Vandkunsten Springvand
A quiet 1910 fountain in Copenhagen’s Old Town, where sculpted fish, flowing water and historic façades recall centuries of royal waterworks and market life.
Tucked into a small cobbled square in Copenhagen’s Old Town, Vandkunsten Springvand is a 1910 fountain that quietly anchors centuries of local history. Its granite stele, bronze fish heads and stylized scales recall the days when this spot was both water source and fish market for the city. Framed by listed townhouses, gables and narrow lanes, the fountain offers a tranquil pause amid the inner city’s bustle, ideal for a short contemplative stop, a coffee on a nearby bench, or a quick photo as you wander between museums and canals.
A brief summary to Vandkunsten Springvand
- Vandkunsten 8, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1467, DK
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Combine a stop at Vandkunsten Springvand with nearby museums and canals; treat it as a short, atmospheric pause rather than a standalone excursion.
- Visit in the morning or late afternoon for softer light that highlights the granite textures, bronze fish heads and surrounding façades for photography.
- Look closely at the fish-scale patterns and water-spouting heads on the stele, which reference the square’s history as a fish market and water source.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and walk from Copenhagen Central Station
From any S-train or regional line within Greater Copenhagen, travel to København H, the main station; journeys from suburban hubs typically take 10–25 minutes and are covered by standard zone tickets, usually in the range of 20–40 DKK one way. From the station, allow about 10–15 minutes on foot along mostly level city streets with kerbs and crossings; surfaces are paved but include some cobbles near the square, which may be less comfortable for narrow wheels.
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City bus to the Old Town
Several inner-city bus routes stop within a 5–10 minute walk of Vandkunsten Springvand, with travel times of around 10–20 minutes from central districts like Nørrebro, Vesterbro or Østerbro, depending on traffic. A single bus ticket is typically 20–30 DKK, and services run frequently during the day and early evening. Buses have low-floor access, but the final approach to the square includes cobblestones and some gentle gradients.
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Bicycle within central Copenhagen
Cycling from most central neighbourhoods such as Indre By, Christianshavn or Vesterbro takes roughly 5–15 minutes using the city’s extensive network of bike lanes. You can use your own bike or a public bike-share, where short rides often cost from around 15–40 DKK depending on duration. Be aware that the immediate area around Vandkunsten is cobbled and shared with pedestrians, so walking your bike the last stretch helps keep the tight space comfortable for everyone.
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Taxi or ride-hail to the Old Town edge
A taxi from central districts like Vesterbro or Østerbro typically reaches the streets surrounding Vandkunsten in 5–15 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares within the inner city generally fall in the 80–160 DKK range. Vehicles cannot always stop directly on the small square, so expect a short walk on paved streets and cobbles from a nearby drop-off point; this option suits travellers who prefer to minimise walking time while remaining in a central urban setting.
Vandkunsten Springvand location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Vandkunsten Springvand
A modest fountain at the heart of old Copenhagen
Vandkunsten Springvand stands in the middle of a tight, irregular square in Copenhagen’s Old Town, a pocket of cobblestones and historic façades just a few steps from the city’s major sights. At first glance it is a simple granite column in a low basin, but pause for a moment and the sculpted details begin to reveal its character. Water arcs gently from four stylised fish heads, patinated bronze against the rough stone, and gathers in a shallow pool where the noise of the city softens to a steady, reflective murmur. The fountain was inaugurated in 1910, replacing earlier waterworks that once stood here. Its central stele, carved from granite and topped by a polished red hemisphere, was designed as a restrained, almost architectural object rather than a dramatic sculpture. The lower cylindrical section is incised with fish-scale patterns, a quiet nod to the square’s working past as a market space.From royal water supply to fish market square
The name Vandkunsten, literally “the water feature,” reaches back several centuries. In the late Middle Ages and early modern period, this area held a water mill and pumping system that pushed fresh water through wooden pipes to the royal castle on nearby Slotsholmen. For the court, this was a technical luxury; for the growing town, it marked the beginning of a more reliable urban water supply. As the city evolved, so did the square’s function. The open space became closely associated with the sale of fish, arriving from the nearby harbour and canals. The sculpted fish heads on the fountain recall this lively, practical role: raised voices, the clatter of barrels, and the smell of the sea would once have defined the atmosphere where you now find a calm urban pocket. The 1910 design was meant to fix that memory in stone and metal, long after the trade itself had moved on.Architectural neighbours and stories in stone
Around the fountain rise several protected buildings that frame the experience. At Vandkunsten 8, a mid-18th-century townhouse illustrates Copenhagen’s Neoclassical taste with a measured façade and Ionic pilasters, reflecting its past as a prosperous brewer’s residence. Other houses on the square show different layers of history, from narrower merchant homes to larger, more ornate properties whose rooflines and dormers catch the northern light. On the corner towards Frederiksholms Kanal, a red-brick building from 1910 carries an older stone street sign embedded in its wall, preserving an earlier spelling of the square’s name. Details like this invite close looking: carved plaques, subtle mouldings and decorative brickwork help tell the story of a district that has repeatedly rebuilt itself after fires, epidemics and changing fortunes.An intimate pause between museums and canals
Today the mood around Vandkunsten Springvand is relaxed and local. Office workers cut across the cobbles at lunchtime, cyclists thread along the narrow lanes, and the splash of water mixes with distant bells and the low hum of traffic. Benches and low edges around the basin offer casual seating, making this a convenient place to sip a takeaway coffee, check a map, or simply rest between visits to nearby museums and churches. The fountain is freely accessible at all hours, and the absence of barriers or formal landscaping keeps the space pleasantly informal. Its scale makes it more of a brief, atmospheric stop than a destination in its own right, best appreciated as part of a wider wander through Indre By’s network of small squares, courtyards and canals.Subtle beauty for observant wanderers
Vandkunsten Springvand rewards visitors who enjoy understated places. Photographers find graphic compositions in the contrast between stone, brick and water, especially in low afternoon light when reflections gather in the basin. History enthusiasts can connect what they see here with the broader story of Copenhagen’s infrastructure, trade and urban design. Even a short visit gives a sense of how the city folds its past into everyday life. The fountain is not dramatic or monumental; instead, it demonstrates how a carefully considered piece of civic art can turn a simple junction of streets into a small, memorable room in the open air.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Lur Blowers
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Equestrian statue of Christian IX
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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.
