Museum of Danish Resistance
An intimate underground journey through Denmark’s World War II occupation, where five real lives illuminate the risks, doubts and courage behind the Danish resistance.
Set partly underground beside Copenhagen’s historic Citadel, the Museum of Danish Resistance immerses you in Denmark’s World War II occupation from 1940–45. Atmospheric reconstructions, original objects and multimedia follow five real people as they face choices between resistance, collaboration and survival. You can print illegal newspapers, tap phone calls and try codebreaking, making complex history tactile, personal and unexpectedly gripping for all ages.
A brief summary to Museum of Danish Resistance
- Esplanaden 13, Copenhagen, København K, 1263, DK
- +4541206080
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least 1.5–2 hours so you can follow the full storyline of all five historical characters without rushing the audio and interactive stations.
- Arrive before mid-afternoon; last entry is typically 1.5 hours before closing, and a later start can make the exhibition feel hurried.
- Bring a light layer: much of the museum is underground, where temperatures can feel cooler than outside, even on warm days.
- This is a wartime museum with some intense themes; consider discussing the heavier material with younger children before and after your visit.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through the nearby Citadel and Churchillparken to connect the indoor stories with the surrounding historic landscape.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 or M4 metro line to Marmorkirken Station; trains typically run every few minutes and the ride from hubs like København H or Kongens Nytorv takes about 5–10 minutes. A standard single zone ticket costs around 20–25 DKK depending on your starting point. From Marmorkirken it is an easy, mostly level 10–15 minute walk through the historic centre, suitable for most visitors, though surfaces can be uneven in places.
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Train and S-tog
From Copenhagen Central Station, use an S-train heading toward Østerport Station; the journey is roughly 5–7 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day. A single ticket for the required zones generally costs about 20–25 DKK. From Østerport, expect a 10–15 minute walk through Churchillparken and around the Citadel on paved paths. The route is relatively gentle, but allow extra time in wet or icy weather.
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City bus
Several city bus routes serve the area near Esplanaden and Østerport, connecting from neighbourhoods such as Nørrebro, Frederiksberg and Amager in roughly 15–30 minutes depending on traffic. Local bus fares are usually aligned with metro and train pricing, around 20–25 DKK for a standard ticket. Buses can be busy at weekday rush hours, but they provide a good option if you prefer to minimise walking distances from the stop to the museum.
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Bicycle
Hiring a bicycle is a practical way to reach the museum from most central districts in 10–20 minutes, using Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes. Expect to pay roughly 100–200 DKK for a full-day rental from bike shops or app-based services. The approach includes some gentle inclines and busy junctions, so basic cycling confidence is helpful, especially in peak commuting periods when local bike traffic is dense.
Museum of Danish Resistance location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Museum of Danish Resistance
Stories from an Occupied Capital
At the Museum of Danish Resistance you step straight into Copenhagen under German occupation, not by reading dry panels, but by walking through dimly lit streets, flats and workshops that feel abruptly frozen in the 1940s. The museum focuses on the years 1940–45, when Denmark was invaded and gradually moved from uneasy cooperation with Germany toward open resistance. Instead of telling the story from above, the exhibition follows five historical figures whose lives took sharply different paths. Some joined sabotage groups, one aligned with the occupiers, others tried above all to protect family and friends. Through their voices, diaries and objects, the big themes of occupation, loyalty and betrayal shrink to the scale of a kitchen table or a nighttime bicycle ride.Going Underground with the Resistance
Much of the museum is built below street level, enhancing the sense of secrecy and danger that defined resistance work. As you descend the gently sloping ramps, the soundscape changes: typewriters chatter, radios crackle, distant explosions thud and snippets of whispered conversations overlap. Interactive stations invite you to try out clandestine tasks. You can help print underground newspapers on a replica press, attempt to intercept and decode German communications, or plan acts of sabotage on a digital map showing historical targets. These hands-on elements are grounded in original documents and equipment, so even playful moments carry the weight of real risks once taken by ordinary Danes.Everyday Life Under Pressure
