Background

Gefion Fountain: Copenhagen’s Monumental Water Sculpture

Mythic grandeur meets urban tranquility at Copenhagen’s spectacular Gefion Fountain, a must-see bronze sculpture and water feature rooted in Norse legend.

Gefion Fountain is a dramatic, mythologically inspired water feature in central Copenhagen’s Churchillparken. Renowned for its captivating sculpture group depicting the Norse goddess Gefion and her powerful oxen, the fountain’s sprays and grandeur draw visitors year-round. A symbol of Danish legend perfectly sited near the city’s old ramparts, it’s both a beloved local landmark and a photogenic pause on city explorations.

A brief summary to Gråbrødretorv

  • Copenhagen, Indre By, DK

Local tips

  • Photographers will find the early morning or golden hour ideal for capturing the fountain’s dramatic light and reflections.
  • Combine your visit with nearby free sights, like Kastellet fortress and the Little Mermaid, for a scenic city walk.
  • The fountain plaza is wheelchair accessible, but expect cobblestones on adjacent paths around Churchillparken.
  • Street vendors sometimes offer snacks and drinks in the summer, but for a full meal, head toward Østerbro or Nyhavn.
  • During winter, water flow may be reduced or briefly stopped for maintenance, but the sculpture remains photogenic.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the heart of central Copenhagen, the fountain is easily reached on foot with a gentle walk of roughly 15–20 minutes. The leafy paths of Churchillparken guide you, with St. Alban’s Church providing a picturesque landmark beside the fountain’s dramatic silhouette.

  • Public Transport

    Several city buses and the nearby Østerport Station place you within a 5–10 minute stroll from the fountain’s entrance, with a standard city ticket costing 24–30 DKK. Signs toward Kastellet and the Little Mermaid point the way across parkland.

  • Taxi

    Taxis from the city center arrive in approximately 8–12 minutes, averaging 90–120 DKK depending on traffic conditions. Drop-off is directly beside Churchillparken and the fountain’s plaza.

  • Driving

    Those driving will find public parking spaces available around Churchillparken, but they fill quickly during busy times. Expect average rates of 26–38 DKK per hour; limited disabled parking bays are also available.

Unlock the Best of Gråbrødretorv

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Gråbrødretorv

Commanding attention at the edge of Churchillparken and just a short walk from the city’s iconic harbour sights, the Gefion Fountain is one of Copenhagen’s essential open-air masterpieces. Unveiled in 1908, its sweeping energies centre on an immense bronze group sculpted by Anders Bundgaard, depicting the Norse goddess Gefion driving a team of straining oxen. Rooted in one of Denmark’s most enduring legends, the scene immortalizes the myth in which the goddess ploughed out the Danish island of Zealand with her sons, whom she had transformed into powerful beasts — an origin story for both geography and national identity. Water erupts from beneath and around the figures, animating the scene so the oxen seem to surge forward, fetlocks splashed and nostrils flaring, under Gefion’s unyielding hand. This kinetic design was intended to evoke not only myth and motion, but the exuberant power of Denmark’s natural world. Originally gifted by the Carlsberg Foundation in celebration of the brewery’s 50th anniversary, the fountain remains free to visit and is particularly mesmerizing in sunlight or under the soft evening glow of city lights. Across the road lies the striking St. Alban's Church, while the fairytale Kastellet citadel and the harbourside Little Mermaid are short strolls away – making the Gefion Fountain an atmospheric and convenient stop amid Copenhagen’s most fabled places. The ambiance here is lively yet serene: photographers, families, and travelers linger by the flowing water, others pass en route between major city sites, and local events sometimes animate the parkland. With its powerful proportions, elaborate detailing, and storybook setting, the fountain stands as a monument to Danish creativity and the city’s long history — an iconic point of convergence between legend and landscape.

Popular Experiences near Gråbrødretorv

Popular Hotels near Gråbrødretorv

Select Currency