12 Fun facts about Copenhagen

Copenhagen is one of the oldest cities in Scandinavia. Over the centuries, the city has continually evolved into the special place it is today. It is a fantastic destination for a city break, offering a wide range of fun and varied activities. Are you heading to Copenhagen soon? Continue reading to discover 12 fun facts about this special city!

1. Copenhagen is a happy and safe city

For years, Copenhagen has ranked at or near the top of happiness reports, such as the Healthy Lifestyle Cities Report, whilst Denmark as a whole consistently ranks in the top 3 of the UN’s World Happiness Report. Copenhagen is not only one of the happiest places on earth, it is also one of the safest cities in Europe. Due to the high level of trust between residents and the government, low crime rates and well-planned urban design, Copenhagen is a very safe and pleasant city to visit. 

2. Copenhagen is home to the two oldest amusement parks in the world

Tivoli is the city’s best-known and second-oldest amusement park, situated in the heart of Copenhagen, close to the central station. The park is renowned for its rides, gardens and atmospheric evening lighting, and is a popular place to visit both during the day and in the evening. In 2024, Tivoli was the most visited amusement park in Scandinavia, with over 4.25 million visitors. Copenhagen’s oldest amusement park is Bakken, which was founded in 1583 and is situated in the Dyrehaven nature reserve, just 10 minutes north of the city. Bakken has a more traditional and nostalgic atmosphere and offers a very different, yet equally special experience to Tivoli.

3. Disneyland was inspired by Tivoli Gardens

Did you know that the famous Tivoli Gardens was a major source of inspiration for the Disneyland Park? In 1951, Walt Disney visited Tivoli with his wife Lillian and friend Art Linkletter. Disney wanted to get his wife and friend excited about the idea of a family-friendly amusement park and drew a great deal of inspiration from Tivoli. During this visit, he gathered plenty of inspiration and made extensive notes on, among other things, the attractions, the gardens and the food. Three years later, in 1955, the first Disneyland Park opened in California and his vision became reality.

4. The Danish flag is 807 years old

The flag of Denmark was first mentioned in 1219. This makes it the oldest national flag in the world still in use by an independent country. It was not until 1625 that the flag was granted official status. In Denmark, the flag is called the Dannebrog, which roughly translates as ‘the cloth of the Danes'. The design is simple and recognisable: a red background with a white Scandinavian cross.

5. Denmark consists of islands

Did you know that Denmark consists of 444 islands? Most of these islands are uninhabited, but 76 are home to a population. Copenhagen is situated mainly on the island of Zealand and partly on Amager. Thanks to these 444 islands, Denmark has a long coastline with water playing a significant role. In Copenhagen, this is clearly evident from the many harbours, canals and bridges that connect the different parts of the city.

6. The iconic Little Mermaid statue is smaller than you might think

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen is perhaps the city’s most iconic landmark. But if you don’t know where to find it, you might well miss it, as the statue isn’t very big. It stands just 1.25 metres tall, so it would easily be overlooked if it weren’t for the many visitors taking photos from the Langelinie waterfront.

7. The history of Nyhavn is just as colourful as its buildings

Today, Nyhavn is a favourite with many tourists as the bustling city harbour, lined with colourful houses, bars, cafés and restaurants, but that wasn’t always the case. The harbour was dug between 1670 and 1673 by Danish soldiers and Swedish prisoners of war. It had always been a lively trading area, but in its early days it was a hub for sailors and home to numerous brothels.

8. Copenhagen has the longest shopping street in the world

Fancy a spot of shopping without cars whizzing past you? Then head to Strøget in Copenhagen, the longest car-free shopping street in the world! The street is just over 1 km long and offers a variety of shops, from luxury brands to local boutiques, so there’s something for everyone.

9. Copenhagen has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other Scandinavian city

Of all the cities in the Scandinavian countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden), Copenhagen has the most Michelin-starred restaurants. In 2026, there are 15 restaurants in Copenhagen with this honour. Combined with Copenhagen’s vibrant street food scene, you can be sure that, whatever your budget, you’ll find something delicious to eat in this city.

10. Everyone cycles in Copenhagen

Cycling is incredibly popular in Copenhagen; according to the Danish Cycling Federation, there are more than five times as many bicycles in the city as cars. 62% of residents cycle to work, school or university. So if you want to see the city like a local, you should try one of the many bike tours in the city.

11. A neighbourhood with its own laws and rules

Freetown Christiania, also known as ‘Staden’, is a unique neighbourhood in Copenhagen that you won’t find anywhere else in the Western world. In 1971, a group of squatters took over an old military base and established a self-governing community there. Their idea was to live together with a great deal of freedom, but also with care for one another and the environment. Until 2013, Christiania largely had its own rules and its own way of governing. Since then, the area has officially become part of Denmark, but it remains a distinct community with its own atmosphere and (partly) its own rules.

12. Kronborg Castle inspired Shakespeare’s Elsinore Castle

North of Copenhagen lies Kronborg Castle, a famous landmark. Did you know that this castle was probably the inspiration for the castle Elsinore in Shakespeare’s Hamlet? In the time of King Frederick II, Kronborg was an important cultural centre where theatre played a major role and where actors performed regularly. Today, a Shakespeare festival is organised every summer, bringing the castle back to life as the setting for the famous story.

Copenhagen is the perfect city break destination

Copenhagen is a fun and interesting city with plenty to offer. Besides Tivoli, you can also visit the National Museum of Denmark, Copenhagen Zoo, the Danish War Museum or enjoy one of the many other activities. We also highly recommend exploring the city on the Hop-On Hop-Off bus, which is a very relaxed way to get around! In short, Copenhagen is the perfect destination for a varied city trip where you will never be bored!