Background

St. Alexander Nevsky Church: Copenhagen’s Russian Orthodox Jewel

Marvel at St. Alexander Nevsky Church, Copenhagen’s ornate Russian Orthodox landmark crowned by golden onion domes, blending history, artistry, and spiritual serenity.

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St. Alexander Nevsky Church, just north of Copenhagen’s royal Amalienborg Palace, is Denmark’s only Russian Orthodox church. Built in 1883, its striking onion domes and ornate iconostasis offer a vivid glimpse of Russian heritage. Visitors can admire the gilded icons, beautiful frescos, and experience a serene, incense-scented atmosphere in this working place of worship. The church is a living testament to diplomatic ties and an architectural curiosity in the city’s heart.

A brief summary to Krudhuset

  • Prags Blvd. 71A, Copenhagen, København S, 2300, DK

Local tips

  • Avoid visiting during major Orthodox services for the most relaxed access to the interior.
  • Photography inside is sometimes restricted—always ask the custodian before taking pictures.
  • Dress modestly in respect of the sacred space; head coverings are appreciated but not required for women.
  • Look for the commemorative plaque outside, which explains the church’s royal origins.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Copenhagen’s central squares or the royal district, it’s an easy walk through some of the city’s most charming neighborhoods, with the golden domes of St. Alexander Nevsky Church visible a short distance from the Amalienborg Palace complex. Expect the walk from the city center to take roughly 10–20 minutes through streets lined with cafés and embassies.

  • Public Transport

    City buses and the Metro stop at hubs close to Amalienborg Palace; from there, it’s a brief and pleasant stroll to the church. A single adult ticket costs around 24–30 DKK. Public transport in this district is frequent and often quicker than driving.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from the main train station or city square is a short ride, typically 5–10 minutes, with fares usually ranging from 85–120 DKK depending on traffic conditions and time of day.

  • Driving/Parking

    Parking is quite limited in the immediate vicinity, especially during the week. Municipal street parking averages 39–60 DKK per hour and availability can be tight, so public transport or walking is usually more convenient for visitors.

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Discover more about Krudhuset

St. Alexander Nevsky Church stands as a surprising slice of Russian culture in central Copenhagen, surrounded by elegant 19th-century residences and royal addresses. Commissioned by Tsar Alexander III, the church was a gesture of gratitude after the marriage between Denmark's Princess Dagmar (later Empress Maria Feodorovna of Russia) and the Russian Tsar. Since its consecration in 1883, it has served the city’s Orthodox community and welcomed countless curious visitors. The church’s most recognizable features are its three shimmering onion domes, clad in gold leaf and visible above the rooftops. The façade, constructed of yellow brick with red decorative bands, instantly evokes the classical Russian Revival style, rare in Scandinavia. Inside, the experience grows richer: soft candlelight illuminates a dazzling wooden iconostasis, resplendent with icons painted in vivid colors and gold leaf. Frescoed arches overhead depict saints and biblical scenes in a style distinctly Eastern, while the tang of incense infuses the hushed interior with a timeless spiritual atmosphere. Services – often sung in Old Church Slavonic – welcome both worshippers and visitors keen to absorb the beautiful choral harmonies that echo beneath the domes. St. Alexander Nevsky Church remains a living parish, its presence a reminder of Denmark’s ties to Russia and a meeting point for Copenhagen’s multicultural residents. The atmosphere is respectful but open, with the custodians often happy to answer quiet questions outside of worship hours. Because it’s a working church, some areas may be off-limits during ceremonies or private gatherings. Whether you’re drawn by its architectural flair, its religious art, or its unusual history, this is a Copenhagen gem that surprises and inspires.

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