Danish War Museum
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Housed in King Christian IV's historic 1604 arsenal on Slotsholmen, the Danish War Museum presents five centuries of Danish military history through extensive collections of weapons, armor, cannons, and immersive exhibitions. From medieval arms to modern drones and a recreated Afghan military camp, the museum explores Denmark's role in over 21 conflicts and how warfare has shaped the nation. Free entry for children under 18; adults 105 DKK.
A brief summary to The War Museum
- Tøjhusgade 3, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1220, DK
- +4541206080
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3.5 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 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
- Visit on a weekday morning for fewer crowds and a more immersive experience. The museum can become busy during peak tourist season.
- Wear comfortable shoes—the museum spans multiple levels and floors within a historic building with uneven surfaces.
- Don't miss the detailed model ships and the immersive Afghanistan exhibition; these are highlights that appeal to both casual visitors and history enthusiasts.
- If visiting with children, note that entry is free for those under 18. The museum's interactive elements, such as the drone exhibition and military camp recreation, engage younger visitors.
- Consider scheduling the museum visit in the morning and lighter activities for the afternoon—the subject matter can be emotionally intense.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro
Take the Metro (lines M3 or M4) to Gammel Strand Station. From there, walk southward toward Slotsholmen for approximately 5–8 minutes. The museum entrance is clearly marked with a yellow signboard reading 'Krigsmuseet' on Tøjhusgade. Journey time from central Copenhagen is typically 10–15 minutes depending on your starting point.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve the area: bus 2A, 23, 26, 31, and 37 stop near the museum. The nearest stops are Det Kongelige Bibliotek (bus 26), Børsen (bus 2A, 31, 37), and Gammel Strand (bus 23). Journey time varies from 10–20 minutes depending on traffic and your starting location in Copenhagen.
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Walking
The museum is centrally located on Slotsholmen, within walking distance of major attractions. From Kongens Nytorv, it is approximately 8 minutes on foot; from Christianshavn, about 10 minutes. The walk is pleasant and passes through historic Copenhagen neighborhoods, making it suitable for most visitors with comfortable shoes.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen is highly bicycle-friendly. Bike racks are available near the museum entrance on Tøjhusgade. Cycling from central Copenhagen typically takes 5–10 minutes depending on your starting point. The route is relatively flat and follows established cycling paths through the city center.
The War Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about The War Museum
Five Centuries of Conflict and Consequence
The Danish War Museum traces Denmark's military journey from the 1500s to the present day, revealing how warfare has fundamentally shaped the nation's geography, culture, and identity. Through hundreds of artifacts and five permanent exhibitions, the museum presents the fierce and dramatic stories behind Denmark's involvement in conflicts ranging from historical battles against Sweden and England to World War II and modern deployments in the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Rather than glorifying war, the museum examines the reasons behind conflicts and their lasting human consequences.Christian IV's Arsenal: A Monumental Setting
The museum occupies the magnificent Arsenal Hall (Tøjhusgade), a 156-meter-long structure built in 1604 by King Christian IV and still among the world's largest of its kind. This historic building, located on Slotsholmen adjacent to Christiansborg Palace, provides an authentic architectural backdrop for understanding Denmark's military heritage. The cannon-lined hall itself is a remarkable architectural experience, with its soaring proportions evoking the scale of Denmark's naval and military ambitions through the centuries.Weapons, Armor, and the Evolution of Warfare
The museum's collections span an extraordinary range of military technology and artifacts. Visitors encounter samurai swords, medieval suits of armor, historical handguns, and an impressive array of cannons that once defended Danish borders. Detailed model ships showcase Denmark's naval power, while displays of modern military equipment—including drones and vehicles—illustrate contemporary warfare. The exhibition "Gamechanger? Drones in War" invites visitors to explore drone technology and its role in conflicts from counterterrorism operations to the current situation in Ukraine, offering an interactive perspective on modern military innovation.Immersion in Modern Conflict
A standout feature is "A Distant War," a 600-square-meter exhibition that recreates a Danish military camp in Afghanistan with striking realism. Visitors can climb into a damaged personnel carrier, stand in a watch tower, and experience the sounds of helicopters overhead, gaining insight into the lived experience of Danish soldiers deployed abroad. This exhibition humanizes modern conflict by presenting the perspectives and stories of those who served.Understanding Denmark's Military Identity
The museum's exhibition "Denmark at War" tells the story of 21 Danish conflicts across five centuries, illustrating how nearly every generation of Danes has experienced warfare. Through this historical lens, visitors understand how Denmark's military engagements—often defensive or unsuccessful—have influenced its current stance on defense, international relations, and national identity. The museum avoids simplistic narratives, instead exploring the complex moral and strategic dilemmas that have confronted Danish leaders and soldiers throughout history.Accessibility and Visitor Experience
The museum spans multiple levels within the historic arsenal building, with open-plan exhibitions on the ground floor and first floor. While the building's age means some areas have uneven flooring and no elevator access to upper levels, the museum is generally accessible and navigable. Visitors typically spend 2–3 hours exploring the collections, though history enthusiasts often allocate considerably more time. The museum shop offers books, posters, and educational materials related to Danish military history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Danish Parliament
0.2 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
The Stable Boy's House
0.2 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.2 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
Frederik VII
0.3 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Circle Bridge
0.3 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Holmens Bro
0.3 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.4 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Højbro
0.4 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.4 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
Højbro Plads
0.4 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Højbro Pl.
