Frederiksholms Kanal: Copenhagen’s Serene Historical Waterway
Discover Frederiksholms Kanal, a tranquil and historically rich canal flowing through Copenhagen’s heart, flanked by stately landmarks and classic Danish charm.
Frederiksholms Kanal is one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric canals, running quietly through the Indre By district. Framed by elegant 17th-century buildings, green-shaded banks, and historic bridges, the canal offers visitors a tranquil setting to soak up centuries of Danish capital history. The area is famed for its proximity to iconic Danish institutions and palaces, blending city bustle with riverside calm.
A brief summary to Christiania
- Bådsmandsstræde 43, København K, København K, 1407, DK
- +4532956507
- Visit website
- 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 during golden hour for stunning photos of historic buildings reflected in the water.
- Combine your canal walk with a trip to Christiansborg Palace or the National Museum, both nearby.
- Pack a picnic; benches and green spots line the canal, offering pleasant city views.
- Watch for sightseeing boat tours that glide past, offering a different perspective of the canal.
Getting There
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Walking
From the main city square, Frederiksholms Kanal is an easy 8–12-minute walk through the lively Indre By neighborhood. Landmarks like Christiansborg Palace and the Royal Library guide your approach, and the area is pedestrian-friendly with river views opening as you draw near.
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Public Transport
Several city bus routes and the metro connect the central station and city hall with stops just a few minutes’ walk from the canal. A single journey within the central zone typically costs 24–30 DKK. From the nearby bus or metro stop, the canal is clearly visible amid the historic surroundings.
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Taxi
Taxis from the city center arrive at Frederiksholms Kanal in 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic, with fares averaging 80–120 DKK. Drop-off points are close to main sights like Christiansborg Palace.
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Driving
Parking in the surrounding area is limited and metered, with rates typically around 38–50 DKK per hour. Underground parking structures near the National Museum offer additional spaces, though availability can be scarce during busy periods.
Discover more about Christiania
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sankt Annæ Gade
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Explore Skagen’s Maskinrummet, where maritime history, restored engines, and nautical culture meet within a unique, authentic portside museum and café.
Christianshavns Kanal
0.4 km
Aarhus’s Latin Quarter: vibrant cobbled lanes, eclectic cafés, independent shops, and a creative spirit in the city’s oldest and most atmospheric neighborhood.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
0.5 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.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.7 km
Explore C.F. Tietgens Hus, a stunning historical landmark in the heart of Copenhagen, showcasing the city's architectural and cultural heritage and reflecting the grandeur of the Neoclassical era.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Copenhagen at Nyhavn, where colorful history meets modern charm along the picturesque canal.
Circle Bridge
0.8 km
Aarhus University Park: Where Danish architecture, tranquil lakes, and student vitality unite in an iconic Scandinavian landscape at the heart of Aarhus.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
1.0 km
Discover North Atlantic House in Copenhagen, a vibrant cultural hub and art gallery spotlighting the heritage and creativity of Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands.
Holmens Bro
1.0 km
Historic cobblestone lanes, colorful houses, indie boutiques, and a bohemian café scene—Aarhus’s Latin Quarter is the city’s creative, cultural soul.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
1.0 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Kongens Nytorv
1.0 km
Historic observatory in Aarhus combining hands-on stargazing, interactive astronomy exhibits, and tranquil parkland with panoramic city views.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
1.0 km
Explore Denmark's industrial evolution at Horsens' Industrimuseet, featuring authentic exhibits and interactive displays for all ages.
Kopenhagen
1.0 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.
The War Museum
1.0 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Frederik VII
1.0 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
The King's New Square
1.0 km
Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen’s grandest square, blends royal history, iconic architecture, and bustling urban energy in the very heart of Denmark’s capital.
Unmissable attractions to see
Green George af Thomas Dambo - Trold nr. 50
0.1 km
Experience intimate wildlife encounters and conservation education at Pangea Park, Denmark's cozy animal sanctuary.
