Frederiksholms Kanal: Copenhagen’s Historic Waterside Promenade
A picturesque canal at the heart of Copenhagen, encircling royal palaces and historic museums amidst neoclassical architecture and scenic bridges.
Frederiksholms Kanal flows like a tranquil ribbon through the heart of Copenhagen, framing glorious palaces and grand museums in the city’s historic center. Originally dug in the 17th century to protect royal grounds, today’s canal is beloved for its classic waterside views, arched bridges, and proximity to cultural landmarks like Christiansborg Palace and the National Museum. A favored path for strolls, boat rides, and photography, it offers a peaceful escape just steps from the bustle of city life.
A brief summary to The Danish Natural History Museum
- Øster Farimagsgade 2C, Copenhagen, København K, 1307, DK
- +4535322222
- Visit website
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-9 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Bring a camera—the canal’s bridges and reflections create iconic photo opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset.
- Combine your visit with tours of Christiansborg Palace or the National Museum, both steps from the water.
- Look for ducks and swans along the banks; they’re a year-round feature and loved by locals.
- Try a canal boat tour starting nearby for a new perspective of Copenhagen’s waterways and palaces.
Getting There
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Walking
From Copenhagen’s central square, it’s a gentle stroll of about 10 minutes through the city’s oldest quarter. Landmarks like Christiansborg Palace and the impressive National Museum mark your approach—simply head towards these cultural icons to find the leafy banks of Frederiksholms Kanal.
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Public Transport
Metro lines and city buses from the central station bring you close to Slotsholmen; travel takes around 5-8 minutes for most central lines. Single-ticket fares within the city zone are typically 24-28 DKK. Upon arrival, the canal’s elegant bridges and museum facades are easily visible—a short walk from major stops.
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Taxi
A taxi from the city’s central hubs or hotels delivers you to the canal in approximately 5-10 minutes, with daytime fares averaging 100–140 DKK. Taxis may use taxi stands near government buildings; do note that traffic can be busier during peak hours.
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Driving
Parking in the historic district is limited and usually metered—expect rates of 40–55 DKK per hour. Garages in the area fill quickly, particularly during weekdays or around major tourist attractions. No tolls apply.
Discover more about The Danish Natural History Museum
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Nørre Voldgade 11
0.6 km
Explore the cosmos at Aarhus' historic Ole Rømer Observatory, home to Denmark's largest functioning telescope and rich astronomical heritage.
Kultorvet
0.7 km
Kultorvet is a historic cobbled square in Copenhagen’s city center, where centuries-old traditions blend with modern café culture, street performances, and community gatherings.
Søtorvet 2
0.7 km
Step into Danish astronomical history at Ole Rømer Observatory, where hands-on stargazing meets rich scientific heritage on a wooded ridge above central Aarhus.
Fiolstræde 42
0.7 km
Historic observatory blending astronomy, science education, and star-gazing experiences in a tranquil woodland setting just outside Aarhus' vibrant city center.
Amitylux Tours | Exceptional Guided City Tours
0.7 km
Experience the timeless grandeur of Lund Cathedral, an iconic Romanesque landmark in southern Sweden, renowned for its history, art, and enduring spiritual presence.
St. Paul's Church
0.8 km
Discover the serene beauty of St. Paul's Church in Copenhagen, a stunning Lutheran architectural gem featuring ornate designs and a tranquil atmosphere.
The Tower Playground
1.0 km
Award-winning Copenhagen playground where kids explore & climb miniature city towers; centrally located in Fælledparken with family-friendly facilities.
Amagertorv
1.1 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.
Gammeltorv
1.1 km
Discover Copenhagen's only Russian Orthodox Church, renowned for its gilded domes, lavish icons, and evocative ties to Denmark's royal and multicultural heritage.
Kongens Nytorv
1.1 km
Discover the charm of Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen's historic square, surrounded by stunning architecture and vibrant cultural attractions.
The King's New Square
1.1 km
Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen’s grandest square, blends royal history, iconic architecture, and bustling urban energy in the very heart of Denmark’s capital.
Bredgade 18
1.2 km
Explore the architectural wonder of Bredgade 18 in Copenhagen, a stunning example of classic Danish design and rich historical significance.