0.5 km
Maskinrummet is Skagen’s maritime museum and café, featuring historic marine engines, hands-on exhibits, and harbor-side atmosphere in Denmark’s northernmost town.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.5 km
Explore Copenhagen's captivating history at the Museum of Copenhagen, from Viking settlements to modern marvels, through interactive exhibits and historical artifacts.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
0.5 km
Explore the rich art and history at Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, a cultural gem in Copenhagen featuring masterpieces from ancient to modern times.
Stork Fountain
0.5 km
A trio of bronze storks, royal history and everyday city life meet at this elegant fountain in Copenhagen’s Amagertorv square on the Strøget pedestrian street.
Amagertorv
0.5 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.1 km
A quiet bronze of Denmark’s great existential thinker, seated with manuscripts in a hidden garden behind the Royal Library in the heart of Copenhagen.
Slotsholmen
0.1 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
Garden of the Royal Library
0.1 km
A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
0.1 km
A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.1 km
An intimate museum in a 17th‑century boathouse where Daniel Libeskind’s Mitzvah‑shaped architecture tells 400 years of Danish Jewish history and rescue.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.2 km
Historic canal skirting Slotsholmen where royal power, stately architecture and quiet waterside promenades meet in the very heart of Copenhagen.
Black Diamond
0.2 km
Fredensborg Palace is a magnificent 18th-century royal residence on Lake Esrum, famed for its baroque architecture, exquisite gardens, and regal Danish history.
Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s Black Diamond blends a centuries‑old national library with bold harbourfront architecture, quiet reading rooms, exhibitions, concerts and a hidden garden oasis.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s harbourside hub for design and urban life, where immersive exhibitions, playful workshops and rooftop views reveal how architecture shapes the way we live.
Marmorbroen
0.2 km
An 18th‑century Rococo bridge that once formed the grand entrance to Christiansborg Palace, Marmorbroen quietly unites royal history, canal views and everyday city life.
Christiansborg Palace
0.2 km
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Børsen
0.3 km
Explore Copenhagen’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not!—an imaginative museum of fascinating oddities, curiosities, and interactive wonders at City Hall Square.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.3 km
Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
Church of Holmen
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Roskilde's central square, Stændertorvet.
Lille Langebro
0.4 km
A luminous, cyclist-only arc over Copenhagen’s Inner Harbour, Lille Langebro blends cutting-edge engineering with tranquil harbour views and an easy city crossing.
Essential places to dine
Kanal-Caféen
0.2 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
No. 2
0.3 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Restaurant 1733
0.4 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Restaurant Karla
0.4 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Marv & Ben
0.4 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Noi
0.4 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Restaurant Puk
0.5 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Rio Bravo
0.5 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Restaurant Maven
0.5 km
Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
Restaurant Tight
0.5 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.5 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Københavner Cafeen
0.6 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
King Hans Cellar
0.6 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Kadeau
0.6 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Llama
0.7 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Læderstræde
0.5 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Audrey Vintage
0.5 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Akimbo
0.5 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Hygge Original
0.5 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.5 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
& Other Stories
0.5 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.5 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.6 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Magnolias
0.6 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
ILLUM
0.6 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
0.6 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.
Urban Outfitters
0.6 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Duck Haven
0.6 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.6 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ruby
0.4 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Zefside
0.4 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Godt Øl
0.4 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
K-Bar
0.4 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
The Marble Bar
0.5 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
The Rooftop Bar
0.5 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.5 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Southern Cross Pub
0.5 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
The Dubliner
0.5 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.5 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Centralhjørnet
0.6 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest gay bars, Centralhjørnet is a cosy, festive corner pub where historic LGBTQ+ heritage meets camp décor and easy-going charm.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.6 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Taphouse
0.6 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Unique
- Scenic
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Historic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Physically Demanding
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
