x
Find out why Copenhagen is one of the most popular port cities in Europe.
From the time of the Vikings, Copenhagen has grown from a humble fishing village to a vibrant metropolis. Tourists today are always delighted to hear that Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen drew much inspiration for his fairytale world from the city of Copenhagen, where he penned The Little Mermaid.
Local Culture and Flavor
Lovers of Copenhagen revere the city as it stands today as a "fashion powerhouse," one of the most environmentally friendly cities on the planet and one that is beloved for its storybook townhouses, verdant parks, ancient cobbled plazas and pervasive, distinguished culture.
With a long history and the dozens of museums that document its heritage, Copenhagen is still a dynamic, trendsetting city. The movements its artists start in art and architecture echo around the world. While walking through its metropolitan areas, visitors are often wowed by the modernity of so many of its buildings and the chic sophistication of its citizens.
Past and Present
There is evidence to suggest that Copenhagen existed as a settlement more than 6,000 years ago. The first written record dates back to 1043 AD. It officially became a city in 1167. During the centuries that followed, it was transformed into a flourishing town, thanks largely to fishing and trading. In 1343, King Valdemar Atterdag made Copenhagen the capital of his kingdom.
There are famous Danes, both past and present, who have called Copenhagen home. Those from the past include Medieval warrior and city founder Bishop Absalon, philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, Nobel Prize-winning nuclear-physicist Niels Bohr and fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen.
Today, illustrious figures, from celebrities to filmmakers, continue to flock to fair Copenhagen. With nearly 2 million people living in the greater Copenhagen area, it is undeniably one of the most popular cities in the world for both travel and residency. It is also home to the Danish royal family and the seat of the Danish government.
Cruising The World
