Car Hire Copenhagen

A compact city that is a pleasure to drive around, Copenhagen is welcoming to visiting drivers. From here you’ll also be able to head west to explore the rest of Denmark, or go east to Sweden if planning a Scandinavian road trip.

Speed limits are clearly signed throughout the country and are in kilometres per hour. In the heart of Copenhagen, the limit is 40kph, 50kph in other built-up areas, 80kph on standard roads and 110kph when driving on motorways. There are a few roads in the country where this is increased to 130kph – again, it’ll be signposted.

Motorways in Denmark are free to drive on, with the exception of the Oresund Bridge that connects Denmark to Sweden, the scene of many a recent TV drama in the new ‘Nordic Noir’ style. You’ll drive on the right, overtake on the left and seatbelts are compulsory for the driver and all passengers.

It won’t take long for you to notice how popular cycling is in Copenhagen, and cyclists have right of way – be aware of them on both sides of your car. Parking costs vary and the city uses a colour-coded system. Yellow is cheapest, becoming more expensive as you pass into blue, green and red zones.

Denmark’s unusual layout and proliferation of islands and bridges makes it a truly lovely place to explore by hire car. Cross the Storebaelt and head for Nyborg, continuing all the way west to Esbjerg on the far coast. The E47 plunges north to south, from Helsingor in the north-east, through Copenhagen and Brondby to a ferry connection between Denmark and Germany.

If you’re really planning on seeing more of Denmark, explore the Marguerite route, designed for tourists to see the very best of the country over some 3600km of roads. Keep your eyes peeled for the brown signs named for the queen’s favourite flower.

It’s fun to explore the delightful Danish capital, not least as it stands on a collection of waterways and islands linked by bridges. Driving around the city via the bridges is all part of the adventure of visiting Copenhagen, a truly friend and charming city.

Take off at Tivoli

Across one of Copenhagen’s 18 bridges you’ll find the glorious Tivoli Gardens. This leafy city centre site houses one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, with a non-stop family-friendly mix of 19th-century period details and state-of-the-art white-knuckle rides.

Around the trees and water features you’ll find live shows, floating restaurants and colourfully illuminated gardens, making it as enthralling for relaxed strollers as it is for the thrill-seekers.

The ‘freetown’

Cross some more bridges and you’ll enter the ‘freetown’ of Christiania. This ‘independent neighbourhood’ of squatters and hippies was established in 1971 and continues to defy the authorities.

It has evolved to become a colourful and alternative attraction, with curious craft shops and cafés amid outrageous wall paintings, pretty gardens and a chance to spot some of the world’s funkiest hairstyles.

New harbour

Copenhagen’s oldest waterfront district is known as Nyhavn. Here you can enjoy browsing galleries, shops and restaurants, all housed in brightly painted 17th-century harbourside buildings.

The former home of famous fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen, its pretty, cobbled quays are now the tourist heart of Copenhagen. Old wooden sailing ships are moored along the quayside and there are regular street markets, festivals and live music performances.

Royal Copenhagen

The Danish royals are a little different: you may spot them cycling around the city or shopping in a department store. Nevertheless, they do have a spectacular Royal palace for the rest of us to visit. Amalienborg is in the heart of the city next to the waterfront.

It comprises four identical 200-year-old mini-palaces around an octagonal piazza with a towering statue of King Frederik V on horseback at its centre. You can wander across this courtyard to take photos, while it forms a great backdrop to the impressive display seen during the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place at 11.30am each day.

Another waterfront…

Across yet more bridges you’ll reach Langelinie, a waterfront park with a deep-water pier for cruise ships, a yacht marina and canalside walks with impressive views.

On a rock just off the shore you’ll be able to spot one of Denmark’s best-known attractions. The Little Mermaid is a small bronze statue depicting the character from a Hans Christian Andersen’s famous story. It has been one of the must-see sights of the city for more than a century.

With a wonderful city to explore and gorgeous Danish countryside beyond, car hire in Copenhagen is a great way to see this attractive and welcoming city and country.