Amaliehaven
A small but beautifully composed waterfront garden weaving royal vistas, sculpture, and harbor views into a calm green oasis in central Copenhagen.
Amaliehaven is a compact, meticulously designed waterfront garden between Amalienborg Palace and Copenhagen Harbor in the Frederiksstaden district. Laid out in 1983 as a gift to the city from the A.P. Møller Foundation, it blends strict geometric hedges, a dramatic central fountain, and bronze columns with colorful flower beds and cherry trees. Enclosed by low walls and greenery, it feels like a sheltered oasis, yet opens dramatically toward the harbor and the opera house beyond.
A brief summary to Amaliehaven
- Toldbodgade, Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- +4533954200
- Duration: 0.5 to 2.5 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
- Visit in spring when the Japanese cherry trees bloom and the contrast between pale blossoms, clipped hedges, and the blue harbor is at its most photogenic.
- Combine a short wander in Amaliehaven with watching the noon Changing of the Guard at nearby Amalienborg Palace and a walk along the waterfront.
- Come early in the morning or around sunset for softer light on the fountain and bronze columns, and fewer people in your harbor-view photos.
- Bring a takeaway coffee or snack and use the benches near the water as a relaxed spot to rest between palace and harbor sightseeing.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Restrooms
Getting There
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Metro and short walk from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 or M4 metro line to Marmorkirken Station, which usually takes 3–5 minutes from hubs like Kongens Nytorv. From the station, it is about a 10–15 minute level walk through Frederiksstaden to Amaliehaven, mostly on paved sidewalks suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. A single-zone metro ticket typically costs around 20–25 DKK, and metros run every few minutes throughout the day.
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City bus to Amalienborg area
Several local bus routes serve the streets around Amalienborg Palace and the harbor, with journey times of about 10–20 minutes from the inner city depending on traffic. Buses stop within a few minutes’ walk of Amaliehaven on largely flat pavements. Standard bus fares in Copenhagen are usually in the range of 20–25 DKK for a short inner-city trip, and services run frequently during the day and early evening.
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Bicycle from the inner city
Copenhagen’s network of bike lanes makes it straightforward to cycle from the city center to Amaliehaven in around 10–15 minutes. The route follows marked cycle tracks and is mostly flat, though care is needed near busy intersections and along the harborfront. Public bike-share and rental bikes are widely available, with typical short-term rentals starting from about 50–100 DKK for a few hours.
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Harbor bus to the waterfront
The city’s harbor buses call at several stops along Copenhagen Harbor and can bring you close to Amaliehaven in roughly 10–25 minutes from other waterfront districts. These small ferries are part of the public transport system, and a standard ticket in the 20–25 DKK range usually covers the ride. Deck areas can be breezy, and services run on set timetables that are less frequent in late evenings and on some winter days.
Amaliehaven 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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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Amaliehaven
A waterfront garden between palace and harbor
Amaliehaven occupies a narrow strip between the royal residence of Amalienborg and the open waters of Copenhagen Harbor, forming a green hinge between stately squares and the working waterfront. Conceived in the early 1980s on the site of the former Larsen’s Plads shipyard, it was presented to the city in 1983 by the A.P. Møller Foundation, transforming an industrial quay into a formal public garden. Despite its modest size, the garden plays a key role in the grand urban axis that runs from the Marble Church, through Amalienborg’s octagonal square, and onward across the water to the modern opera house. Standing here, you are literally on that line, with palace façades, church dome, and harbor views all aligned in a single composition.Symmetry, sculpture, and the language of design
Belgian landscape architect Jean Delogne designed Amaliehaven as a rigorously symmetrical space, using straight paths, clipped hedges, and terraced levels to create a sense of order and calm. The garden is organized around a large circular fountain, its stone surfaces and steps arranged in clean geometric patterns that feel almost architectural. Italian sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro added four striking bronze columns, rising like modern obelisks around the fountain. Their textured surfaces catch the light and provide a sculptural counterpoint to the smooth stone and trimmed greenery. Together, the water, stone, and bronze create a composed, almost theatrical stage at the heart of the park.A sheltered oasis in the middle of the city
Low walls and dense hedging enclose much of Amaliehaven, screening out street noise and harbor winds. Inside, the atmosphere shifts from urban bustle to something more contemplative: the soundscape is dominated by splashing water, wind in the trees, and the occasional call of a gull. Planting is deliberately lush within the strict framework of the design. In spring, Japanese cherry trees burst into blossom, forming pale pink clouds that contrast with the rectilinear layout. Through the warmer months, flower beds provide layers of color and scent along the paths and seating areas, softening the geometry and giving the garden a distinctly human scale.Harbor vistas and royal backdrops
While the garden feels sheltered, it opens dramatically toward the harbor. From the waterfront edge you can look across to the sculptural bulk of the Copenhagen Opera House and watch harbor traffic glide past. Turn around, and the façades of Amalienborg Palace rise above the greenery, with the dome of Frederiks Kirke crowning the skyline beyond. This combination of intimate garden rooms and long, ceremonial vistas is part of the site’s charm. You can sit quietly on a bench among flowers, then walk a few steps to take in one of Copenhagen’s most iconic urban perspectives, where royal architecture and contemporary waterfront design share the same frame.A place to pause between nearby highlights
Amaliehaven is open at all hours and free to enter, which makes it a natural pause point when exploring Frederiksstaden, the palace square, or the nearby harbor promenades. Paths are flat and well maintained, inviting slow circuits around the fountain or a brief stroll as you cross between the waterfront and the city. Recent renovations have refreshed the stonework, lighting, and fountain technology, ensuring the garden retains the crisp look of its original 1980s design. Whether you visit early in the morning for soft light and quiet, or later in the day when the harbor feels more lively, the garden offers an easy, low-effort way to experience Copenhagen’s blend of royal history, modern design, and everyday outdoor life.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Larsens Pl.
