Frederiksholms Kanal: Copenhagen’s Historic Waterscape
Frederiksholms Kanal – a scenic, historic waterway in the heart of Copenhagen, surrounded by iconic palaces, the Royal Library, and vibrant city life.
Frederiksholms Kanal is one of Copenhagen’s most evocative waterways, cutting through Indre By alongside magnificent palaces and museums. Originating as a 17th-century canal, today it offers iconic harbor views, lined with trees, bridges, and historic facades. This tranquil setting forms the backdrop for city walks, vibrant local life, and classic canal tours.
A brief summary to Frederiksholms Kanal
- Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
Local tips
- The canal is stunning at sunset—bring a camera for great photo opportunities with golden light reflecting off the water.
- Look for the statues flanking several bridges—each has a story tied to Danish culture and history.
- Canal boat tours depart frequently from nearby Gammel Strand; tickets are around 95–110 DKK for adults.
- Pack a picnic—benches along the canal are perfect for lunch with a scenic view, especially in spring and summer.
- Visit early morning for a quieter experience and to see Copenhagen slowly come to life along the water.
Getting There
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Walking
From the lively center of Indre By—near City Hall Square or the National Museum—it’s a short stroll to the canal, crossing through historic districts filled with shops, galleries, and charming squares. The canal is visible as you approach the area around Christiansborg Palace and the Royal Library. Walking time is typically 5–10 minutes, making it an easily accessible and enjoyable part of any city itinerary.
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Public Transport
Copenhagen’s central metro and bus stations—such as Rådhuspladsen or Gammel Strand—offer quick service to the vicinity. Most buses and metro lines in this area operate with single fares around 24 DKK (zone 2). Disembark near Christiansborg Palace, from where the canal is immediately visible and accessible.
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Taxi
A taxi from anywhere within Indre By to Frederiksholms Kanal is a short ride, typically costing 70–120 DKK depending on traffic and pickup point. Drop-off is convenient near major landmarks like the Royal Library or the entrances to Christiansborg Palace.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen’s extensive cycling paths make biking to the canal straightforward from any part of the city center. Rental bikes average 15–30 DKK per half hour. Ample bike racks are located near the canal’s bridges and major museums.
Discover more about Frederiksholms Kanal
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
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Explore Denmark's industrial past at Industrimuseet in Horsens, an interactive museum with working machines, workshops, and personal stories from Denmark's iron and steam era.
The Stable Boy's House
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Historic seat of Danish royalty and government, Christiansborg Palace dazzles with royal halls, ancient ruins, stables, and unmatched views in central Copenhagen.
The War Museum
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Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
The Danish Parliament
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Experience Skagen’s rich maritime and industrial heritage, with vintage engines, interactive exhibits, and a harbor-inspired café in a welcoming community setting.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
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Explore Denmark's industrial evolution at Horsens' Industrimuseet, featuring authentic exhibits and interactive displays for all ages.
Frederik VII
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Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Højbro
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Aarhus University Park: Where world-renowned academic heritage, Danish modernism, and lush green landscapes meet in the heart of Aarhus for a uniquely peaceful escape.
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.
Holmens Bro
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Historic cobblestone lanes, colorful houses, indie boutiques, and a bohemian café scene—Aarhus’s Latin Quarter is the city’s creative, cultural soul.
Nytorv
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Historic domed observatory in Aarhus offering inspiring stargazing nights, public tours, and a glimpse into Denmark’s astronomical history atop a leafy city hill.
Lille Langebro
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Explore Lille Langebro, a stunning pedestrian bridge in Copenhagen that beautifully connects neighborhoods while offering breathtaking views of the city and its waterways.
Nytorv 2
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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.
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Step inside the Ole Rømer Observatory in Aarhus for immersive astronomy, captivating night sky sessions, and an Art Nouveau landmark with Danish scientific heritage.
Amagertorv
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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.
Lur Blowers
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Aarhus University Park: Where Danish architectural elegance meets lush urban nature, offering tranquil lakes, stately trees, and a vibrant academic atmosphere.
Unmissable attractions to see
Marmorbroen
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Explore Langelinie: Copenhagen's historic waterfront promenade featuring iconic landmarks, scenic views, and vibrant cultural attractions.
National Museum of Denmark
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Discover baroque elegance and tranquil natural beauty at Ledreborg Park, a historic estate garden near Roskilde, famed for its grand landscapes and palace views.
Slotsholmen
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Explore Denmark's design heritage at Designmuseum Danmark, showcasing iconic works from past to present in a historic setting.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
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Explore the creative heart of Denmark at SMK, the National Gallery, showcasing iconic Danish and European art in a stunning central Copenhagen setting.
Magstræde
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Frederiksholms Kanal flows through central Copenhagen, offering tranquil walks, historic sights, and stunning waterside views beside the city’s grandest landmarks.
