Canals, lakes and the
sea form the backdrop to the modern Copenhagen
and are a reminder of the city’s heritage as a major Baltic
port. This role is also reflected in the city’s name,
København, a corruption of købmanne
hafen 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. During 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. Christian IV was responsible
for Copenhagen’s canal network and for the development of
Christianshavn – an island across the inner harbour –
as a focus for trade and shipping in the city.
In the following centuries, an outbreak of plague, two terrible
fires, 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 with 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 are all typical of
the city. Copenhagen is also, arguably, the greenest capital in
Europe with much of the centre reserved for pedestrians, strict
anti-pollution laws are enforced and bikes 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 parts of the
world.
Copenhagen boasts theatres, museums
and a lively, surprisingly cutting-edge nightlife scene. Danish
cinema is 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 the 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 to Sweden, is helping to make Copenhagen
a key focal point for Scandinavia, the Baltic and the rest of mainland
Europe.
The climate in Copenhagen is a temperate maritime one and generally
very changeable. Winters tend to be cold and cloudy but the summers
are warm and sunny. Snowfalls are common from January to March and
the wettest season is over the autumnal months of August and October. |
