About Copenhagen
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City of Copenhagen
When enjoying the opportunities to learn and network at ESGO 2020, you’ll also have the chance to explore the delights of one of Europe's oldest capitals, Copenhagen. The city is full of historic landmarks, significant buildings and interesting sights and museums.
Welcome to Copenhagen!
History
Copenhagen was founded in 1167 by tough-as-nails Bishop Absalon, who erected a fortress on Slotsholmen Island, fortifying a small and previously unprotected harbourside village. After the fortification was built, the harbourside village grew in importance and took on the name Kømandshavn (Merchant’s Port), which was later condensed to København.
In 1376 construction began on a new Slotsholmen fortification, Copenhagen Castle, and in 1416 King Erik of Pomerania took up residence at the site, marking the beginning of Copenhagen’s role as the capital of Denmark. A lofty Renaissance designer, Christian IV began an ambitious construction scheme, building two new castles and many other grand edifices, including the Rundetårn observatory and the glorious Børsen, Europe’s first stock exchange.
In 1711 the bubonic plague reduced Copenhagen’s population of 60, 000 by one-third. Tragic fires, wiped out large tracts of the city, including most of its timber buildings. However, the worst scourge in the city’s history is generally regarded as the unprovoked British bombardment of Copenhagen in 1807, during the Napoleonic Wars. The attack targeted the heart of the city, inflicting numerous civilian casualties and setting hundreds of homes, churches and public buildings on fire.
Copenhagen flourished in the 19th and 20th centuries, expanding beyond its old city walls and establishing a reputation as a centre for culture, liberal politics and the arts. Dark times were experienced with the Nazi occupation of the city during WWII, although the city managed to emerge relatively unscathed.
Tourist attractions
Tivoli Gardens - the amusement park, small fairy tale village, you'll find it right in the heart of Copenhagen
The Little Mermaid - the city's attraction n.1 and symbol of Copenhagen. According to a legend, the home of all mermaids was the Mermaid Banks in Øresund - the very same place where is today the Copenhagen's most famous attraction. The fairy tale is a tragic story of a mermaid, the youngest daughter of a sea king, who wants her soul to have an eternal life, like humans have. Mermaids live only 300 years, and then they turn into sea foam. The Copenhagen's Little Mermaid has been sitting on her rock since 1913.
The Blue Planet - the Northern Europe's largest aquarium
The National Museum - learn about Danish culture and the world's history from the tough Vikings until the 1900s and today's modern society.
Amalienborg Palace - the winter residence of the Danish royal family includes the four different palaces
The Hirschsprung Collection - an incredible collection of art collected by Heinrich Hirschsprung, a tobacco manufacturer, who came to fill his home with fabulous Danish works from the 1800s and the Danish Golden Age.
Bakken - the worlds oldest amusement park established in 1583
Other attractions: Copenhagen Zoo, The Tycho Brahe Planetarium, The City Hall Tower
Useful links
The Copenhagen City Card
This is a 1, 2, 3 or 5-day tourist pass that gives you access to museums, public transport, tours... Click here for more information.
The Tourist Information Office
Address, opening times, and services provided by the Tourist Information can be found here.
Copenhagen transportation
For the map of Copenhagen's public transport network (TCL) please click here
How to get to and from the airport can be found here.
What to see and do in Copenhagen
It contains a list of places that are really worth visiting (restaurants, sightseeing, shopping...):
