In this guide
Who lives in Hellerup
Hellerup lies just north of central Copenhagen, on the coast in Gentofte municipality, and is one of the most established and affluent residential areas in the capital region. It is defined by handsome period villas, tree lined avenues, the marina and the long stretch of waterfront park at Hellerup and Charlottenlund. The area draws a settled mix of Danish professional households and international families, many on corporate or diplomatic postings, who want family sized housing, green surroundings and an international school close to home. Alongside Gentofte, Charlottenlund and Hellerup, the wider northern suburbs are where most expat families with school age children concentrate, and Hellerup is the natural centre of that cluster.
Schools in and near Hellerup
Hellerup is one of the few greater Copenhagen neighbourhoods with an international school inside it. Danish private and international schools operate with public recognition, and the IB programmes are authorised by the International Baccalaureate. The two leading IB continuum schools serving the northern suburbs are within easy reach.
| School | Curriculum | Location |
|---|---|---|
| International School of Hellerup (ISH) | IB continuum (PYP to DP, ages 3 to 19) | Hellerup, with high school in Osterbro |
| Copenhagen International School (CIS) | IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) | Nordhavn, short distance |
Schools listed are real and IB authorised. Curriculum and campus ages are as published by each school; confirm current places and fees directly. For the full Copenhagen market see the city hub.
For families set on the International Baccalaureate, the International School of Hellerup is the neighbourhood anchor, running the full continuum with its primary and middle school in Hellerup and the high school in nearby Osterbro. Copenhagen International School, also on the IB continuum, sits a short distance away in the redeveloped Nordhavn waterfront and is the other main option for families in the north of the city. To compare these by curriculum and stage, start from the Copenhagen international schools hub.
Work out the true cost of living in Hellerup
Model rent, school fees and daily costs before you commit to a move to Copenhagen.
Commute and catchment
Hellerup is well connected to central Copenhagen by rail. It sits on the S-train network and the coastal line, with Hellerup station a busy interchange, so the city centre is typically about 10 to 20 minutes away by train. Copenhagen is one of the most cycle friendly cities in the world, and many Hellerup families ride or combine bike and train for both the commute and the school run rather than relying on a car. The northern suburbs are dense enough with stations and cycle routes that car free living is the norm, though some families keep a car for weekend trips along the coast or into Sweden over the Oresund Bridge.
Housing and cost of living
Housing in Hellerup runs from grand period villas and detached family houses to larger apartments near the station and the harbour. Rents are illustrative and move with the wider Copenhagen market, but the area sits in a premium band relative to the rest of the city, reflecting its coastal setting, school access and reputation. Danish living costs are high overall, with energy, groceries and dining all above the European average, though salaries and the social system are calibrated to match. Most families budget for bikes rather than a car given the cycling culture and parking constraints. Because international school fees are the other large line in a Copenhagen family budget, it is worth modelling both together. Our cost of living calculator lets you combine rent, fees and daily costs, and the wider relocation hub covers visas and the practical steps of a move. For fee bands by stage, see our Copenhagen primary school fees guide.
Family life
Family life in Hellerup is outdoors, coastal and calm. The waterfront parks at Hellerup and Charlottenlund give families beaches, lawns and a marina within walking distance, and the wider Gentofte area is rich in playgrounds, sports clubs and forest. Everyday needs are met by the shops and cafes around Strandvejen and the local centres, so daily life rarely requires a trip into the city. For healthcare, the Danish public system is excellent and well resourced, with major hospitals across the capital region a short ride away. Weekends lean toward the coast, the woods and easy trips into central Copenhagen or across to Sweden. The overall feel is settled, green and family friendly, which is exactly what draws households relocating with primary age children. If you are still weighing neighbourhoods, the school finder quiz can match your family to schools first and let the right area follow. For broader context, see our guide to the best areas to live in Copenhagen for expat families.
FAQ
Which international schools are near Hellerup, Copenhagen? Hellerup is home to the International School of Hellerup, which runs the full IB continuum from PYP to Diploma for ages 3 to 19, with primary and middle years in Hellerup and the high school in Osterbro. Copenhagen International School, also on the IB continuum, sits a short distance away in Nordhavn.
Is Hellerup a good area for expat families in Copenhagen? Yes. Hellerup is one of the leafy northern suburbs in Gentofte that draw most expat families, offering green space, good family housing and easy access to international schools, while staying only 15 to 20 minutes from central Copenhagen.
How long is the commute from Hellerup to central Copenhagen? Hellerup sits on the S-train network and the coastal line, with the centre typically about 10 to 20 minutes away by train. The city is famously cycle friendly, and many families ride or combine bike and train rather than drive.
What does it cost to rent in Hellerup? Hellerup is one of the more expensive parts of greater Copenhagen, with period villas and larger family apartments. Rents are illustrative but generally sit in a premium band. Confirm against current listings.
Does Hellerup have an international school within the neighbourhood? Yes. The International School of Hellerup has its primary and middle school in Hellerup itself, with the high school in nearby Osterbro, a major reason the neighbourhood is so popular with relocating families.