Beyond sabotage and espionage, the museum pays close attention to the slow grind of daily life under occupation. In reconstructed rooms you see ration cards on the table, blackout curtains over the windows and bicycles leaned against the wall when fuel was scarce. Short films and sound clips sketch how censorship, curfews and shortages reshaped work, school and leisure. You gain a sense of how quickly moral dilemmas arose: whether to shelter a neighbour, listen to foreign radio, or look away from collaborators. The exhibition makes clear that resistance was rarely a single heroic decision, but a series of small, accumulating choices.Objects, Evidence and Memory
Original artefacts anchor the storytelling. Homemade weapons, forged identity papers, armbands, leaflets and personal belongings are displayed with concise explanations that highlight their human context rather than just technical details. A scorched fragment might come from a sabotaged factory, while a modest suitcase evokes a hurried escape. Archival photographs and newsreels, projected large-scale, bring occupied Copenhagen’s streets into the galleries. Simple graphic timelines trace key turning points such as the August 1943 uprising or the rescue of Danish Jews, helping you situate the personal stories within broader European events without overwhelming you with dates.A Compact, Thoughtful Visit
The museum is relatively compact, yet dense with material; most visitors find that one and a half to two hours allows time to follow the full narrative at a comfortable pace. The layout is largely step-free and designed with clear sightlines, making navigation straightforward. Located in Churchillparken by the star-shaped Citadel and close to the Little Mermaid and Amalienborg, it fits easily into a day of exploring Copenhagen’s waterfront landmarks. A small café area and museum facilities allow you to pause between sections and reflect on what you have seen before emerging once more into present-day Copenhagen, with the dilemmas of the 1940s still echoing in mind.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Horn mine
0.0 km
A disarmed World War II naval mine displayed in Churchill Park, turning a former weapon of the sea into a quiet reminder of conflict amid central Copenhagen’s greenery.
Our Fallen
0.1 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
I am Queen Mary
0.2 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
0.3 km
A towering tribute to Admiral Huitfeldt's heroic last stand at sea, crowned with Victory.
Larsens Pl.
0.4 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
St. Paul's Church
0.6 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Nyholm Central Guardhouse
0.6 km
Discover Aarhus’s Latin Quarter, where historic charm meets a lively cultural scene, bustling cafés, artisan shops, and rich Danish heritage in the city’s oldest district.
Maritime Monument
0.7 km
Honoring Denmark’s seafaring legacy, the Maritime Monument in Østerbro is a striking, evocative memorial nestled in the heart of Copenhagen’s leafy cityscape.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.7 km
A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.8 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
The Kissing Stairs
0.8 km
Copenhagen's beloved waterfront amphitheatre where culture, community, and harbour views converge.
Ofelia Plads
0.8 km
Copenhagen's iconic waterfront plaza where culture, harbor views, and the famous kissing stairs meet the sea.
Bredgade 18
0.9 km
Explore the architectural elegance of Bredgade 18 in Copenhagen's historic Frederiksstaden district.
Nyhavn
1.0 km
Copenhagen's iconic 17th-century harbor where colorful townhouses, maritime history, and vibrant waterfront culture converge.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
1.0 km
Copenhagen’s only Russian Orthodox church, famed for its golden onion domes, rich history, and unique architectural style rooted in Danish-Russian royal ties.
Unmissable attractions to see
St Alban's Church
0.1 km
Step into history and legend at Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed as Hamlet’s ‘Elsinore,’ overlooking the spectacular Øresund Strait.
Gefion Fountain
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s creation myth cast in bronze, the Gefion Fountain hurls goddess, oxen and water into a powerful tableau beside the harbour and Churchillparken.
Designmuseum Danmark
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s temple of design, where rococo halls, iconic Danish chairs and a tranquil garden reveal how beautifully made objects shape everyday life.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
0.3 km
A contemplative scrap-metal thinker on Copenhagen’s harborfront, ZinkGlobal fuses recycled machinery with big ideas about the future and our industrial past.
