What is Copenhagen?
When ever I have travelled around the world I have met many people who do not know what Copenhagen or Denmark is. To the citizens of Copenhagen like me this is very amusing and a little insulting too .. we think it is – if not the center of the universe – at least the very important capital of the well known country of Denmark.
However, the truth is: Denmark is a very small country in Europe not well known to the people residing on other continents. I have learned that many have the misconception that Copenhagen is Dutch or that Sweden is the capital of Copenhagen. In fact a lot of people do not know where and what Copenhagen is, and a lot of people do not know where and what Denmark is.
If you are visiting this site and is interested in Copenhagen you might be interested in the basic fact about Copenhagen if you not already know:
Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark. Denmark is a country in Europe.
The confusion about Copenhagen might be a result of the many different ways to spell it: Kopenhagen, København, Kobenhavn, Koppenhagen … I have written a post on How to Spell Copenhagen
Where is Copenhagen?
So now that we have this set straight, you might ask: where IS Copenhagen then? Where is Denmark even?
I once met a woman in India who asked me – when I told her I was from Denmark – “How long does it take to walk to Denmark?”. From India it takes a h… of a long time to walk.
Copenhagen is located in Denmark. On the island called Sjælland. Denmark is a country in Northern Europe and is located just north of Germany. It is surrounded by the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.
So Copenhagen is not located in Holland or in Sweden. Copenhagen is not Dutch, neither is it the capital of Sweden nor is Sweden the capital in Denmark. Denmark is not Dutch. Dutch is related to the Netherlands – an area I will not try to make myself an expert in.
How do you spell Copenhagen? Is it Koppenhagen? Or Kobenhavn?
I understand that this can be a source of confusion. The name of this city can be spelled in numerous ways depending on who you are or what language you speak. So I have written a post on the spelling of Copenhagen. Or is it Kopenhagen or Kobenhavn ? Or even Koppenhagen?
Please, follow the link to get the answers:
How to spell Copenhagen
What to see in Copenhagen Denmark and what to do?
This is what this site is mostly about. Read more in my post and have a look around. Maybe you will find some info about Copenhagen and might want to visit some day.
The Lakes
The Lakes in Copenhagen is often referred to as the lungs of Copenhagen. It is a row of five artificial lakes surrounding the inner city. They span the intire city from Vesterbro, through Nørrebro to Østerbro. Along the shores is…
The Royal Library Garden
Between Christiansborg Castle and The older Royal Library is a hidden gem: a secluded garden with a beautiful fountain, flowers and benches. On a sunny day in September there are flowers in abundance and many people peacefully enjoying the…
Christiansborg Palace area
The area around Christiansborg Palace rewards the visitor with an abundance of historic buildings in neo-baroq, rococo and neo-classical styles. If you are lucky your visit might coincide with a work out of the horses from the Royal Stables behind…
The Botanical Gardens in the fall
The Botanical Gardens (also known as Botanisk Have in Danish) in the center of Copenhagen is a special experience when the leaves of the trees turn golden and the light is low in the fall. In the old garden from…
Kastellet (the Citadel) – now that you are already at the little mermaid
The Citadel in Copenhagen is right next to the Little Mermaid. Many feels that the Little Mermaid is a disappointment. However, if you make the whole area around the mermaid your destination it is a worthwhile expedition. The harbour, the…
King’s Garden
King’s Garden in Copenhagen is considered one of the city’s most beloved parks. It surrounds the Rosenborg Castle with well kept lawns, old trees and secluded flower gardens. https://youtu.be/Q7VSnMBF7Vk The fountain in the center of the garden is a pretty…
Explore more things to do in Copenhagen