Copenhagen presents a unique urban model where nature is not a destination outside the city but an integral component of its design and identity. The city’s structure allows residents and visitors to be within a short distance of a park, waterway, or beach at nearly all times. The result is a metropolitan area where pockets of intentional nature and wild landscapes coexist with the built environment, offering a balanced living experience.
Urban Parks and Gardens
Copenhagen’s city center is punctuated by meticulously maintained green spaces that offer tranquility and historical context. The King’s Garden, or Kongens Have, commissioned in the early 1600s by King Christian IV, stands as one of the city’s oldest and most frequented parks. Covering 12 hectares, its design reflects Renaissance ideals, with carefully planned floral arrangements, rose gardens, and aromatic herb patches. This historic garden provides a space for relaxation and serves as a cultural venue for concerts and exhibitions.
Adjacent to the King’s Garden is the Botanical Garden, a part of the University of Copenhagen and home to Denmark’s largest collection of living plants. Established in 1870, the garden spans 10 hectares and contains over 13,000 plant species from around the world. Its historic glasshouses, including the 1874 Palm House, showcase diverse ecosystems. The garden features sections dedicated to Danish plants, rock gardens with species from European mountains, and a Conifer Hill, functioning as both a public park and a center for research.
Coastal and Harbor Recreation
The city’s relationship with its surrounding water is defined by clean harbor baths and extensive beaches, making aquatic recreation a central part of Copenhagen life. An effort to improve water quality has transformed the harbor into a safe place for swimming. The Islands Brygge Harbour Bath, opened in 2002, was the first of several such facilities and remains a popular destination for families, swimmers, and sunbathers in the city center.
A short metro ride from the city, Amager Strandpark offers a different kind of coastal experience. This large-scale recreational area features a man-made island that creates a calm lagoon on one side and a sandy beach on the other, stretching for nearly five kilometers. The park includes dunes and provides ample space for activities such as swimming, kayaking, and sunbathing.
Expansive Nature Reserves
Beyond the manicured gardens, Copenhagen contains large, wilder nature reserves. Amager Fælled, a vast area of meadows, wetlands, and woodlands, serves as a sanctuary for local flora and fauna. Historically an ancient seabed and later a military training ground, the area is now dedicated to conservation and recreation. The reserve has never been cultivated, allowing its unique biodiversity to thrive with limited exposure to agricultural chemicals.
The varied habitats of Amager Fælled support a rich array of wildlife, including numerous bird species, making it a destination for birdwatching, particularly during migratory seasons. An extensive network of trails accommodates cyclists, runners, and walkers, offering a sense of being in wild nature just a short distance from the urban core.
The Royal Deer Park
A short train ride north of Copenhagen lies Jægersborg Dyrehaven, or The Royal Deer Park, a vast natural area with a historical character. This former royal hunting ground is known for its population of over 2,000 free-roaming deer among ancient oak trees and across open plains. The park’s design, with its star-shaped trail systems, is a relic of its past use for par force hunting, a practice of the Danish monarchy.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 for its well-preserved par force hunting landscape, Dyrehaven offers a blend of nature and cultural history. The park encompasses forests, small lakes, and The Hermitage, a royal hunting lodge on a hill with views of the coast. Its size of 11 square kilometers and accessibility make it a destination for those seeking a grander scale of nature, from quiet walks and picnics to horseback riding.