Church of Our Lady (Copenhagen Cathedral)
Neoclassical calm and marble masterpieces at Denmark’s national cathedral in the historic heart of Copenhagen.
Rising above Copenhagen’s old town, the Church of Our Lady is Denmark’s national cathedral and a serene masterwork of neoclassical design. Rebuilt in 1829 after the British bombardment of 1807, its calm, white interior is dominated by Bertel Thorvaldsen’s celebrated statues of Christ and the apostles. Long a stage for royal coronations and weddings, this light-filled basilica combines over 800 years of history with a quietly contemplative atmosphere in the very heart of the city.
A brief summary to Church of Our Lady
- Nørregade 8, Copenhagen, København K, 1165, DK
- +4533151078
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Check service times before visiting; access to the nave can be limited during services, weddings and special cathedral events.
- Walk slowly down the central aisle to appreciate Thorvaldsen’s statues in sequence, ending with the famed Christ figure at the chancel.
- Dress modestly, speak softly and avoid flash photography to respect the church’s role as an active place of worship.
- Combine your visit with the nearby Thorvaldsen Museum to deepen your understanding of the sculptor behind the cathedral’s marble works.
- If possible, time your visit to coincide with an organ recital or choral service to experience the cathedral’s rich acoustics.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro
From central Copenhagen, the most convenient option is the M1 or M2 metro line to Nørreport Station, followed by a 10–15 minute urban walk through mainly flat, paved streets to the cathedral. Metros run every few minutes from early morning until late night, and a single-zone ticket typically costs around 20–30 DKK. Elevators and escalators at Nørreport make this route suitable for most visitors, including those with limited mobility.
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Bus
Several city bus routes stop near Nørregade and the university quarter, from where the cathedral is about 10–12 minutes on foot along level sidewalks. Travel time from inner districts is usually 10–25 minutes depending on traffic and route, with standard city fares in the 20–30 DKK range. Buses can be busy at rush hour, so allow extra time, and note that some lines run less frequently in the evening and on weekends.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make reaching the Church of Our Lady by bike straightforward from most central neighbourhoods in 10–20 minutes. Public rental bikes and hotel bicycles are common, with typical rental costs starting around 50–100 DKK for a few hours. The streets immediately around the cathedral are shared with pedestrians and other cyclists, so ride slowly near the church and use designated racks to park.
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Taxi
Taxis from central hotels or the main train station generally reach the cathedral in 5–15 minutes, depending on traffic around the old town. Fares within central Copenhagen usually fall in the 80–160 DKK range. Vehicles can drop passengers on nearby streets, but short walks on cobblestones may still be required, and congestion at peak commuter times can extend the journey.
Church of Our Lady location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Discover more about Church of Our Lady
A national cathedral at Copenhagen’s high point
The Church of Our Lady, also known as Copenhagen Cathedral, stands on the city’s historic high ground, a site that has hosted a church since the early 13th century. Medieval Copenhagen grew up around this spot, and the principal church naturally claimed the most elevated position. Over the centuries, several successive churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary rose and fell here, repeatedly damaged by fires, war and lightning yet consistently rebuilt as the spiritual focus of the capital. In 1920s Denmark the church’s long-standing role was finally formalised when it became the cathedral for the new Diocese of Copenhagen and the country’s national cathedral. Royal coronations, state ceremonies and, more recently, high-profile royal weddings have unfolded beneath its vaults, making this an address where both religious life and national history intersect.From bombardment to neoclassical rebirth
The calm you feel inside today belies the cathedral’s turbulent past. In 1807, during the British bombardment of Copenhagen, grenades struck the spire of the then baroque church. The burning tower collapsed through the roof and the building was damaged beyond repair, leaving the city’s main church a smoking ruin. In the economically strained years that followed, rebuilding was debated at length before work finally began on a completely new design. The commission went to Christian Frederik Hansen, one of Denmark’s leading architects. Rather than recreate the former Gothic and baroque silhouettes, he designed an austere, Greco-Roman inspired basilica in the neoclassical style, using surviving outer walls and parts of the earlier tower. Completed and consecrated in 1829, his church presents a powerful street façade with a columned portico and a square tower topped by a low roof and cross, a compromise between classical ideals and Copenhageners’ desire for a visible city landmark.Thorvaldsen’s marble apostles and Christ
