of the past, Hans Christian Andersen.
The picturesque historic Nyhavn Canal, dating from 1673 when it was built to connect the inner city to the sea, is today colloquially known as the ‘longest bar in Scandinavia’. This is because the pretty pastel-painted old townhouses that line the canal are fronted with numerous restaurants, pubs and cafes, full of action and entertainment 24 hours a day. The canal itself is crammed with old wooden sailing ships, adding to the atmosphere.
Tivoli's unique downtown location makes it an ideal venue for shopping, dining, and having fun, close as it is to the Copenhagen hotels and the shopping and cultural hot spots of the old city. For the past decade the Copenhagen’s magical amusement park has opened for the Christmas season in an extremely festive guise to provide an unforgettable yuletide experience for hundreds of thousands of visitors. Not only are many of the park’s famous rides open for business during the Christmas fun run, but there are the added attractions of thousands of fragrant Christmas trees, miles of fir garlands, candles and electric lights, a skating rink, elves everywhere, Santa Claus of course, and four Christmas market ‘villages’ where shoppers can find an array of presents in Nordic Village, Alp Village, Forest Troll Town or Old England. Several musical and theatrical productions are offered in the Park’s indoor entertainment venues and restaurants serve up traditional Christmas fare.
