Holmens Bro, Copenhagen
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.
Holmens Bro is a low granite arch bridge spanning the inner harbour in central Copenhagen, linking the historic island of Slotsholmen with the city’s bustling core. Built in 1954 to replace an ornate 19th-century bridge, it sits amid a cluster of major sights, with views toward Christiansborg Palace, the former stock exchange, and the harbourfront. Today it is a busy crossing for cyclists, buses, and pedestrians, and a fine vantage point for appreciating the city’s blend of water, history, and architecture.
A brief summary to Holmens Bro
- Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Pause midway across the bridge to look both up and down the harbour; the perspective ties together Christiansborg Palace, historic commercial buildings, and the busy canals.
- Combine a walk over Holmens Bro with a canal boat tour departing nearby to appreciate the bridge and surrounding architecture from water level.
- Visit around early evening on a clear day when the low light and building lamps create reflections on the water and a more atmospheric view.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Metro and short walk
From Nørreport Station, take the M1 or M2 metro one stop to Kongens Nytorv, a journey of about 2–3 minutes. Trains run every few minutes throughout the day and a single zone ticket typically costs around 20–25 DKK. From Kongens Nytorv it is an easy 10–15 minute walk on mostly level pavements to Holmens Bro. This option is suitable for most visitors, though some cobblestone sections can be uneven for wheelchairs or prams.
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City bus
Several central city bus routes run along the streets adjoining Slotsholmen and the inner harbour, with typical journey times of 10–20 minutes from hubs such as Copenhagen Central Station depending on traffic. Expect to pay roughly 20–25 DKK for a single ticket purchased via the official public transport app or ticket machines. Buses are generally low-floor and accessible, but they can be crowded at peak commuter hours and service frequency may reduce late at night and on some holidays.
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Bicycle
Cycling to Holmens Bro from central districts such as Vesterbro, Nørrebro or Østerbro usually takes 10–20 minutes along Copenhagen’s dedicated bike lanes. Many hotels and local shops rent bicycles, with typical daily rental prices starting around 120–180 DKK depending on style and duration. Traffic is used to cyclists, but visitors should be comfortable riding in busy bike lanes and observing local cycling etiquette, especially during morning and late afternoon rush hours.
Holmens Bro location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Holmens Bro
A modest bridge in the historic heart of Copenhagen
Holmens Bro may not look dramatic at first glance, but place yourself at its centre and the geography of Copenhagen suddenly makes sense. The single-span granite arch reaches over the inner harbour between the island of Slotsholmen, home to the country’s political power, and the commercial streets of Indre By. Traffic hums steadily past, yet the water below and the stone beneath your feet evoke a calmer, older city built around its harbour. Stand at the railing and you are effectively on a balcony between two different faces of the capital: royal and civic on one side, mercantile and modern on the other. It is this position, more than any ornament, that gives Holmens Bro its quiet importance.From ornate 19th‑century crossing to 1950s granite arch
The present Holmens Bro dates from 1954, when it replaced an earlier bridge from 1878 designed by Vilhelm Dahlerup, a prolific architect of Copenhagen’s late‑19th‑century boom. That first iron structure, richly decorated in the style of the period, reflected a time when the city was eager to show off its growing prosperity. By the mid‑20th century, heavier traffic and new engineering standards led to a more robust, restrained design. The current bridge is a closed‑spandrel arch in granite, its curves simple and solid rather than showy. Even so, you can still imagine how its predecessor once framed the harbour as part of a grander ensemble of quays, towers, and spires.Slotsholmen’s palaces, churches and spires all around
Holmens Bro sits at the edge of Slotsholmen, the island that has housed castles, palaces, and government buildings since the Middle Ages. From the bridge you can look toward Christiansborg Palace, seat of the Danish Parliament and a symbol of the state’s continuity, with its tower rising above the rooftops. Nearby, the distinctive silhouette of the old stock exchange building and other historic façades trace the story of Copenhagen as a trading city. To the east lies the harbour that once carried herring fleets and merchant ships, later warships and ferries, and now sightseeing boats, harbour buses, and kayaks. Holmens Bro is less a destination in itself than a vantage point on this layered cityscape.Everyday rhythms on a key urban crossing
Although short, the bridge is one of the small structural hinges that keep Copenhagen moving. Buses glide over its gentle rise, cyclists stream in both directions, and office workers and students cross on foot throughout the day. At rush hour, the flow of bikes and buses underlines the city’s reputation for human‑scaled transport, while in quieter moments the bridge can feel almost contemplative. Looking down, tour boats slide beneath the arch, their guides’ voices drifting up. Gulls circle overhead and the slap of water against the quay adds a soft soundtrack. The bridge is a reminder that in Copenhagen, infrastructure and public space often blur—this is simultaneously a transport link, a tiny viewing platform, and an informal meeting point.Experiencing the harbour light and changing seasons
Holmens Bro rewards those who linger for a few minutes. On clear days, the low northern light glints off the water and the stone, sharpening the outlines of towers and gables. In winter, mist can soften the scene so that buildings appear almost as silhouettes across the canal. At night, reflections from streetlamps and illuminated façades ripple on the surface below. Seasons change the feel of the bridge as much as the view. Summer can bring a steady murmur of sightseeing boats and the buzz of outdoor cafés along nearby quays. On cold days, a brisk wind off the harbour adds bite to the air and makes the brief crossing feel more elemental. Yet in every season, Holmens Bro offers a quick, revealing snapshot of how Copenhagen lives with its water.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Holmens Bro
0.0 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.
