Church of Holmen (Holmens Kirke)
Once an anchor forge, now Denmark’s naval and royal church, Holmens Kirke hides a remarkably intact Renaissance interior beside Copenhagen’s busy canal.
Tucked beside the canal in central Copenhagen, the Church of Holmen is a modest-looking Renaissance church with a remarkably rich naval and royal history. Once an anchor forge for the royal shipyard, it became the sailors’ parish church under King Christian IV and later the setting for Danish royal christenings and the 1967 wedding of Queen Margrethe II. Inside, you’ll find an unusually complete 17th‑century interior, model ships, oak carvings, and the tombs of famed naval heroes.
A brief summary to Church of Holmen
- Holmens Kanal 21, Indre By, Indre By, 1060, DK
- +4533136178
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-4 pm
Local tips
- Plan your visit during weekday opening hours (typically late morning to mid‑afternoon) to explore the interior; it can close for services and special ceremonies.
- Spend time looking up at the model ships and the barrel‑vaulted ceiling; the maritime details tell much of the church’s naval story.
- Seek out the chapel and crypt areas to see the sarcophagi of famous Danish naval officers and appreciate the church’s role as a maritime memorial.
- Bring a light sweater even in summer; the thick masonry and shaded interior can feel cool compared with the streets outside.
- Be mindful of ongoing worship and private services; keep voices low and avoid photography near the altar when ceremonies are taking place.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro
From central Copenhagen, the most convenient option is the M1 or M2 metro to Kongens Nytorv Station, which usually takes 5–10 minutes from hubs such as Nørreport or København H. Trains run every few minutes throughout the day. A single zone‑2 ticket typically costs around 20–25 DKK and can be bought from station machines or via travel apps. From Kongens Nytorv it is a short, level urban walk to the Church of Holmen, suitable for most visitors.
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City Bus
Several city bus lines serve the area around Holmens Kanal from different parts of Copenhagen, with typical journey times of 10–20 minutes from inner districts depending on traffic. Standard bus tickets fall within the 2–3 zone fare, generally 20–36 DKK, and are valid across buses, metro, and trains within the time limit. Buses run frequently during the day, but evening and weekend services may be less frequent, so check current timetables before you travel.
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Bicycle
Cycling is a classic way to reach the Church of Holmen from most central neighborhoods, usually taking 5–15 minutes along Copenhagen’s extensive bike lanes. You can use city bikes or rental shops, with typical rental costs from about 100–150 DKK per day depending on the provider. The route is flat and suitable for casual cyclists, but be prepared for busy traffic at peak hours and always use bike lights in low‑light conditions.
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On Foot from Inner City
If you are already within Copenhagen’s historic core, walking to the Church of Holmen is straightforward and takes around 10–25 minutes from most central landmarks such as Rådhuspladsen or Nyhavn. The route follows paved city streets and canal edges with generally level terrain, making it accessible for most people. Allow extra time in wet or icy weather, as cobblestones and quayside areas can become slippery.
Church of Holmen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Church of Holmen
From Anchor Forge to Royal Parish
Holmens Kirke began life not as a church, but as an anchor forge built in the 1560s to serve Copenhagen’s royal shipyard on what was then the island of Holmen. When King Christian IV expanded the navy in the early 17th century, he converted the long, low workshop into a parish church for his sailors and dockyard workers. The building kept much of its original footprint, but its purpose shifted from heavy industry to Lutheran worship. Only a few decades later, the congregation had outgrown the simple hall. In the 1640s the structure was reshaped into the cruciform Renaissance church you see today, with architect Leonhard Blasius extending the arms and incorporating the tower. The result is a restrained brick exterior typical of Dutch‑influenced Danish Renaissance, facing the water and tying the church visually to the city’s maritime life.A Rare Renaissance Interior Intact
Step inside and the atmosphere changes dramatically. Holmens Kirke is celebrated as Copenhagen’s most complete surviving Renaissance church interior, its whitewashed walls and barrel‑vaulted ceiling framed by dark oak fittings. Light filters gently through relatively small windows, catching gilded details on the pulpit and altarpiece so they glow against the subdued timber. The vast oak pulpit from the 1660s, carved by Abel Schrøder, rises from floor to ceiling in dense sculptural detail, narrating biblical scenes from Moses to Christ. Opposite, the high altar is equally intricate, a layered wooden retable whose figures and columns evoke the craftsmanship of a seafaring kingdom at its zenith. Overhead, the organ façade from the 18th century crowns the west end, its pipes forming an elegant backdrop to the gallery.Maritime Soul and Naval Heroes
Holmens Kirke has always been the navy’s church, and the sea is present everywhere inside. Hanging beneath the vault, carefully crafted model ships sail silently through the air, votive offerings that recall historic vessels and Denmark’s maritime power. They act as floating memorials to countless voyages and battles, connecting the congregation to sailors past and present. In side chapels and the crypt lie some of the country’s greatest naval figures, including admirals whose sarcophagi anchor the church’s role as a national pantheon of the sea. Their presence reinforces Holmens Kirke as both place of worship and house of remembrance, where state ceremonies and quiet personal reflection share the same sacred space.Royal Ceremonies and National Moments
Although modest in scale, the Church of Holmen occupies an outsized place in Denmark’s royal story. It has hosted a series of royal christenings linked to the navy and, most famously, the 1967 wedding of the then‑Crown Princess Margrethe and Henri de Laborde de Monpezat. The images of a future queen walking down this relatively intimate aisle cemented the church’s status as a venue for national milestones. Inside, the royal connection is subtle rather than ostentatious: monograms and crowns picked out in gold on the pulpit, memorial plaques on the walls, and the dignified layout of pews leading the eye toward the chancel. Together they hint at centuries of state occasions, from wartime services to moments of celebration, woven into the daily rhythm of parish life.Quiet Refuge in the Heart of the City
Despite its ceremonial importance, Holmens Kirke remains a working parish church and a peaceful refuge steps from the bustle of central Copenhagen. When open, visitors can wander the nave in near‑silence, pausing to examine carved details, read inscriptions, or simply sit in the cool half‑light and listen to the faint creak of old wood. The setting beside Holmens Kanal adds to the contemplative mood. Outside, the city’s waterways, ministries, and financial buildings underline how closely church, navy, and state have been intertwined here. Inside, the stillness and the soft echo of footsteps on stone offer a contrasting sense of continuity, a reminder that this former forge has witnessed more than four centuries of Danish history without losing its human scale.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Holmens Bro
