Gefion Fountain: Copenhagen’s Majestic Mythological Landmark
Iconic Copenhagen landmark featuring striking mythological bronze sculptures, vibrant waters, and serene parkland—Gefion Fountain embodies legend and city life.
The Gefion Fountain is a breathtaking, large-scale monument in Churchillparken, Copenhagen, depicting the Norse goddess Gefion and her oxen. Erected in 1908, it celebrates Danish mythology, offering visitors a stirring blend of dramatic sculpture, waterworks, and historical ambiance. Nestled near the citadel and the coast, it is a cherished meeting point and a favorite photo stop for locals and visitors alike.
A brief summary to Nikolaj Art Gallery
- Nikolaj Plads 10, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1067, DK
- +4524227127
- Visit website
- Tuesday 11 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
- Thursday 11 am-6 pm
- Friday 11 am-6 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Best lighting for photographs is in the morning, when sunlight catches the fountain’s eastern side.
- Bring a picnic—Churchillparken offers shaded seating and great views for a relaxing break.
- Combine your visit with Kastellet fortress and the Little Mermaid, both within an easy walking radius.
- The area around the fountain is wheelchair accessible, with paved paths and nearby accessible restrooms.
- Late evenings offer a quieter atmosphere and magical illuminations, especially in summer months.
Getting There
-
Walking
From central Copenhagen landmarks like Kongens Nytorv or Nyhavn, a scenic 15–25 minute walk leads through historic quarters along the harborfront. The route passes vibrant city squares and waterfront promenades, with Kastellet’s earthworks and the striking spire of St. Alban’s Church emerging ahead as you near the fountain.
-
Public Transport
S-train or metro lines stop at Østerport Station, a notable transportation hub close to many museums and city parks. From the station, the fountain is within a 10-minute stroll through parkland. Standard tickets within Copenhagen’s city zone cost 24–30 DKK per adult.
-
Taxi
A taxi from the city center typically takes 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs in the range of 100–150 DKK. The drop-off is conveniently near the park entrances.
-
Driving
Limited paid parking is available around Churchillparken, generally averaging 24–36 DKK per hour. The central park location means parking can be scarce at peak times, especially in summer.
Discover more about Nikolaj Art Gallery
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Højbro Pl.
0.1 km
Step inside the Ole Rømer Observatory in Aarhus for immersive astronomy, captivating night sky sessions, and an Art Nouveau landmark with Danish scientific heritage.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.1 km
Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
Højbro
0.1 km
Aarhus University Park: Where world-renowned academic heritage, Danish modernism, and lush green landscapes meet in the heart of Aarhus for a uniquely peaceful escape.
Amagertorv
0.2 km
Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
Frederik VII
0.2 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Holmens Bro
0.2 km
Historic cobblestone lanes, colorful houses, indie boutiques, and a bohemian café scene—Aarhus’s Latin Quarter is the city’s creative, cultural soul.
Kongens Nytorv
0.3 km
Historic observatory in Aarhus combining hands-on stargazing, interactive astronomy exhibits, and tranquil parkland with panoramic city views.
The Danish Parliament
0.3 km
Experience Skagen’s rich maritime and industrial heritage, with vintage engines, interactive exhibits, and a harbor-inspired café in a welcoming community setting.
The King's New Square
0.3 km
Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen’s grandest square, blends royal history, iconic architecture, and bustling urban energy in the very heart of Denmark’s capital.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.4 km
Explore Denmark's industrial past at Industrimuseet in Horsens, an interactive museum with working machines, workshops, and personal stories from Denmark's iron and steam era.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.5 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.5 km
Explore Denmark's industrial evolution at Horsens' Industrimuseet, featuring authentic exhibits and interactive displays for all ages.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.5 km
Explore C.F. Tietgens Hus, a stunning historical landmark in the heart of Copenhagen, showcasing the city's architectural and cultural heritage and reflecting the grandeur of the Neoclassical era.
The War Museum
0.5 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Nytorv
0.5 km
Historic domed observatory in Aarhus offering inspiring stargazing nights, public tours, and a glimpse into Denmark’s astronomical history atop a leafy city hill.
