In plain sight - Copenhagen's not-so-hidden gems.

A modern city by historical standards, Copenhagen remains rich in history despite its lack of ancient legacy. "In Plain Sight" acquaints Copenhagen’s international community with the fascinating tales of their adoptive home city.

Photographs: Your Friend in Reykjavik FB Page

Text: Jess Hearne

Living away from home isn't easy. Even with a fantastic job, wonderful friends and a high standard of living, homesickness can still creep in. Copenhagen's excellent work-life balance and living standards attract many internationals, but some creature comforts can only be found back home. For Copenhagen's Icelandic community, a little taste of home can be found between the inner city and Østerport.

A short walk from Nørreport, Jónshús serves as a cultural centre for Icelandic expats. Located at the corner of Øster Voldgade and Stokhusgade, Jónshús has been a home for the Icelandic community since it was gifted to the Icelandic Parliament in 1966.

Iceland and Denmark

Iceland and Denmark share a close bond. Danish is taught as a second language in Icelandic schools and many Icelandic students study in Denmark, deepening the cultural connection.

Iceland's history is unique due to its harsh climate and isolation. The first recorded settlers, Vikings from Norway, arrived in 874 AD and established a commonwealth society. Iceland became a dominion of Norway in the mid-thirteenth century and fell under Danish control with the Kalmar Union in 1380. Denmark granted Iceland home rule in 1874, and Iceland finally became an independent country on June 17, 1944.

Today, around 11,500 Icelanders live in Denmark, with 4,000 residing in Copenhagen. Preserving their culture is vital, and Jónshús plays a key role in this.

Jón Sigurðsson and Icelandic independence

Copenhagen has been home to many famous figures, but for Icelanders, Jón Sigurðsson stands out as the father of the Icelandic independence movement. In 1966, merchant Carl Sæmundsen donated Sigurðsson's former home to the Alþingi (Icelandic Parliament) in memory of Jón and his wife, Ingibjörg Einarsdóttir. On September 12 1970, the building was officially named the Icelandic Culture House, more commonly known as Jónshús.

Jón Sigurðsson is hailed as a unifying hero of independent Iceland. A statesman and academic, he led the 19th-century struggle for self-governance. His birthday, June 17, is Iceland's national day, honouring his significant role in Iceland's independence. Sigurðsson moved to Denmark in 1833 to study ancient history, classical philology, political theory and economics at the University of Copenhagen. Besides his political impact, he was a renowned scholar of Icelandic manuscripts. He played a crucial role in the discussions that led to the restoration of the Alþingi and was elected to it for its first session in 1845. Sigurðsson was instrumental in establishing the Icelandic constitution in 1874, giving Iceland control over its finances and legislative power.

Despite his deep connection to Iceland, Sigurðsson lived in Denmark for the rest of his life. He and his wife moved to the third floor of Øster Voldgade 12 in 1852 and lived there until their respective deaths in December 1879.

Icelandic Culture House

Jónshús has been a community centre for Icelanders in Copenhagen for over fifty years. The third floor houses an exhibition dedicated to Jón and Ingibjörg, and, in the basement, a library holds 9,000 Icelandic books.

Jónshús also hosts the Icelandic Society in Copenhagen and the Icelandic congregation. The director of the house has an office and an apartment on the fifth floor. Two apartments on the second and fourth floors are reserved for Icelandic researchers whose work benefits from a stay in Copenhagen. The house buzzes with activities, including five choirs practising weekly, the Icelandic School every Saturday, young parents meeting on Thursday mornings, card evenings, art exhibitions, yoga sessions, research seminars and numerous social activities.

Ultimately, Jónshús is more than just a building; it's a testament to the enduring spirit of the Icelandic community in Copenhagen. It's a place where traditions are cherished and new memories are forged, proving that no matter where you are, the essence of home can always be found.

Jónshús is located at Øster Voldgade 12, 1350 København K. For information about opening hours and events, visit www.jonshus.dk