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Gefion Fountain: Copenhagen’s Mythic Water Sculpture

An awe-inspiring mythological fountain where Norse legend meets Copenhagen’s vibrant cityscape, offering a scenic and legendary gateway to the capital’s green spaces.

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Rising at the edge of Churchill Park, Gefion Fountain is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic landmarks. This grand, bronze fountain depicts the Norse goddess Gefion driving four powerful oxen, all set against a backdrop of cascading water and legend. Installed in 1908, it sits at the gateway between the city's green parks and waterfront, drawing crowds day and night. Its impressive artistry and the myth it illustrates make it unforgettable, whether you’re snapping photos or pausing to soak in the atmosphere.

A brief summary to Copenhagen City Hall

  • Monday 9 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-1 pm

Local tips

  • The best photos are captured around sunrise, when crowds are minimal and morning light shimmers on the bronze figures.
  • Combine your visit with nearby attractions such as Kastellet fortress and the iconic Little Mermaid statue, both just a short stroll away.
  • Look closely at the base plaques for symbolic details reflecting the Gefion legend—each element has been meticulously crafted.
  • In spring and summer, enjoy the lush park surroundings for a picnic amidst city landmarks.
  • The fountain is beautifully illuminated after dusk, making evening visits especially memorable for photos.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the heart of Copenhagen, it’s a scenic 20-minute walk through historic quarters, passing landmarks like the royal gardens and the bustling harbourfront. The green expanse of Churchill Park soon opens to reveal the fountain, easily spotted by the sound of cascading water and a gathering of visitors.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses from the city’s central station or metro hubs drop riders near the park entrance in about 10 minutes. A standard bus ticket for adults costs around 24 DKK (approx. 3–3.5 EUR). From the nearby stop, Churchill Park and the fountain are visible, making orientation easy.

  • Taxi

    Taxis whisk passengers from central Copenhagen to Churchill Park in roughly 5–8 minutes, with typical fares ranging from 80 to 120 DKK (10–16 EUR) depending on traffic and time of day. Drop-off is convenient beside the park’s broad paths.

  • Driving/Parking

    Driving to the park is possible, but parking can be a challenge during peak hours. Nearby spaces use city meters, generally costing 24–36 DKK per hour (approx. 3–5 EUR). No additional tolls or special permits are required.

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Discover more about Copenhagen City Hall

In Copenhagen’s Churchill Park, just a whisper away from the city’s famed Little Mermaid statue, Gefion Fountain stands as a dramatic homage to Scandinavian mythology and artistic prowess. Completed in 1908 by Danish sculptor Anders Bundgaard, the fountain is a larger-than-life representation of the Norse legend in which the goddess Gefion earns a swath of Swedish land by ploughing it with her four giant sons, transformed into oxen. The result, legend claims, is the creation of Zealand, the very island upon which Copenhagen itself is built. Cascading waters tumble from tiered basins as the bronze oxen appear to surge forward, forever frozen in an energetic charge. In the shifting daylight, the fountain gleams, its dynamic forms made all the more dramatic by the ever-present spray. Visitors are drawn not just by the artistic detail and the mythic story it embodies, but also by the setting: Churchill Park is an inviting green oasis, frequented by both tourists and locals. The fountain marks an inviting transition point between the stately Kastellet fortress, leafy parkland, and Copenhagen’s breezy waterfront promenade. Gefion Fountain is freely accessible at all hours, with no barriers or gates, making it a popular stop for walkers, joggers, and those following the coastal trail. Its open location allows for close-up inspection of Bundgaard’s craftsmanship from every angle. Photographers relish the interplay of bronze and water under changing skies, while history and legend buffs pause to reflect on how ancient stories continue to shape the city’s modern identity. As dusk falls, subtle lighting enhances the figures, giving the fountain an almost magical nighttime presence. There’s no need to rush on; benches nearby provide ideal spots for a rest, making this fountain both an easy detour and a destination in itself. Whether admired in solitude or amidst a swirl of fellow sightseers, Gefion Fountain offers a uniquely Danish blend of myth, artistry, and civic pride—utterly emblematic of Copenhagen’s enchantment.

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