Frederiksholms Kanal
Historic canal circling Copenhagen’s Castle Island, where royal palaces, parliament and quiet waterside promenades meet in the city’s political heart.
Frederiksholms Kanal is a graceful historic waterway curving around Slotsholmen in central Copenhagen, framing Christiansborg Palace and other grand institutions in stone and copper. Once part of Christian IV’s 17th‑century expansion of the city, it is now a tranquil promenade of bridges, moored boats and stately facades. Come for reflective waterside walks, atmospheric views in every direction and a snapshot of Denmark’s political and cultural heart.
A brief summary to Frederiksholms Kanal
- Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Time your visit for early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and façades and bridges reflect beautifully in the canal.
- Combine a walk along the canal with visits to nearby Christiansborg Palace or the National Museum to deepen the historical context.
- Use the bridges as natural viewpoints and photo spots, but be mindful of cyclists and commuters sharing the space.
- Pack a simple picnic or coffee and use the benches and steps along the quay as informal seating with a prime waterside view.
- Consider a canal tour that includes Frederiksholms Kanal for a contrasting perspective on the palaces and historic buildings.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro and short walk
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 or M4 metro line to Gammel Strand or Rådhuspladsen. Trains run every few minutes and a single adult ticket within the city center typically costs around 20–30 DKK. From either station it is about a 10–15 minute walk on level, paved streets through the historic core to reach Frederiksholms Kanal. The route is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, though cobblestones in parts of the old town can make progress slightly slower.
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City bus
Several city bus routes serve the Slotsholmen and National Museum area, with typical travel times of 10–25 minutes from inner neighborhoods depending on traffic. A standard bus ticket within the central zones usually costs about 20–30 DKK and can be used interchangeably on buses, metro and trains within its validity period. Buses stop on major streets close to the canal, from where you walk 5–10 minutes on flat pavements. Services run frequently during the day, with reduced schedules late at night and on holidays.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen’s extensive bike lanes make cycling to Frederiksholms Kanal straightforward from most central districts in 10–20 minutes. Public bike‑share schemes and rentals are widely available, often costing roughly 70–150 DKK for a day’s use depending on the provider. The terrain is flat, but be prepared for busy intersections at peak hours and always use designated lanes and lights. Bicycle parking is generally easy to find around Slotsholmen and nearby streets.
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Guided canal tour
Many one‑hour harbor and canal tours departing from central piers include a passage along or near Frederiksholms Kanal, offering a water‑level view of Christiansborg and surrounding buildings. Typical adult prices range from 100–150 DKK, with tours operating more frequently from spring to autumn and less often in winter, depending on weather and daylight. Boats are generally accessible via low steps or ramps, but very limited seating and low bridges can be challenging for some mobility needs. The tours provide a comfortable way to reach and experience the canal while learning about the city’s history.
Frederiksholms Kanal location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Frederiksholms Kanal
A Royal Canal at the Heart of Copenhagen
Frederiksholms Kanal traces the edge of Slotsholmen, the so‑called Castle Island that has been Denmark’s centre of power for centuries. Laid out in the early 1600s during King Christian IV’s ambitious reshaping of Copenhagen, the canal helped define new land, improve defenses and organize maritime traffic in and out of the harbor. Today, the functional waterway has turned into a scenic frame around some of the city’s most important buildings. As you move along the canal, the views constantly shift: copper roofs and sandstone fronts reflected in gently rippling water, low boats sliding beneath brick arches, and the spire of Christiansborg Palace rising above it all. The scene feels unmistakably royal, yet the atmosphere remains relaxed and accessible, more like a lived‑in civic drawing room than an off‑limits ceremonial quarter.Slotsholmen’s Palaces, Museums and Power
Frederiksholms Kanal effectively sketches the outline of Slotsholmen, an island packed with institutions that have shaped Denmark’s history. Christiansborg Palace, housing Parliament, the Supreme Court and the royal reception rooms, dominates the skyline on one side. Nearby, the former Prince’s Mansion now serves as the National Museum, its elegant façade looking across to the water. Along the banks you also encounter ministries, archives and cultural buildings that underline the canal’s role as a backdrop to statecraft. Historic bridges such as Stormbroen tie the island to the rest of the city, their low arches and stone parapets offering classic vantage points over boats, towers and the busy harbor beyond. Even a simple pause on a bridge quickly turns into an impromptu lesson in Danish history and politics.Life Along the Water’s Edge
Despite the weight of power surrounding it, the canal feels surprisingly human in scale. Narrow pavements hug the water, lined with benches, steps and moorings where classic wooden vessels and historic boats gently bob against the quay. Office workers use the edge for coffee breaks, students chat on the steps and locals sit with takeaway lunches when the sun appears. Canal tours pass frequently, their low‑slung boats gliding almost at eye level with the promenades. From here, Frederiksholms Kanal acts as both a route and a stage: passengers get intimate close‑ups of palace walls and arches, while people ashore watch the boats slip under the bridges and out toward the wider harbor. In the softer light of evening, streetlamps shimmer in the water and the area takes on a quietly romantic tone.Architecture, Bridges and Story‑Filled Details
The architecture along Frederiksholms Kanal is remarkably cohesive, with façades ranging from Renaissance‑inspired stone to later classical and neo‑Baroque additions. Copper roofs and towers, weathered to a soft green, echo across the skyline, while heavy wooden doors and ornate portals open onto courtyards hidden from the water. Look closely at the bridges and quay walls and you notice carved crests, dates and inscriptions that chart phases of rebuilding after fires and wars. Stormbroen, for example, commemorates a 17th‑century assault on the city, its very name recalling the “storm” that once broke against Copenhagen’s defenses. These details give the canal a narrative depth that rewards unhurried exploration.Moments to Savor in Any Season
Frederiksholms Kanal is accessible at all hours, and each season brings its own character. On clear days, reflections are crisp and photogenic; in winter, bare branches frame the palaces in stark outlines, and the air carries the smell of cold stone and brackish harbor water. Spring and summer invite longer pauses on the benches, with soft breezes drifting along the waterway and the occasional sound of church bells from nearby towers. Whether you linger on a bridge for a few photographs, circle the canal as part of a longer walk around Slotsholmen, or view it from a passing boat, this modest‑sized waterway offers one of the most concentrated encounters with Copenhagen’s blend of royal heritage, working government and everyday city life.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.2 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
The Stable Boy's House
0.2 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
The Danish Parliament
0.2 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Frederik VII
0.3 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Højbro
0.4 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Holmens Bro
0.4 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
Bishop Absalon
0.4 km
Dynamic equestrian monument to Copenhagen’s warrior-bishop founder, rising over central Højbro Plads with rich maritime symbolism and a direct visual link to Christiansborg.
