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Copenhagen, capital city of Denmark, is recognized as one of the world's most environmentally friendly cities. Over a third of its citizens cycle to work and Denmark is the world leader for installed wind energy per capita.
Dubbing Denmark 'the land of bacon, butter and beer' doesn't do justice to the delicious and healthy Danish staples, such as smoked fish and smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches). International gourmets laud Denmark's culinary scene and Copenhagen is home to one of the world's best restaurants Noma, winner of the prestigious award four times.
Spanning the islands of Zealand and Amager, Copenhagen is fast becoming Scandinavia's regional hub for culture and business, owing in part to its international airport - the largest in the region - and in part to the completion of the Øresund Bridge, which links Copenhagen to the Swedish city of Malmö.
What is special or unique about your city?
Copenhagen consists of a multitude of areas, each with its own charm, history and distinctive character. Together they make up a dense urban fabric. Though different, the areas have three features in common; the presence of water, parks and bicycle paths. Some of the areas are Vesterbro, Osterbro, Norrebro and Frederiksberg. Vesterbro used to be known as Copenhagen's working-class quarter and red light district. However, during the last ten years the district to the west of the Central Station has undergone a massive transformation.
Billions of Danish kroner have been spent cleaning and repairing many of the buildings to create Vesterbro's new café square, Halmtorvet, turning it into a must-go area. Copenhagen's new and trendy places are opening here. In what was formerly a slaughter house, art, food and cocktails have been united in an experimental café, restaurant and a bar. The district also houses a vibrant nightlife. Further down at the very end of Istedgade is another green oasis, Enghave Park. Rest your feet, play some sports or watch the kids play at the park playground. During the summer you will also find several free events taking place, like open air cinema and concerts.
On the doorstep of Copenhagen city centre, in green surroundings, is up-market Osterbro. Large four- and five-storey houses with large panorama windows, stucco and neo-classicistic decorations characterize the district. Osterbro is located north of Copenhagen city centre and offers large green areas, open spaces and proximity to the waterfront.
Copenhagen's landmark, the statue of Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid, sits at Langelinie - the stretch along the waterfront, right on the border of Osterbro and Copenhagen inner city. If you visit her, make sure you also go for a stroll around the citadel Kastellet, one of the best preserved fortifications in Northern Europe. It is constructed in the shape of a pentagram and owned by the Danish Ministry of Defence.
Frederiksberg is an independent municipality within the City of Copenhagen and has its own city council and mayor. Frederiksberg has a history of being a green and posh area and is still home to beautiful parks, luxury flats, lots of delis and high scale stores. Gammel Kongevej is the main shopping street in Frederiksberg. Along the street - on both sides - you will find shops back to back.
Today the very classy Frederiksberg Allé is still home to two theatres, a venue for live music and several bars. Frederiksberg Allé runs from Vesterbrogade to Frederiksberg Gardens. Frederiksberg Gardens is a big French baroque park at Frederiksberg Palace. In the summer time the park is very popular for sun bathing and picnics, or romantic trips in a row boat.
What are a newcomer's first impressions of your city?
Copenhagen is a clean and vibrant city and is well known for its bicycles; approx. 36% of all Copenhageners travel on bike to work or school.
Are these impressions likely to change?
Once you become adapted to the environment, and become familiar with the language you are likely to really enjoy Danish culture and everything that the city has to offer.
What is the local language?
The local language is Danish. However, English is commonly spoken as well. Some Danes also speak some German, French and/or Spanish. Some locals can also understand other Scandinavian languages.
How easily could I live in this city without knowing this language?
For as long as you would like, since many people here are able to communicate in English. However, it is always an advantage to know some phrases or words.
What are good things to remember in order to avoid offending the other residents of this city?
Informal tone
Most Danes value equality, cosiness, individuality and democracy. Danes' tone is informal in comparison with many other countries. Friends, family members and colleagues are addressed with the informal "you" and their first name. It is also normal to address managers by their first name. The informal tone is also found in the educational system, where students address their teachers on a first name basis.
Cosiness and humor
Cosiness is a very important part of what one could call the Danish mentality. It can be difficult to translate the Danish concept of "hygge" (cosiness), but you will quickly realise that it is closely related to feeling good about one another and that food and drink are often involved.
Humor is also a significant element, and for many Danes, humor involves a large serving of irony. It can be difficult to understand this irony to start out, but it is important to understand it if you wish to understand the Danes' mentality.
How might the local weather affect my daily life?
The climate in Copenhagen follows the four seasons of the northern hemisphere, but temperatures can vary considerably during the year.
July and August are normally the warmest time of year with an average temperature of 20 degrees Celcius and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. February is generally the coldest with an average of two degrees Celcius and 35 degrees Fahrenheit
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