Børsen: Copenhagen's Historic Stock Exchange
Copenhagen's legendary Dragon Spire and Dutch Renaissance masterpiece—a 400-year-old trading hub bearing witness to centuries of Danish commerce.
Børsen is one of Copenhagen's oldest and most iconic buildings, a masterpiece of Dutch Renaissance architecture built by King Christian IV between 1619 and 1640. Famous for its distinctive 56-meter Dragon Spire—four intertwined dragon tails topped with three crowns symbolizing the Scandinavian kingdoms—the building once served as Denmark's financial center and marketplace. Severely damaged by fire in April 2024, Børsen remains a powerful symbol of Copenhagen's trading heritage and architectural legacy, currently undergoing restoration.
A brief summary to Børsen
- København K, København K, 1217, DK
- +4533746000
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- The building is currently closed to the public due to ongoing restoration following the April 2024 fire. Check with the Danish Chamber of Commerce or local tourism websites for updates on reopening dates and any temporary viewing opportunities.
- Børsen is best viewed from Christiansborg Slotsplads (the palace square) or along Børsgade, where you can appreciate the building's architectural details and its position next to the Danish Parliament. The surrounding area offers excellent photography angles.
- Visit the nearby Christiansborg Palace, Thorvaldsen Museum, and the National Museum to understand the broader context of Danish Renaissance architecture and the era in which Børsen was built.
- The building's location on Slotsholmen island places it at the heart of Copenhagen's historic center. Combine your visit with walks along the canals of Christianshavn and exploration of the medieval street layout that has remained largely unchanged since the 17th century.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro and Walking
Take the Copenhagen Metro Line M1 or M2 toward Vanløse or Christianshavn and exit at Gammel Strand station. From there, walk approximately 5–8 minutes across Slotsholmen island toward Christiansborg Palace; Børsen is located directly adjacent to the palace on Slotsholmsgade. Journey time from central Copenhagen is typically 10–15 minutes. The route is fully accessible and well-signposted.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve the area around Børsen, including routes 1A, 2A, 6A, and 15. Alight at stops near Christiansborg Palace or Slotsholmen. Journey times from various parts of Copenhagen range from 15–25 minutes depending on your starting point. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with reduced service in evenings and on Sundays.
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Walking from Nyhavn or Strøget
If you are exploring Copenhagen's historic center, Børsen is within walking distance of popular areas. From Nyhavn, allow 12–15 minutes; from Strøget (the main shopping street), allow 10–12 minutes. The walk crosses picturesque bridges and passes through medieval streets, offering excellent views of the city's architectural heritage along the way.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen is highly bike-friendly. Rent a bicycle from one of the city's many rental stations and cycle to Slotsholmen via the dedicated cycle paths. Journey time from central areas is typically 5–10 minutes. Secure bike parking is available near Christiansborg Palace and throughout the surrounding area.
Børsen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Børsen
A Monument to Royal Ambition and Trade
Børsen was conceived by King Christian IV as part of his grand vision to establish Copenhagen as a major trading hub for Northern Europe. Construction began in 1620 on reclaimed land connecting Copenhagen to the newly founded district of Christianshavn, positioning the building strategically for maritime commerce. The structure was largely completed by 1624, with the iconic spire added in 1625 and final details finished by 1640. Designed by brothers Lorenz and Hans van Steenwinckel the Younger, the building exemplifies Dutch Renaissance style with its distinctive red brick facades, ornate gables, and soaring proportions that commanded respect from merchants and traders across the Baltic region. The building's original configuration reflected its commercial purpose: 40 trading offices occupied the ground floor, while a large hall on the upper level served as the main exchange floor. Ships could unload cargo directly at the wharf on three sides of the building, making it an exceptionally efficient marketplace for the era. During the late 1620s, Børsen functioned as a vibrant center of commerce, where merchants gathered to exchange goods and negotiate deals that shaped Denmark's economic fortunes.The Dragon Spire: Legend and Protection
Børsen's most recognizable feature is its extraordinary Dragon Spire, designed by Christian IV's fireworks master and installed in 1625. Standing 56 meters tall, the spire consists of four intertwined dragon tails crowned with three golden orbs representing Denmark, Norway, and Sweden—a visual proclamation of Scandinavian unity and power. According to legend, the dragons were meant to protect the building from enemies and fire, a superstition that seemed remarkably vindicated by history. For nearly 400 years, Børsen survived numerous fires that devastated neighboring structures, including repeated fires at nearby Christiansborg Palace and a 1990 fire at the Proviantgaarden just across the street, yet the stock exchange remained mysteriously untouched—until April 2024. The spire underwent significant renewal in 1772–1777 and again in 1775, when structural concerns prompted the construction of a replacement spire with a similar design. The copper roof that crowns the building today dates to the late 19th century, replacing an earlier lead roof that had been partially melted down during the Swedish siege of Copenhagen in 1658–1659 to manufacture cannonballs—a poignant reminder of the building's vulnerability despite its legendary protectors.Centuries of Transformation and Restoration
Børsen's architectural evolution reflects Denmark's changing economic and political circumstances. The interior underwent its first major renovation in 1855 under architect Harald Conrad Stilling, modernizing the exchange hall and updating facilities for contemporary trading practices. In 1857, King Frederick VII sold the building to the Grosserer-Societetet (Merchants' Society) for 70,000 rigsdaler, transferring ownership from the crown to the merchant class it served. From 1880 to 1883, the original yellow and red-flamed brick facades were faced with thin red clay tiles, and dormers were added to the Slotsholmsgade elevation. Sandstone ornaments were replaced in 1902–1906, and comprehensive restoration work occurred in the 1920s and 1950s. The building housed the Danish stock market continuously from its founding until 1974, when trading operations relocated. A dramatic chapter in its history occurred on 11 February 1918, when unemployed anarchists stormed Børsen in protest against rising inequality, an event recorded in Danish history as "Stormen på Børsen" (The Storm of the Stock Exchange). Following its retirement from active trading, Børsen transitioned to new roles: since 2018, it has served as headquarters for the Danish Chamber of Commerce, while also functioning as a prestigious venue for gala dinners, conferences, and cultural events. The building housed one of Denmark's most valuable art collections, carefully preserved within its historic walls.The April 2024 Fire and Ongoing Restoration