Højbro Plads
0.4 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.4 km
A gilded astronomical masterpiece with 15,448 parts, calculating time and cosmos for the next 2,500 years.
Copenhagen City Hall
0.4 km
Denmark's civic masterpiece: National Romantic architecture, astronomical engineering, and the heartbeat of Copenhagen.
Børsen
0.4 km
Copenhagen's legendary Dragon Spire and Dutch Renaissance masterpiece—a 400-year-old trading hub bearing witness to centuries of Danish commerce.
Lille Langebro
0.4 km
Explore Kronborg Castle, the iconic setting of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' and delve into Denmark's Renaissance history.
Strøget
0.5 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Nytorv 2
0.5 km
Where Copenhagen’s Neoclassical courthouse meets a centuries-old market square, blending solemn civic history with the everyday buzz of the old city.
Højbro Pl.
0.5 km
Maskinrummet is Skagen’s maritime museum and café, featuring historic marine engines, hands-on exhibits, and harbor-side atmosphere in Denmark’s northernmost town.
Unmissable attractions to see
Marmorbroen
0.0 km
An 18th‑century Rococo bridge that once formed the grand entrance to Christiansborg Palace, Marmorbroen quietly unites royal history, canal views and everyday city life.
National Museum of Denmark
0.2 km
Denmark’s past comes alive in a grand city palace, where Vikings, royal salons and playful children’s galleries tell 14,000 years of stories under one roof.
Slotsholmen
0.2 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
The War Museum
0.2 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
0.2 km
A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
Magstræde
0.2 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest cobbled lanes, Magstræde is a colorful, time‑worn shortcut through the city’s medieval heart and everyday modern life.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.2 km
Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.2 km
A quiet bronze of Denmark’s great existential thinker, seated with manuscripts in a hidden garden behind the Royal Library in the heart of Copenhagen.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.2 km
Experience Copenhagen’s blend of urban cool and waterside relaxation at Islands Brygge, where harbor views, bathing, and local life come together in a thriving central district.
Garden of the Royal Library
0.3 km
A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
Christiansborg Palace
0.3 km
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s harbourside hub for design and urban life, where immersive exhibitions, playful workshops and rooftop views reveal how architecture shapes the way we live.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.3 km
Explore a thousand years of Copenhagen's history through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the stories of its people.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.3 km
An intimate museum in a 17th‑century boathouse where Daniel Libeskind’s Mitzvah‑shaped architecture tells 400 years of Danish Jewish history and rescue.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
0.3 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's Crown Jewels and royal treasures.
Essential places to dine
Kanal-Caféen
0.0 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Restaurant Karla
0.2 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Restaurant 1733
0.2 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Restaurant Puk
0.3 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Rio Bravo
0.3 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Marv & Ben
0.3 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Noi
0.3 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.4 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Restaurant Tight
0.4 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Københavner Cafeen
0.4 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
No. 2
0.5 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Restaurant Maven
0.5 km
Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.6 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.6 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.6 km
Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Audrey Vintage
0.4 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Akimbo
0.4 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Læderstræde
0.4 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.4 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
& Other Stories
0.4 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Danish Souvenirs
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Hygge Original
0.5 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
Souvenir Shop
0.5 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.5 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Duck Haven
0.5 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.5 km
Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.5 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Viking Souvenirs
0.5 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.5 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.5 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Zefside
0.2 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Ruby
0.2 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Godt Øl
0.3 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
The Rooftop Bar
0.3 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.3 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Southern Cross Pub
0.3 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
The Marble Bar
0.3 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.4 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Centralhjørnet
0.4 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest gay bars, Centralhjørnet is a cosy, festive corner pub where historic LGBTQ+ heritage meets camp décor and easy-going charm.
Taphouse
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Ved Stranden
0.4 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
K-Bar
0.4 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Romantic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
