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Gefion Fountain: Copenhagen's Majestic Norse Myth Celebrated in Bronze and Water

Striking bronze fountain in Churchill Park sculpting Norse legend into life with dramatic water displays—an essential, photogenic landmark in central Copenhagen.

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Gefion Fountain is one of Copenhagen’s most impressive public monuments, nestled at the edge of Churchill Park near the waterfront. This grand, dynamic fountain depicts the mighty Norse goddess Gefion harnessing powerful oxen, in a spectacular display of bronze and cascading water. Erected in 1908, it weaves local legend with artistry and serves as both a striking city symbol and a restful spot for visitors. The fountain’s intricate sculptures and sweeping views of the nearby harbor make it a favorite among both sightseers and locals seeking a tranquil pause in the city center.

A brief summary to The Round Tower

  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-9 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-9 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit in the early morning or just before sunset for the best light and fewer crowds, making for exceptional photos of the sculpture and park.
  • Pack a picnic or grab a coffee nearby to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and green spaces that surround the fountain.
  • Combine your visit with a walk to the nearby Kastellet fortress and the Little Mermaid statue for a classic Copenhagen sightseeing route.
  • The fountain is outdoors and wheelchair accessible, but ground can be wet and slippery around the basin after rain.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Copenhagen’s city center, it’s a pleasant 15–20-minute walk past Amalienborg Palace and through leafy Churchill Park. The fountain appears dramatically as you near the harbor and St. Alban’s Church. The area is accessible, with broad paths suitable for most visitors.

  • Public Transport

    Numerous buses and local trains serve the area; the nearest transit hub is Østerport Station, less than a 10-minute walk from the fountain. A standard adult single fare is around 24–30 DKK. From the station, the fountain is signposted, and its spray is visible as you enter the parkland.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from central Copenhagen typically takes 5–10 minutes depending on traffic, with fares in the range of 90–120 DKK. Drop-off is convenient at Churchill Park, right beside the fountain.

  • Driving/Parking

    Public parking is limited near the park entrance and can be in high demand, especially during peak tourist hours. Meters average 24–27 DKK per hour. No special tolls apply for reaching this district.

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Set dramatically at the intersection of history and legend, the Gefion Fountain stands as one of Copenhagen’s most iconic and photogenic landmarks. Commissioned to commemorate the city’s 50th anniversary of waterworks, it was unveiled in 1908 and quickly became a symbol of Danish pride and myth. The fountain’s central figure, the Norse goddess Gefion, is seen driving four powerful oxen, water rushing beneath their hooves and over dramatic stone carvings. According to legend, Gefion plowed the island of Zealand from the Swedish mainland – the land upon which Copenhagen now thrives. The fountain captures this myth in motion, with life-sized, expressive bronze figures that seem almost to leap from the water. The fountain’s location is as attractive as its story: set within Churchillparken, it is near the historic Kastellet fortress, St. Alban’s Church, and Copenhagen’s scenic harbor. Towering jets of water offer a refreshing mist in summer and a lively spectacle year-round. The plaza surrounding the fountain is always alive with visitors admiring the craftsmanship, children splashing in the spray, and photographers capturing its dynamic angles against backdrops of lush greenery or the open sky. Gefion Fountain is also perfectly positioned for those on a walking tour of the city’s historic heart or heading to the famed Little Mermaid statue, just a short stroll away. The surrounding parkland offers plenty of benches and shade for relaxing breaks. Though imposing, the monument retains a sense of perpetual motion and energy, reflecting both Copenhagen’s creative spirit and its ancient stories. Free to access at all hours, it’s an essential stop for anyone wanting to experience the mythic soul of Copenhagen up close.

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