Lille Mølle, Christianshavn’s Old Mill Museum
A compact windmill on Christianshavn’s ramparts, Lille Mølle blends defensive history, domestic interiors and gentle canal‑side views in one atmospheric museum.
Tucked into the green ramparts of Christianshavn, Lille Mølle is the district’s last remaining windmill, now a small museum with a remarkably intimate feel. This octagonal brick mill once ground grain and later became a private home, preserving elegant early-1900s interiors, personal objects and city views in miniature. A guided visit reveals both Copenhagen’s defensive history and everyday bourgeois life, all within a compact, atmospheric landmark overlooking the water and the surrounding fortifications.
A brief summary to Lille Mølle
- Christianshavns Voldgade 52, Copenhagen, København K, 1424, DK
- +4520661087
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10:59 am-12:59 pm
- Tuesday 10:59 am-12:59 pm
- Wednesday 10:59 am-12:59 pm
- Thursday 10:59 am-12:59 pm
- Friday 10:59 am-12:59 pm
- Saturday 10:59 am-12:45 pm
- Sunday 10:59 am-12:45 pm
Local tips
- Check current tour times in advance; access is typically by guided visit with limited slots due to the mill’s compact interior and narrow staircases.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for steep, narrow steps between floors; space is tight and large bags are best left at your accommodation.
- Combine your visit with a slow walk along Christianshavns Vold to appreciate how the mill sits within the old ramparts and moats.
- Bring a light layer even in summer; the historic interiors can feel cooler than the outside air, especially on breezy days.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro and short walk
From central Copenhagen, take the M1 or M2 metro line to Christianshavn Station; trains run every few minutes and the ride from Kongens Nytorv takes about 3–5 minutes. A standard single zone ticket costs roughly 20–30 DKK. From Christianshavn Station, allow 10–15 minutes on foot along mostly flat pavements and paths; surfaces on the ramparts can be uneven, so wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility may find the last stretch challenging.
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City bus and canal-side walk
Several city buses serve the Christianshavn area from the wider Copenhagen centre in around 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic. A bus ticket is typically 20–30 DKK for the relevant zones and can be purchased via machines or mobile apps. From nearby bus stops, expect a 10–15 minute walk along the canals and across the ramparts on mixed paving and gravel; this approach is scenic but less suitable in heavy rain or for those needing very smooth surfaces.
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Bicycle from inner city
Copenhagen’s dense bike lanes make cycling from the inner city to Christianshavn straightforward, usually 10–20 minutes from areas like Nørreport or City Hall Square. Bike‑share schemes and rentals typically cost from about 50–150 DKK per day, with hourly options available. Bicycle parking near the ramparts is informal and can be busy in good weather; you will need to walk the final short section up onto the earthworks, where riding is not appropriate.
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Harbour bus and walk
The electric harbour buses connect various harbourfront stops with Christianshavn in roughly 10–25 minutes, depending on your starting point. They operate on standard public transport tickets, around 20–30 DKK for a single journey. From the nearest quay, allow 10–15 minutes on foot across bridges and up to the ramparts; services can be less frequent in the evening and in poorer weather conditions, so check times in advance.
Lille Mølle location weather suitability
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Lille Mølle
An old windmill on Copenhagen’s fortifications
Lille Mølle stands on the grassy earthworks of Christianshavns Vold, the 17th‑century ramparts that once defended Copenhagen’s bustling harbour. From the outside, the mill’s octagonal brick body and cap recall its working past, when wind power turned its machinery and supplied flour to the growing city. Today the sails no longer turn, but the structure remains firmly rooted in the landscape of moats, bastions and trees that soften the former military line. The setting is unusually tranquil for central Copenhagen. You approach along paths used by joggers and dog‑walkers, then suddenly the mill appears above the embankment, slightly elevated, catching the light and breeze. From here you sense how closely industry, defence and daily life once intertwined along these ramparts.From working mill to private residence
Lille Mølle’s story shifted in the early 20th century, when milling ceased and the building was converted into a private home. Inside, you move through a compact warren of rooms where domestic life was carefully layered over the old industrial shell. Floors follow the mill’s circular plan, with curved walls and slightly irregular spaces shaped by the original structure. The interiors preserve furniture, tableware, textiles and artworks from the early 1900s, evoking a cultured Copenhagen household. Parlours are arranged with dark wood pieces, patterned wallpapers and small decorative objects that feel as if the owners have only just stepped out. Yet beneath the homely atmosphere, the building’s origins remain legible in exposed beams, narrow staircases and the sense of height within the mill tower.A museum of lived-in details
Today Lille Mølle functions as a small museum, typically visitable on guided tours that take you through several floors. Rather than large display cases, much of the experience lies in noticing details: a writing desk set for correspondence, framed portraits on the walls, books lined up along low shelves. Period lighting, textiles and even kitchen items help reconstruct everyday routines within this unusual vertical home. Because the spaces are compact, the guiding style is often conversational, with stories attaching to particular objects or rooms. You gain a sense not only of architectural history, but of personality: how the inhabitants entertained guests, decorated according to taste, and adapted a former mill into a comfortable residence on the ramparts.Views over Christianshavn’s canals and ramparts
As you climb higher, glimpses through the windows connect the intimate interior to the wider city. One side opens towards Christianshavn’s canals and coloured houses; another looks out across the water and the tree‑lined paths of the old fortifications. The mill’s elevated position gives modest but characterful views, more about atmosphere than sweeping panoramas. Stepping back outside after the tour, you can continue along the embankments, where the rounded forms of bastions and lakes reveal the original defensive design. Seen from the surrounding paths, Lille Mølle becomes a focal point on the skyline of the ramparts, a reminder of an era when windmills were everyday infrastructure rather than curiosities.Exploring Christianshavn around the mill