On 16 April 2024, a devastating fire broke out in the copper roof of Børsen while the building was undergoing extensive external restoration. The fire spread rapidly through the scaffolding that surrounded the structure and into multiple floors, ultimately causing the collapse of the iconic Dragon Spire and severe damage to the main gable walls and ornate facades. The catastrophe was compared internationally to the 2019 Notre-Dame fire in Paris, prompting calls for careful restoration and rebuilding. Emergency workers and volunteers collaborated to rescue significant artworks from the burning building, and fortunately no casualties were reported. Prior to the fire, Børsen had been undergoing comprehensive restoration since 2022, with work scheduled for completion in 2029. The restoration aimed to replace the copper roof and facade bricks while correcting inappropriate renovations from the 19th century and reestablishing the building's original Dutch Renaissance expression. The fire has transformed this restoration into a far more complex undertaking, requiring not only repair of the original damage but also reconstruction of the collapsed spire and damaged structural elements. The Danish Chamber of Commerce has committed to rebuilding the historic landmark, ensuring that this four-century-old symbol of Copenhagen's commercial heritage will be restored for future generations.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.1 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Circle Bridge
0.3 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
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.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
0.4 km
Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
The Stable Boy's House
0.4 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.
Stork Fountain
0.5 km
A trio of bronze storks, royal history and everyday city life meet at this elegant fountain in Copenhagen’s Amagertorv square on the Strøget pedestrian street.
Havnepromenade
0.5 km
Copenhagen's historic 750-meter waterfront where 19th-century maritime heritage meets vibrant contemporary urban life.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.5 km
Explore Danish and international architecture, urban development, and design at Copenhagen's premier cultural center, the Danish Architecture Centre, located in the iconic BLOX building.
Kongens Nytorv
0.5 km
Historic observatory in Aarhus combining hands-on stargazing, interactive astronomy exhibits, and tranquil parkland with panoramic city views.
Amagertorv
0.5 km
Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
Kopenhagen
0.5 km
Spectacular palace at Copenhagen’s core, blending royal grandeur, political intrigue, and centuries of Danish history—home to Parliament, the courts, and the monarchy.
Unmissable attractions to see
Church of Holmen
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Roskilde's central square, Stændertorvet.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.2 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.
Garden of the Royal Library
0.2 km
A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
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.
Knippelsbro
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s copper-towered bascule bridge, where four centuries of harbour crossings, functionalist design and everyday city life meet above the Inner Harbour.
Culture Tower on Knippels Bridge
0.2 km
Innovative cocktails and cozy ambiance in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Black Diamond
0.2 km
Fredensborg Palace is a magnificent 18th-century royal residence on Lake Esrum, famed for its baroque architecture, exquisite gardens, and regal Danish history.
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.
Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s Black Diamond blends a centuries‑old national library with bold harbourfront architecture, quiet reading rooms, exhibitions, concerts and a hidden garden oasis.
Slotsholmen
0.3 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
0.3 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Stromma Canal Tours
0.3 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.
Ved Stranden
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.3 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.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
0.3 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.
Essential places to dine
No. 2
0.3 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
King Hans Cellar
0.4 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 Maven
0.4 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.
à terre
0.4 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Llama
0.5 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.
Kanal-Caféen
0.5 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Kadeau
0.5 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Marv & Ben
0.5 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant 1733
0.5 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Cafe Wilder
0.5 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Restaurant Tight
0.6 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.
Marchal
0.6 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Restaurant Kanalen
0.6 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
l’Alsace
0.6 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Frank
0.6 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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.
Magasin du Nord
0.4 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.
Læderstræde
0.5 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Urban Outfitters
0.5 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
ILLUM
0.5 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.5 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
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.
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.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.5 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
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.
Viking Souvenirs
0.5 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Magnolias
0.5 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.
Audrey Vintage
0.5 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Akimbo
0.6 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
& Other Stories
0.6 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
K-Bar
0.3 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
The Dubliner
0.5 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.
Ruby
0.5 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Brønnum
0.5 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Eiffel bar
0.5 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
Godt Øl
0.5 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.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Balthazar
0.6 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.
Zefside
0.6 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
1105
0.6 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Charlie's Bar
0.6 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Balderdash
0.6 km
Copenhagen’s candlelit cocktail laboratory in a 1732 townhouse, where hygge, art and daring seasonal drinks turn a quiet side street into an unforgettable night out.
Bar Deco
0.6 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
