Copenhagen
Copenhagen, Denmark is a modern and thriving city. You will find both fascinating history in this Northern European city and the most up to date business environment. Business travelers will find that Copenhagen offers an array of conveniences and is an ideal location to conduct international business.
A Short History of Copenhagen
The city of Copenhagen dates back many centuries, with the earliest written records dating to 1043. Evidence indicates that there has been a human settlement at Copenhagen for around 6000 years. Copenhagen, then called Havn, was originally a small fishing community. Copenhagen is in the country of Denmark, in the Oresund Region. It is the capital of the country and has been since 1343.
The country of Denmark and city of Copenhagen grew and achieved significant military victories in the middle ages. During the Reformation, Denmark became a Lutheran country and remains so to this day. Denmark became a democracy in 1849, and its first parliamentary government, based in Copenhagen, in 1901. Copenhagen is home to the royal family, headed by Queen Margrethe II. Denmark is the longest lasting royal monarchy in Europe, with the family's origins traced back to the vikings. The family resides at the Amalienburg Royal Palace .
Today, the growing city is striving to improve transit, and increase the overall unity of the the Oresund Region. A newly constructed bridge which includes both a 4km tunnel and a manmade island joins Copenhagen to the Swedish city of Malmö. The entire area was part of Denmark from 800 to 1658, and a growing regional identity is now re-uniting these neighboring countries.
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Business in Copenhagen
Copenhagen has approximately 1.9 million residents, making up one third of the total population of Denmark. Recent years have seen a shift from industrial manufacturing to technological industry and knowledge based corporations. Many of Copenhagen's residents work in the service industry. The workforce is largely well educated and the city of Copenhagen is becoming increasingly more important in the international business community.
Copenhagen is an excellent hub for business of all types. Sitting at the intersection of Scandinavia and the Baltic sea, transport, industry and more have all made their homes in this thriving city. A number of companies specializing in biotechnology and medicine have given Copenhagen the nickname "medicon valley". In fact, the city is third in Europe in terms of biotechnology resource, behind only London and Paris. You will find excellent telecommunications support in Copenhagen, ranging from cellular phone service to internet.
Recent changes in the infrastructure of the city have made commuting, even across national boundaries, easier than ever before. Recent efforts to renovate the city's harbor, and merge it with that of Malmö have increased sea travel into the area, both of cargo and passengers. Copenhagen is also home to the main airport in the region and easily accessible from both Scandinavia and the Baltic.
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What You Will Need in Copenhagen
While Denmark is an international country and quite an easy place for the typical traveler, there are a few things you should know to make your trip go smoothly. English is widely spoken; however, as when traveling to any country, making an effort at the local language will certainly be appreciated. The people are generally warm and welcoming in Copenhagen and you will find it a pleasant place to conduct business of all sorts.
If you are traveling to Copenhagen from the United States, a visa is not required. Simply follow all appropriate airline regulations and be prepared to present your passport at customs in the Copenhagen airport.
The Danish currency is the Danish krone, while nearby Sweden uses the Swedish krona. Either may be accepted in some areas of Copenhagen. Credit cards are widely accepted. You are able to exchange money at any bank, or at the airport as you enter the country. Do keep the varied currencies in mind if you expect to be crossing the bridge into Malmö. This may change in the future, if either or both of these countries in the region opt to use the Euro in lieu of their own national currency.
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Manners and Customs in Copenhagen
Denmark and the city of Copenhagen are known for being tolerant and open. Keep this in mind when traveling to avoid offending those around you. While manners and customs are typically western, it may be helpful to note that the Danish are generally reserved, and personal space is typically respected in Copenhagen. It is preferred that you avoid calling attention to yourself with words or gestures, and you will find that Copenhagen is a more welcoming and comfortable city if you keep this in mind. Handshaking is typical upon both greeting and leaving. You may wish to acquaint yourself with Danish titles, Herr (Mr.), Fru (Mrs.) and Froken (Miss) as well as the standard Danish greeting, goddog (good day). Appointments should be made in advance and confirmed. Be certain to be punctual and to phone if you will be late.
The usual toast at meals is Skol, and you should only begin eating after your host has made the toast. It is not considered appropriate to leave food on your plate at a meal; however, you may politely decline second helpings.
The summer months, particularly July and August are typically the time when many Danes take a long holiday, so this may not be an ideal time to plan your business trip. Business hours are otherwise similar to America; however, many Danes do take a two hour lunch, from 12:00 to 2:00. A five day workweek is standard in Copenhagen.
