Hop on a ferry to Copenhagen, the charming capital city of Denmark that offers a unique mix of modernity, rich history and culture!
Copenhagen is the capital and largest city of Denmark, since the early 15th century, located on the Zealand and Amager Islands. The city is ranked among the best cities in the world to live in because of its high quality of life and commitment to sustainability and was always recognized as a cultural center in Scandinavia. It was founded as a small Viking fishing village during the 10th century and it became a settlement in 1167 when Bishop Absalon built a castle to fortify the city.
Over the centuries, Copenhagen went through many transformations due to wars, plagues and fires and has evolved into a major tourist destination and European metropolis. The construction of the Øresund Bridge that connects Copenhagen with Sweden and the city’s industrialization marked Compenhagen’s growth and its rise as an important cultural and economic center in Northern Europe.
The beautiful city of Copenhagen is surrounded by canals and waterways and attracts millions of tourists every year as it manages to combine an easy old-world charm with cutting-edge architecture. In addition to its well-known charming atmosphere, the city also has a variety of things to do and see, as Copenhagen has many museums, historical monuments and palaces.
On this page you will find useful information on how to get to Copenhagen by ferry, ferry connections, transportation options in the city and places to visit.
How to reach Copenhagen by ferry
For passengers that want to enjoy the Baltic Sea, ferries are the best option to reach Copenhagen, as the city is connected with Sweden, Norway, Germany and Finland.
Here are the main Copenhagen ferry routes:
- Travemünde - Copenhagen: several daily routes, the ferry trip takes about 4 hours
- Frederikshavn - Copenhagen: regular departures with a duration of sailing of 4.5 hours
- Oslo - Copenhagen: daily departures with a duration of sailing of 8 hours
- Malmö - Copenhagen: daily departures and the journey lasts 40 minutes
- Gothenburg - Copenhagen: several daily routes and it takes about 5 hours
- Kiel - Copenhagen: with daily departures during high season and the ferry trip takes about 9 hours
Copenhagen Ferry Port
There are many ports in Copenhagen but the 2 main ports are the Freeport Terminal and the Oceankaj Terminal serving domestic and international routes. The Freeport terminal is located in the northeastern part of the city and it serves as an entry point for ferry connections from Sweden, Norway and Germany. The port has all the necessary facilities for passengers like public restrooms, information desks and waiting areas. The Oceankaj terminal is mainly used for cargo ships and it is located in the northern part of Copenhagen.
Transportation in Copenhagen
Copenhagen offers many transportation options for tourists and locals and an excellent public transport system making every neighborhood, part of the city and most of the attractions easily accessible.
- Metro & train: There are 4 metro lines that operate 24/7 and you can use a Copenhagen Card for unlimited rides. Trains also run frequently, operated by the company called DSB
- Bus: There is also an extensive bus network with frequent routes that cover areas that are not served by the metro or train
- Waterbuses: The harbor water buses serve 2 main routes Havnebus 991 to Teglholmen (south) and Havnebus 992 to Orientkajen (north)
- Taxi: Taxis are everywhere in town but you can always call one in advance
- Private transfer: Book a private transfer for more convenience
- Car rental: Renting a car allows you to explore Copenhagen at your own pace
- Bikes: Biking is one of the best and most popular ways to explore the city, as Copenhagen is a bike friendly city with more than 390 kilometers of bike lanes
- Walking: Many of the city’s attractions are within walking distance so walking is also a good option
Tip: Check the Rejsekort Card that allows you to switch between all the forms of transportation and the Copenhagen city pass that offers discounts for main attractions and transportation.
Must do & see in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is known for its rich history and unique architecture and it has many interesting sights and attractions that are worth visiting. Whether you are a history enthusiast, art lover or nature explorer Copenhagen has something for you that captures the vibe and essence of this picturesque city. Here are some of the best places to see and best best places to visit in Copenhagen:
- Explore Amalienborg Palace, the residence of the Danish royal family that houses museums with royal artifacts
- Learn more about the political history of Denmark in Christiansborg Palace
- Visit Strøget shopping street, one of the longest pedestrian streets of Europe with many shops and little street cafes and a walk through the lively Copenhagen neighborhood of Norrebro and Osterbro
- Try some plates of the famous danish traditional cuisine like frikadeller (meatballs made with veal and pork), wienerbrød (a local pastry with almond paste), smørrebrød ( a sandwich made with meat, fish or cheese)
- Visit the iconic Renaissance Castle of Rosenborg
- Don’t miss a canal tour and enjoy the views of the city through the city’s canals
- Spend a day at Copenhagen’s Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in Denmark
- For a more traditional experience visit a Danish restaurant or pub and enjoy a local beer
- Book one theater performance or a music concert at the Tivoli Concert Hall or the Royal Danish Theater
- Have some fun at Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world
- Visit the Little Mermaid Statue, one of the most popular attractions in Copenhagen
- Stroll around Nyhavn, the most colorful area of the city with old charming houses lining the waterfront
- Take a day trip from Copenhagen to Malmö or Frederiksborg Castle & Hillerød
