Eight Things to Do in Copenhagen for Families

December 22, 2016 Margalit Sturm Francus

Located on the eastern coast of Denmark, this tenth-century fishing village has turned into a famous cultural city for all of Scandinavia. There are a variety of museums and even the two oldest amusement parks in the world in Copenhagen! Check out this list of what to see when visiting the city of spires.

Tivoli Gardens Amusement Park

Tivoli Gardens Amusement Park opened in 1843 in central Copenhagen, making it the second oldest amusement park (behind Dyrehavsbakken). Visitors can enjoy a roller coaster, Rutschebanen, built in 1915. They can also ride the oldest Ferris wheel still in use, built in 1943.

There are also new rides, like the Star Flyer, that gives visitors a 360-degree view of the city. However, those who don’t want to go on the rides can still enjoy many other attractions. Tivoli regularly holds various shows at the Concert Hall. Also, the staff lights up parts of Tivoli with festive lights during the holidays, including the lake.

Dyrehavsbakken (Bakken) Amusement Park

The oldest amusement park in the world, founded in 1583, is surrounded by 400-year-old trees and thousands of deer in the forest of Jægersborg Dyrehave. There are thirty-three rides and attractions at Bakken, more than any other amusement park in Scandinavia. The park also boasts several restaurants, pubs, and live music, so there’s something for everyone in the family here. Due to its location and historical value, no big name brands can set up in Bakken, and all neon signs are banned.

The Little Mermaid Statue

Many of Copenhagen’s visitors make their way to Langelinje Pier to see the sculpture of the Little Mermaid. She is over 100 years old and was a gift to the city from Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen. The sculpture was inspired by the Hans Christian Anderson tale about a mermaid and is made of bronze and granite. The mermaid has been vandalized several times but is always restored because it is such a popular tourist sight.

Amalienborg Palace

Amalienborg Palace, made up of four identical buildings, was constructed in the 1700s. The Amalienborg Museum has rooms dedicated to the traditional and modern royal family. This museum displays history going back 150 years to Christian IX and Queen Louise, known as “the in-laws of Europe” because four of their many children ruled England, Greece, Russia, and Denmark. The rooms of these monarchs still stand intact to this day, reflecting the period’s tastes and personalities of the kings and queens.

Beside the Amalienborg Museum, the Palace also features an event for the changing of the guards. Each day at noon, the guards march from their barracks by Rosenborg Castle through the streets of Copenhagen to Amalienborg Palace.

Rosenborg Castle

Finished in 1633, Rosenborg Castle was one of Christian IV’s many lots and became his favorite summer spot. The palace was built in four phases in the early 1600s and was used as a royal residence until 1710. Guests can see artifacts from the kings and queens that lived at Rosenborg throughout the years, such as, sculptures, furniture and more. These objects represent the history of high Danish culture from the late sixteenth century to the nineteenth century. Of course, everyone wants to see the exclusive Crown Jewels displayed on a Schatzkammer, as well as the Throne Chair of Denmark.

Hans Christian Andersen’s Childhood Home and Museum

Hans Christian Andersen and his parents lived in a small house close to St. Knud’s Cathedral for just over ten years. The exhibit in the home helps remake the interior in the image of the description Anderson gave in his autobiographies. Here, guests can see the simple rooms where the world-renowned fairy tale writer found inspiration.

Next to the home is the Hans Christian Andersen museum, opened in 1908 and one of the oldest poet museums. It celebrates Andersen’s life, inspiration, and writings.

Hans Christian Andersen Fairy-Tale House

This museum focuses on what Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales. Here, visitors can see hand-written manuscripts as well as a trip to Andersen’s study to hear “him” speak about his life and travels abroad. Families can also enjoy the live fairy tale exhibit which boasts advanced lighting effects and a sound system translated in Danish, English, and German.

Autism Travel Tips:

Tivoli joined the Accessibility Label Scheme in 2005, meaning parts can find info on the park’s accessibility online.
Public accessible parking spaces are available for Tivoli by the main entrance at the Glyptotek entrance. Wheelchair users can access all entrances.
Visitors who bring electric wheelchairs can recharge them at various charging points by the lockers near the Pantomime Theatre and near the Nurses’ Station.
Parents can book tickets for the Concert Hall and Glass Hall Theater in Tivoli.
Support companions are admitted to Tivoli for free.
Bakken houses absolutely no big name brands regarding vendors. Parents of kids who want something familiar ought to eat before going to the park.
The Bakken amusement park is free to get into, but parents will need to pay extra for a multi-ride pass.
The Hans Christian Andersen childhood home is not wheelchair accessible.