Frederiksholms Kanal: Copenhagen’s Waterside Heritage Promenade
Frederiksholms Kanal is a historic Copenhagen waterway lined with grand architecture, museums, and bridges, blending cultural heritage and serene city views.
Frederiksholms Kanal is a picturesque and historic canal running through central Copenhagen, known for its elegant architecture, tranquil waters, and role as a gateway to some of the city's most iconic buildings. Its banks offer stunning views, historic bridges, and a sense of calm just steps from the city’s core, attracting strollers, cyclists, and culture seekers alike.
A brief summary to Kastellet
- Gl. Hovedvagt, Kastellet 1, Copenhagen, København Ø, 2100, DK
- Visit website
- Monday 6 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-8 pm
- Thursday 6 am-8 pm
- Friday 6 am-8 pm
- Saturday 6 am-8 pm
- Sunday 6 am-8 pm
Local tips
- Bring a camera—the canal offers some of the best reflections and cityscape photo opportunities in Copenhagen.
- Combine your visit with a tour of the National Museum or a stroll to Christiansborg Palace, both nearby.
- Relax on one of the benches along the embankment, especially at sunset, when the golden light transforms the scene.
- Keep an eye out for classic canal boats—public and private tours run along the water and offer a unique perspective.
- The area is well-suited for cycling; rent a city bike for an easy and scenic journey along the canal.
Getting There
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Walking
From the central square or town hall, it’s a short, pleasant stroll towards the National Museum. As you approach the museum, the canal’s elegant banks become visible, flanked by cultural landmarks. The promenade offers easy, accessible paths and iconic Copenhagen views—a journey of about 10–15 minutes on foot.
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Public Transport
Take any S-train or Metro service to the central station. From there, buses heading toward Christiansborg Palace drop you near the canal’s edge within 5–8 minutes. Regular public transport single tickets are typically 18–30 DKK, depending on your zone.
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Taxi
A taxi from central Copenhagen landmarks, such as Tivoli Gardens or the main shopping street, takes 5–10 minutes. Expect to pay around 80–120 DKK, depending on traffic conditions. There’s limited street-side parking along the canal, mostly metered at standard city rates.
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Cycling
City bikes can be rented throughout Copenhagen, and the ride towards Frederiksholms Kanal is quick and scenic, following cycle-friendly routes along historic buildings. Expect a 5–10 minute ride from the city center, with no tolls or special fees aside from the bike rental itself.
Discover more about Kastellet
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
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Discover the Monument to Denmark's International Activities in Kastellet: A historical landmark celebrating Denmark's global contributions since 1948.
Our Fallen
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A stunning fusion of royal splendor and modern democracy, Christiansborg Palace is Copenhagen’s iconic seat of power and a must-visit historic landmark for all.
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
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Explore Copenhagen’s lush Botanical Garden—an enchanting green oasis famed for its historic glasshouse, rare plants, and tranquil urban landscapes.
Maritime Monument
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Honoring Denmark’s seafaring legacy, the Maritime Monument in Østerbro is a striking, evocative memorial nestled in the heart of Copenhagen’s leafy cityscape.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
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Aarhus University Park blends modernist architecture, landscaped gardens, and tranquil lakes to create an inviting oasis at the heart of Denmark’s vibrant student city.
I am Queen Mary
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Aarhus University Park fuses striking Danish architecture, lakeside tranquility, and lush greenery in an iconic academic setting treasured by locals and visitors alike.
St. Paul's Church
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Discover the serene beauty of St. Paul's Church in Copenhagen, a stunning Lutheran architectural gem featuring ornate designs and a tranquil atmosphere.
Amaliegade
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Aarhus’ Latin Quarter is a colorful, bohemian neighborhood filled with cobbled streets, indie shops, lively cafés, and centuries-old Danish history in the city center.
Larsens Pl.
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Experience the harmony of stately baroque gardens, rolling meadows, and centuries-old woodlands at Ledreborg Park, a natural jewel near historic Roskilde.
Nyholm Central Guardhouse
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Hans Christian Andersen plaque
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Christiansborg Palace blends Danish royal heritage with contemporary political power at the heart of Copenhagen, offering grand halls, historic ruins, and sweeping city views.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
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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.
Bredgade 18
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Memorial Anchor
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A historic anchor monument honoring Danish WWII sailors, set at the heart of scenic Nyhavn, blending maritime history with Copenhagen’s lively canal atmosphere.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
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A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Unmissable attractions to see
Langelinie Pavillonen
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Experience the vibrant heart of Helsingborg at Sundstorget, a lively square blending history, culture, and modern charm.
