Tips for your business trip to characteristic Copenhagen!
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is a beautiful city filled with history, culture and modern architecture. The city is famous for its royal palaces, its unique designs and its cozy cafes and restaurants. In addition, Copenhagen is nicknamed Medicon Valley, which is due to its many biotechnology companies, but there is also no shortage of oil and gas companies. In this blog I, business travel consultant Anne, will give you several tips for a complete business trip to Copenhagen and also take you through the bleisure possibilities of this characteristic city.
Flying to Copenhagen
Copenhagen is very easily accessible! The fastest way to travel to Copenhagen is by plane. This way you will fly from Amsterdam to this beautiful Danish city in about 1.5 hours. Once arrived at Copenhagen Airport (CPH), there are several options to travel on to the city center. These include car rental, cab, train, metro and bus. However, car rental is not highly recommended if your destination is in the city center, as part of the center is pedestrian only. The metro has a direct connection to Nørreport stop, located in the city center. The airport is only 8km south of the city, so whichever way you choose to travel, it won't take a big chunk out of your itinerary.
Suitable (business) hotels in Copenhagen
The city is very versatile and popular, so many hotels can be found in different (price) classes. All major hotel chains have branches here. On the other hand, Copenhagen is also known for its unique boutique hotels that are often a sight in themselves. We would like to share some suitable hotels with you:
- Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport****: Are you looking to stay near the airport? If you have an early or late flight, for example, this is definitely a must! Since this stylish hotel is directly connected to Terminal 3, it is also an option to stay your entire business trip in this hotel and travel to the city center within 12 minutes by subway.
- Hotel Sanders*****: This hotel is located in the center 200 meters from NyHavn. Hotel Sanders has a rooftop garden and modern restaurant serving local seasonal dishes with an extensive beverage menu. The rooms are stylish and soothingly appointed. The perfect location to unwind after a long working day.
- Hotel Skt Petri*****: The hotel is in the middle of the lively Old Latin Quarter and offers very nice designer rooms. Just 4 minutes walk away you are on Strøget, where all the stores are. Would you like to invite your business relation for a meeting on location? Then this hotel also offers very suitable rooms for appointments.
- Radisson Collection Royal Hotel*****: Between Tivoli and the central station lies this impressive, modern hotel. The Radisson was the first skyscraper in Copenhagen and designed by Arne Jacobsen. Relaxation comes in all shapes and sizes: from a steam sauna, massages and 2000 m2 gym, to outstanding service in the bar.
- Manon Les Suites Guldsmeden*****: Upon entering this hotel you imagine yourself in an oasis of peace and greenery. It is known for its "Junglefish Pool" and it has a beautiful roof terrace where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks. This hotel is also conveniently located, a 10-minute walk from bustling Strøget.
Tips and tricks in the Danish business world!
- Skip the smalltalk during the meeting. Danish entrepreneurs work and live purposefully. Outside of business there is certainly room for sociability and they appreciate that too, but during business they like it when you get straight to the point.
- It is common for appointments to be scheduled in advance. So a spontaneous visit they often do not appreciate and are seen as intrusive. Again, a big difference with how they behave outside of business is that Danes do have a flexible attitude socially.
- The phone should not be visible during the business appointment. This is because, unconsciously, you are thereby telling the business associate that he or she is not important enough. So make sure you show that you are giving your unconditional attention during the business meeting.
- In Denmark, people are very tolerant and have few taboos. Dry humor and irony they can often appreciate very much. However, avoid critical expressions about Danish culture, the royal family and EU policy. These are sensitive topics and they prefer to avoid them.
- Danes are the Burgundians of Scandinavia. They love good food and pride themselves on typical Danish delicacies. So make sure you have tasted something from this culinary world before you return home!
Time for bleisure in Copenhagen?
Copenhagen is rich in sights and cozy locations where you can unwind, or seek adventure! These five sights cannot be skipped when there is room to relax outside of business.
- Nyhavn: Nyhavn is a magnificent harbor in the heart of Copenhagen. It can be recognized by its colored houses, some of which are over 300 years old. This together forms the historic district. There are also many beautiful boats that are definitely worth visiting. You can enjoy delicious food and drinks in Nyhavn and mingle among the locals p one of the many terraces.
- Tivoli: The extraordinary city park Tivoli is located right in the center of Copenhagen. The park with its roller coasters and merry-go-rounds forms a striking appearance in the heart of the city and is therefore definitely worth a visit. It is a cozy park which can be compared to the Efteling with its cozy atmosphere and beautiful decorations. The park also has numerous green gardens full of flowers and cozy lights as well as a Chinese garden. If you have an extra day or afternoon to spare and are looking for something more adventurous? Then this is definitely a must.
- Rosenborg Lock: Copenhagen has three magnificent castles, all of which are actually worth visiting. Of these, Rosenborg Slot is one: the former summer palace of King Christian IV and today a museum about Danish monarchs. You can enter the castle but a walk around the castle is also a very good option.
- The Little Mermaid: The statue of The Little Mermaid is a popular attraction in Copenhagen. It is located a little outside the city center on a rock in the river. The statue, which has existed since 1913, comes from Hans Christian Andersen's famous fairy tale. Most people choose to go to the statue on foot, but it is also possible to sail past it on a boat trip. With this boat tour, you will pass by The Little Mermaid, but also have the opportunity to experience the city center from the water.
- Strøget: Strøget is a pleasant walking area in the city center, where you will find several stores and restaurants. It consists of several streets and squares such as the famous Gammel Torv, Nygade, Amagertorv and Frederiksberggade. On Strøget you can walk around and store quietly without traffic around you thanks to the pedestrian area. It is also a beautiful area with historical architecture and characteristic houses.
Typical Danish delicacies
Danes take pride in their dishes and try to work with their own seasonal produce as much as possible. From my own experience, these are some delicacies you shouldn't pass up:
- Smørrebrød: This is a lunch dish that serves as an extended meal. This dish consists of rye bread topped with meat, fish and/or vegetables. The slices of rye bread are richly topped and can be ordered at many places in the city.
- Danish pastry: Denmark is a veritable walhalla for the sweet tooth. Seven days a week the bakery is open and Wienerbrød is a must-try during your business trip. Wienerbrød known to us as Danish Rolls is a collective name for sweet rolls such as Kanelsnegle (cinnamon) and Spandauer (jam and cream).
- Pølser: The traditional hot dog! For more than 80 years, this delicacy has been woven into the Danish lifestyle. In Sweden, they call this Korv, but we know these buns as the hot dogs from the Ikea. On many street corners, these buns are sold in the busy downtown streets.
Planning a business trip to Copenhagen soon and looking for more tips, information or the best travel options? We are here for you!
Travel Well!
Anne van den Berg,
Business Travel Consultant
