Things to Do in Copenhagen

Immortalized in print as the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the imposing fortress perched on the northeastern shores of Zealand, is often better known as its literary alter-ego, Elsinore, and is one of Denmark’s most visited attractions. With its dramatic seafront location and towering Renaissance façade, it’s easy to see why Shakespeare was inspired by Kronborg Castle (Kronborg Slot) and in 2000 the magnificent royal abode also became a UNESCO World Heritage site. Although its history dates back as early as the 1420s, the present day Kronborg Castle was built in 1585 by Danish King Frederick II and expanded by Christian IV in the early 17th century. Despite being looted by the Swedes in 1658, the later addition of defensive sea walls and a moat elevated Kronborg to one of Europe’s most impregnable strongholds.

Few fortresses hold the power to amaze and impress quite like Copenhagen’s Kastellet. This stunning five-pointed structure was built in 1662 and houses one of the most incredible examples of this style of architecture in the country. Travelers who venture into the emerald grounds will find well-preserved barracks, a small chapel and even a moat. And while the grounds are lovely to explore, visitors say views of the iconic Little Mermaid, Marmorkirken and the cobalt-colored harbor add another level of beauty to this landmark that’s worthy of the journey. Travelers will likely find tourists and locals biking, walking and picnicking at this scenic destination.

Since being taken over by squatters in 1971, Copenhagen’s Christiania neighborhood has become the city’s most infamous district, a self-proclaimed independent state, home to around 1000 permanent residents and notorious for its legal cannabis trade. The unique community was founded by a group of freethinkers, who have run the tax-free, self-governed commune for over 40 years.

Located in an abandoned military barracks, many of the free city’s houses were built by the residents and decorated with colorful murals and sculptures, making the district a vibrant cultural hub and a popular attraction for tourists. Visitors are welcome to stroll the streets of Christiania, take a guided tour led by local residents or relax at the area’s cafés, bars and live music venues, but be careful to follow the self-dictated rules of the area, which include not taking photographs or videos, refraining from using mobile phones, and strict enforcements of anti-violence and hard drug policies.

A pristine Renaissance palace in the middle of a lake that has been repurposed as the National History Museum is a fairytale look into the past. Frederiksborg Slot was constructed for King Christian IV from 1602 - 1620 and was the site of Danish royal coronations through 1840. Today, it offers a look into the historical splendor of knights, royalty and national honor, along with royal furnishings and elegant gardens.

This spectacular former fortress is spread out over three small islets on a lake. The lush Baroque interiors feature gilded ceilings, magnificent tapestries, paintings and antiques in more than 70 rooms available for public viewing. The Knights Hall and the Coronation Chapel are not to be missed attractions. Take a stroll outside along the lake for picturesque views of the castle and enjoy a longer walk through Slotshaven, the expansive beautiful gardens north of the castle, if you have more time.

The Rundetårn (or 'Round Tower' in English) is perhaps the best place in Copenhagen to enjoy panoramic views of the city’s skyline with its fairytale old town and many spires. The observation deck is located 35 meters (115 feet) above street level, offering an expansive view of inner Copenhagen.

The tower was built by King Christian IV, the famous architectural innovator of Denmark, to be an astronomical observatory. A wrought iron lattice runs along the edge of the platform, featuring Christian IV’s monogram. The Rundetårn was mentioned in two Hans Christian Andersen fairytales and is commonly used as a metric to compare heights of buildings in Denmark.

The Carlsberg Brewery was established in 1847 by J.C. Jacobsen. The visitor's center showcases the history of Danish beer and has dioramas to illustrate various processes involved with brewing.

After a self-guided tour in the museum you walk through a garden and stables with Jutland dray horses. In the courtyard there is a smaller replica of the Little Mermaid Statue that Carl Jacobsen commissioned for Copenhagen. You can enjoy an authentic glass of beer in the brewery, as well as some traditional Danish food. There's also a giftshop for souvenirs with Carlsberg insignia for beer connoisseurs.

Contemporary art enthusiasts will find plenty to challenge their perceptions at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Denmark’s leading museum of modern art, where innovation and creativity meet head on. A short journey from Copenhagen, the museum occupies a dramatic setting on the shore of the Oresund Sound, with its modernist façade surrounded by an idyllic seafront sculpture park – both the work of Danish visionary Knud W. Jensen.

Behind the glass-fronted exteriors, the museum harbors a vast permanent collection of over 3,000 modern and contemporary works, dating from the post-WWII era to the present day. This is one of the largest modern art collections in Scandinavia, featuring significant pieces by Picasso, Warhol, Rauschenberg and Giacometti, alongside works by Henry Moore, Francis Bacon, Louise Bourgeois, Jean Arp and Max Ernst.

The National Museum of Denmark is the country's largest cultural and historical museum, providing visitors with a broad variety of displays, from national treasures such as the prehistoric Sun Chariot to Egyptian mummies and an original hash stall from nearby Christiania.

Exhibits cover over 14,000 years of Danish history, showcasing Danish culture and heritage with a large collection of objects. It is possible to learn about the reindeer hunters of the Ice Age, the importance of religion in medieval Denmark and the Viking, who have a major exhibition dedicated to them thanks to Queen Margrethe. Other notable items include copies of the Golden Horns of Gallehus, the Gundestrup cauldron, the Egtved Girl coffin and the Kingittorsuaq Runestone. Visitors can also see a large collection of coinage and currencies from the Vikings, Rome and many other cultures.

With a history dating back to 1859, Copenhagen Zoo is one of the oldest zoological gardens in Europe and one of the country’s top tourist attractions. The animal inhabitants of the 11-hectare park span all corners of the globe, including rhinoceros, giraffe, zebra and lions, alongside a number of rare and endangered species like red pandas, polar bears and amur leopard.

Visitors can marvel at local wildlife in the dedicated Nordic area, where reindeer, muskox, brown bears and grey wolves can be found; watch hippos swimming from an underwater lookout in the Hippopotamus House; interact with farm animals, reptiles and snakes at the petting zoo; or climb the 43.5 meter high observation tower, for expansive views over the surrounding city and parklands. Additional highlights include the Elephant House, designed by legendary British architect Sir Norman Foster to house the zoo’s Asian Elephant breeding program.