Cisternerne – The Cisterns in Søndermarken
Vast, damp and echoing beneath Søndermarken Park, Cisternerne transforms a former 19th‑century water reservoir into Denmark’s only underground dripstone art space.
Buried beneath Frederiksberg Hill in Søndermarken Park, Cisternerne is a vast former water reservoir transformed into one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric art spaces. Once holding 16 million litres of drinking water for the city, the cool, damp chambers now host a single large-scale contemporary art installation each season. Stalactites, echoing drips and sparse lighting create a cathedral‑like underground world unlike anywhere else in Denmark.
A brief summary to Cisterns in Søndermarken
- Roskildevej 25A, Frederiksberg, 2000, DK
- +4530738032
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear waterproof, non-slip shoes and bring a light jacket; the floor can be wet and the underground temperature hovers around 8–10°C even in summer.
- Check the current exhibition period in advance, as Cisternerne often closes for several months in winter between large site-specific installations.
- If you are sensitive to darkness, humidity or echoing spaces, be prepared for a very atmospheric environment with minimal natural light.
- Combine your visit with a walk in Søndermarken and a look at Frederiksberg Palace above for a vivid contrast between underground and open-air experiences.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public transport from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, city buses such as line 6A towards Rødovrehallen typically reach the Roskildevej stop near Søndermarken in about 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic. Services run frequently throughout the day, and a standard single-zone ticket usually costs around 20–30 DKK when bought via local transport apps or ticket machines. From the bus stop it is a short, level walk through the park to the entrance.
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Metro and walk via Frederiksberg or Fasanvej
You can take the M1, M2 or M3 metro lines to Frederiksberg or Fasanvej station, then walk through the residential streets and parkland to Cisternerne in roughly 15–20 minutes. The metro journey from the city centre is around 5–10 minutes, and a single ticket usually costs 20–30 DKK depending on zones. The walk is mostly flat and paved but may include some park paths with gravel or grass.
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Bicycle from inner city districts
Cycling from areas like City Hall Square or Vesterbro to Søndermarken typically takes 15–25 minutes along Copenhagen’s extensive bike lanes. You can use rental or bike-share schemes priced roughly 15–40 DKK for short rides, with costs increasing over longer periods. Near the park you will find informal places to lock bikes, but be prepared for slightly busier traffic on Roskildevej during peak hours.
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Taxi or rideshare within Copenhagen
Taxis from central Copenhagen to Cisternerne usually take 10–20 minutes depending on traffic and cost in the region of 120–200 DKK one way. Vehicles can drop passengers close to the park entrances along Roskildevej, but there is no dedicated underground drop-off. This option suits visitors with limited mobility, bearing in mind that the experience inside remains dimly lit and can be damp underfoot.
Cisterns in Søndermarken 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 Cisterns in Søndermarken
Underground cathedral beneath a green city park
Cisternerne lies hidden under the lawns and trees of Søndermarken in Frederiksberg, directly opposite Frederiksberg Palace and close to Copenhagen Zoo. From ground level you see only low glass pyramids and discreet entrances; the scale of what lies below comes as a surprise. Descend the stairs and you step into a cavernous brick underworld supported by rows of pillars, stretching into semi-darkness. The air is cool and close to 100% humid, with a steady 8–10°C year-round. Sound carries in unexpected ways, from quiet footsteps to distant voices and the constant drip of water from the ceiling. It feels at once industrial and almost sacred, a place where infrastructure has turned into architecture and atmosphere.From life‑saving reservoir to cultural experiment
The cistern was excavated in the late 1850s, part of a new system that finally delivered clean drinking water to a rapidly growing Copenhagen. For decades it stored up to 16 million litres for the city and supplied nearby fountains in the park. As modern water technology took over, its role diminished and the reservoir was taken out of service in 1933 before being fully drained in the early 1980s. For years the empty structure lay unused, until it was reimagined as a cultural venue during Copenhagen’s term as European City of Culture in the 1990s. Later it became part of the Frederiksberg Museums, with the focus shifting toward large, site-specific contemporary art that responds to the raw space rather than trying to tame it.Denmark’s only dripstone cave made by time
One of Cisternerne’s defining features is its forest of man‑made stalactites and stalagmites. Water slowly seeps through the concrete roof, dissolving minerals and redepositing them as white and ochre formations that hang from the ceiling and rise from the floor. Over many decades these dripstones have grown into delicate curtains and spikes, making this the closest thing Denmark has to a natural cave. These formations are left almost untouched, so you walk through a space that is simultaneously decaying and alive. They underline how nature is quietly reclaiming the structure, softening straight engineering lines with organic shapes that catch light in unpredictable ways.Immersive art in constant semi-darkness
Cisternerne presents one major exhibition at a time, typically running from spring to late autumn. Artists are invited to work with the entire volume of the cistern, using sound, light, water, sculpture or video to transform the experience. Some installations fill sections with shallow water and boats, others rely on fog, reflections or carefully placed illumination to guide you through. Because daylight never reaches the interior, even small light sources make a strong impression. Visitors move slowly along narrow walkways and between pillars, often unsure where the artwork ends and the architecture begins. Exhibitions are conceived as total experiences, so no two seasons feel the same, yet the underlying atmosphere of damp darkness is a constant.Planning your visit inside the former reservoir
Visits usually last from 45 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on how long you spend with the current installation. The floor can be wet, and in some seasons sections are partially flooded, so practical footwear is important. A light jacket is useful even in high summer due to the cool, moist climate underground. Entry is ticketed, with reduced and free categories for certain age groups, and opening hours follow a seasonal calendar, often closing in winter for refurbishment between exhibitions. Level-free access is available via dedicated routes, although the overall experience remains dimly lit and echoing, which can be intense for some visitors.A contrast to the city above
Emerging back into Søndermarken, the difference between bright gardens and the subterranean interior is striking. Many people combine a visit with a stroll through the park or a look at Frederiksberg Palace above. Cisternerne, however, tends to linger in memory: an engineered response to a 19th-century health crisis turned into a 21st‑century space for reflection, art and the slow work of water and stone beneath the city.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Elefantporten
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Storm P. Museum
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Frederiksbergmuseerne
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Møstings Hus
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Frederiksberg Town Hall
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Enghaveparken
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Cykelslangen
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Frihedsstøtten
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Copenhagen Central Station
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Copenhagen Visitor Service
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Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Havneholmen 33
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Copenhagen Central Post Building
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Folkets Park
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Assistens Cemetery
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Unmissable attractions to see
Søndermarken
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Copenhagen Zoo
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Historic canal in Indre By weaving past royal palaces, stately bridges, and cultural icons—offering tranquil walks and quintessential Copenhagen views.