Step into the long, white nave and the star attraction reveals itself: a procession of monumental sculptures by Bertel Thorvaldsen, Denmark’s most famous neoclassical sculptor. Hansen’s original plan tucked statues into wall niches, but Thorvaldsen, at the height of his fame, designed his figures on a larger scale, insisting they stand freely within the space. The result is a striking rhythm of apostles lining the nave, culminating in his iconic statue of Christ at the east end. The marble Christ, with open arms and a gentle, forward step, has become one of Denmark’s best-known religious images and has been replicated in churches around the world. Closer inspection reveals the individuality of each apostle, from the contemplative poses to attributes such as keys and scrolls. Near the chancel, a kneeling angel cradling a shell forms the baptismal font, another of Thorvaldsen’s highly personal works that combines classical form with Christian symbolism.An interior of light, proportion and quiet
Although grand in scale, the cathedral’s interior is deliberately restrained. Smooth, pale walls, limited ornament and clear geometric proportions create a sense of order and stillness. Natural light filters from above and along the aisles, gently washing the statues and highlighting their sculpted drapery without the distraction of stained glass colour. The effect is less about drama and more about clarity, granting visitors space to reflect. Along the side aisles you may notice portraits of bishops and clergy, as well as a bronze bust of Thorvaldsen that anchors the link between building and artist. The organ, mounted high at the west end, occasionally fills the nave with sound during services and concerts, but outside those moments the prevailing impression is of a cool, almost museum-like calm in the centre of an otherwise busy city.Living church in the heart of the old town
Despite its monumental architecture, the Church of Our Lady remains an active parish and cathedral. Daily services, choral music and special ceremonies shape its rhythm, and the building is often shared between quiet tourists and worshippers. It is common to find candles burning near side altars, or hear rehearsals drifting from the choir, reminders that this is not only a historic monument but also a living community space. The cathedral’s central location, just off the pedestrian streets of the old town and close to the university, makes it an easy pause during urban exploration. Many visitors simply sit for a while in the wooden pews to absorb the interplay of sculpture, architecture and silence. Others use it as a serene counterpoint to the surrounding shops and cafés, stepping back outside with a renewed sense of Copenhagen’s deep historical layers.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Jorcks Passage
0.1 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Amitylux Tours | Exceptional Guided City Tours
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Experience the timeless grandeur of Lund Cathedral, an iconic Romanesque landmark in southern Sweden, renowned for its history, art, and enduring spiritual presence.
Fiolstræde 42
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Historic observatory blending astronomy, science education, and star-gazing experiences in a tranquil woodland setting just outside Aarhus' vibrant city center.
Lur Blowers
0.4 km
Bronze Age horns meet early 20th‑century grandeur in this 20‑metre column, where two silent lur players keep watch over Copenhagen’s bustling City Hall Square.
Varehuset Messen
0.4 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Statue of Andersen
0.5 km
Iconic bronze statue of Hans Christian Andersen in busy Rådhuspladsen, a literary landmark celebrating Denmark’s cherished fairy-tale author in central Copenhagen.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.5 km
Explore the world of neoclassical sculpture at Thorvaldsens Museum in Copenhagen, home to the works of Bertel Thorvaldsen and a treasure trove of art and architectural inspiration.
Højbro Plads
0.5 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.5 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
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.
Bishop Absalon
0.5 km
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.
Højbro
0.5 km
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
0.5 km
Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
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.
National Museum of Denmark
0.6 km
Explore Denmark's rich history and cultural heritage at the National Museum in Copenhagen, home to Viking treasures, Bronze Age relics, and captivating exhibits for all ages.
Unmissable attractions to see
Gammeltorv
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s oldest square, where cobbles, Neoclassical facades and the Renaissance Caritas Well quietly trace eight centuries of urban life in the city’s historic core.
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.
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.
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.
Københavns Synagoge
0.2 km
A discreet 1833 synagogue in Krystalgade whose neoclassical facade hides an Egyptian‑inspired interior and centuries of Danish Jewish history, faith and resilience.
Gråbrødretorv
0.2 km
Mythic grandeur meets urban tranquility at Copenhagen’s spectacular Gefion Fountain, a must-see bronze sculpture and water feature rooted in Norse legend.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
0.3 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.
