ILLUM Travel Guide

ILLUM's story began in 1891 when wholesaler Anton Carl Illum opened a modest store specializing in sewing items and dress accessories on Østergade. The business flourished, relocating to its current prime location at Amagertorv in 1899, where it has remained a cornerstone of Copenhagen's retail landscape ever since. After Anton Carl Illum's death in 1938, his son Svend inherited the enterprise, guiding it through decades of transformation. The department store has weathered significant challenges, from competition with suburban shopping centers in the 1950s and 60s to financial difficulties in the 1980s. Today, under the stewardship of Central Group, ILLUM stands as Scandinavia's most spectacular luxury destination, seamlessly blending historic tradition with contemporary sophistication.

The store's expansive interior showcases an extraordinary collection of premium brands and design-forward merchandise across multiple departments. The women's fashion floor features leading Danish and international labels, while the men's section offers an overwhelming selection for the discerning shopper. The third floor houses sport and athleisure wear, including brands like Arc'Teryx and Adidas x Wales Bonner, alongside a dedicated beauty bar featuring international skincare and haircare lines, including a notable collection of organic products. Each floor is meticulously designed to create an inspirational shopping environment, with personal shoppers available on the second floor to provide tailored guidance for those seeking expert advice or time-efficient curation.

ILLUM Underground represents a revolutionary approach to food retail and dining within a department store. This basement-level destination caters to quality-conscious food enthusiasts with a curated selection of gourmet grocers, specialty vendors, and contemporary eateries. Wedo offers fresh salads, bowls, and sandwiches crafted with honest ingredients, drawing on 18 years of expertise as Denmark's largest salad chain. GAO brings Hong Kong's dumpling tradition with an innovative twist, while Joe & The Juice serves freshly pressed juices, artisan sandwiches, and specialty coffee. Holms Bakery and Café showcases exquisite baked goods and pastries, and Johan Bülow's legendary licorice shop offers an entire spectrum of flavor experiences. MENY Food Market provides high-quality gourmet groceries for those seeking to prepare meals at home.

The rooftop terrace, ILLUM Rooftop, offers a sophisticated retreat from shopping. Here, visitors can enjoy quality coffee and cuisine while gazing across Copenhagen's historic skyline, with unobstructed views of Christiansborg Palace, the pedestrian thoroughfare of Strøget, and Amagertorv square directly below. This vantage point transforms a shopping break into a contemplative experience, allowing guests to absorb the city's architectural heritage while indulging in culinary pleasures.

Situated at the intersection of Copenhagen's two most prestigious pedestrian streets—Strøget and Købmagergade—ILLUM occupies one of Europe's most valuable retail locations. The building itself underwent a significant facade renovation in 2016, designed by the renowned Vilhelm Lauritzen Arkitekter, refreshing its historic exterior while maintaining its iconic presence. The store's position makes it an unavoidable landmark for anyone exploring Copenhagen's city center, serving as both a shopping destination and an architectural anchor point in the urban landscape.

ILLUM caters comprehensively to international visitors through multiple services. Tax-free shopping is available for non-EU residents, with immediate refunds offered at the service center in ILLUM Underground through Global Blue's City Cash program. A dedicated customer lounge provides assistance with gift cards, loyalty club enrollment, dry cleaning services, and tailoring. Parking is available in the adjacent Silkegade car park, open from 7 AM until one hour after store closure, with hourly rates and a maximum daily fee. The store maintains consistent opening hours throughout the week, welcoming shoppers from 10 AM to 8 PM daily.