Introduction
Copenhagen, the Danish capital, is located on the island of Sealand 42 km west of Sweden and 260 km east of the Danish mainland. The city is home to over 1 million citizens, and is the biggest city in the whole of Scandinavia.
The city was founded in the years 1160-67 by Bishop Absalon (1128-1201) an advisor of the renowned King Valdemar the Great of Denmark. In 1416 King Erik VII moved the royal residence to to the city, so promoting it to the country's capital.
Copenhagen's signature buildings were erected in the period spanning the 15th and 16th centuries during the monarchy of King Christian IV. Foremost examples include Rosenborg Castle, the Old Citadel and the Old Stock Exchange. Copenhagen's beautiful canals were also dug during this time.
The 18th century was to be a further important era in the development of the city. The impressive Frederiksstaden district, a beautiful series of stylish palaces, was constructed during the reign of Frederick V.
Today Copenhagen is the most popular city in Scandinavia with many places and attractions to delight the visitor, from interesting museums to historic buildings. The city is also one of the region's most important cruise ship ports, typically handling over 340 cruise ship movements each year.
You Choose The Cruise
Copenhagen's cold winter restricts the cruise ship season to the summer and fall.
Sail around the Baltic and wonder at the quaint medieval streets of Tallinn, Peter the Great's architectural wonders in St Petersburg, the impressive Suomenlinna fortress in Helsiniki and the majestic Royal Palaces of Stockholm. Alternatively voyage to the legendary Fjords of Norway to witness the Art Nouveau town of Alesund, Bryggen harbor in Bergen, the Old Town of Stavanger and the picture-perfect landscape at Geiranger. Or head even further north to the Arctic to visit the wonderful Botanical Gardens at Tromso and the North Cape at Honningsvag.
Cruises from Copenhagen provides a comprehensive calendar of cruise ship sailings out of the city.
Cruise Terminals
Copenhagen is the largest home port in the Baltic region and can cater for 10 cruise vessels at the same time.
There are 4 separate quays in Copenhagen for cruise ships, Nordre Toldbod, 1 mile from the center of the city, Langeline, 2 miles and Ocean Quay, 4 miles.
Nordre Tolbod
The Nordre Tolbod quay is just southwards from Langeline. Just one small cruise ship can moor at this single berth facility, which is rarely used.
Langeline
Langeline Quay is used by cruise vessels making a day visit (turnaround ships use Ocean Quay). The long warehouse behind the pier has been renovated to accommodate a number of small shops which sell items such as amber, porcelain, jewelry and clothing. The quay is very conveniently placed only a short stroll from the Little Mermaid statue.
Ocean Quay
Ocean Quay (or OceanKaj in Danish), located at Nordhavn, has 3 cruise terminals which are used for homeporting cruise ships. Parking facilities are managed by a independent business at the port entrance.
The port website is at Copenhagen-Malmo port.
Sightseeing In Copenhagen
The Little Mermaid
Art lover Carl Jacobsen asked the sculptor Edvard Eriksento to create a 'Little Mermaid', taking inspiration from the heroine of H.C. Andersen's fairy tale with the same name. The bronze statue was inaugurated in 1913 at the Langelinie waterfront promenade, a stone's throw from the Langelinie cruise ship pier.
Rosenborg Castle
In the early 17th century Christian IV authorized the construction of the impressive Rosenborg Palace to serve as a royal summer palace. Following the reign of Frederik IV, Rosenborg was only employed as a royal official residence on two occasions, consequent to the fire at Christiansborg in 1794, and during the time of the English offensive against Copenhagen in 1801. Four flights of opulent rooms are available for the tourist to see giving you a perspective of the life of the early Danish royal family.
Nyhavn
Nyhavn, meaning New Harbor, was in the 17th century a hard working port where ships hailing from all around the world would dock. Hans Christian Andersen even lived here for 18 years. Nowadays throughout the summer months hoards of tourists visit to enjoy the atmosphere while dining and drinking at the multitude of bars and cafes.
Amalienborg Palace
Amalienborg Palace is made up of four similar rococo palaces centered around a large square. In 1794 the palaces were acquired by the Danish royal family, and have ever since been used as a royal winter retreat. Housed in Christian VIII's palace, the extensive Amalienborg Museum offers you a way to see a series of state rooms and learn about the life of the royal family.
Strøget
Copenhagen's largest shopping district is centered around Stroget in the city center. The street runs between the city's City Hall Square near Tivoli and King's New Square near Nyhavn.
Traveling to the Terminals from the Airport
By cab
A taxi is the hassle-free way to travel to Ocean Quay from the city's airport.
By bus/train
A cheaper alternative is to make the journey by train/bus. For OceanKaj catch the train from the airport to Osterport, then bus no 27 to OceanKaj.