Nytorv 2
1.2 km
Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter blends medieval lanes, bohemian charm, vibrant cafés, and local boutiques, making it the creative soul of Denmark’s second-largest city.
Højbro Pl.
1.2 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.
Højbro Plads
1.2 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Unmissable attractions to see
Museum of Natural History
0.2 km
Discover the extraordinary at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Copenhagen, featuring over 500 unique exhibits and interactive displays.
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst
0.3 km
Denmark’s largest art museum, SMK in central Copenhagen showcases Danish and European masterpieces in an iconic space blending classic and modern architecture.
Rosenborg castle
0.3 km
Frederiksholms Kanal—a tranquil, history-steeped waterway in central Copenhagen—offers scenic strolls, grand architecture, and captivating reflections amid city life.
Botanical Garden
0.4 km
Explore Denmark's royal heritage at Rosenborg Castle, home to the crown jewels and set amidst the historic King's Garden in Copenhagen.
The Lakes
0.5 km
A hauntingly beautiful subterranean art museum set beneath Frederiksberg’s Søndermarken park, where contemporary installations blend with echoes of Copenhagen’s historic waterworks.
Workers Museum
0.5 km
Explore Cisternerne: Copenhagen's underground art venue blending history and contemporary installations beneath Søndermarken Park.
The King's Garden
0.5 km
Frederiksholms Kanal: An evocative canal-side promenade at the heart of Copenhagen, blending royal history, stately architecture, and peaceful city scenes.
Copenhagen Food Tours - Best-Rated Experiences
0.6 km
Fredensborg Palace – royal baroque splendour on Lake Esrum, with gardens, art-filled avenues, and an enduring link to Denmark’s modern monarchy.
TorvehallerneKBH
0.6 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
The Lakes in Copenhagen
0.7 km
Step inside Denmark’s royal history at Rosenborg Castle, home to the dazzling Crown Jewels and set in Copenhagen’s oldest public gardens near Østerbro.
Skaal
0.7 km
A visionary concert hall in Copenhagen, DR Koncerthuset fuses world-class acoustics, avant-garde architecture, and a rich tapestry of live music experiences.
Dronning Louises Bro
0.7 km
Explore centuries of medical history in Copenhagen's historic Royal Surgical Academy.
The David Collection
0.7 km
Explore Copenhagen’s legendary underground art space in Søndermarken—where history, atmosphere, and contemporary installations blend beneath Frederiksberg.
The Round Tower
0.8 km
Rosenborg Castle: Explore Copenhagen’s Renaissance masterpiece and the dazzling Danish crown jewels at the gateway between Østerbro and the city’s historic heart.
Nørrebros Theater
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where shopping, dining, and culture converge in a picturesque market square.
Essential places to dine
Selma
0.5 km
A modern haven for smørrebrød, Selma reinvents Danish lunch classics with seasonal produce, creative flair, and a vibrant atmosphere near Copenhagen’s heart.
ARK
0.5 km
Scandinavia’s premier vegan restaurant offers innovative tasting menus, Nordic design, and sustainable gastronomy in cosmopolitan Copenhagen.
Restaurant Schønnemann
0.6 km
Copenhagen’s historic Schønnemann offers authentic smørrebrød and aquavit in a cozy, old-world setting, serving classic Danish flavors since 1877 near the city’s landmarks.
Kokkeriet
0.7 km
Experience the pinnacle of Danish fine dining at Kokkeriet in Copenhagen - where innovation meets tradition in every exquisite dish.
Tèrra
0.7 km
Celebrated for organic Italian-Danish tasting menus and eco-conscious fine dining, Tèrra offers a memorable culinary experience in Copenhagen’s vibrant Østerbro.
Alouette
0.7 km
Experience exquisite fine dining at Alouette in Copenhagen—where innovative cuisine meets elegant ambiance for an unforgettable meal.
Høst
0.8 km
Experience exceptional Scandinavian fine dining at Høst in Copenhagen, where seasonal ingredients meet innovative culinary artistry.
The Olive Kitchen & Bar
0.8 km
Discover exquisite Mediterranean cuisine at The Olive Kitchen & Bar in Copenhagen - where flavors come alive in an inviting atmosphere.
Det Lille Apotek
0.9 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Det Lille Apotek in Copenhagen - a perfect blend of tradition and flavor.