Church of Our Saviour
0.2 km
A peaceful stretch of ancient coastal woodland offering scenic trails, wildlife encounters, and open meadows right on the edge of Køge Bay.
Operaen
0.2 km
Innovative cocktails in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Christianshavn
0.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's charm with Tropical Bikes' diverse rentals and guided tours.
North Atlantic House
0.5 km
Step inside Copenhagen’s Designmuseum Danmark for an inspiring journey through Danish design, from iconic mid-century furniture to contemporary innovation, in a grand former hospital.
Havnepromenade
0.6 km
Explore Copenhagen’s vibrant Nordic art scene at Bredgade Kunsthandel, a distinguished gallery bridging Danish classics and contemporary masters in the heart of Frederiksstaden.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.6 km
Slottsträdgården is Malmö’s central organic garden retreat, blending vibrant themed gardens, historic castle views, and lively year-round events in a lush urban oasis.
Inderhavnsbroen
0.6 km
Explore the evolution of Danish design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Culture Tower on Knippels Bridge
0.6 km
A reimagined bridge control tower offering panoramic harbor views, contemporary art, and an industrial atmosphere on one of Copenhagen’s historic waterways.
Knippelsbro
0.6 km
Discover Danish masterworks and Scandinavian artistic excellence in one of Copenhagen’s most historic and intimate art galleries, surrounded by the culture-rich Frederiksstaden district.
The Playhouse
0.8 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.
Nyhavn
0.8 km
Nyhavn’s pastel waterfront, historic tall ships, and lively terraces in central Copenhagen offer an iconic blend of Danish heritage and modern city life.
Ofelia Plads
0.8 km
Victorian Gothic Anglican church alongside Churchillparken, offering tranquil interiors, stained glass windows, and British-Danish history near Copenhagen's royal district.
Børsen
0.8 km
Explore Copenhagen’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not!—an imaginative museum of fascinating oddities, curiosities, and interactive wonders at City Hall Square.
Hey Captain
0.9 km
Experience the heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where shopping, dining, and culture converge in a historic market square.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Lola
0.2 km
Experience innovative global cuisine in a historic 17th-century windmill at Copenhagen's Restaurant Lola.
Kadeau
0.5 km
Discover the exquisite flavors of Scandinavian cuisine at Kadeau, where culinary innovation meets local tradition in the heart of Copenhagen.
Barr
0.5 km
Discover authentic Scandinavian flavors at Barr in Copenhagen's scenic waterfront - where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Restaurant Barr
0.5 km
Experience Nordic culinary heritage at Restaurant Barr, where tradition meets innovation in a storied waterfront warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen.
Khun Juk
0.8 km
Upmarket Thai cuisine meets classic Copenhagen charm at Khun Juk, offering authentic flavors and canal-side elegance in the heart of historic Nyhavn.
No. 2
0.8 km
Inventive Nordic cuisine and striking harbour views await at No. 2, where local Danish flavours meet contemporary dining in the heart of Copenhagen.
à terre
0.8 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.
Cap Horn
0.9 km
Experience authentic Danish and Scandinavian cuisine at Cap Horn in Copenhagen's iconic Nyhavn district, where tradition meets culinary artistry.
King Hans Cellar
1.0 km
Dine in historic vaulted cellars at Copenhagen’s King Hans Cellar, where centuries-old ambiance and Michelin-level Danish cuisine create an unforgettable fine dining experience.
Llama
1.1 km
Experience authentic Latin American flavors at Llama in Copenhagen – where vibrant cuisine meets warm hospitality.
Marchal
1.1 km
Experience modern French cuisine at Marchal in Copenhagen's Hotel d'Angleterre - where elegance meets culinary artistry.
Restaurant Maven
1.1 km
Atmospheric Danish restaurant inside Copenhagen’s historic Nikolaj Church—offering modern Nordic cuisine, inventive wines, and a setting rich in cultural heritage.
