København

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of Denmark - Danmarks Kommunevåbener

KØBENHAVN

Region : Hovedstaden
Amt (until 2007) : København

Origin/meaning

The arms are based on the oldest seal of the city, known since 1254.

The original seal showed a city wall with towers, which gradually was transformed in the three towers. The present arms were officially granted in 1661 by King Frederik III, whose monogram is seen on the middle tower. In addition to the shield itself, the arms showed three helmets, two lions as supporters and many other symbols around the shield (see below). These are no longer used.

The arms as shown in the Kaffe Hag album from the 1930s.

The arms as shown on a cigarette card from 1926

The arms in the city (image by Jan-Erik Løken)

Literature : Achen, 1982