Dag H
0.9 km
Stylish Østerbro brasserie offering classic bistro plates, all-day dining, and a cosmopolitan terrace in Copenhagen’s embassy quarter.
SAFARI
0.9 km
Colorful Pan-African bistro in creative Nørrebro serving bold sharable plates, natural wines, and community spirit in a welcoming, art-filled setting.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.9 km
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 Grønnegade
0.9 km
Elegant Danish fine dining in an atmospheric 17th-century townhouse, showcasing seasonal Nordic flavors and historic charm in the heart of old Copenhagen.
La Neta Nørrebro
1.0 km
Sizzling Mexican street food, artisanal tortillas, and Mikkeller craft beer unite at La Neta Nørrebro—a bustling culinary hotspot in Copenhagen’s vibrant heart.
Mæxico Nørrebro
1.0 km
Colorful cantina vibes, creative tacos, and festive cocktails bring a lively taste of Mexico’s street food culture to vibrant Nørrebro in central Copenhagen.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Butik Bungalow
0.8 km
Colorful Danish-Indian design shop in Nørrebro offering hand-printed homeware, unique gifts, and stylish paper goods in a cozy, creative boutique setting.
Time's Up Vintage
0.8 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.8 km
Henrik Vibskov Boutique: Explore boundary-pushing Danish design and avant-garde fashion in a gallery-inspired setting in central Copenhagen.
McKorman
0.8 km
Discover McKorman in Nørrebro: Copenhagen’s go-to spot for handpicked streetwear, unique vintage fashion, and urban style essentials for every wardrobe.
Studio Arhoj
0.9 km
Studio Arhoj fuses Scandinavian and Japanese influences into vibrant, hand-crafted ceramics, making it a unique design destination in central Copenhagen.
Storm - design art fashion
0.9 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.
The Wilde Shop
1.0 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
PRAG Nørrebro
1.1 km
PRAG Nørrebro offers a curated vintage shopping experience surrounded by the eclectic energy and cultural vibrancy of Copenhagen’s trendsetting district.
ILLUM
1.1 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
1.1 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.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
1.1 km
Explore Danish history and craftsmanship at Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store, an iconic destination for hand-painted porcelain, elegant collectibles, and Nordic design.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
1.1 km
Discover authentic Danish gifts, charming souvenirs, and practical luggage essentials at this longstanding shop on bustling Østergade in the heart of Copenhagen.
Strøget
1.1 km
Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
Quirky Lane
1.1 km
Discover unique vintage treasures at Quirky Lane, Copenhagen's eclectic boutique for sustainable fashion enthusiasts.
Wasteland
1.1 km
Discover unique vintage fashion treasures at Wasteland in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bootleggers
0.6 km
Discover Bootleggers in central Copenhagen, a celebrated craft beer bar offering an unmatched range of Danish and international brews in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.
Kind Of Blue
0.8 km
Discover the lively charm of Kind Of Blue, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen offering creative cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere.
The Barking Dog
0.8 km
Discover The Barking Dog, a trendy bar in Copenhagen offering expertly crafted cocktails and a vibrant nightlife experience.
No Stress Bar
0.8 km
Relaxed cocktail bar in central Copenhagen with creative drinks, cozy ambiance, and a blend of retro and modern Danish design—perfect for a unique evening out.
Black Swan
0.8 km
Experience a cozy fusion of traditional pub spirit and innovative Scandinavian craft beverages in Copenhagen’s Indre By at Black Swan cider and beer bar.
Bar'Vin
0.9 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Søernes Ølbar
0.9 km
Discover Søernes Ølbar, a cozy craft beer haven by Copenhagen's lakes, offering an extensive selection of brews and breathtaking views.
PULP bar
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at PULP Bar, where expertly crafted cocktails meet a lively atmosphere.
Léanowski Bar
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Léanowski Bar, a local favorite in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, known for its craft beers and creative cocktails.
Strøm
0.9 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
Escobar København
0.9 km
Explore the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Escobar København, a must-visit bar in the heart of Nørrebro offering great cocktails and a lively atmosphere.
Charlie's Bar
0.9 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Luke's Bar
1.0 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.
1105
1.0 km
Award-winning cocktail bar in central Copenhagen offering inventive signature drinks, a stylish Nordic-chic atmosphere, and a top-tier nightlife experience.
