GENERAL INFORMATION Slotsholmen, a canal-encircled island that today is the seat of Denmark's government, was first settled by Bishop Absalom in 1167 when he constructed a small fortress within the harbor village. Here he hoped to prevent periodic raids by the German Wends to the east. This fortress evolved into the thriving though small seaport of Komandshavn (translated: Merchant's Port). This was eventually shortened to Kobenhavn. Copenhagen is Denmark's only major city with the parliament, government and monarchy all situated in the heart of the city where tourist, especially in the summer, seem to outnumber the locals. The city has a definite international personality and is home to headquarters to many of Europe's most progressive commercial and financial enterprises as well as a number of cultural and humanitarian organizations. Today Copenhagen is much more than the lovely storybook Baltic seaport of the early twentieth century. It is both a cozy, intimate and peaceful oasis, the home of Hans Christian Andersen and an expansive metropolis with a liberal attitude that rivals Paris or Amsterdam. Copenhagen has become an international hectic dynamic city with a rich cultural, commercial and educational environment. The city has been able to preserve unique inner city districts, each with its own indescribable character and uniqueness, from the elegant Osterbro to the ethnic and vibrant Vesterbro. Cranes and scaffolding everywhere signify that Copenhagen is building for the future while simultaneously preserving its Danish heritage. Copenhagen offers the cultural resources of a national capital with the easy familiarity of a provincial town. Population: city/metro, 1,027,900; Time Zone: GMT/UTC +1 or Central European Time. Flight times: Paris-2 hrs., London-2 hrs., Los Angeles-11 hrs. NYC-8.5 hrs.. WEATHER Average temperature: 69°F (19° C) in summer and winter 35°F (2° C), Heaviest precipitation is November through January. Average Daily High/Low Temperature: • March - May: 60°f / 41°f, 16°c / 5°c • June - Aug.: 76°f / 59°f, 25°c / 15°f • Sept. - Nov.: 59°f / 44°f, 15°c / 7°c • Dec. - Feb.: 49° f/ 37°f, 9°c / 3°c TRANSPORTATION Copenhagen International Airport The airport is 9km (6mi) southeast of city center; A local bus service (No 250S) connects the airport with Råuspladsen, the city's central square, and also with Central Station Trains/Public Transit Center city is a 12-minute train ride from the airport. The core of Copenhagen’s public transport system is a metro rail network called S-train, with 10 lines passing through Central Station, and a bus system called HT that uses Radhuspladsen as its main terminal. They offer a variety of single, multiple-ride or daily tickets. A local bus(No 250S) takes 35 minutes to link the airport to Råuspladsen. Taxi An average fare from the airport is €14.00. ATTRACTIONS Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. Carlsberg Brewery created at the end of the 19th century the financial foundation for Copenhagen's elegant art museum, On view is exquisite art, including Danish and French 19th century painting and a large collection of antique Greek, Egyptian, Etruscan and Roman sculpture. Celebrated Danish architect Henning Larsen designed the museum's modern annex. Christianshavn & Christiania Christianshavn District famous for Vor Frelsers Kirke ('Our Saviour's Church') with a 95m (311ft), 400-step spiral steeple that provides incredible views of Copenhagen. To the east is the community of Christiania where at the Royal Danish Naval Museum displays 300 model ships and other historic naval paraphernalia. Christiania Christiania enjoys status as a rent and tax-free enclave in a lively, free spirited environment. Stroll or cycle through the area (cars are prohibited) and inspect the local arts and craft market and later savor the local organic fare. Charlottenborg Exhibition Building Here several art exhibitions are staged throughout the year. This exhibition building is part of Charlottenborg, an old stately mansion that at one time housed the schools of art and architecture. Kultorvet Plaza just to the north of the Latin Quarter, is quite busy during the summer. Great place for dining and late night entertainment. Vor Frue Kirke Copenhagen’s neoclassical cathedral, originally built in the late 12th century and subsequently rebuilt three times, showcases Bertel Thorvaldsen's acclaimed statues of Christ and the 12 apostles. The Nationalmuseet (National Museum) Museum of Danish history and culture has the largest collection of Danish historical artifacts in the country. Rosenborg Slotl It was built in Dutch Renaissance style by Christian IV to serve as his summer home but it now houses a museum and the royal treasury that provides public viewing of the regal jewels. Slotsholmen Connected to the rest of Copenhagen by small bridges, it is Denmark's national government’s home. Slotsholmen attracts large numbers of visitors during the summer. Thorvaldsens Museuml This building from the 1840's is worth a visit in itself, but do take a look inside the Museum of Decorative Art with its collections of Danish furniture and Copenhagen porcelain, European handicraft, Chinese and Japanese art and a universal collection of textiles. For more contemporary and modern design, visit the recently opened Danish Design Center which stages changing exhibitions and similar events.