Monday, June 10, 2024

Copenhagen, Denmark: Top Attractions

View from a hilltop, overlooking a lake and buildings in Copenhagen, Denmark.
There are countless things to do in Copenhagen, from historical landmarks to top sites and major attractions. Yet, it is really impossible to cover every place unless it’s a free-and-easy sightseeing trip in Copenhagen, stretching maybe to a week or so. Logically, though, touring Copenhagen means sticking to the top sites. It may also involve heading to Norway from Denmark, which means that within two days, all the main Copenhagen attractions can be covered (COPENHAGEN DENMARK WHAT TO DO). 

These top attractions are not a waste of time; they bring a full experience and highlight the most meaningful sites in Denmark (CHANDIGARH INDIA TOP SITES). 

Ancient wooden cart of Carlberg, as the display in the brewery, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Top Tourist Spots in Copenhagen
Carlsberg Brewery, Copenhagen
No trip to Copenhagen is complete without a visit to Carlsberg Brewery. This legendary brewery shaped Copenhagen into a top destination for travelers. Carlsberg Brewery is more than beer. It tells a story of history, modernization, and its global reputation as a leading beer brand.

Located in Vesterbro, just west of the Copenhagen city center, the brewery is easy to spot with its classic building and iconic signboard. The Carlsberg Brewery tour takes an hour plus. It starts at the ground floor showroom, where Carlsberg beers and souvenirs can be purchased. The tour then moves through sections showcasing the founders, early brewing methods, and modern beer production. Horses and historic vehicles highlight the brewery’s legacy.

 

The tour concludes in the courtyards, opening into a garden area. Coupons can be exchanged for Carlsberg beers or soft drinks. Relaxing with a drink in the garden completes the Carlsberg Brewery experience, making it a must-do activity in Copenhagen.

Statue of King Frederick V on horseback, at the heart of Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Amalienborg Palace
Amalienborg Palace is the official residence of the Danish royal family and one of Copenhagen’s must-see attractions. Walking into the spacious side square, it feels like Amalienborg Palace is welcoming with open arms, surrounded by four identical buildings arranged in an octagon.

 

Words cannot describe the surreal feeling of standing in front of the statue of King Frederick V on horseback, at the heart of Amalienborg Palace, a symbol of the royal family’s heritage in Copenhagen.

 

Apart from the square, there are things to see in Amalienborg Palace, including:


Changing of the Guard
Taking place daily at scheduled times, the Changing of the Guard is when the Royal Guards march all the way from Rosenborg Castle, creating a traditional royal ceremony. At other times, the guards stationed within the square can be seen. This ceremony is a highlight among Copenhagen attractions.

Close view of royal guards, at the entrance of Amelianborg Palace, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Amalienborg Museum
Located within one of the palace buildings, Amalienborg Museum showcases preserved rooms, personal belongings, and historical artifacts from past kings and queens of the Danish royal family. It is a key stop for travelers exploring Copenhagen attractions.

 

Frederik’s Church

Also known as the Marble Church, Frederik’s Church is within walking distance from Amalienborg Palace, directly west of the palace, forming a central axis with it. This alignment makes the church a prominent feature of the palace's surroundings.

 

Its striking green copper dome, one of the largest in Scandinavia, is a significant architectural landmark in Denmark. The design was inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, and the church was completed in 1894 after several decades of construction. Visiting Frederik’s Church is a must for those interested in architecture and history in Copenhagen.

Frederiksborg Castle, with red brick towers from a distance, within nature setting, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Frederiksborg Castle: Top Castle Near Copenhagen
Frederiksborg Castle is one of the most impressive castles in Denmark and the largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia. Built in the early 1600s on three small islands surrounded by a lake, the castle is a striking sight. A long walk along the tree-lined path leads to the castle, where its red-brick towers and detailed façade create a strong first impression.

 

Stepping inside the castle feels like going back in time. The Museum of National History, founded in 1878 by J.C. Jacobsen, the founder of Carlsberg, preserves royal portraits, old paintings, and other cultural treasures from Denmark’s past.

 

From the Chapel of Frederiksborg, looking down from the upper level gives a full view of the space. Frederiksborg Castle has a fairy-tale quality, reminding of an ancient Disney castle.

Entrance of Kronborg Castle, with a bridge leading inside the brick façade castle, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Kronborg Castle
Kronborg Castle, also called Elsinore, is famous as the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Built in the 15th century by King Eric VII, it is one of Northern Europe’s most popular castles and a key historical site near Copenhagen. The castle sits by the Øresund Strait, with views toward Sweden. Its strong, fairy-tale appearance with tall towers and thick stone walls makes it a favorite among castles in Denmark.

 

Inside Kronborg Castle are the grand royal rooms, the large Banqueting Hall, and the decorated Castle Chapel. One of the most interesting features is the underground casemates, dark tunnels that once housed soldiers and cannons. Deep inside is the statue of Holger Danske, a legendary Danish hero said to awaken if Denmark is in danger.

 

Access to Sweden from Kronborg Castle is simple. A short ferry ride across the Øresund Strait from Helsingør leads to Helsingborg.

Nyhavn Copenhagen Waterfront with colorful buildings and boats docked at the pier, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Nyhavn Copenhagen Waterfront
A must-see in Copenhagen is Nyhavn, the famous waterfront known for its colorful buildings and scenic canal. Once a busy port in the 1600s, Nyhavn still keeps the old buildings, which over the years have been converted into cafes, bars, and restaurants. The canal is the starting point for boat rides to see sights like Amalienborg Palace and the Little Mermaid statue.

 

Nyhavn has an important place in Danish history. The famous fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen lived in several of the buildings here. The bright buildings reflected in the water are part of the reason Nyhavn is considered one of the most photographed spots in the world. The sunset on the waterfront adds to its appeal.

Classic buildings in Copenhagen, Denmarks.

City Tour in Copenhagen
A walk along Slotsholmsgade may look like just another street, but it is home to some of Copenhagen’s most important historical landmarks. Some of the key highlights along this route are:

 

Børsen (The Old Stock Exchange)
One of Copenhagen’s most iconic buildings, known for its rooftop with intertwined dragon spires. Built in the 17th century in Dutch Renaissance style, it once served as a busy stock exchange and now houses the Danish Chamber of Commerce.

 

Chancery House (The Red Mansion)
A grand building from the early 1700s, standing out for its balanced design and stately look. It remains one of the best-preserved examples of early Danish architecture.

 

Storm House
Built in 1696, this historic house was once home to Anna Sophie Reventlow, the mistress, and later queen of King Frederick IV.

 

Lerche House
A Rococo-style mansion from the 1740s, now part of the Danish Ministry of Justice. Its pale facade and elegant design make it a favorite spot for photos.

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