Unmissable attractions to see
Segway Tours Copenhagen
0.1 km
Strikingly modern, immersive, and acoustically exceptional, DR Koncerthuset is Copenhagen's world-renowned concert hall and a must-visit for music and architecture lovers.
Ved Stranden
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
Højbro Plads
0.1 km
A historic canal in central Copenhagen, Frederiksholms Kanal blends royal heritage, elegant facades, and tranquil waterways in the heart of the Danish capital.
Bishop Absalon
0.1 km
Denmark’s national gallery showcases Nordic and international masterpieces in stunning, light-filled halls—SMK is a must-visit for art lovers in Copenhagen.
Stork Fountain
0.1 km
Discover masterpiece sculptures, colorful neoclassical halls, and the timeless legacy of Danish artist Bertel Thorvaldsen at Copenhagen’s oldest public museum.
Stromma Canal Tours
0.1 km
Discover the world of 'Nordic gold' at the Copenhagen Amber Museum, where history, science, and stunning amber artifacts meet in Nyhavn’s oldest house.
Guinness World Records Museum
0.2 km
Historic waterfront promenade in Copenhagen featuring the iconic Little Mermaid, scenic harbor views, art, and inviting green spaces ideal for strolling year-round.
Gammel Strand
0.2 km
Dronning Louises Bro connects bustling Nørrebro with Copenhagen’s heart, offering historic stonework, people-watching, and sweeping sunset vistas over tranquil city lakes.
Church of Holmen
0.3 km
A visually stunning, award-winning maritime museum beneath Kronborg Castle illuminating Denmark's seafaring past and present with interactive galleries and cutting-edge design.
Christiansborg Palace
0.3 km
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Balderdash
0.3 km
Experience world-class music and visionary architecture at DR Koncerthuset, a cultural icon blending innovative design with top-tier performances in Copenhagen.
Pub Crawl Copenhagen
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Sankt Hans Torv, Nørrebro's lively public square.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.3 km
A kaleidoscope of oddities, illusions, and interactive exhibits in the center of Copenhagen, perfect for fans of the strange and curious.
The Royal Playhouse and The Old Stage
0.3 km
Explore the legacy of Danish and international design in Copenhagen’s iconic 18th-century Designmuseum Danmark, featuring world-famous chairs, crafts, and creative innovation.
Gråbrødretorv
0.4 km
Nyhavn—Copenhagen’s vibrant 17th-century canal district, famous for its colorful facades, historic tall ships, and lively harborside cafes at the city’s heart.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Maven
0.0 km
Atmospheric Danish restaurant inside Copenhagen’s historic Nikolaj Church—offering modern Nordic cuisine, inventive wines, and a setting rich in cultural heritage.
King Hans Cellar
0.2 km
Dine in historic vaulted cellars at Copenhagen’s King Hans Cellar, where centuries-old ambiance and Michelin-level Danish cuisine create an unforgettable fine dining experience.
Llama
0.2 km
Experience authentic Latin American flavors at Llama in Copenhagen – where vibrant cuisine meets warm hospitality.
l’Alsace
0.2 km
Discover authentic Alsatian cuisine at l’Alsace in Copenhagen, where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.
Marchal
0.3 km
Experience modern French cuisine at Marchal in Copenhagen's Hotel d'Angleterre - where elegance meets culinary artistry.
Frank
0.3 km
Chic Nordic dining with creative tasting menus, an acclaimed wine selection, and stylish ambiance in central Copenhagen’s vibrant cultural district.
Marv & Ben
0.3 km
Discover Marv & Ben: A premier destination for fine Danish dining blending tradition with modernity in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Tight
0.3 km
Discover creative dishes and exceptional service at Restaurant Tight in Copenhagen’s Indre By district.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.3 km
Elegant Danish fine dining in an atmospheric 17th-century townhouse, showcasing seasonal Nordic flavors and historic charm in the heart of old Copenhagen.
