Köpenhamn

Köpenhamn, known in English as Copenhagen, is the capital and largest city of Denmark. It lies on the eastern shore of the island of Zealand and partly on Amager, facing the Øresund strait. The municipality has about 800,000 residents, while the wider urban area accommodates roughly 1.3 to 2 million people depending on the definition used.

History and government: Köpenhamn emerged as a medieval fishing town and became the Danish capital in the 15th century. It is the seat of the national government, with Christiansborg Palace housing the Danish Parliament and the Prime Minister’s offices, the royal residence at Amalienborg, and several ministries. The city is part of the Capital Region of Denmark and is governed by its own municipal council.

Economy and culture: The city functions as a major port, financial center, and hub for design, information technology, and life sciences. It is known for a high standard of living, extensive bicycle infrastructure, and ambitious sustainability goals. Copenhagen supports a vibrant cultural scene with theatres, museums, and a renowned culinary sector, including the influence of the New Nordic cuisine movement.

Sights and transport: Notable landmarks include Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, The Little Mermaid statue, the Round Tower, and City Hall. The National Museum and royal palaces are within the city. The Øresund Bridge links Copenhagen with Malmö, Sweden. The city is served by Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup) and a comprehensive metro and S-train network, with strong cycling and public transit usage.

Education and climate: Major universities include the University of Copenhagen and Copenhagen Business School. Köpenhamn has a temperate oceanic climate, with mild winters, cool summers, and precipitation throughout the year.