Frederiksberg Palace
0.3 km
Renaissance splendor, regal treasures, and royal intrigue await within Rosenborg Castle, set amid the enchanting King’s Garden in central Copenhagen.
The Hill House Museum
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Frederiksberg Gardens
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Royal waterways, baroque palaces, and pacifier traditions in Copenhagen's most romantic green escape.
Carlsberg Brewery Tours
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Step into the original 1847 Carlsberg brewery for immersive beer history, interactive exhibits, courtyard drinks and encounters with the brewery’s iconic draught horses.
Frederiksberg Walk of Fame
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Explore the Frederiksberg Walk of Fame, where Denmark's cultural legends are celebrated along a historic, tree-lined avenue.
Frederiksberg Allé
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Falkonerbrønden
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Værnedamsvej
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Copenhagen’s “Little Paris”: a short, atmospheric street where historic food shops, French-inflected cafés and design boutiques create an intimate, everyday city buzz.
Landbohøjskolens Have
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Folkehuset Absalon
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Legepladsen i Skydebanehaven
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Istedgade
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Det Ny Teater
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Essential places to dine
Enomania
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Hansens Gamle Familiehave
0.6 km
Hansens Gamle Familiehave—a historic Frederiksberg garden restaurant famed for classic Danish cuisine, family-friendly charm, and over 170 years of tradition in scenic surroundings.
Ewalds Brasserie
1.1 km
Classic Danish-French brasserie in the heart of Frederiksberg, offering seasonal menus, a cozy atmosphere, and stunning garden views for an authentic local dining experience.
Restaurant Frederiks Have
1.1 km
Frederiksberg’s cherished fine dining hub, blending Nordic tradition with modern cuisine in a welcoming, neighborhood setting—perfect for an authentic Danish gastronomic experience.
Café Lindevang
1.3 km
A beloved Frederiksberg institution, Café Lindevang serves up hearty Danish classics and authentic smørrebrød in cozy, vintage surroundings steeped in local charm.
Frederik the VI
1.3 km
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Restaurant Polly København
1.5 km
A modern Nordic brasserie in the heart of Frederiksberg, blending Danish produce, creative cuisine, and relaxed elegance for a memorable city dining experience.
Bevi Bevi
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Restaurant Spuntino
1.8 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Restaurant Spuntino in Copenhagen - where flavors meet ambiance for an unforgettable dining experience.
Madklubben Vesterbro
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A buzzing, design-forward restaurant in the heart of Vesterbro, known for great value fixed-price menus and a welcoming slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Delphine
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Je t'aime
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Paté Paté
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Paté Paté offers Mediterranean-inspired dining and expertly curated wines in Vesterbro’s Meatpacking District, blending industrial charm with vibrant Copenhagen culinary culture.
Cofoco
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Cofoco in Vesterbro delights with accessible, innovative Danish and European tasting menus amid warm Scandinavian aesthetics and a true neighborhood spirit.
Fleisch
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Royal Copenhagen - Outlet
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Frederiksberg Centret
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Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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Funky Junky
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Discover Vesterbro’s Funky Junky—a vibrant vintage store featuring retro furniture, unique fashion, and Danish design, perfectly reflecting Copenhagen’s creative soul.
Artikel København
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Family-run Copenhagen atelier where timeless, unisex garments are designed, cut and sewn in an open workshop on historic Gammel Kongevej.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
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A small Vesterbro boutique where Nordic clothing, cozy textiles and design-led gifts capture the understated charm of contemporary Scandinavian style.
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
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Souvenir Gift Shop
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Tivoli Gift Shop
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A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Jægersborggade
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Perfectly Worn Vintage
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København K
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Wonderful Souvenirs
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Carmen Copenhagen
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Cafe Intime
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Berlin Bar
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JOJO
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The House of Machines Copenhagen
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Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Frederiksberg
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Märkbar
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Experience the vibrant nightlife at Märkbar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets an eclectic atmosphere and affordable drinks.
bird
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Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Bird, where unique cocktails and a laid-back ambiance await you.
La Fée Verte
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Discover La Fée Verte, a charming bar in Frederiksberg, offering exquisite cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.
Riesen Bar
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Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Riesen Bar, where great drinks and lively atmosphere come together for an unforgettable evening.
Tap 21 Craft Beer
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Lidkoeb
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Duck and Cover - Cocktailbar
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Amigo Bar
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Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Amigo Bar, where affordable drinks and a friendly atmosphere await you.
Gensyn Bar
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1656 Cocktail Bar
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
- Quirky
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Sacred Sites
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
