Højbro Plads
Historic crossroads square linking Strøget, the canal and Christiansborg, crowned by Bishop Absalon’s equestrian statue and alive with markets and city life.
Højbro Plads is one of central Copenhagen’s key squares, opening out from the Strøget pedestrian street towards the canal and Christiansborg Palace. Dominated by the equestrian statue of Bishop Absalon, founder of Copenhagen, and framed by neoclassical facades, it is a lively urban space used for markets, events and everyday people-watching. In winter it becomes especially atmospheric when a Christmas market fills the square with stalls, lights and seasonal scents.
A brief summary to Højbro Plads
- Højbro Pl., Copenhagen, Indre By, 1200, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Walk up to the Absalon statue base to spot the carved herring motifs that reference the fishing trade which helped Copenhagen flourish in the Middle Ages.
- Stroll onto Højbro bridge for some of the best canal views of Christiansborg Palace, the former stock exchange spire and the colourful Gammel Strand waterfront.
- If visiting in late November or December, allow extra time to browse the Christmas market huts and sample seasonal treats like mulled wine and roasted almonds.
- Come early in the morning or later in the evening for a quieter atmosphere and clearer photos of the square, before daytime shopping crowds build up.
- Look over the bridge railings to spot the submerged sculpture of the merman and his seven sons, an easy‑to‑miss artwork tucked beneath the water’s surface.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro
From Kongens Nytorv Station on lines M1, M2, M3 and M4, Højbro Plads is about a 10–15 minute walk through the pedestrian centre along Strøget. The metro runs frequently throughout the day, with typical single tickets within the central zones costing roughly 20–30 DKK when bought from machines or via local transport apps. The walk is flat and on paved surfaces, suitable for most mobility levels, though it can be crowded at peak shopping times.
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Bus
Several city bus routes serve stops around the Rådhuspladsen and Gammel Strand areas, from where Højbro Plads can be reached on foot in about 5–10 minutes. Travel time from inner districts such as Nørrebro, Østerbro or Vesterbro is typically 15–25 minutes depending on traffic and route. A single bus fare within the central zones is usually around 20–30 DKK, and buses are low‑floor with front‑door boarding and space for prams and wheelchairs.
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Bicycle
Cycling is one of the most convenient ways to reach Højbro Plads from most central neighbourhoods, with journeys from areas like Nørreport, Vesterbro or Islands Brygge often taking 10–20 minutes along dedicated bike lanes. Public bike‑share schemes and hotel rental bikes are widely available, with typical rental prices starting around 100–150 DKK per day. Note that the square itself can be busy with pedestrians, so you may need to dismount and walk the final stretch.
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Walking from central Copenhagen
If you are already staying in the historic centre, Højbro Plads is comfortably reached on foot as part of a wider stroll taking in Strøget, Gammel Strand and Christiansborg Palace. Walking times from many central hotels and sights range from 10–25 minutes along generally flat, paved streets. Surfaces are mostly even, but some older cobblestones occur near side streets, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Højbro Plads 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 Højbro Plads
A historic opening in the heart of old Copenhagen
Højbro Plads is a broad, light-filled square that feels almost like a pause in Copenhagen’s dense medieval street pattern. Created after the great fire of 1795 as a deliberate firebreak and open gathering place, it now forms a key junction where the Strøget pedestrian street meets the canal and the island of Slotsholmen. Around you, rows of largely neoclassical buildings rise in pastel tones, their calm lines giving the space a distinctly 19th‑century elegance. Despite its relatively compact size, the square plays an outsized role in orienting yourself in the city centre. Look one way and the spire of Christiansborg Palace anchors the skyline; turn another and you are drawn back into the busy shopping streets. This sense of being both a crossroads and a breathing space is part of what gives Højbro Plads its enduring character.The legacy of Bishop Absalon in bronze and stone
At the centre of the square stands its most striking feature: the equestrian statue of Bishop Absalon, the warrior‑prelate credited with founding Copenhagen in 1167. Cast in bronze and elevated on a richly detailed plinth, he is shown in armour on horseback, symbolising both spiritual and temporal power. If you walk close, you will see herring carved along the base – a reminder that the city’s early prosperity was built on the export of salted herring during the Middle Ages. This blend of martial imagery and maritime symbolism encapsulates Copenhagen’s early story. Absalon’s fortress once stood just across the canal on Slotsholmen, where Christiansborg now rises, and from here the town grew into a major Baltic trading port. Standing by the statue, you are effectively looking across the water to the birthplace of the city, with the square acting as a kind of open antechamber to that historic core.Squares, bridges and stories along the canal
On the edge of Højbro Plads, the bridge that gives the square its name, Højbro or “High Bridge”, spans the canal towards Slotsholmen. From the parapet you gain classic Copenhagen views: the waterfront facades along Gammel Strand, the tower and chapel of Christiansborg, and the distinctive spire of the former stock exchange. It is an ideal spot to appreciate how water, commerce and royal power have shaped the city’s layout. Beneath the surface, quite literally, the site hides another layer of storytelling. In the water near the bridge lies a sculpture group of a merman and his seven sons, reaching up as if calling to their lost human mother. This modern artwork adds a touch of Nordic myth to an otherwise formal urban setting, tying contemporary imagination to older seafaring legends associated with these channels.Everyday life, festivals and seasonal transformations
For most of the year, Højbro Plads functions as a flexible stage for city life. Street performers, small stalls and informal gatherings come and go, and the wide paving makes it an easy place to pause with a takeaway coffee or simply watch the steady flow of cyclists and pedestrians. The square also serves as a venue during larger cultural events, including concerts and happenings linked to the Copenhagen Jazz Festival. In late autumn and December, the atmosphere changes dramatically when a Christmas market spreads across the paving. Wooden huts, strings of lights and the scent of roasted almonds and mulled wine transform the square into a compact winter village. The Absalon statue, usually a stern guardian of history, becomes a backdrop to carols, gift shopping and social meet‑ups, underlining how the space adapts to the rhythms of the year.Architecture, details and moments of quiet observation
Architecturally, Højbro Plads is a showcase of Copenhagen’s taste for balanced proportions and restrained ornament. The facades surrounding the square rarely shout for attention, yet their cornices, pilasters and tall sash windows reward closer inspection. This modest elegance makes the square feel cohesive, even as shops, cafés and offices occupy the ground floors. For visitors, much of the appeal lies in slowing down and inhabiting the space for a while. Whether you sit on a low step beneath Absalon’s horse, lean on the railing by the canal, or stand at the edge watching the light change on the towers and rooftops, the square offers an accessible way to feel the pulse of the historic centre without leaving it. In a city known for its human‑scale urbanism, Højbro Plads is a textbook example of how a simple open space can connect past and present, movement and stillness.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Højbro
0.1 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Frederik VII
0.2 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Holmens Bro
0.2 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.