The Round Tower
0.3 km
Experience the living history and regal elegance of Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen’s iconic royal residence at the heart of Danish tradition and culture.
Strøget
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
Hans Christian Andersen Experience
0.4 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.
Kultorvet
0.4 km
Historic coal market turned lively pedestrian square, Kultorvet blends layered architecture, fountain-side cafés and everyday city life in the heart of Copenhagen.
Balderdash
0.4 km
Strikingly designed by Jean Nouvel, Copenhagen’s DR Koncerthuset offers world-class acoustics and a dynamic program of classical, jazz, and international concerts.
Skaal
0.4 km
A visionary concert hall in Copenhagen, DR Koncerthuset fuses world-class acoustics, avant-garde architecture, and a rich tapestry of live music experiences.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
0.4 km
A compact oddities museum on Rådhuspladsen where shrunken heads, vortex tunnels and record‑breaking curiosities turn everyday Copenhagen into a world of wonders.
Amagertorv
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s historic marketplace turned elegant pedestrian square, where storks, cobblestones and centuries‑old facades meet modern design and city life.
Essential places to dine
Krebsegaarden
0.1 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
0.2 km
Intimate basement izakaya where fermentation, organic ingredients, and Nordic sensibility transform ramen and bao into deeply satisfying art.
Det Lille Apotek
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.2 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Wining and Dining
0.2 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
The Olive Kitchen & Bar
0.2 km
Warm brick-and-wood dining room in central Copenhagen serving polished Mediterranean-inspired classics, a four-course menu and easygoing evening cocktails.
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.
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.
Dubrovnik Restaurant
0.3 km
Cosy Croatian tavern in Copenhagen’s inner city, serving generous grills and rustic Adriatic comfort food in a warm, wood‑panelled dining room.
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.
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.
Vækst
0.3 km
Greenhouse-style Nordic dining in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where seasonal vegetable-focused menus meet warm, softly lit interiors wrapped in lush foliage.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.3 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
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.
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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Notre Dame
0.0 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.1 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.
Quirky Lane
0.1 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.1 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Duck Haven
0.2 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.
Wasteland
0.2 km
A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
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.
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.
Carmen Copenhagen
0.2 km
Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
Another nué
0.3 km
A calm, curated Copenhagen fashion boutique where Scandinavian minimalism meets historic Krystalgade in a protected Neoclassical townhouse.
København K
0.3 km
Hidden in a Latin Quarter courtyard, København K is a long-standing Copenhagen vintage shop packed with curated second-hand fashion, denim and quirky homeware finds.
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.
Time's Up Vintage
0.3 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Studio Arhoj
0.3 km
A working Copenhagen design studio where shelves of colorful ceramics and glass meet the sights, sounds and warmth of craft being made in real time.
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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar7
0.1 km
Colorful multi-room cocktail lounge in Copenhagen’s old town, mixing bold interiors, inventive drinks and a 21+ late-night crowd over lounge beats and weekend energy.
Luke's Bar
0.2 km
Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
Bæst Cocktailbar
0.2 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.
Floss Bar
0.2 km
Copenhagen's legendary dive bar: punk rock heritage, cheap beer, and authentic character until 2 AM.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.2 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Musen & Elefanten
0.2 km
Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
No Stress Bar
0.2 km
Basement cocktail pub in Copenhagen’s historic center mixing dessert-inspired drinks, games, comedy and drag shows into one laid-back, late-night hangout.
The Jane
0.2 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.
Strøm
0.3 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
Centralhjørnet
0.3 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.
The Globe Irish Pub
0.3 km
Atmospheric Irish pub in central Copenhagen, pouring serious beer and whiskey alongside hearty comfort food, sports screenings and cozy, hygge-tinged corners.
Bar'Vin
0.3 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
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.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.3 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Taphouse
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Rumors
0.1 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
0.1 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
La Terraza
0.1 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Hive
0.1 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Miami Bar
0.1 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
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
0.2 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Cosy Bar
0.2 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Arch
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.3 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
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.
Club Mambo
0.5 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Module
0.5 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
The Zoo
0.6 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.
Never Mind
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
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
- Wheelchair Access
