Introduction to Copenhagen

Copenhagen consistently scores top marks in world rankings for its livability, enterprise, gastronomy and sustainability skills, and is an internationally recognized knowledge hub for key industries. It is a frequent top-scorer on the UN World Happiness City Index too and, in short, a very popular place to both live, work and visit.   

Saving on heaps of experiences within culture, entertainment, gastronomy, shopping, sports, and more, and steeped in history, this city is both sensible, youthful, effervescent and innovative at once. People come to enjoy its local authenticity and air of freedom, equality and diversity, the Copenhagen way. Copenhagen has a long-standing tradition of embracing green solutions and behaviour, which led to the creation of the CopenPay initiative—a program that rewarded tourists for climate-friendly actions.

• Originally a Viking fishing village established in the 10th century in the vicinity of what is now called Gammel Strand, Copenhagen became the capital of Denmark in the early 15th century.  
• The population of the Copenhagen area is approximately 1,378,649 (in all of Denmark, it is 5,995,464).  
• In addition, Copenhagen is the 2nd largest city in Scandinavia, extending over an area of 90 km².  
• It is the focal point of the cross-border Øresund Region, the Nordic region's largest metropolitan region.  
• The city is the cultural, economic, and governmental centre of Denmark, one of Northern Europe’s major financial centres, and home to key global players within e.g., ITC, pharmaceuticals and cleantech.
• Currently, the Social Democrats sit in the Mayor’s office, with Lars Weiss as Copenhagen’s Lord Mayor.  
• Its modern public transportation system features metro lines, extensive bus routes and an easy-to-navigate train network. Visitors may take advantage of buying a Copenhagen Card for free access to public transport as well as to sights and attractions in and around the city.  
• Copenhagen Airport is also the main air hub in the Nordics, and the city’s metro system is connected to the airport too.
• Easy to get around, naturally, Copenhagen is voted the world’s most cyclist-friendly capital. Every day, the locals cycle an astonishing average of 1.4m km on the city’s 388 km of bike paths and cycle superhighways.   
• The capital also holds a position on the Global Liveability Index Top 10 (for best living conditions). As late as 2024, Copenhagen was ranked in 2nd place and is an increasingly popular city break and meeting destination amongst local and foreign travellers alike.  
• In 2024, Copenhagen was awarded a total of 26 Michelin stars across 15 restaurants at the Michelin Guide Nordic Countries revelation and in 2022 Copenhagen-based restaurant Geranium held the position as the best restaurant in the world, while Brian Mark Hansen, the winner of the unofficial world championship of cooking Bocuse d'Or in 2023, is head chef at Søllerod Kro located just north of Copenhagen.