The Danish Parliament
0.3 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.3 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.
Varehuset Messen
0.3 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Jorcks Passage
0.4 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.4 km
Discover the charm of Frederiksholms Kanal, Copenhagen's picturesque canal, perfect for peaceful strolls and cultural exploration.
The Round Tower
0.4 km
Explore The Round Tower, Copenhagen's historic observatory offering stunning city views and engaging cultural exhibitions.
Nytorv 2
0.4 km
Where Copenhagen’s Neoclassical courthouse meets a centuries-old market square, blending solemn civic history with the everyday buzz of the old city.
The War Museum
0.4 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Kongens Nytorv
0.5 km
Historic observatory in Aarhus combining hands-on stargazing, interactive astronomy exhibits, and tranquil parkland with panoramic city views.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.5 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Gammeltorv
0.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's only Russian Orthodox Church, renowned for its gilded domes, lavish icons, and evocative ties to Denmark's royal and multicultural heritage.
Indre By
0.5 km
Medieval streets, royal palaces, and European shopping converge in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Unmissable attractions to see
Højbro Pl.
0.0 km
Open, airy and steeped in history, Højbro Plads is Copenhagen’s neoclassical city living room between canal, palace views and busy pedestrian streets.
Bishop Absalon
0.0 km
Denmark’s national gallery showcases Nordic and international masterpieces in stunning, light-filled halls—SMK is a must-visit for art lovers in Copenhagen.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.1 km
A submerged family of bronze beneath Højbro Bridge brings an old Danish ballad of love, faith and abandonment to life in the heart of historic Copenhagen.
Ved Stranden
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
Stork Fountain
0.1 km
Bask in the serene Baltic ambiance of Rødvig Beach on South Zealand—an inviting stretch of sand with sweeping views of Stevns Klint and local Danish charm.
Stromma Canal Tours
0.1 km
Discover the world of 'Nordic gold' at the Copenhagen Amber Museum, where history, science, and stunning amber artifacts meet in Nyhavn’s oldest house.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
0.1 km
Strikingly modern, immersive, and acoustically exceptional, DR Koncerthuset is Copenhagen's world-renowned concert hall and a must-visit for music and architecture lovers.
Læderstræde
0.1 km
A cosy Old Town side street where rebuilt 18th‑century townhouses, Danish design boutiques and laid‑back cafés create a calm, human‑scaled alternative to busy Strøget.
Gammel Strand
0.1 km
A historic Copenhagen harbourfront where Viking-age roots, colourful 18th‑century facades and a contemporary art centre meet beside the city’s central canal.
Nikolaj Art Gallery
0.1 km
Medieval church transformed into a beacon of experimental contemporary art in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Amagertorv
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s historic marketplace turned elegant pedestrian square, where storks, cobblestones and centuries‑old facades meet modern design and city life.
Strøget
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
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.
Christiansborg Palace
0.2 km
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Balderdash
0.2 km
Strikingly designed by Jean Nouvel, Copenhagen’s DR Koncerthuset offers world-class acoustics and a dynamic program of classical, jazz, and international concerts.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Maven
0.1 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.
Marv & Ben
0.2 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Tight
0.2 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.
King Hans Cellar
0.3 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.3 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.
Restaurant 1733
0.3 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Llama
0.3 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
Københavner Cafeen
0.3 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
l’Alsace
0.3 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.3 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.
Wining and Dining
0.3 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Marchal
0.4 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Det Lille Apotek
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
Frank
0.4 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
Restaurant Puk
0.4 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.0 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.1 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.1 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Hygge Original
0.1 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.
Magnolias
0.1 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
ILLUM
0.2 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Urban Outfitters
0.2 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
& Other Stories
0.2 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Akimbo
0.2 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Audrey Vintage
0.2 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Magasin du Nord
0.3 km
Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
Norse Store
0.3 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.3 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Norse Projects
0.3 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.3 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
K-Bar
0.1 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
The Dubliner
0.1 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.1 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
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Ruby
0.3 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Charlie's Bar
0.3 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
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.
1105
0.3 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
The Moose
0.3 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
The Jane
0.3 km
Mad Men–style speakeasy meets late-night dance floor in a warren of hidden rooms, leather sofas and cocktail-fuelled energy beneath central Copenhagen.
Strøm
0.3 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Balthazar
0.3 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.3 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Bæst Cocktailbar
0.3 km
Intimate basement cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pairing creative drinks with warm lighting, easygoing music and a sociable late-night city-centre vibe.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
