Every city has a story and just like all others, Copenhagen history is a story in itself. The history has significantly influenced the city today in numerous ways and it plays a pivotal role for every city in the world. This is the largest Scandinavian city and it was founded in the year 1160.

Phase 1: Early History

The earliest settlements in this city have been found to be in 4000BCE but there is no solid proof to establish further findings. The proper proof of an early settlement that was found after excavations by notable archaeologists was from the 11th century. There were two settlements from that time that have been found. 

Phase 2: Town of Absalon

Bishop of Roskilde, Absalon, was given the power of this small town in the year 1160. During his reign, the city was largely developed and built in a city with much more important than it was before his reign.

Phase 3: The Dark Era

The 18th century was one of the darkest times for the city. In the year 1700, the naval forces of Britain, Dutch, and Sweden attacked the city using bombs, missiles, and shells continuously. Even though the city did not go through much damage, but it was a hard time. This was followed by the attack of the plague in the year 1711. One-third of the whole population vanished due to the haunting of this plague which lasted for a whole year. This was not the end of the dark era, in the year 1728, something terrible happened in the northern part of the city. A fire spread which burnt 1600 homes and many churches. Close to the end of the 18th century, the city recovered as the trade was flourishing and the city experienced the highest amount of wealth. This did not last long as in 1795, the city again faced a fire incident in which the quarter of the city was burnt to the ground.

Phase 4: The 19th-Century Battles

In the year 1801, the British defeated a Dano-Norwegian fleet even after the troops received a signal to stop. After this battle, a truce was signed. The second battle the city fought was also against the British troops which took place in 1807. This resulted in the death of 2000 civilians and mass damage to the city. The following years of this city were full of poverty. Despite the poverty, literature, art and science flourished in the city.

Phase 5: Fortification of Copenhagen

In 1848, due to the success of the Danish liberal and national movement, the city became a national monarchy. And the sanitation of the city was bad and the ramparts were not strong enough to serve as a defensive shield, therefore, these were opened for newer construction and expansion of the city. In 1864, as a result of the Second War of Schleswig, one-third of Denmark’s area was lost and all this lead to the fortification of Copenhagen.

Phase 6: World War II and After Effects:

The city of Copenhagen was conquered by the German troops. This occupation lasted for 5 years and after the collaboration of the troops with the government was broken, the Danish Navy sunk the ships so that the Germans could not use it. Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery after the Operation Carthage freed Denmark from British troops and the city was officially free. Since then, the city has been under development has become one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world.

The Copenhagen Culture

The cultural heritage of this city is rich in an artistic and intellectual manner. One of the most prominent aspects of Copenhagen culture is the Hygge. It is a concept that surrounds revolves around coziness and relaxation. It is the highlight of this city, it is something that cannot be put into words and can only be felt when in the city. The legends and folktales dominate the folklore world and this city has one of the most famous cuisines in the world.