The Best Architectural Buildings In Copenhagen

Copenhagen isn’t just a city; it’s a design statement. A living, breathing gallery of architectural innovation. Walk its streets, and you’ll see history and modernity in a seamless dance—15th-century castles standing shoulder to shoulder with cutting-edge eco-friendly skyscrapers.

Danish architect Bjarke Ingels once said, “Architecture is the art of turning fiction into fact.” Nowhere is this more evident than in Copenhagen. This city has turned radical urban ideas into reality, from waste-to-energy power plants with ski slopes on top to entire districts designed for people, not cars.

But here’s the thing—Copenhagen’s architecture isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about function. Sustainability. Human-centric design. That’s what makes it one of the most fascinating architectural landscapes in the world. Whether you’re an architect, a design enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a well-built city, there’s something here for you.

So, where do you start? That’s exactly what this guide is for. We’ll walk through the city’s architectural DNA—its history, its iconic structures, its vision for the future. Get ready to see Copenhagen like never before.

A Brief History of Copenhagen’s Architecture

Copenhagen’s skyline is a storybook of architectural evolution. From medieval castles to cutting-edge green buildings, the city blends centuries of design philosophy into a cohesive, modern metropolis.

• Medieval Era (12th-16th Century): The city’s oldest architectural gems, including Rosenborg Castle and Christiansborg Palace, showcase Renaissance and Baroque influences, heavily inspired by Dutch and German designs.

• Neoclassical & Historicist Period (17th-19th Century): The Frederiksstaden district, home to Amalienborg Palace, highlights Copenhagen’s fascination with symmetry, grandeur, and order.

• Modernism & Functionalism (20th Century): The early 1900s saw architects like Arne Jacobsen introduce clean, functionalist designs, emphasizing simplicity and efficiency.

• Contemporary & Sustainable Architecture (21st Century): Today, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and firms like Henning Larsen Architects are pushing the boundaries of eco-friendly, human-centered urban design. Projects like CopenHill (a ski slope on a waste-to-energy plant) and the 8 House (a mixed-use residential masterpiece) are global benchmarks in sustainable architecture.

Copenhagen isn’t just a city of history—it’s a city of continuous reinvention.

Notable Danish Architects and Their Impact

Great cities are shaped by great minds. Copenhagen’s architectural identity has been defined by a handful of visionary Danish architects whose work continues to inspire global design.

Arne Jacobsen (1902-1971)

A pioneer of modernist architecture, Jacobsen’s work blended form and function seamlessly. His designs, like the SAS Royal Hotel (now the Radisson Collection) and Bellavista Housing, showcase his clean, minimalist aesthetic. He’s also the mind behind the world-famous Egg and Swan chairs, which remain design icons today.

Bjarke Ingels (b. 1974)

If there’s a face of contemporary Danish architecture, it’s Bjarke Ingels. His firm, BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), is behind some of Copenhagen’s most innovative structures, including:

• CopenHill – A power plant that doubles as a ski slope.

• 8 House – A residential complex designed for community interaction.

• VM Houses – A playful take on modern apartment living with unconventional angles.

Henning Larsen (1925-2013)

Best known for the Copenhagen Opera House, Larsen’s designs often play with natural light and geometric precision. His firm continues to influence sustainable urban planning with projects like The Royal Danish Library’s Black Diamond extension.

These architects have shaped not just Copenhagen, but global architectural trends. Their influence is visible in every corner of the city.