Lille Mølle sits within easy walking distance of many of Christianshavn’s landmarks, yet feels tucked away from the busier streets. Nearby, the spiral tower of the Church of Our Saviour rises dramatically above the district, while the canals offer reflections of old warehouses and modern apartments. The contrast emphasises how compact and human‑scaled the mill is, standing between harbour city and green defences. A visit here fits naturally into a half‑day wander through the neighbourhood: a pause on the ramparts, a guided look into a preserved home, and then onward along the water or through cobbled side streets. For travellers interested in quieter corners of Copenhagen’s past, Lille Mølle offers a concentrated slice of history, architecture and everyday life in one small, characterful building.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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C.F. Tietgens Hus
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Circle Bridge
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Holmens Bro
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The Kissing Stairs
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Danish Architecture Centre
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Frederik VII
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The Danish Parliament
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The Stable Boy's House
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Kongens Nytorv
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Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
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Christiansborg Palace
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Sankt Annæ Pl.
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Memorial Anchor
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Equestrian statue of Christian IX
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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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Church of Our Saviour
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s Baroque landmark with a daring spiral spire, soaring views over canals and rooftops, and a luminous interior rich in music, symbolism and royal history.
Christiania
0.2 km
A self-governing “freetown” of murals, lakeside paths and experimental living, tucked behind Copenhagen’s old ramparts in the heart of Christianshavn.
Green George af Thomas Dambo - Trold nr. 50
0.3 km
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Sankt Annæ Gade
0.3 km
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Operaen
0.3 km
Innovative cocktails in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Christianshavns Kanal
0.5 km
A 17th‑century canal of cobbles, gables and sailboats, Christianshavns Kanal is Copenhagen’s quietly cinematic waterway at the heart of island life.
Christianshavn
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Experience the lively heart of Helsingborg at Sundstorget, a vibrant square near the Northern Harbour.
Culture Tower on Knippels Bridge
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Knippelsbro
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North Atlantic House
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Havnegade Promenaden
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Havnepromenade
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Inderhavnsbroen
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Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library
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Black Diamond
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Essential places to dine
Restaurant Lola
0.0 km
Bold, travel-inspired cooking and inventive smørrebrød served in a sunny 17th‑century house with a leafy garden hideaway on Christianshavn’s historic ramparts.
Cafe Wilder
0.4 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Kadeau
0.5 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Restaurant Kanalen
0.5 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
Restaurant Barr
0.7 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
No. 2
0.8 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Khun Juk
1.0 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
à terre
1.0 km
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Skipperkroen
1.1 km
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Cap Horn
1.1 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
King Hans Cellar
1.1 km
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Nyhavns Færgekro
1.1 km
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Llama
1.2 km
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Restaurant Maven
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Marchal
1.2 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagenglass
1.0 km
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Maritime Antiques &
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Magasin du Nord
1.1 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
1.2 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Zane
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Viking Souvenirs
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Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
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Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
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Urban Outfitters
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ILLUM
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The Wilde Shop
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Læderstræde
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Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
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Magnolias
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Eiffel bar
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Lassie Bar
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TATA Cocktail Bar
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Brønnum
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Ved Stranden
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K-Bar
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Whammy Bar
1.3 km
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Balthazar
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Bar Deco
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1105
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The Bird and The Churchkey
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The Dubliner
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Aloha Beach Bar
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Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Ruby
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Godt Øl
1.4 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.
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
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