0.1 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
0.1 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.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.2 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Højbro
0.3 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
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.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.4 km
Copenhagen's revitalized waterfront promenade blending historic charm with playful modern recreation.
Kongens Nytorv
0.4 km
Historic observatory in Aarhus combining hands-on stargazing, interactive astronomy exhibits, and tranquil parkland with panoramic city views.
Amagertorv
0.4 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.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.4 km
Discover Aarhus’s Latin Quarter—a picturesque maze of cobblestone streets, vibrant cafés, indie boutiques, art galleries, and an unmistakable creative spirit.
Strøget
0.4 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Havnepromenade
0.5 km
Copenhagen's historic 750-meter waterfront where 19th-century maritime heritage meets vibrant contemporary urban life.
Circle Bridge
0.5 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.
Christianshavn
0.5 km
Maritime charm meets modern cool in Copenhagen's most picturesque neighbourhood of coloured houses and idyllic canals.
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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Børsen
0.1 km
Explore Copenhagen’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not!—an imaginative museum of fascinating oddities, curiosities, and interactive wonders at City Hall Square.
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.
Ved Stranden
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
Stromma Canal Tours
0.2 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.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
0.2 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.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.2 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.
Nikolaj Art Gallery
0.3 km
Medieval church transformed into a beacon of experimental contemporary art in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Garden of the Royal Library
0.3 km
A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
Bishop Absalon
0.3 km
Denmark’s national gallery showcases Nordic and international masterpieces in stunning, light-filled halls—SMK is a must-visit for art lovers in Copenhagen.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.3 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.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.3 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.
Højbro Plads
0.3 km
A historic canal in central Copenhagen, Frederiksholms Kanal blends royal heritage, elegant facades, and tranquil waterways in the heart of the Danish capital.
Højbro Pl.
0.3 km
Open, airy and steeped in history, Højbro Plads is Copenhagen’s neoclassical city living room between canal, palace views and busy pedestrian streets.
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.
Knippelsbro
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s copper-towered bascule bridge, where four centuries of harbour crossings, functionalist design and everyday city life meet above the Inner Harbour.
Essential places to dine
King Hans Cellar
0.2 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
0.2 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
0.3 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
0.3 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.
Marv & Ben
0.4 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Marchal
0.4 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
l’Alsace
0.5 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
No. 2
0.5 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
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.
Restaurant Tight
0.5 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.
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.
Frank
0.5 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.
Bistro Royal
0.5 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Goldfinch
0.5 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.3 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
0.3 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.
Urban Outfitters
0.3 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
0.4 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
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.4 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.4 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
0.4 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Viking Souvenirs
0.4 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Magnolias
0.4 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.
Hygge Original
0.4 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.
Audrey Vintage
0.5 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Akimbo
0.5 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
0.5 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Norse Store
0.5 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
K-Bar
0.2 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
0.3 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
0.4 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.
Brønnum
0.4 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Balthazar
0.4 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.
Ruby
0.4 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
1105
0.4 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.4 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
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.
Charlie's Bar
0.5 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Bar Deco
0.5 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Balderdash
0.5 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.
The Moose
0.5 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.
Zefside
0.5 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
0.5 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.
The Zoo
0.5 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.
Chateau Motel
0.6 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mini Bar
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Hive
0.7 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Club Mambo
0.7 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Mirror
0.8 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.8 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Miami Bar
0.8 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
0.8 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
La Terraza
0.8 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Cosy Bar
1.0 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Arch
1.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
1.0 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
1.0 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
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
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