0.1 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.2 km
A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.3 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
I am Queen Mary
0.3 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Horn mine
0.5 km
A disarmed World War II naval mine displayed in Churchill Park, turning a former weapon of the sea into a quiet reminder of conflict amid central Copenhagen’s greenery.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.6 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Our Fallen
0.6 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
Gefion Fountain
0.7 km
A powerful Norse creation myth cast in bronze and spray, the Gefion Fountain unites legend, sculpture and harbor light on the edge of Churchillparken.
Indre By
0.7 km
Medieval streets, royal palaces, and European shopping converge in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Kongens Nytorv
0.7 km
Discover Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen's historic square, surrounded by iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and easy access to Nyhavn and Strøget for an unforgettable experience.
St. Paul's Church
0.7 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
0.7 km
Aarhus University Park blends modernist architecture, landscaped gardens, and tranquil lakes to create an inviting oasis at the heart of Denmark’s vibrant student city.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.7 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Havnepromenade
0.8 km
Copenhagen's historic 750-meter waterfront where 19th-century maritime heritage meets vibrant contemporary urban life.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.8 km
Copenhagen's revitalized waterfront promenade blending historic charm with playful modern recreation.
Unmissable attractions to see
Springvandet i Amaliehaven af Arnaldo Pomodoro
0.0 km
A dramatic bronze fountain at the heart of Amaliehaven, where modern sculpture, royal views and harbor breezes meet in a tranquil geometric garden.
Rytterstatuen
0.1 km
A surreal subterranean art museum beneath Søndermarken Park, fusing Copenhagen’s 19th-century waterworks with modern installations and immersive experiences.
Amalienborg
0.1 km
Discover the majestic Rosenborg Castle—home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, regal interiors, and lush gardens—offering a journey through centuries of royal Danish history.
Amaliegade
0.2 km
A stately Copenhagen street where Rococo townhouses, royal colonnades and diplomatic mansions line a calm axis through the heart of Frederiksstaden.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.2 km
Step behind the facades of Copenhagen’s royal square to explore intimate apartments, glittering gala halls and Fabergé treasures at Amalienborg Palace Museum.
The Kissing Stairs
0.3 km
Stroll along Langelinie, Copenhagen’s bustling waterfront, where iconic statues, historic parkland, and sweeping harbor views create a quintessential maritime escape.
Hey Captain
0.3 km
Experience the heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where shopping, dining, and culture converge in a historic market square.
Ofelia Plads
0.3 km
A UNESCO-listed Renaissance fortress where royal history, sea vistas, and Hamlet legends converge at the gateway between Denmark and Sweden.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
0.3 km
Explore the evolution of design at Copenhagen's premier museum, housed in a historic rococo building.
Medicinsk Museion
0.3 km
Historic surgical academy turned cutting‑edge medical museum, where preserved bodies, instruments and contemporary science exhibitions reveal how we understand health and disease.
Copenhagen Opera House
0.3 km
UNESCO-listed Renaissance castle in Helsingør, famed as Elsinore from Shakespeare’s 'Hamlet', with iconic spires, lavish halls, and sweeping views across the Øresund Strait.
Frederik's Church
0.4 km
Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen offers seven centuries of world-class art in luminous galleries, from old masters to Danish modern icons and contemporary innovators.
Designmuseum Danmark
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s temple of design, where rococo halls, iconic Danish chairs and a tranquil garden reveal how beautifully made objects shape everyday life.
The Playhouse
0.4 km
A beautiful English gothic church in the heart of Copenhagen, St Alban’s blends British heritage and Danish history beside the city’s iconic fortifications.
Bredgade Kunsthandel
0.4 km
Refined contemporary art gallery on Copenhagen’s Bredgade, where Danish and international works unfold in bright, minimalist rooms just steps from royal and design landmarks.
Essential places to dine
Aoc
0.4 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Khun Juk
0.4 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
Skipperkroen
0.5 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Cap Horn
0.5 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Restaurant Rebel
0.5 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.5 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
Restaurant Vita
0.6 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.6 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Goldfinch
0.6 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Den Lille Fede
0.6 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Restaurant Barr
0.6 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
Bistro Royal
0.7 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
à terre
0.7 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.
Marchal
0.7 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Frank
0.7 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
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.3 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
Maritime Antiques &
0.4 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
The Crown souvenir
0.4 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Copenhagenglass
0.4 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Zane
0.5 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
The Wilde Shop
0.6 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Viking Souvenirs
0.8 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.8 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.8 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Magasin du Nord
0.8 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.8 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Storm - design art fashion
0.9 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.9 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Urban Outfitters
1.0 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
1.0 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
0.6 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
Brønnum
0.7 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.7 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.7 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Bar Deco
0.8 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Balthazar
0.8 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.
1105
0.9 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Trykbar
0.9 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
The Moose
1.0 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.
Charlie's Bar
1.0 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Bo-Bi Bar
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Eiffel bar
1.1 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
K-Bar
1.1 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Ved Stranden
1.1 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.
Gejser Bar
1.1 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
0.8 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Lusso
0.8 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
Mini Bar
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
The Zoo
0.9 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Operaen
1.1 km
Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
Chateau Motel
1.4 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
1.5 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Arch
1.5 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
1.5 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Rumors
1.6 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.6 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
1.6 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
1.6 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Dorsia
1.7 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Club Mambo
1.7 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Romantic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
