Bishop Absalon Statue, Højbro Plads
Commanding Højbro Plads from his rearing horse, Bishop Absalon’s statue fuses medieval legend, maritime trade and modern city life in the heart of Copenhagen.
Rising above Copenhagen’s Højbro Plads, the equestrian statue of Bishop Absalon depicts the warrior-bishop credited as the city’s founder. Unveiled in 1902 to mark 700 years since his death, the bronze figure rears above a richly decorated plinth of brick and granite, adorned with herring and wave motifs that recall the medieval fishing village that became Copenhagen. Framed by neoclassical façades and close views of Christiansborg Palace and the canal, it’s a compact but symbolically powerful historic landmark.
A brief summary to Bishop Absalon
- Højbro Pl., Copenhagen, Indre By, 1200, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Walk a full circle around the statue to spot the herring and wave friezes on the brick plinth, which reference the medieval fishing trade that helped Copenhagen flourish.
- Visit around golden hour for softer light on the bronze, then photograph Absalon framed against Christiansborg Palace or the canal for classic Copenhagen views.
- Use the granite base as a casual seat to pause, people-watch, and read up on Absalon’s life and his role as the city’s founder.
- If you come in winter, combine your visit with the seasonal market at Højbro Plads, when the statue looms above stalls, lights and festive decorations.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Restrooms
Getting There
-
Metro from central Copenhagen
From Nørreport Station, take the M1 or M2 one stop to Kongens Nytorv, then walk about 10–12 minutes along the pedestrian streets toward Højbro Plads. The metro ride is around 3 minutes and a standard single zone ticket costs roughly 20–25 DKK. Trains run every few minutes throughout the day and all stations and trains are step-free, making this the most convenient option in most weather conditions.
-
City bus to the vicinity
Several city buses stop near the square, including routes that serve the stops around Gammel Strand and Christiansborg. Typical journey times from inner neighbourhoods are 10–25 minutes depending on traffic, plus a 5–8 minute walk from the stop to the statue. Use a two-zone ticket, which generally costs about 24 DKK, or a travel card. Buses run frequently during the day but may be less frequent late at night.
-
Bicycle from inner districts
Copenhagen is highly bike-friendly, and reaching Højbro Plads by bicycle from nearby districts such as Vesterbro, Nørrebro or Østerbro usually takes 10–20 minutes on separated cycle lanes. Expect some cobblestones and pedestrian congestion near the square, so you may need to dismount and walk the last stretch. Public bike-share schemes typically cost around 20–30 DKK per short ride; helmets are not provided and you should be comfortable riding in city traffic.
-
On foot within the historic centre
If you are already in the historic centre—around Strøget, Nyhavn or the National Museum—reaching the Bishop Absalon statue is an easy walk of roughly 10–20 minutes along level streets. Surfaces are mostly paved, with areas of cobblestone that can be uneven for wheelchairs or strollers. The area is pedestrian-dense during weekends and summer afternoons, so allow extra time if you prefer a slower pace.