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Traveling to Copenhagen
Traveling to Copenhagen is quite easy. Copenhagen Airport, Kobenhavns Lufthavn, Kastrup in Danish is the major airport for both Copenhagen and Malmö. Copenhagen's main airport is the busiest airport in the Nordic countries, and one of three Scandinavian Airlines System hubs. Today the airport services nearly 21 million passengers a year. Flights are available to and from the Copenhagen airport to many international destinations, including the United States. Copenhagen's Kastrup airport is modern and easy to use with plenty of conveniences, including the largest 7-11 store in Europe and a 5 star Hilton hotel onsite. In 2000 and 2002, international air travelers chose Copenhagen's Kastrup airport as the best in the world. There are a number of shops, restaurants and bars in the airport. Wireless internet is available for a reasonable fee for business travelers, and paid computer terminals are also available if needed. Several airlines offer business meeting facilities at the Copenhagen airport, as does the Copenhagen airport Hilton hotel.
A second smaller airport, Roskilde Airport, also services some flights to Copenhagen, as well as handling pilot training and private charter flights. Copenhagen Airtaxi and Execujet Scandinavia both service Roskilde Airport in Copenhagen. Expansion at Roskilde is planned to allow for discount international flights.
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Getting Around the City
Copenhagen has excellent public transportation systems, making it very easy for a visitor to navigate the city. Commuter trains, the subway or metro, and buses are all affordable, clean and convenient. You may access all three from the airport, or take a taxi. Car rentals are also an option, and several car rental vendors service the airport. Fuel is quite costly, so you may find public transit more affordable. Buses and trains operate from 6:00 AM to midnight each day. Multi-ride passes, called klippehorts, are available for the public transit system in Copenhagen. You can also purchase a 24 hour pass for the transit system. Fares depend upon the distance of your trip, and the transit zones that you pass through on your trip, but they are quite reasonable. The Central Station in Copenhagen is the hub of the public transit system.
You will find that Copenhagen is quite pedestrian friendly, and that walking can be one of the most convenient ways to get around the city. Bicycles may also be rented in the city. You will find that many areas of Copenhagen offer traffic free walkways, and with a fairly mild climate year round, walking may be a great way to get around, particularly if you have meetings located near one another.
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Dining in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is home to a great many restaurants, ranging from Michelin starred gourmet dining to a casual hot dog stand on the road. Gourmet diners will find 10 Michelin starred restaurants in Copenhagen, more than any other city. Diners in Copenhagen will find international cuisine, ranging from Japanese sushi to Italian pasta dishes. Traditional Danish options include meat and fish dishes, as well as pastries, sandwiches and more. Pastry shops are especially popular, and offer danishes, breads and rolls. Look for shops called bageri or konditori if you would like pastries or breads. Smorrebrod are traditional Danish sandwiches, served open faced on hearty rye bread. A variety of toppings are available, including shrimp, liver, and fish, and no trip to Copenhagen is complete without trying this easy and traditional favorite. Many pubs and cafes offer these sandwiches as take out fare. Polse are Danish style hot dogs. They are served in a bun, with mustard, and are available at Polse stands throughout the city. Viktualiehandler are small food shops, reminiscent of a deli. You will find English speakers at most restaurants, and reservations are typically not required, although calling ahead may be smart if you are planning a business luncheon or dinner.
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Staying in Copenhagen
Lodging options are available throughout the city. You can find a clean and economical hotel or five star luxury in the city of Copenhagen. You will find online bookings available for many Copenhagen hotels. A few hotels offer breakfast and you may find some that have additional amenities, including gym facilities, swimming pools and internet access. Consider choosing a hotel near your business appointments and meetings, or one in the city center for convenience.
You should be aware that May to September is the common tourist season in Copenhagen, and prices and room availability may be at a premium during these months. Be certain to book well in advance. Expect hotels in the heart of the city, near the Tivoli Gardens to be the most expensive. Discounts may be available during the winter months when the Tivoli Gardens are closed.
Double rooms typically include a bathroom. If you are looking for a moderately priced hotel, consider looking for a "mission hotel" or sacrificing a private baths. Baths in Copenhagen hotels are often small, and lacking some amenities unless the hotel has been recently renovated.
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Sightseeing in Copenhagen
Should you have time to yourself during your business trip to Copenhagen, you may wish to see some of the sights in this beautiful city. If you are traveling in the summer months, the Tivoli Gardens are not to be missed. The Tivoli Gardens, built in 1843, offer restaurants, bars, beer gardens, flowers, and manmade lakes in the center of the city. No trip to Copenhagen is complete without a visit to the famous Little Mermaid sculpture (Den Lille Havfrue) created by Edvard Erikson in 1913. You will also find excellent museums devoted to art and design in the city, particularly modern art. While the city of Copenhagen is quite old, most of the palaces and churches date to the late 18th or 19th centuries, due to destructive fires in 1728 and 1795 which destroyed much of the city.
You will find a variety of shops throughout the city and may be especially interested in shopping for traditional Danish goods. Some of the best shopping in the city is found in the pedestrian district of Stroget. You will find everything from designer clothes to porcelain and from antiques to books in this charming area. It is also an excellent place to eat, have a beer or watch the life of the city. If you are looking for gifts to take home to your family from your Copenhagen business trip, consider silver jewelry set with semi-precious stones, porcelain, stainless steel, or toys for the children. All of these are widely available, affordable and of very good quality in Copenhagen.
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