Thorvaldsens Museum
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Discover Copenhagen's only Russian Orthodox church, a masterpiece of Muscovite architecture with iconic onion domes and rich frescoes.
Vandkunsten Springvand
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Explore Langelinie, Copenhagen's historic waterfront promenade, featuring iconic landmarks, scenic harbor views, and rich cultural heritage.
Garden of the Royal Library
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Discover Denmark’s most celebrated art collection at SMK – a landmark museum blending centuries of creativity, world masters, and Danish cultural heritage in central Copenhagen.
Christiansborg Palace
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Engage with over 300 interactive exhibits at Experimentarium, Copenhagen's premier science center in Hellerup.
Danish Architecture Centre
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Fredensborg Palace is a stunning baroque royal residence on Lake Esrum, famed for elegant interiors, sprawling gardens, bronze statues, and living Danish history.
Museum of Copenhagen
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Malmo Live is a contemporary cultural landmark in Malmö, Sweden, offering world-class concerts, innovative events, and dynamic urban energy in a stunning setting.
Danish Jewish Museum
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Södergatan is the bustling, historic pedestrian avenue connecting Malmö’s main squares—a showcase of architecture, art, shopping, and Swedish urban life.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
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Copenhagen’s grand Norse fountain, a mythic bronze masterpiece beside Kastellet, blending local legend, striking artistry, and panoramic city park views.
Gammel Strand
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Denmark's stately national gallery with masterpieces from the Renaissance to modern art, housed in a striking blend of classical and contemporary architecture in Copenhagen.
Black Diamond
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Historic Belle Époque theater in the heart of Copenhagen, renowned for lavish interiors, acclaimed musicals, and immersive cultural experiences since 1908.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Karla
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Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Restaurant 1733
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Restaurant Puk
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Marv & Ben
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Restaurant Noi
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Restaurant Kronborg
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Restaurant Tight
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Københavner Cafeen
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No. 2
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Restaurant Maven
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Atmospheric Danish restaurant inside Copenhagen’s historic Nikolaj Church—offering modern Nordic cuisine, inventive wines, and a setting rich in cultural heritage.
Husmanns Vinstue
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Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Husmanns Vinstue in Copenhagen – where tradition meets taste in a cozy atmosphere.
Wining and Dining
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Krebsegaarden
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Discover Krebsegaarden: A premier seafood restaurant in Copenhagen offering exquisite dishes in a charming atmosphere.
King Hans Cellar
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Dine in historic vaulted cellars at Copenhagen’s King Hans Cellar, where centuries-old ambiance and Michelin-level Danish cuisine create an unforgettable fine dining experience.
Det Lille Apotek
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Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Det Lille Apotek in Copenhagen - a perfect blend of tradition and flavor.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Læderstræde
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Strøget
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Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
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Nestled on a lively Copenhagen shopping street, Det Gamle Apotek enchants visitors with nostalgic Danish gifts, festive decor, and whimsical home accessories year-round.
Viking Souvenirs
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Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
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Explore Danish history and craftsmanship at Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store, an iconic destination for hand-painted porcelain, elegant collectibles, and Nordic design.
ILLUM
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ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Tivoli Gift Shop
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Quirky Lane
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Wasteland
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Magasin du Nord
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Studio Arhoj
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Studio Arhoj fuses Scandinavian and Japanese influences into vibrant, hand-crafted ceramics, making it a unique design destination in central Copenhagen.
Time's Up Vintage
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Danish Souvenirs & luggages
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Storm - design art fashion
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Henrik Vibskov Boutique
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ruby
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Godt Øl
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The Rooftop Bar
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The Storm Inn Copenhagen
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Southern Cross Pub
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The Bird and The Churchkey
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Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Lord Nelson Bar
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Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
not your USUAL wine bar
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A welcoming, eclectic Copenhagen wine bar dedicated to natural wines, lively hygge, and curated experiences for curious locals and travelers.
Taphouse
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Enjoy Copenhagen’s widest choice of craft beers and lively bar culture, all in the inviting, convivial atmosphere of Taphouse—Denmark’s draft beer destination.
K-Bar
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Leading Copenhagen’s cocktail revolution, K-Bar blends innovative mixology, Scandinavian style, and canal-side ambiance for an unforgettable urban bar experience.
The Dubliner
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Classic Irish pub atmosphere with live music, hearty food, sports broadcasts, and local camaraderie on lively Amagertorv square in central Copenhagen.
Luke's Bar
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Luke’s Bar is a beloved vintage-inspired haunt in Copenhagen’s Indre By, celebrated for creative cocktails, retro ambience, and welcoming, quirky bartenders.
Musen & Elefanten
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Balderdash
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Floss Bar
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Historic LGBTQ+ bar in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter blending warm hospitality, affordable drinks, and eclectic locals in a welcoming, community-driven setting.
