12 Step Planet: Copenhagen

Where exactly is it?
Copenhagen is the capital of and largest city in Denmark, situated on an island directly below the Scandinavian Peninsula. The Øresund Bridge connects Copenhagen to the Swedish city of Malmö. In a few years the Danish capital will also be linked to Germany with an 18km-long underwater tunnel.
How do I get there?
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) offer direct flights to Copenhagen from Dublin. There are also a number of airlines that will take you to Copenhagen from any Irish airport through London or Amsterdam. If you are travelling around Europe it is worth taking the train – the one connecting Copenhagen to Hamburg gets loaded on a ferry boat, which makes the whole journey a fascinating experience!
What language do they speak?
The official language is Danish, part of the family of North Germanic languages and very similar to Norwegian and Swedish. Scandinavians are exceptionally fluent in English, so you will not have a hard time communicating at all.
What’s the local beer like?
Does Carlsberg ring a bell? The Danish brewing company was founded in 1847 and produces not only the famous titular lager but also Tuborg, as well as numerous local beers. This year it launched Copenhagen, a light and refreshing new beer that is similar to Corona.
Other drinks?
Nah... The beer is by far the nation’s favourite drink. You can also sample some good wine and liqueurs. If you find yourself in Copenhagen in wintertime don’t forget to try the delicious Glogg, a type of mulled wine. For the sunny days there is Eve, a light alcoholic drink recently launched by Carlsberg – very fruity and chic!
What’s the transport like?
Who cares about Copenhagen’s excellent public transport when you can ride a bike and be the king of the road? Almost half the population commutes by bike as do tourists. Why? Well, Copenhagen is tiny and flat, for one thing. But most importantly, there are wide bicycle tracks everywhere and cyclists always enjoy priority. Having said that, this makes things a bit hard for pedestrians. Always check before you get out of a car, as a cyclist may be passing between you and the pavement at extreme speed. You have been warned!
What is the food like?
Copenhagen has become in recent years a gourmet destination and is home to the world’s best restaurant, Noma. If you can’t afford one of its many Michelin Star-awarded eateries, the Danish capital offers a wide variety of international cuisine and local specialities – open sandwiches, fish and seafood, cheese and last but not least, the famous Danish pastries (or cinnamon rolls).
What is the nightlife like?
Scandinavians enjoy some pretty hot nightlife. There are cafés, bars, wine cellars and clubs everywhere, offering a variety of music styles to suit everyone’s taste. For a fun night out in the very heart of the city get a cocktail at Hard Rock Café or stroll down the Meatpacking District (Kødbyen) where you’ll find the city’s hottest new hangouts.
Why should I go?
If you are single, board the next plane and go-go-go! Danish people are extremely good-looking! We can’t promise they are good partners or lovers. However, we guarantee you’ll want to show them off to your friends. If you have already found your special someone, Copenhagen is still worth a visit for its beauty and culture.
What are the touristy things to do?
The number one tourist attraction is the Little Mermaid, a bronze statue sitting on a rock in the city’s harbour, created to honour the memory of one of the greatest storytellers of all times, Hans Christian Andersen. What is most interesting about the Little Mermaid is not the sculpture itself but the amount of times and the ways it has been vandalised – among others, it has been decapitated twice. Another absolute must-see is Kronborg, a castle situated in the neighbouring town of Helsingor and famous as the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Anything else?
If you have a hippie heart, or if you are simply curious, visit the self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood of Christiania. It has been a source of controversy for many years now, mainly due to the extensive drug-dealing taking place. Don’t expect anything too alternative – it is tourist-friendly but worth visiting for the unique houses that the residents have built themselves.
Anything to avoid?
Try not to over-indulge on food, drink and fairground rides at the popular and touristy Tivoli gardens. Tivoli is one of the oldest fun parks in Europe and well worth a visit for its beautiful vistas, free music and (seriously) imaginative lollipops. Other than that, however, everything costs a fortune. We know you are tempted to dine in one of the fine restaurants but does your budget allow you to? Behave!
What should I bring home?
If you can’t bring home a Danish boy or girl to introduce to your mam, the next best thing would be... nothing, really. Still if memorabilia is what you’re looking for, we recommend Lego toys. They are quintessentially Danish and wonderful.
When should I go?
As with all Northern European countries, Copenhagen is at its best in summer, from June to August. Plus most festivals and events take place during these months, meaning you’ll never get bored. If you enjoy cold weather and skiing, you can opt for a nice Christmas holiday. Don’t forget that, although Denmark is below the Arctic Circle, it still experiences a phenomenon of permanent dusk during winter.
What’s my challenge?
The National Museum is magnificent and admission is free. This is your chance to learn everything about Denmark’s pre-history and history, gaze at costumes and artifacts from all over the globe in the museum’s ethnographic collection and let the world’s creepiest bog-bodies spook you out. If you are able to see everything in one morning, hats off to you. Beware! The kids’ section is even cooler than the actual museum... you may be tempted to dress up like a Viking and make a fool out of yourself.
What’s the currency?
The local currency is the Danish Krone. One euro is about 7.5 kroner which sounds simple enough, but somehow you will end up spending much more than you think you are. Plus, Copenhagen is a ridiculously expensive city, so you have to be twice as careful.
Something to remember?
If you are trying to keep within a budget there is 7/11, a convenience store with branches on every other corner. It’s fairly cheap and sells the most delicious Danish you will find in the city. By Danish, we mean the popular pastries of course... or do we?