St Alban's Church
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Exquisitely crafted in Gothic Revival style, St Alban’s Church is Copenhagen’s singular Anglican sanctuary, where English heritage meets Danish history in a peaceful park setting.
Inugsuk
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Discover one of Europe's oldest and most innovative zoos, home to over 4,000 animals and award-winning habitats in the leafy heart of Frederiksberg, Copenhagen.
Gefion Fountain
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Denmark’s majestic royal residence in the heart of Copenhagen, where Rococo architecture, living traditions, and regal museums unveil centuries of monarchy.
Langelinieparken
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Explore Fisketorvet: Hillerød's historic market square blending rich history with modern charm.
Langelinie Park
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Explore Denmark's first public museum, showcasing the neoclassical masterpieces of Bertel Thorvaldsen in the heart of Copenhagen.
The Little Mermaid
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Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal to experience Copenhagen’s historic heartscape—where tranquil waterways, classic architecture, and Danish heritage converge in Indre By.
Museum of Danish Resistance
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Award-winning cocktail bar blending Nordic ingredients, quirky delights, and centuries-old ambience in the vibrant heart of Copenhagen's Latin Quarter.
Den Frie Udstilling
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Discover the rich heritage of amber at the Copenhagen Amber Museum, where ancient fossils, Viking legends, and modern jewelry blend in a historic 17th-century canal house.
Bredgade Kunsthandel
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Byparkens Legeplads in Roskilde is a vibrant and thoughtfully designed playground set in lush Byparken, offering free, family-friendly fun in the city’s green heart.
Designmuseum Danmark
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Explore Denmark's design evolution at Designmuseum Danmark in Copenhagen's historic Frederiksstaden district.
Kongeskibet Dannebrog
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Experience the vibrant heart of Nørrebro at Sankt Hans Torv, where history, culture, and modern city life converge.
Nyboder
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Discover Copenhagen's only Anglican church, a Gothic Revival masterpiece nestled in Churchillparken near iconic landmarks.
Medicinsk Museion
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St. Alexander Nevsky Church
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Explore the rich heritage of Danish and international design at Copenhagen's Designmuseum Danmark.
Essential places to dine
Veve
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Kokkeriet
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Reffen - Skøjteøen
0.9 km
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Aoc
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Restaurant Rebel
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Dag H
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La Banchina
1.1 km
A Nordic waterside retreat in Copenhagen, La Banchina is famed for its natural wines, wood-fired sauna, and locally sourced cuisine, set against harbor views.
Restaurant Koefoed
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Bornholm-inspired fine dining in the heart of Copenhagen, serving inventive Danish cuisine spotlighting local ingredients and the culinary spirit of the Baltic island.
Restaurant Vita
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Den Lille Fede
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Den Lille Fede is a top-rated Copenhagen restaurant renowned for inventive Nordic tasting menus, cozy ambiance, and a playful yet elegant approach to Danish gastronomy.
Alouette
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Cap Horn
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Alchemist
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Bistro Royal
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Stylish Parisian-inspired bistro on Kongens Nytorv, serving classic and contemporary dishes in a vibrant, central Copenhagen setting with charming views.
Restaurant Grønnegade
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Elegant Danish fine dining in an atmospheric 17th-century townhouse, showcasing seasonal Nordic flavors and historic charm in the heart of old Copenhagen.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Wilde Shop
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A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Storm - design art fashion
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Henrik Vibskov Boutique
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Henrik Vibskov Boutique: Explore boundary-pushing Danish design and avant-garde fashion in a gallery-inspired setting in central Copenhagen.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
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Red Cross Op Shop
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A vibrant Østerbro thrift store where sustainable shopping, Danish design, and community spirit support Red Cross humanitarian work.
Magasin du Nord
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ILLUM
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ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Time's Up Vintage
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Studio Arhoj
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Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
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Strøget
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Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
Læderstræde
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TorvehallerneKBH
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Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
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Butik Bungalow
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
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ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik - Østerbro
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Søernes Ølbar
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ØB
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Trianglen 7
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Østerbros Perle Pub
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Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Østerbros Perle Pub in København Ø, where locals and tourists unite over drinks and laughter.
Chevy's
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Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Chevy's in Østerbro, Copenhagen—where delicious drinks and good company create unforgettable nights.
1105
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Award-winning cocktail bar in central Copenhagen offering inventive signature drinks, a stylish Nordic-chic atmosphere, and a top-tier nightlife experience.
Charlie's Bar
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Bo-Bi Bar
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Bar'Vin
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Balderdash
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Strøm
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The Dubliner
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Classic Irish pub atmosphere with live music, hearty food, sports broadcasts, and local camaraderie on lively Amagertorv square in central Copenhagen.
K-Bar
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