Frederik VII
0.1 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
The Danish Parliament
0.2 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Højbro
0.2 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.2 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.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.3 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Magstræde
0.4 km
Discover the enchanting charm of Magstræde, one of Copenhagen's oldest streets, filled with historic architecture, cozy cafes, and vibrant local culture.
Kongens Nytorv
0.5 km
Historic observatory in Aarhus combining hands-on stargazing, interactive astronomy exhibits, and tranquil parkland with panoramic city views.
The Stable Boy's House
0.5 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Circle Bridge
0.5 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.5 km
Copenhagen's revitalized waterfront promenade blending historic charm with playful modern recreation.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.5 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.5 km
Explore Danish and international architecture, urban development, and design at Copenhagen's premier cultural center, the Danish Architecture Centre, located in the iconic BLOX building.
Christianshavn
0.5 km
Maritime charm meets modern cool in Copenhagen's most picturesque neighbourhood of coloured houses and idyllic canals.
Gråbrødretorv
0.5 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Christiansborg Palace
0.1 km
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Børsen
0.2 km
Explore Copenhagen’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not!—an imaginative museum of fascinating oddities, curiosities, and interactive wonders at City Hall Square.
Stromma Canal Tours
0.2 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.
Ved Stranden
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.2 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.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
0.2 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.
Bishop Absalon
0.2 km
Denmark’s national gallery showcases Nordic and international masterpieces in stunning, light-filled halls—SMK is a must-visit for art lovers in Copenhagen.
Garden of the Royal Library
0.2 km
A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
Nikolaj Art Gallery
0.2 km
Medieval church transformed into a beacon of experimental contemporary art in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Højbro Plads
0.2 km
A historic canal in central Copenhagen, Frederiksholms Kanal blends royal heritage, elegant facades, and tranquil waterways in the heart of the Danish capital.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.2 km
A quiet bronze of Denmark’s great existential thinker, seated with manuscripts in a hidden garden behind the Royal Library in the heart of Copenhagen.
Højbro Pl.
0.2 km
Open, airy and steeped in history, Højbro Plads is Copenhagen’s neoclassical city living room between canal, palace views and busy pedestrian streets.
Slotsholmen
0.2 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.3 km
An intimate museum in a 17th‑century boathouse where Daniel Libeskind’s Mitzvah‑shaped architecture tells 400 years of Danish Jewish history and rescue.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.3 km
Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Maven
0.2 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.
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.
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.
Llama
0.4 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 1733
0.4 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
à terre
0.4 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Restaurant Tight
0.4 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.
Kanal-Caféen
0.4 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
No. 2
0.5 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
l’Alsace
0.5 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Marchal
0.5 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Københavner Cafeen
0.5 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
0.5 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.
Frank
0.5 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.
Restaurant Puk
0.5 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.2 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
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.
Urban Outfitters
0.3 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.3 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.3 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
ILLUM
0.3 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Hygge Original
0.4 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
0.4 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.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.4 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Audrey Vintage
0.4 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Akimbo
0.4 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
& Other Stories
0.4 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Viking Souvenirs
0.4 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Norse Store
0.5 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
K-Bar
0.2 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
The Dubliner
0.3 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.
Ruby
0.4 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Godt Øl
0.4 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.
Brønnum
0.4 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
1105
0.4 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
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.
Zefside
0.5 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Balderdash
0.5 km
Copenhagen’s candlelit cocktail laboratory in a 1732 townhouse, where hygge, art and daring seasonal drinks turn a quiet side street into an unforgettable night out.
Charlie's Bar
0.5 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.5 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
The Moose
0.5 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Cultural Heritage
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
