St. Alexander Nevsky Church: Byzantine Splendor in Copenhagen

Discover Copenhagen's only Russian Orthodox Church, renowned for its gilded domes, lavish icons, and evocative ties to Denmark's royal and multicultural heritage.

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Gammeltorv

St. Alexander Nevsky Church is Copenhagen’s only Russian Orthodox Church, famed for its striking onion domes and rich iconography. Built in the late 19th century for the Russian royal family, it offers visitors a unique glimpse into Russian ecclesiastical art and the multicultural history of Denmark’s capital. The interior dazzles with gilded iconostasis, vibrant frescos, and a quiet, reverent atmosphere—making it an oasis of tranquility and tradition in the city’s lively center.

A brief summary to Gammeltorv

Copenhagen, Indre By, 1457, DK

Local tips

Dress modestly and speak quietly inside; services may be ongoing even during visiting hours.
Photography is welcome outside, but be respectful and ask before taking pictures inside.
If attending a service, expect much of it to be in Church Slavonic with beautiful choral singing.
Combine your visit with nearby Amalienborg Palace and Frederik’s Church for a rewarding morning.

Getting There

Walking

The church is located just a short walk from Copenhagen’s central Kongens Nytorv, set in the heart of Frederiksstaden, near the famed Amalienborg Palace. Expect a relaxed 10–15 minute stroll along some of the city’s grandest boulevards, with the gilded domes visible above rooftops as you approach. Walking is the most direct and atmospheric way to arrive, with no cost incurred.
Public Transport

Metro and bus lines from the city center stop near Kongens Nytorv or Marmorkirken, both major hubs. From either, it’s a brief walk through bustling museum quarters and embassy-lined streets to the church. A single metro or bus ticket costs approximately 24–30 DKK (€3–4).
Taxi

Taxis from Copenhagen Central Station or the historic city center typically reach the church in 7–12 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares average 100–130 DKK (€13–18). Accessibility is good, but parking in the area is limited and metered.
Driving

If driving, note that Frederiksstaden has limited parking—municipal spaces average 30–40 DKK (€4–5) per hour. There are several parking garages nearby, but these can fill up quickly, especially on weekdays.

Discover more about Gammeltorv

Standing in the elegant Frederiksstaden district, just moments from Amalienborg Palace, St. Alexander Nevsky Church is a visual and cultural anomaly among the neoclassical façades of central Copenhagen. Commissioned in the 1880s by Tsar Alexander III to honor his Danish-born wife, Princess Dagmar—later Empress Maria Feodorovna—the church represents a powerful symbol of the close dynastic ties between Denmark and Russia. Its exterior is instantly recognizable: three soaring, gilded onion domes surmount a red-brick façade — a burst of Russian architectural drama amid Scandinavian restraint. As you approach, the intricate mosaic work above the entrance and gleaming cupolas are a clear nod to St. Petersburg’s grandest churches. Inside, the sense of the sacred is palpable. The modest, vaulted interior seems to glow with the soft light reflected from countless gold icons arranged across a resplendent iconostasis imported from Russia. Frescoes of saints, floral arabesques, and scenes from Orthodox tradition encircle the nave, lending the church an immersive, otherworldly atmosphere. Quiet and intimate, visitors often find themselves lost in contemplation, soothed by soft candlelight and the faint scent of incense. The church remains an active place of worship, hosting regular liturgies and major Orthodox festivals. While comparatively small, its history and decorative splendor offer a striking contrast to Denmark’s Lutheran heritage. If you visit, you may hear ethereal chanting or glimpse members of the local Russian community in traditional Orthodox regalia. For those craving a deeper understanding of Copenhagen’s diversity, St. Alexander Nevsky Church is a testament to the city’s cosmopolitan history—one that still echoes today.