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Gefion Fountain: Copenhagen’s Mythic Landmarks in Bronze and Stone

Dramatic bronze mythology in motion, Gefion Fountain blends Danish legend and monumental sculpture at Copenhagen's historic harbor gateway in Churchillparken.

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Set at the gateway to old Copenhagen near the harbour and Kastellet, Gefion Fountain is Denmark’s largest and most dramatic water fountain. Dominated by towering bronze sculptures, it captures the legendary tale of the goddess Gefion and the birth of Zealand. Surrounded by Churchillparken’s leafy walks, the fountain merges striking artistry and Norse storytelling, drawing locals and visitors alike for both quiet contemplation and impressive photo opportunities.

A brief summary to Gefion Fountain

Local tips

  • Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most beautiful photos, as the fountain’s bronze glows in the changing light.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll around Kastellet fortress or St. Alban’s Church—both are steps away.
  • The fountain operates year-round but may occasionally be switched off during winter for maintenance.
  • Bring a picnic—Churchillparken’s lawns offer pleasant spots to sit and enjoy the setting.
  • There are bike racks nearby, making this an easy stop if exploring the city by bicycle.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Copenhagen’s central hubs, such as Kongens Nytorv or Nyhavn, it’s a pleasant ~15–20-minute walk toward the city’s historic harbor entrance. The route leads through leafy parks and past the Royal Danish Playhouse, with St. Alban’s Church’s spire visible as a landmark near arrival.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines from the city center serve stops close to Churchillparken and the Kastellet area, bringing you within a short stroll of the fountain. A single adult ticket for buses or Metro within central Copenhagen is typically DKK 24. The site is a gentle 5-minute walk from the nearest stops.

  • Taxi

    Taxis from the central station or main hotel districts require about 10 minutes outside of rush hour. Fares generally range from DKK 90–140 depending on distance and traffic.

  • Bicycle

    Copenhagen’s cycling network leads directly to the Churchillparken area. From most central neighborhoods, it’s a 7–12 minute cycle, with plenty of bike parking near the fountain.

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Discover more about Gefion Fountain

The Gefion Fountain (Gefionspringvandet), completed in 1908, is not only the largest fountain in Copenhagen but also one of its most visually powerful monuments. Positioned on the border where the city meets its old ramparts, within Churchillparken and close to the entrance of Kastellet fortress, it commands a prime location by the harbour. The fountain’s centrepiece is a monumental bronze group created by Danish sculptor Anders Bundgaard, depicting the Norse goddess Gefion driving a team of mighty oxen. According to legend, Gefion ploughed the island of Zealand out of Sweden, giving birth to the land on which Copenhagen now stands. The immense oxen—muscular, straining, and detailed—appear to surge forward, churning cascades of water around them and imparting a dynamic, almost operatic energy to the scene. Visitors are immediately struck by both the fountain’s sheer scale and the skillful integration of myth and artistry. The water jets, expertly arrayed, create an effect that makes the bronze figures seem continually in motion, refreshing the senses on warm days and lending a touch of misty drama in colder months. Churchillparken frames the fountain with well-kept lawns, flowerbeds, and walking paths, making this a prime picnic or relaxation spot in all seasons. The location also offers sweeping views of the Öresund, the imposing St. Alban’s Church and the star-shaped Kastellet, giving visitors a strong sense of Copenhagen’s layered history. Though free and always accessible, the fountain attracts a diverse crowd: curious first-time tourists, photographers seeking the perfect shot, history and mythology buffs, wedding couples, or local workers on a lunchtime stroll. In the golden hour, the sunlight brings the bronze to life, while on crisp mornings, the fountain's spray forms gentle rainbows. At night, subtle lighting gives it a quiet majesty. Nearby amenities include restrooms, a kiosk in summer, and easy access to the city’s network of walking and cycling routes. Its central, open setting makes Gefion Fountain as much a Copenhagen experience as one of the city’s best-known icons—it’s both landmark and legend brought to life.

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