Bredgade Kunsthandel
0.3 km
Refined contemporary art gallery on Copenhagen’s Bredgade, where Danish and international works unfold in bright, minimalist rooms just steps from royal and design landmarks.
Medicinsk Museion
0.4 km
Historic surgical academy turned cutting‑edge medical museum, where preserved bodies, instruments and contemporary science exhibitions reveal how we understand health and disease.
Langelinieparken
0.4 km
Leafy waterfront lawns, sculptures and sea views where cruise ships, mythic fountains and Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid all meet along a single harbourfront walk.
Langelinie Park
0.4 km
Explore Denmark's first public museum, showcasing the neoclassical masterpieces of Bertel Thorvaldsen in the heart of Copenhagen.
Kastellet
0.4 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's crown jewels and royal regalia.
Amaliegade
0.4 km
A stately Copenhagen street where Rococo townhouses, royal colonnades and diplomatic mansions line a calm axis through the heart of Frederiksstaden.
Langelinie Pavillonen
0.4 km
Experience modernist elegance and panoramic harbor views at Copenhagen's iconic Langelinie Pavillonen.
Kongeskibet Dannebrog
0.5 km
An elegant white royal yacht moored in Copenhagen’s harbour, Kongeskibet Dannebrog is a floating palace, naval vessel and living symbol of modern Danish monarchy.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
0.5 km
A quiet, contemporary memorial within Copenhagen’s star-shaped fortress, honoring Denmark’s post‑1948 international missions with flame, stone and thoughtful space.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
0.5 km
Explore the evolution of design at Copenhagen's premier museum, housed in a historic rococo building.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.5 km
Step behind the facades of Copenhagen’s royal square to explore intimate apartments, glittering gala halls and Fabergé treasures at Amalienborg Palace Museum.
Essential places to dine
Kokkeriet
0.7 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Aoc
0.7 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Restaurant Rebel
0.8 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Restaurant Vita
0.9 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.9 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Den Lille Fede
0.9 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
La Banchina
0.9 km
Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.
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.
Skipperkroen
1.0 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Cap Horn
1.0 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Nyhavns Færgekro
1.0 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
Goldfinch
1.0 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Reffen - Skøjteøen
1.0 km
Copenhagen’s dynamic hub for global street food, creative pop-ups, and urban harbor vibes in a repurposed shipyard setting with a seasonal ice skating rink.
Veve
1.0 km
A destination for innovative, plant-based fine dining in Østerbro, where Nordic purity meets global flavors for an unforgettable vegetarian tasting menu experience.
Bistro Royal
1.0 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Crown souvenir
0.1 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.6 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
Maritime Antiques &
0.9 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
The Wilde Shop
0.9 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Copenhagenglass
0.9 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Zane
0.9 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
1.1 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Viking Souvenirs
1.1 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
1.2 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
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.
Storm - design art fashion
1.2 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
1.2 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Magasin du Nord
1.2 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
1.2 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Norse Projects
1.3 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
0.6 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
Aloha Beach Bar
1.0 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Bar Deco
1.1 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Brønnum
1.1 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Balthazar
1.2 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
Trykbar
1.2 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
1105
1.2 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
TATA Cocktail Bar
1.2 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
The Moose
1.2 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Charlie's Bar
1.3 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Bo-Bi Bar
1.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Gejser Bar
1.4 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
Balderdash
1.5 km
Copenhagen’s candlelit cocktail laboratory in a 1732 townhouse, where hygge, art and daring seasonal drinks turn a quiet side street into an unforgettable night out.
K-Bar
1.5 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Bar'Vin
1.5 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
0.8 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
1.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Lusso
1.1 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
The Zoo
1.2 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Operaen
1.6 km
Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
Mirage
1.7 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
1.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Chateau Motel
1.8 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
1.8 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
1.8 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.8 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
La Terraza
1.9 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Miami Bar
1.9 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Zefside
1.9 km
Intimate cocktail den turned late-night dance spot, Zefside blends crafted drinks, DJ beats and canal-side charm in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Dorsia
2.0 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