à terre
0.4 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Bistro Royal
0.4 km
Stylish Parisian-inspired bistro on Kongens Nytorv, serving classic and contemporary dishes in a vibrant, central Copenhagen setting with charming views.
Restaurant 1733
0.4 km
Historic canal-side setting in Copenhagen’s center serving creative Danish classics and regional specialties with genuine hygge and a modern twist.
Københavner Cafeen
0.4 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Københavner Cafeen – a cozy spot in Copenhagen's heart offering delicious meals for every palate.
Wining and Dining
0.4 km
Experience the essence of Danish cuisine at Wining and Dining in Copenhagen - where fresh ingredients meet culinary creativity.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.5 km
Discover authentic Danish smørrebrød and timeless hospitality in a centuries-old cellar, set in the historic heart of Copenhagen’s lively city center.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
ILLUM
0.1 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Magasin du Nord
0.1 km
Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.2 km
Explore Danish history and craftsmanship at Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store, an iconic destination for hand-painted porcelain, elegant collectibles, and Nordic design.
Læderstræde
0.2 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.2 km
Discover authentic Danish gifts, charming souvenirs, and practical luggage essentials at this longstanding shop on bustling Østergade in the heart of Copenhagen.
Strøget
0.3 km
Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
Storm - design art fashion
0.3 km
Avant-garde design, progressive fashion, niche perfume, and rare art books unite at Copenhagen’s Storm—an iconic concept store in the city’s creative core.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.4 km
Henrik Vibskov Boutique: Explore boundary-pushing Danish design and avant-garde fashion in a gallery-inspired setting in central Copenhagen.
Studio Arhoj
0.4 km
Studio Arhoj fuses Scandinavian and Japanese influences into vibrant, hand-crafted ceramics, making it a unique design destination in central Copenhagen.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.5 km
Nestled on a lively Copenhagen shopping street, Det Gamle Apotek enchants visitors with nostalgic Danish gifts, festive decor, and whimsical home accessories year-round.
The Wilde Shop
0.5 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Time's Up Vintage
0.5 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Viking Souvenirs
0.7 km
Discover authentic Viking keepsakes and Danish-designed gifts at Viking Souvenirs, perfectly placed on Copenhagen’s historic shopping street for a unique Nordic shopping adventure.
Quirky Lane
0.7 km
Discover unique vintage treasures at Quirky Lane, Copenhagen's eclectic boutique for sustainable fashion enthusiasts.
Wasteland
0.7 km
Discover unique vintage fashion treasures at Wasteland in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
K-Bar
0.1 km
Leading Copenhagen’s cocktail revolution, K-Bar blends innovative mixology, Scandinavian style, and canal-side ambiance for an unforgettable urban bar experience.
The Dubliner
0.2 km
Classic Irish pub atmosphere with live music, hearty food, sports broadcasts, and local camaraderie on lively Amagertorv square in central Copenhagen.
1105
0.2 km
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
0.2 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.2 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Ruby
0.4 km
Ruby is Copenhagen’s iconic cocktail bar, where historic townhouse charm meets world-class mixology in a uniquely atmospheric setting near the city’s heart.
Strøm
0.4 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
Godt Øl
0.4 km
Discover a welcoming cellar sanctuary for craft beer enthusiasts in Copenhagen, offering expertly curated Danish and international selections in a cozy, sociable atmosphere.
Bar'Vin
0.4 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
Luke's Bar
0.4 km
Luke’s Bar is a beloved vintage-inspired haunt in Copenhagen’s Indre By, celebrated for creative cocktails, retro ambience, and welcoming, quirky bartenders.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.7 km
A welcoming, eclectic Copenhagen wine bar dedicated to natural wines, lively hygge, and curated experiences for curious locals and travelers.
Taphouse
0.7 km
Enjoy Copenhagen’s widest choice of craft beers and lively bar culture, all in the inviting, convivial atmosphere of Taphouse—Denmark’s draft beer destination.
Southern Cross Pub
0.7 km
Discover the lively Southern Cross Pub, a charming sports bar in Copenhagen, perfect for sports enthusiasts and social gatherings.