Assistens Cemetery (Assistens Kirkegård), Nørrebro
Historic cemetery and leafy Nørrebro park in one: a green, reflective refuge where Denmark’s cultural icons rest beneath tree‑lined paths and worn stone markers.
Assistens Cemetery in Copenhagen’s Nørrebro district is a rare hybrid: a historic graveyard and a leafy city park. Laid out in 1760 as an “assistance” cemetery outside the old city walls, it is the final resting place of Hans Christian Andersen, Søren Kierkegaard, Niels Bohr and other notable Danes. Today, its long tree-lined avenues, quiet lawns and old brick walls offer both a place of remembrance and a beloved green oasis where locals stroll, read and picnic with gentle respect for the surroundings.
A brief summary to Assistens Cemetery
- Kapelvej 2, København N, København N, 2200, DK
- +4533669100
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 7 am-10 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-10 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-10 pm
- Thursday 7 am-10 pm
- Friday 7 am-10 pm
- Saturday 7 am-10 pm
- Sunday 7 am-10 pm
Local tips
- Pick up or download a simple grave map beforehand if you want to find Hans Christian Andersen, Søren Kierkegaard or Niels Bohr without backtracking through the maze of paths.
- Time your visit for a dry spring or summer afternoon when the trees are in leaf and locals are using the grounds as a park; the contrast of everyday life and quiet gravestones is most striking then.
- Keep voices low and avoid sitting close to newer graves; picnics and sunbathing are accepted in open lawn areas but less appropriate near recent burials or family gatherings.
- Wear comfortable shoes—the cemetery is larger than it first appears, and the most interesting sections lie off the main avenue along narrower gravel or dirt paths.
- On windy or cool days, bring an extra layer; the tree canopy blocks direct sun, and long, shaded paths can feel noticeably cooler than the surrounding streets.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
- Drinking Water
Getting There
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Metro from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 or M4 metro line to Nørrebro or Nørrebros Runddel; trains run every few minutes and the ride typically takes 5–10 minutes from major hubs like Kongens Nytorv or København H. A standard single-zone ticket costs roughly 20–25 DKK and is valid across metro, S‑train and buses. Stations and trains are step‑free, but note that some approaches to the cemetery use cobbled pavements which can be uneven for wheelchairs or strollers.
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Bus within the city
Several city bus routes run along Nørrebrogade and stop near Kapelvej, just outside the cemetery walls. From the inner city, the journey is usually 10–20 minutes depending on traffic, using the same 2‑ or 3‑zone tickets as the metro, around 24–36 DKK. Buses are low‑floor and generally accessible, but they can be crowded at rush hour, and travel times increase in peak traffic along the main artery through Nørrebro.
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Bicycle from inner Copenhagen
Cycling from the old town or the area around Rådhuspladsen to Assistens Cemetery typically takes 10–20 minutes, following well‑marked bike lanes across the lakes into Nørrebro. You can use a self‑service city bike or a standard rental; expect to pay approximately 50–150 DKK for a day’s access depending on provider. The route is flat and straightforward but can be busy at commuting times, so basic urban cycling confidence is recommended.
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On foot from the city center
If you prefer to walk, the cemetery lies roughly 2–3 km from central landmarks such as Rådhuspladsen, which translates to about 25–40 minutes on foot. The route is flat and follows main shopping and café streets into Nørrebro, with frequent crossings and traffic lights. It is suitable for most fitness levels, though those with limited mobility may prefer public transport, as there are stretches of cobblestones and uneven paving near the cemetery entrances.
Assistens Cemetery location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Assistens Cemetery
From Overflowing Churchyards to a New Kind of Cemetery
Assistens Cemetery was created in 1760, when Copenhagen’s inner churchyards could no longer cope with the number of burials. Outside the former city walls, this new “assistance” cemetery was laid out in what were then open fields, giving the dead more space and the living a healthier distance from crowded burial grounds. Over the decades the cemetery expanded several times as the city grew around it, gradually becoming the green heart of what is now the diverse Nørrebro district. Originally intended for the poor, Assistens soon attracted wealthier citizens, clergy and civil servants who chose to be buried here. Broad paths, ornamental plantings and family plots gave the grounds a gentle, Romantic character. Today, the original 18th‑century core can still be sensed in the older sections, where worn sandstone markers lean at slight angles and moss softens the edges of iron railings.Resting Place of Denmark’s Cultural Giants
A walk through Assistens is also a walk through Danish cultural history. Scattered among simple headstones are the graves of some of the country’s most prominent figures. Fairy‑tale author Hans Christian Andersen lies beneath a modest stone inscribed with his name and dates. Philosophical pioneer Søren Kierkegaard is buried in the oldest section, surrounded by family markers that hint at a complex life beyond his writings. Not far away, physicist Niels Bohr rests with his family, a quiet corner that belies his global scientific influence. Other notable graves include H. C. Ørsted, who discovered electromagnetism, as well as artists, poets, musicians and contemporary cultural figures. Many monuments are protected as cultural heritage, so sculpted angels, obelisks and carved portraits are carefully preserved, turning the cemetery into an open‑air gallery of funerary art.A Green Oasis Woven into Everyday City Life
Despite its role as a burial ground, Assistens functions very much like a city park. Long avenues of poplars and lime trees form leafy tunnels, while side paths meander through denser groves where birdsong softens the urban soundscape. In spring and summer, wildflowers and groundcover plants blur the lines between tended plots and more natural corners, creating a slightly untamed feel that contrasts with the surrounding streets. Locals come here to jog along the main paths, read on benches, or spread a blanket in the sun with quiet conversations and takeaway coffee. The cemetery’s high perimeter wall and mature trees filter traffic noise, so the atmosphere inside is calmer than the lively cafés and bike lanes just outside. This everyday use is balanced by a shared understanding that newer graves and certain sections call for hushed voices and gentle behaviour.Stories, Symbols and Surprising Details
Look closely and Assistens reveals layers of stories. Old headstones bear archaic spellings and 18th‑century script, while 19th‑century monuments are rich with Christian symbols—clasped hands, broken columns and draped urns that speak of loss, hope and remembrance. In minority sections, Roman Catholic crosses, Orthodox iconography and other motifs reflect the city’s religious diversity over time. Among the more curious features is a playful “time traveller’s” memorial plaque, a contemporary artistic intervention that nods to the cemetery’s evolving role as a place for reflection on life, death and time itself. Elsewhere, small stones, shells or pebbles left on graves hint at personal rituals of remembrance. Occasional cultural events, guided walks and educational activities use the grounds as a living classroom for history, literature and philosophy.Walking the Paths Between Life and Death
For visitors, the experience is as much about atmosphere as about specific graves. The main north–south avenue feels almost like a grand promenade, while side alleys invite slower, more contemplative wandering. Sunlight filters through high canopies, catching on lichen‑covered inscriptions and casting dappled patterns on gravel paths. It is easy to lose track of time here, drifting between famous names and anonymous markers that together form a quiet record of Copenhagen’s past centuries. The coexistence of joggers, families, solitary readers and mourners gives Assistens a distinctive character: neither purely somber nor purely recreational, but a thoughtful middle ground. It is a place where everyday life continues in the gentle presence of those who came before, and where the city’s fast pace softens into something more reflective and humane.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
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- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
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
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
