Copenhagen and Denmark

Today, visitors to Denmark will find a country that is peaceful, introspective, neutral and egalitarian. This is the epitome of a modern, civilized society, one especially noted for its progressive policies, widespread tolerance and a liberal social welfare system.

From the spirited nightlife and lively cafe and music scene of its capital, Copenhagen, home to world-renowned museums and cultural activities (not least the splendour of the Tivoli Gardens), to a countryside that abounds in Renaissance churches, medieval castles and 18th-century fishing villages, Denmark is a synergy of harmonious relationships.

City Overview

Canals, lakes and the sea form the backdrop to modern

Copenhagen and are reminders of the city’s heritage as a major Baltic port. This role is also reflected in the city’s name,

København, a corruption of købmannehafen or merchants’

harbour. The city’s foundation dates back to 1167, when Bishop Absalon built a bastion on the island of Slotsholmen, today the site of Christiansborg Palace and the Danish parliament. In 1417, the city became the royal capital of a huge swathe of Scandinavia that included not just Denmark but parts of Sweden and Norway.

Many of Copenhagen’s most impressive buildings were

constructed during the celebrated reign of Christian IV (1588–1648). Existing monuments of the monarch’s grand

building schemes include the Børsen (Stock Exchange), the Rundetårn (Round Tower) and the Palace of Rosenborg. In the following centuries an outbreak of plague, two terrible fires and military attacks by the Swedes (in the 17th century) and the British (in the 19th century) caused widespread damage to the city. The central area of Copenhagen is therefore characterised by 17th-, 18th- and 19th-century architecture – buildings constructed on the foundations of the medieval streets.

Modern Copenhagen is the largest city in Scandinavia but nevertheless retains a disarmingly provincial, small-town atmosphere that is instantly appealing. Gabled houses, narrow  streets and a skyline that is dominated by delicate spires rather than hulking skyscrapers are all typical of the city. Copenhagen is also, arguably, the greenest capital in Europe – much of the centre is reserved for pedestrians, strict anti-pollution laws are enforced and bicycles often outnumber cars on the streets.

Green spaces (including the world-famous Tivoli) abound,

while, in the summer, cafés and restaurants occupy the

pavements. The citizens of Copenhagen seem justifiably proud of their attractive, well-kept city and enjoy a quality of life that they are keen to share with visitors from other countries.

Copenhagen boasts theatres, museums and a lively, surprisingly cutting-edge nightlife scene. Danish cinema is increasingly making its mark on the international film circuit and Danish furniture, technology and jewellery remain at the forefront of contemporary design. The best the country has to offer can be experienced in the capital city, where design studios rub shoulders with ultra-hip bars, and modern architecture boldly occupies the space between 17th-century buildings, military installations and the sea.

A road bridge (7.8 kilometer) to Sweden, completed in 2000, is helping to make Copenhagen a key focal point for Scandinavia, the Baltic and the rest of mainland Europe.
Oresund Bridge official homepage >>
Wikipedia on Oresund Bridge >>

Good to know

Languages
Dansk (Danish) is the national language but almost all Danes speak some English. Those involved in the tourist industry will have impeccable English and are likely to speak German as well. The Danes are used to communicating in other languages and seem perfectly willing to do so. English is used in a variety of situations throughout the city and may be the language of choice for establishments catering to a predominantly international or young and cosmopolitan clientele.

English-Danish-English online dictionary >>

Currency Exchange

The Danish currency is the Kroner (DKK) which is divided into 100 oere. 1 DKK = 0.1343 EUR (April 2008)

More on danish money >>

Oanda quick currency converter >>

Visas
You do NOT need a visa for Denmark for business, personal visits or tourism if you are:
 

• a citizen of a Nordic country
• a citizen of an EU country
• not staying more than 90 days
• not doing any paid or self-employed work in Denmark 

Citizens of other countries may need a visa. Please contact your travel agent or the nearest Danish diplomatic post for further information. If you should need a visa, please apply early enough to allow sufficient handling time to the authorities. A visa obtained for Denmark entitles for entry into Sweden if necessary. You may ask the Organising Secretariat for an official letter of invitation (proof of registration required).

Climate and Clothing
The climate in Copenhagen is a mild maritime one but may

rapidly vary considerably. Winters are cold and cloudy, but

summers are warm and sunny. In June, it is usually warm and sunny with daily temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C. Night temperatures may range around 10°C to 12°C.

The weather in Copenhagen right now >>

Electricity
Denmark, like most other European countries, uses 240 Volt/50 Hz AC current. Plugs are European standard. Plan to bring an adapter plug and even a transformer for your personal appliances.

Telephones
For calls to Denmark, use the international code +45. There are no regional codes. Calls from Denmark follow international standard dialling rules.

Insurance and Liability

It is recommended that participants obtain adequate cover for travel, health and accident insurance before they depart from their countries. EULAR and MCI as organisers cannot accept responsibility for personal injuries, or loss of, or damage to, private property belonging to the congress participants and accompanying persons.

Shopping
Most shops are open on Monday to Friday from 09:30/10:00 to 17:30/18:00/19:00 and on Saturdays from 09:00 to 15:00/16:00. On Sundays, an increasing number of bakeries, florists, kiosks and souvenir shops are open.

In addition, shops at the Central Railway Station (Hovedbanegården) are open until late in the evening as well as on Sundays.

Time
Denmark follows Central European Time (CET) which is GMT +1 hour in winter and GMT + 2 in summer.

Tipping
Service is normally included in restaurant, hotel and taxi bills, so any further tip should only be given for exceptionally good service. It is not uncommon, however, to round up the bill.

Also see

Getting around in Copenhagen >>

Excursions >>