Bistro Royal
1.1 km
Stylish Parisian-inspired bistro on Kongens Nytorv, serving classic and contemporary dishes in a vibrant, central Copenhagen setting with charming views.
Frank
1.2 km
Chic Nordic dining with creative tasting menus, an acclaimed wine selection, and stylish ambiance in central Copenhagen’s vibrant cultural district.
l’Alsace
1.2 km
Discover authentic Alsatian cuisine at l’Alsace in Copenhagen, where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Magasin du Nord
1.0 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.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
1.1 km
Discover authentic Danish gifts, charming souvenirs, and practical luggage essentials at this longstanding shop on bustling Østergade in the heart of Copenhagen.
The Wilde Shop
1.2 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
ILLUM
1.2 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Læderstræde
1.3 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
1.3 km
Explore Danish history and craftsmanship at Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store, an iconic destination for hand-painted porcelain, elegant collectibles, and Nordic design.
Storm - design art fashion
1.3 km
Avant-garde design, progressive fashion, niche perfume, and rare art books unite at Copenhagen’s Storm—an iconic concept store in the city’s creative core.
Strøget
1.3 km
Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
1.4 km
Henrik Vibskov Boutique: Explore boundary-pushing Danish design and avant-garde fashion in a gallery-inspired setting in central Copenhagen.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
1.5 km
Nestled on a lively Copenhagen shopping street, Det Gamle Apotek enchants visitors with nostalgic Danish gifts, festive decor, and whimsical home accessories year-round.
Studio Arhoj
1.5 km
Studio Arhoj fuses Scandinavian and Japanese influences into vibrant, hand-crafted ceramics, making it a unique design destination in central Copenhagen.
Time's Up Vintage
1.6 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Viking Souvenirs
1.7 km
Discover authentic Viking keepsakes and Danish-designed gifts at Viking Souvenirs, perfectly placed on Copenhagen’s historic shopping street for a unique Nordic shopping adventure.
Quirky Lane
1.8 km
Discover unique vintage treasures at Quirky Lane, Copenhagen's eclectic boutique for sustainable fashion enthusiasts.
Wasteland
1.8 km
Discover unique vintage fashion treasures at Wasteland in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Eiffel bar
0.3 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
Leading Copenhagen’s cocktail revolution, K-Bar blends innovative mixology, Scandinavian style, and canal-side ambiance for an unforgettable urban bar experience.
1105
1.2 km
Award-winning cocktail bar in central Copenhagen offering inventive signature drinks, a stylish Nordic-chic atmosphere, and a top-tier nightlife experience.
The Dubliner
1.3 km
Classic Irish pub atmosphere with live music, hearty food, sports broadcasts, and local camaraderie on lively Amagertorv square in central Copenhagen.
The Bird and The Churchkey
1.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Ruby
1.3 km
Ruby is Copenhagen’s iconic cocktail bar, where historic townhouse charm meets world-class mixology in a uniquely atmospheric setting near the city’s heart.
Charlie's Bar
1.3 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Lord Nelson Bar
1.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Godt Øl
1.3 km
Discover a welcoming cellar sanctuary for craft beer enthusiasts in Copenhagen, offering expertly curated Danish and international selections in a cozy, sociable atmosphere.
Balderdash
1.4 km
Whimsical cocktails, creative mixing, and historic vibes await at Balderdash, a celebrated Copenhagen bar bringing Nordic flair and surprises to the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Bo-Bi Bar
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Strøm
1.5 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
The Rooftop Bar
1.5 km
Experience panoramic views and a relaxed atmosphere at The Rooftop Bar atop Hotel Danmark in Copenhagen.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
1.5 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Luke's Bar
1.5 km
Luke’s Bar is a beloved vintage-inspired haunt in Copenhagen’s Indre By, celebrated for creative cocktails, retro ambience, and welcoming, quirky bartenders.
