There are a number of festivals, holidays and other events celebrated in Copenhagen each year.
The main ones are listed below.
On this day, thousands of flag-waving Danes flock to the square outside the Amalienborg Palace before noon to wish the queen a happy birthday. Following the changing of the guard, the royal family steps out onto the palace balcony to acknowledge the cheers of the crowd. Shortly thereafter, the Danish Royal Military guards parade through the city's streets on horseback, leading the royal couple in an open carriage.
May 1: Labour Day (national holiday)Danes take advantage of this work holiday by gathering in the 56-hectare (138-acre) Fælledparken in Copenhagen to enjoy picnics organized by the various trade unions, an opportunity to relax and have fun with colleagues.
May 5: Liberation Day (national holiday)Commemorates the end of the German occupation during World War II. In 1945, at the announcement of the liberation, many Danes placed lit candles in their windows. In remembrance, many elder people still honour this tradition every year.
May: Copenhagen Marathon (local event)Each year, runners from around the world compete in this popular event, which passes in front of many of the Danish capital's most beautiful landmarks and includes a large section along the waterfront. The course starts and ends in front of the Black Diamond, the extension to the Royal Library, where runners are cheered by throngs of spectators.
June 5: Constitution Day (national holiday)Commemorates the constitution signed on this day in 1849, under which the country became a constitutional monarchy, as well as the new constitution adopted on the same day in 1953. Many political meetings and ceremonies are organized, together with cultural events and celebrations, including concerts and other performances.
June 21-23: Sankt Hans Aften (Saint John's Eve, celebrated nationwide)Although June 21 is officially the summer solstice, Saint John's Eve on June 23 is considered as the actual midsummer eve in Denmark and is celebrated by sharing a feast with family and friends.
Second Friday in October: Culture Night (Kulturnatten - local eventFor this event, cultural institutions, arts venues, houses of worship and architectural treasures in Copenhagen open their doors to the public from 6 p.m. until midnight for exhibitions and guided tours. A single ticket provides admission to more than 300 museums, libraries, educational establishments, theatres, musical venues and churches in the Danish capital.
December 25: Christmas (national holiday)| Month | Min. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Max. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Average Rains (MM) | Best Time to Travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -2/28 | 2/36 | 46/1.8 | Not the best period to go |
| February | -2/28 | 2/36 | 30/1.2 | Not the best period to go |
| March | -1/30 | 5/41 | 39/1.5 | Not the best period to go |
| April | 2/36 | 10/50 | 39/1.5 | Not the best period to go |
| May | 7/45 | 15/59 | 42/1.7 | Not the best period to go |
| June | 11/52 | 19/66 | 52/2.0 | Good period to go
|
| July | 13/55 | 20/68 | 68/2.7 | Good period to go
|
| August | 12/54 | 20/68 | 64/2.5 | Good period to go
|
| September | 10/50 | 16/61 | 60/2.4 | Good period to go
|
| October | 7/45 | 12/54 | 56/2.2 | Not the best period to go |
| November | 3/37 | 7/45 | 61/2.4 | Not the best period to go |
| December | -1/30 | 4/39 | 55/2.2 | Not the best period to go |
The Copenhagen-Kastrup Airport is located about 8 kilometres (5 miles) south-east of the city centre, on the island of Amager.
Copenhagen is an easy city to get around. Its public transport options are all convenient, efficient and very reliable. In addition, Metro and bus fares are integrated: a two-zone ticket (covering all of central Copenhagen) costs DKK 24 and may be used on both Metro lines and all of the buses.
The Copenhagen Metro consists of two lines serving a total of 22 stations. Single tickets (DKK 24 for two zones) remain valid for 60 minutes from first use, with unlimited transfers during this period. City Passes are also available, offering unlimited use of the Metro and buses across four zones (thus including the airport) for 24 hours (DKK 80) and 72 hours (DKK 200).
Copenhagen's bus network offers extensive coverage of the city. Buses run at frequent intervals and serve all city districts. From 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., night buses (which all have a letter “N” before their numbers) run on the main routes. The single integrated ticket (DKK 24) is valid for both night and regular buses.
Copenhagen's blue-and-yellow harbour buses are a convenient mode of transport and a pleasant way to discover some of the city's most celebrated sights: the Little Mermaid, the Nyhavn canal, the Chistianshavn district and the Royal Opera House. The integrated two-zone ticket used on the Metro and buses and priced at DKK 24 is also valid for the harbour buses.
Taxis are easily available in Copenhagen. They are especially recommended for longer rides or at night. Basic fare is DKK 40 (DKK 60 between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.)
Do not hesitate and ride a bicycle around Copenhagen. It is assuredly the best and fastest way to get around the city! The city has been carefully thought for bike riders, almost every street offering a bicycle path. You can rent a bicycle starting DKK 110 per day.
Upon your arrival in Copenhagen, you can get in touch with local tourism professionals for further information and to help organize your stay.
Copenhagen Visitor ServiceOffers practical information and useful recommendations (accommodation, restaurants, public transport, festivals, cultural events, etc.).
The official website developed and maintained by VisitDenmark, the Danish tourist office, provides a wealth of information on Copenhagen.
The currency used in Denmark is the Danish Krone (DKK).
EUR 1 = DKK 7,46
DKK 1 = EUR 0,13
The above exchange rate is given for information because is variable.
See your doctor before you travel. It is also recommended to take out insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation before your trip. Copenhagen counts several hospitals and medical institutions, as well as quality medical practitioners and health specialists.
VaccinationsThere are no vaccination requirements for visitors to Denmark.
For more information, contact Air France's international vaccination centre:
There are no food safety risks in Copenhagen.
WaterTap water is safe to drink in Copenhagen.
For a stay of less than three months, travellers from the Schengen area, as well as those from the countries of the European Union not included in the area, need only be in possession of a national identity card or a passport valid for the duration of their stay in order to enter Denmark.
As a general rule, all other travellers are subject to visa requirements, although citizens of some countries may enter Denmark for a short stay of up to 90 days without a visa.
To find out whether you will need to obtain a visa for your stay, visit the website of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
http://um.dk/en/travel-and-residence/short-stay-visas/
To enjoy peace of mind during your stay in Copenhagen, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country.
Here are a few basic Danish phrases that will make your stay in Copenhagen a little easier:
Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon: Goddag
Good evening: Godaften
Goodbye: Farvel
Yes: Ja
No: Nej
No, thank you: Nej tak
Thank you very much: Mange tak
Please: Ville du være så venlig
I don't understand: Jeg forstår ikke
Could you repeat?: Kan du gentage
What time is it?: Hvad er klokken?
Sorry: Undskyld mig
Excuse me: Undskyld mig
Airport: Lufthavn
Train station: Station
Taxi: Taxa
Hotel: Hotel
Hospital: Hospital
Bank: Bank
Telephone: Telefon
I'm (…): Jeg er (…).
I'm looking for (…): Jeg søger efter (…).
How much is (...)?: Hvad er prisen på (…) ?
Do you have (…)?: Har du (…)?
Where can I find (…)?: Hvor kan jeg finde (…)?
Where can I buy (…)?: Hvor kan jeg købe (…)?
I'd like (…): Jeg ville gerne (…).
Tipping
In Copenhagen as in the rest of Denmark, all restaurant, hotel and taxi bills include a service charge. It is therefore unnecessary (but always appreciated) to leave any additional gratuity. However, if you are especially pleased with the service, it is customary to tip as much as 10% of the bill.
