Hansens Gamle Familiehave: Copenhagen’s Historic Garden Restaurant

Step into the enchanting world of Hansens Gamle Familiehave, an icon of Frederiksberg deeply intertwined with the cultural identity of Copenhagen. Established in 1850, this historic Danish restaurant invites guests to experience a slice of living history, where the cheerful hum of families mingles with the scent of crisp schnitzel and sweet summer blooms. The garden setting, draped in climbing vines and strewn with lanterns, calls forth scenes of old Copenhagen, when outdoor dining among chestnut trees was the height of conviviality. Within the cheerful, wood-paneled interiors, classic Danish cuisine is lovingly prepared: generous platters of smørrebrød, roasted meats, creamy potatoes, and time-honored desserts find their way to tables as laughter echoes across generations. Throughout summer, the atmosphere swells with joy as live music, group singing, and traditional celebrations turn ordinary meals into memorable gatherings. On warm afternoons, elderly couples linger over coffee while children play within sight of Denmark’s past—captured in creaky floorboards and antique garden benches. Hansens Gamle Familiehave’s enduring appeal lies in its heartfelt service and commitment to tradition. Whether visiting for a casual lunch, a jubilant birthday, or spring’s first outdoor feast, every guest is embraced like family. Vegetarians and younger diners are thoughtfully accommodated, but it’s the robust, classic fare and the semi-secret “garden songs” that truly unite guests in shared revelry. Few places in Copenhagen so deftly blend authenticity, history, and sheer joy: Hansens is a living celebration of Danish togetherness, firmly rooted in the city’s greenest, most storied corner.