Marmorbroen (The Marble Bridge)

A royal gateway to Christiansborg

Marmorbroen spans Frederiksholms Kanal at the edge of Slotsholmen, the small island that has long been the seat of Danish power. Commissioned by King Christian VI in the early 18th century, the bridge formed part of the ceremonial approach to his first Christiansborg Palace. Guests arriving for court events would cross these arches before entering the riding grounds and grand halls beyond, so the bridge was designed to impress from the very first step. The current structure dates from 1739–1745 and was planned by architect Nicolai Eigtved, a key figure of Copenhagen’s Rococo era. In a city of relatively modest scale, this carefully proportioned bridge introduced a distinctly courtly flair, signalling that Slotsholmen was a world apart from the bustling merchants’ streets just across the water.

Rococo elegance in stone and marble

Despite its name, the bridge is not entirely made of marble. Its three low arches are built primarily from pale sandstone, while Norwegian marble is used for the balustrades, paving slabs and ornamental details. This subtle contrast of textures and tones gives Marmorbroen a refined, almost theatrical presence, especially on overcast days when the light softens the stone. Along the parapets, sculpted panels and lantern‑topped pillars carry royal monograms and symbolic motifs celebrating the virtues of the monarch. These flourishes, added by decorative artists working in the Rococo style, transform a practical crossing into a piece of architectural set‑design, framing the palace in a way that still feels deliberate and grand.

A survivor on historic Slotsholmen

Christiansborg Palace has burned down twice, and almost everything around the original 18th‑century complex has been rebuilt. Marmorbroen is one of the few surviving elements from that first palace landscape, which makes it an important clue to how the royal quarter once looked. Standing on the bridge, it is easy to imagine carriages rattling over the cobbles and courtiers disembarking in embroidered finery. Around the canal you can see layers of history compacted into a small area: the massive walls of Christian IV’s Brewhouse, the buildings that now house the Danish War Museum, and the royal stables with their distinctive roofs. The bridge acts as a hinge between these institutions, quietly tying together centuries of military, political and ceremonial life.

Views along Frederiksholms Kanal

For visitors today, Marmorbroen is as much a vantage point as a monument. Looking one way, you see the towers and chimneys of Slotsholmen mirrored in the still canal water; looking the other, rows of townhouses and government offices line the opposite bank. Boats glide beneath the arches, their low engines echoing under the stone vaults. At different times of day the atmosphere shifts. In early morning, light fog sometimes hangs over the water, muting the sound of bicycles crossing the bridge. By late afternoon, warm light grazes the sandstone, and the canal becomes a corridor of reflections. Even on busy days, the bridge usually retains a calm, almost contemplative feel, inviting you to linger.

Experiencing the bridge up close

There is no formal entrance or ticket; Marmorbroen is part of the public street network, open at all hours. That simplicity is part of its charm: the structure feels both grand and completely woven into everyday city life as commuters, officials and tourists share the same historic crossing. The surface is gently sloping and paved with stone, with solid balustrades on either side, so it is straightforward to cross on foot, with a stroller or using mobility aids. Small details reward a slower pace: the weathering on the marble slabs, the crisp carving of crowns and initials, and the way the bridge’s curve aligns your view with key palace façades. In a city known for its bicycles and waterways, this modest yet sophisticated bridge encapsulates Copenhagen’s blend of utility and beauty.