Living in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen: schools and expat family guide

Frederiksberg is the elegant, leafy municipality enclosed by Copenhagen, known for its boulevards, gardens and village like feel. It draws expat families who want classic apartments, parks and a strong community within easy reach of the centre, with the international schools a short metro or cycle ride away.

Frederiksberg is a municipality in its own right, entirely surrounded by Copenhagen, with a distinct character of wide boulevards, stately apartment buildings and generous green space. Frederiksberg Gardens and Sondermarken give it two large parks, the palace and the zoo sit at its heart, and Frederiksberg Alle and the side streets are lined with independent cafes, bakeries and boutiques. For relocating parents it offers an elegant, walkable, family friendly base that feels like a village while staying minutes from the city centre.

The combination of greenery, period housing and a friendly local energy makes Frederiksberg one of the most sought after addresses for international professionals and families. It sits alongside Hellerup to the north as a classic family choice, and the wider picture of curricula and demand across the city is set out on the Copenhagen international schools hub, with our guide to the best areas to live in Copenhagen for expat families placing it in context.

Schools in and near Frederiksberg

Frederiksberg holds a notable international school and sits within easy reach of others across the city. The named schools below are established choices in or near the district; confirm current places, fees and the latest authorisation directly with each school before applying.

To weigh these against the wider city, start from the Copenhagen international schools hub. For budgeting at the youngest stage, see the guide to primary international school fees in Copenhagen. School names here are illustrative of the area's provision, not endorsements.

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Tell us your child's age, preferred curriculum and budget and we will shortlist Frederiksberg and wider Copenhagen schools that fit, so you can focus the search before you arrive.

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Commute and catchment

Frederiksberg is exceptionally well connected. The Copenhagen metro, including the Cityring line, serves several stations within the municipality, the S-train calls at Frederiksberg, and the cycle network is among the best in the world, so most families move around by bike and metro rather than car. The centre is a few minutes away, and the wider city opens up directly from the stations.

Because the international schools sit across Copenhagen rather than only in Frederiksberg, catchment is about the metro and cycle link or the school bus rather than walking distance. The most sought after schools fill early and ask families to apply ahead, so confirm a place and the journey before committing to a lease in the district.

Housing and cost of living

Housing in Frederiksberg is mainly classic apartments in well kept buildings along the boulevards and side streets, with some townhouses and newer blocks. It is among the more expensive parts of greater Copenhagen, and rents reflect the elegance, the parks and the central yet calm setting. Families weighing budget against the boulevards often look to the edges of the municipality or to neighbouring districts for more space per krone.

Beyond rent, budget for utilities, transport, school fees and health cover. To model the full picture before committing, our Copenhagen cost of living calculator totals rent, schooling and everyday spending, and the relocation hub covers registration, healthcare and the practical steps of moving to Denmark. For school costs specifically, the primary fees guide for Copenhagen sets out the typical bands.

Family life

Day to day, Frederiksberg is built around its parks and its cafes. Frederiksberg Gardens and Sondermarken give lawns, lakes and woodland walks, Copenhagen Zoo borders the gardens, and the independent shops, bakeries and playgrounds along the side streets make daily life easy with children. Clinics, supermarkets and family services sit throughout the municipality, and the centre is a short ride away.

The blend of gardens, period apartments and a strong sense of community is exactly why internationally mobile families settle in Frederiksberg. For households comparing it with other parts of the city, the Copenhagen city hub sets out neighbourhoods, curricula and the school landscape across the Danish capital.

Frequently asked questions

Is Frederiksberg a good area for expat families in Copenhagen?

Yes. Frederiksberg is an elegant, leafy municipality enclosed by Copenhagen, known for its boulevards, gardens and village like feel. It suits families who want classic apartments, parks and a strong community within easy reach of the centre, and who value the metro and cycle links to the international schools across the city.

Which international schools are in or near Frederiksberg?

Frederiksberg is home to the Lycee Francais Prins Henrik, offering a French curriculum from the early years to the Baccalaureat. Wider Copenhagen options include Copenhagen International School in Nordhavn and Rygaards School in Hellerup. Confirm places, fees and curriculum directly with each school.

How much is rent in Frederiksberg?

Frederiksberg is among the more expensive parts of greater Copenhagen, with classic apartments on the leafy boulevards commanding premium rents. The trade off is elegance, green space and a walkable, village like setting. Model the full picture with our cost of living calculator before signing a lease.

How is the commute from Frederiksberg?

Frederiksberg is served by the Copenhagen metro, including the Cityring line, plus S-trains and an excellent cycle network, so the centre and the wider city are quick to reach. For the international schools, families combine the metro and bike with a school bus or a short drive depending on the campus.

Where do expat families typically live in Frederiksberg?

Families favour the apartment streets around Frederiksberg Gardens and Frederiksberg Alle, valuing the parks, the cafes and the calm, walkable character, alongside the quieter residential pockets near the metro stations for an easy commute.

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