Jorcks Passage
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Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
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A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
The Danish Parliament
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Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Højbro
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A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
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Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
Bishop Absalon
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Dynamic equestrian monument to Copenhagen’s warrior-bishop founder, rising over central Højbro Plads with rich maritime symbolism and a direct visual link to Christiansborg.
Gråbrødretorv
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Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
Højbro Plads
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Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
The War Museum
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Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Højbro Pl.
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Maskinrummet is Skagen’s maritime museum and café, featuring historic marine engines, hands-on exhibits, and harbor-side atmosphere in Denmark’s northernmost town.
The Stable Boy's House
0.4 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Magstræde
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s cobbled time capsule: a gently curving lane of colorful old houses, harbor history and quiet charm in the heart of the Old Town.
Nytorv
0.2 km
Cobbled, compact and quietly dramatic, Nytorv blends royal-era markets, grim judicial history and Neoclassical authority at the pedestrian heart of old Copenhagen.
Weirdwalks Byvandring
0.2 km
Stroll the storied harbor promenade, discover Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid, lush parks, and maritime sculptures along the scenic Langelinie waterfront.
National Museum of Denmark
0.2 km
Denmark’s past comes alive in a grand city palace, where Vikings, royal salons and playful children’s galleries tell 14,000 years of stories under one roof.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
0.2 km
Discover masterpieces from the Danish Golden Age and European classics to contemporary art in Denmark’s largest art museum, set by Copenhagen’s serene city park.
Rainbow Square
0.2 km
A small city-centre plaza with a powerful rainbow dedication, Rainbow Square turns everyday pavement beside Copenhagen City Hall into a quiet landmark for LGBTQ+ equality.
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.
Nytorv 2
0.2 km
An everyday address on Copenhagen’s historic Nytorv, placing you between grand courthouse columns, cobbled markets of old and the pulse of the Strøget pedestrian zone.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.2 km
Explore a thousand years of Copenhagen's history through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the stories of its people.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.2 km
Descend beneath Søndermarken Park to discover Copenhagen’s historic water cisterns, now transformed into a mesmerizing underground art museum unlike any other in Denmark.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.2 km
Frederiksholms Kanal—a historic waterway offering tranquil walks, classic canal views, and a journey through the heart of Copenhagen’s regal past.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
0.3 km
A compact oddities museum on Rådhuspladsen where shrunken heads, vortex tunnels and record‑breaking curiosities turn everyday Copenhagen into a world of wonders.
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.
Hans Christian Andersen Experience
0.3 km
Step off bustling City Hall Square into a multisensory world where Hans Christian Andersen’s life and fairy tales unfold through atmospheric sets, light, sound and scent.
Copenhagen City Hall
0.3 km
Explore Denmark's Viking heritage along the scenic Skjoldungestien trail.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Puk
0.0 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Restaurant 1733
0.1 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.2 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.
Marv & Ben
0.2 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Københavner Cafeen
0.2 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Rio Bravo
0.2 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 Tight
0.3 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 Karla
0.3 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Kanal-Caféen
0.3 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.3 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.3 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Krebsegaarden
0.4 km
An intimate art-filled townhouse in central Copenhagen where creative tasting menus, warm storytelling service and an epic cheese course turn dinner into an evening-long occasion.
ferment, ramen izakaya
0.4 km
Intimate basement izakaya where fermentation, organic ingredients, and Nordic sensibility transform ramen and bao into deeply satisfying art.
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.
Wining and Dining
0.4 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.2 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Souvenir Shop
0.2 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Viking Souvenirs
0.3 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.3 km
Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
Audrey Vintage
0.3 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Danish Souvenirs
0.3 km
Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Duck Haven
0.3 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.
Akimbo
0.3 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.3 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.3 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
& Other Stories
0.3 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Notre Dame
0.3 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
Carmen Copenhagen
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Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
Hygge Original
0.4 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.
Quirky Lane
0.4 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Zefside
0.1 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Godt Øl
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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.
Centralhjørnet
0.1 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.
Southern Cross Pub
0.1 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.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.2 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Taphouse
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
Ruby
0.2 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
The Rooftop Bar
0.2 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.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.2 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.2 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
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.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Musen & Elefanten
0.3 km
Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
Floss Bar
0.4 km
Copenhagen's legendary dive bar: punk rock heritage, cheap beer, and authentic character until 2 AM.
Luke's Bar
0.4 km
Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.2 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Chateau Motel
0.2 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
0.3 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Hive
0.3 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Miami Bar
0.3 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
0.3 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.3 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
La Terraza
0.4 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Cosy Bar
0.4 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.4 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Module
0.5 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Never Mind
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Arch
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.6 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Den Anden Side
0.7 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