Bishop Absalon location weather suitability
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Any Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Hot Weather
Discover more about Bishop Absalon
A warrior-bishop above Copenhagen’s founding square
Standing at the heart of Højbro Plads, the bronze equestrian statue of Bishop Absalon captures the man traditionally credited with founding Copenhagen in 1167. Here he is not shown as a cloistered churchman but as a battle-hardened commander, reins tight in one hand, a heavy axe lifted in the other, his horse rearing above the cobbles. The statue was unveiled in 1902 to commemorate the 700th anniversary of Absalon’s death, a deliberate tribute to the city’s medieval origins. The monument anchors one of central Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares. Around you rise pastel neoclassical townhouses rebuilt after the devastating fire of 1795, their orderly façades a contrast to the turbulent era Absalon knew. Just beyond the canal stands Christiansborg Palace on Slotsholmen, built on the site of the bishop’s original fortress. The statue is oriented toward that historic power base, physically linking this busy public space to the very birthplace of the city.Symbolic details carved into brick, stone and bronze
Close up, the statue rewards slow looking. Absalon’s armour is rendered with crisp detail: chain mail, a crested helmet, and the folds of his cloak swept back as if by the Baltic wind. The horse’s muscles tense as it rears, giving the work a sense of movement that animates the square. The sculptor, Vilhelm Bissen, was one of the leading Danish artists of his generation, and his flair for heroic composition is on full display. The plinth beneath the horse is as meaningful as the rider. Its lower section is hewn from sturdy granite and shaped so people can sit along the edge. Above that, red brick recalls medieval Danish architecture. A frieze of herring and stylised waves encircles the base, a reminder that it was lucrative herring fishing in the Øresund that transformed a humble harbour into a prosperous town. Other carvings draw on Viking ornament and church symbolism, including a rosy cross and interlocking keys that reference Absalon’s role as Bishop of Roskilde.A founder’s legacy in stone, water and trade
Absalon’s influence on Denmark extended far beyond this square. As royal adviser and later archbishop, he helped consolidate royal power and spearheaded campaigns that expanded Danish influence around the Baltic. Here, though, the focus is firmly on his role in shaping Copenhagen. From this vantage point you can imagine the small fortified settlement that once huddled near the present palace, protected by walls and dependent on sea-borne trade. The herring motifs on the pedestal allude to the medieval boom in salted fish exports, which enriched local merchants and justified the construction of stronger defences. That economic success set the stage for the city’s later growth into a royal and administrative capital. In a compact cluster of symbols—fish, waves, armour, axe—the monument compresses a long story of commerce, warfare and faith into a single vertical statement above the crowds.Everyday life around a ceremonial monument
Although this is an imposing historic monument, it is also part of daily city life. Højbro Plads acts as a generous pause in the dense urban fabric, a place where office workers cut across the square, cyclists stream past, and street musicians set up near the trees. Seasonal events, including winter markets, often spill around the statue, so you may find Absalon presiding over twinkling lights and the smell of roasted almonds. Benches and the plinth’s granite ledge invite you to sit and take in the scene. Look one way and you see the spire of Christiansborg; turn slightly and the canal glints between façades. Because the statue stands slightly elevated yet open on all sides, you can walk a full circle around it, noticing how the sculpted details catch shifting light and how Absalon’s stern profile seems to follow the flow of the city that grew from his fortified harbour.Photogenic angles and quiet moments in the square
For photographers, the monument is best captured in context. Framing the statue against the backdrop of Christiansborg or the canal emphasizes its link to the city’s origins. From a lower angle near the base, the horse’s raised forelegs and Absalon’s axe stand out dramatically against the sky. At dusk, when the surrounding buildings glow warmly and the square softens into evening, the bronze takes on a deeper patina and the sculpted waves and fish on the plinth emerge in gentle relief. Even a brief stop here can be rewarding. A few minutes spent reading the inscriptions, tracing the carved fish with your eyes and aligning the statue with its surroundings turns a simple city square into a compact lesson in Copenhagen’s story—from fishing village, to fortified harbour, to modern capital that still remembers its warrior-bishop founder.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Højbro
0.0 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Frederik VII
0.2 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Holmens Bro
0.2 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.
The Danish Parliament
0.3 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.3 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.
Varehuset Messen
0.3 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Jorcks Passage
0.4 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
The War Museum
0.4 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Nytorv 2
0.4 km
Where Copenhagen’s Neoclassical courthouse meets a centuries-old market square, blending solemn civic history with the everyday buzz of the old city.
Kongens Nytorv
0.5 km
Historic observatory in Aarhus combining hands-on stargazing, interactive astronomy exhibits, and tranquil parkland with panoramic city views.
The Round Tower
0.5 km
Explore The Round Tower, Copenhagen's historic observatory offering stunning city views and engaging cultural exhibitions.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.5 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Gammeltorv
0.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's only Russian Orthodox Church, renowned for its gilded domes, lavish icons, and evocative ties to Denmark's royal and multicultural heritage.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.5 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Unmissable attractions to see
Højbro Plads
0.0 km
A historic canal in central Copenhagen, Frederiksholms Kanal blends royal heritage, elegant facades, and tranquil waterways in the heart of the Danish capital.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.0 km
A submerged family of bronze beneath Højbro Bridge brings an old Danish ballad of love, faith and abandonment to life in the heart of historic Copenhagen.
Højbro Pl.
0.0 km
Open, airy and steeped in history, Højbro Plads is Copenhagen’s neoclassical city living room between canal, palace views and busy pedestrian streets.
Ved Stranden
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
Stromma Canal Tours
0.1 km
Discover the world of 'Nordic gold' at the Copenhagen Amber Museum, where history, science, and stunning amber artifacts meet in Nyhavn’s oldest house.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
0.1 km
Strikingly modern, immersive, and acoustically exceptional, DR Koncerthuset is Copenhagen's world-renowned concert hall and a must-visit for music and architecture lovers.
Stork Fountain
0.1 km
Bask in the serene Baltic ambiance of Rødvig Beach on South Zealand—an inviting stretch of sand with sweeping views of Stevns Klint and local Danish charm.
Læderstræde
0.1 km
A cosy Old Town side street where rebuilt 18th‑century townhouses, Danish design boutiques and laid‑back cafés create a calm, human‑scaled alternative to busy Strøget.
Gammel Strand
0.1 km
A historic Copenhagen harbourfront where Viking-age roots, colourful 18th‑century facades and a contemporary art centre meet beside the city’s central canal.
Nikolaj Art Gallery
0.1 km
Medieval church transformed into a beacon of experimental contemporary art in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Amagertorv
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s historic marketplace turned elegant pedestrian square, where storks, cobblestones and centuries‑old facades meet modern design and city life.
Strøget
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
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.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.2 km
Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
Balderdash
0.3 km
Strikingly designed by Jean Nouvel, Copenhagen’s DR Koncerthuset offers world-class acoustics and a dynamic program of classical, jazz, and international concerts.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Maven
0.1 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.
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.
Restaurant Tight
0.2 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.
King Hans Cellar
0.3 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Restaurant 1733
0.3 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Københavner Cafeen
0.3 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.3 km
Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
Llama
0.3 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.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.3 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.
l’Alsace
0.4 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Wining and Dining
0.4 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Marchal
0.4 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Restaurant Puk
0.4 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Frank
0.4 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
Det Lille Apotek
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.0 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.1 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.1 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Hygge Original
0.1 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.
Magnolias
0.2 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
0.2 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Urban Outfitters
0.2 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
& Other Stories
0.2 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Audrey Vintage
0.2 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Akimbo
0.2 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Magasin du Nord
0.3 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.
Norse Store
0.3 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.3 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Norse Projects
0.4 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.4 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
K-Bar
0.0 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
The Dubliner
0.1 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.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.1 km
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
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
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.
Godt Øl
0.3 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.
Charlie's Bar
0.3 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
1105
0.3 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.3 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
The Jane
0.3 km
Mad Men–style speakeasy meets late-night dance floor in a warren of hidden rooms, leather sofas and cocktail-fuelled energy beneath central Copenhagen.
Balthazar
0.4 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
Strøm
0.4 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
The Moose
0.4 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Bæst Cocktailbar
0.4 km
Intimate basement cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pairing creative drinks with warm lighting, easygoing music and a sociable late-night city-centre vibe.
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
The Zoo
0.4 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Chateau Motel
0.4 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Lusso
0.4 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
Hive
0.4 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Mini Bar
0.5 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Rumors
0.5 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
0.5 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
0.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Club Mambo
0.6 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
La Terraza
0.6 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Dorsia
0.6 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Arch
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.7 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Cosy Bar
0.7 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
0.8 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- 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
- LGBT Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
