Rytterstatuen – Equestrian Statue of Frederik V at Amalienborg

A towering bronze king on horseback, Rytterstatuen anchors Amalienborg’s royal square, uniting art, power and urban design in the heart of Copenhagen.

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Rytterstatuen

Rytterstatuen, the equestrian statue of King Frederik V, commands the centre of Amalienborg Slotsplads in Copenhagen, perfectly framed by the four rococo palaces of the royal residence. Cast in bronze in the 18th century by French sculptor Jacques-François-Joseph Saly, this 12m monument is a masterpiece of neoclassical art and royal propaganda, symbolising absolute monarchy and the birth of the Frederiksstaden district.

A brief summary to Rytterstatuen

Amalienborg Slotsplads, København K, København K, 1257, DK
+4533954200
Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Local tips

Arrive shortly before the changing of the guard at Amalienborg to see the ceremonial march pass around the statue and animate the entire square.
Walk to each corner of the octagonal square to photograph the statue against different backdrops, from the Marble Church dome to the harbour axis.
Check the weather forecast; clear or slightly overcast days give the best light for capturing the bronze details without harsh shadows.
Combine your visit with the Amalienborg museum to deepen your understanding of the royal family and the era when the statue was created.
In winter, dress warmly; the exposed square can feel much colder due to wind from the nearby harbour.

Getting There

Metro

From central Copenhagen, take the M1 or M2 metro line to Kongens Nytorv station. The ride from Nørreport or København H typically takes 3–6 minutes, with trains running every few minutes throughout the day. A single-zone ticket usually costs around 20–30 DKK depending on ticket type. From the station it is a pleasant, level walk through the historic centre to Amalienborg Slotsplads, suitable for most visitors with basic mobility.
City Bus

Several city bus routes stop near Amalienborg and the Frederiksstaden district, with journey times of 10–20 minutes from the central station area depending on traffic. Standard bus tickets are in the same price range as metro fares, roughly 20–30 DKK for the relevant zones. Buses generally have low-floor access, but they can be crowded at peak commuting times and may experience delays in bad weather or during major city events.
Bicycle

Copenhagen is strongly geared towards cycling, and reaching Amalienborg by bike from most central neighbourhoods typically takes 5–15 minutes via dedicated cycle lanes. You can use city bikes or rental shops, usually priced from about 50–150 DKK per day depending on the provider and bike type. The terrain is flat, but be prepared for strong winds near the harbour and follow local cycling rules at all times.
On Foot from the Inner City

If you are already in the historic centre around Strøget, Nyhavn or Kongens Nytorv, walking to Rytterstatuen is straightforward and takes roughly 10–20 minutes at a relaxed pace. The route is mostly flat and paved, passing through atmospheric streets and squares. Surfaces are generally good, though cobblestones around Amalienborg may feel uneven for visitors using wheelchairs, strollers or mobility aids.

Rytterstatuen location weather suitability

Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Cold Weather
Any Weather
Hot Weather

Discover more about Rytterstatuen

A royal rider at the heart of Amalienborg

Rytterstatuen stands precisely in the middle of Amalienborg Slotsplads, encircled by the four near-identical rococo palaces that make up the Danish royal residence. The bronze king sits tall on a powerful horse, his outstretched arm holding a marshal’s baton, a poised gesture of command rather than aggression. From this central point, straight sightlines run towards the harbour on one side and the copper dome of the Marble Church on the other, turning the statue into the pivot of an entire ceremonial landscape. In the soft northern light, the dark bronze contrasts with the pale stone of the surrounding facades. Cobblestones radiate from the plinth, and the rhythmic façades of the palaces seem to bow toward the monument. Even on quiet days, the statue feels like the still centre of an elaborate stage set designed for royal power.

The long creation of a neoclassical masterpiece

Commissioned in the 1750s and executed by French sculptor Jacques-François-Joseph Saly, the statue took around fourteen years to complete, an astonishing timeframe for a single artwork. When the huge bronze casting was finally poured, it required tens of thousands of pounds of molten metal and meticulous engineering. The finished monument cost more than the four palaces that surround it, underscoring its importance as a symbol of the Danish state. The equestrian figure is rendered in neoclassical style: Frederik V wears antique armour and a laurel wreath rather than contemporary dress, presenting him as a timeless ruler rather than a transient monarch. The horse, modelled from years of close observation, balances dynamic movement with controlled calm, reinforcing the image of a king who governs with composed authority.

Symbol of absolutism and the Frederiksstaden vision

Rytterstatuen was conceived as the focal point of the Frederiksstaden district, a grand urban project celebrating the 300th anniversary of the Oldenburg royal house. The radiating streets, octagonal square and palace façades were all planned to honour Frederik V and the system of absolute monarchy that he embodied. From the statue, the king appears to ride symbolically towards the Marble Church, aligning royal power with divine sanction. Seen from different angles in the square, the monument reveals how carefully it was integrated into the urban plan. From one perspective the king closes the vista down Amaliegade; from another he appears silhouetted against the harbour and the modern skyline, linking 18th-century ambitions with contemporary Copenhagen.

Craftsmanship, transport and later restoration

Beyond its political message, the statue is a feat of craftsmanship. The horse’s tense muscles, the flowing tail and the intricate harness are all rendered with extraordinary precision in bronze. The stone pedestal, decorated with reliefs and inscriptions, anchors the monument and gives it a dignified elevation above the cobbles. When the finished statue was moved into place in the 18th century, it was so heavy that hundreds of men and sailors were needed to haul it on a sledge across the city over several days. Centuries later, conservation efforts carefully cleaned and stabilised both bronze and stone, ensuring that wind, rain and salty harbour air would not erode its detail. Today, the monument remains remarkably close to its original appearance.

Experiencing Rytterstatuen today

Visitors encounter Rytterstatuen as both artwork and backdrop to everyday royal ritual. The daily changing of the guard marches around its base, reinforcing the statue’s role as sentinel of the royal household. At different times of day, the light shifts across the bronze surfaces, revealing new highlights and shadows on armour, mane and cloak. Stand near the plinth to appreciate the scale of the horse and rider, or step back to the edges of the square to see how the statue locks the palaces, church dome and harbour axis into a single composition. Whether you stay a few minutes or linger to watch the guards and the passing city life, Rytterstatuen offers one of Copenhagen’s most concentrated lessons in power, art and urban design.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Hans Christian Andersen plaque

0.2 km

A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.

Larsens Pl.

0.2 km

Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.

Sankt Annæ Pl.

0.3 km

Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.

I am Queen Mary

0.4 km

A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.

Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen

0.5 km

A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.

Horn mine

0.5 km

A disarmed World War II naval mine displayed in Churchill Park, turning a former weapon of the sea into a quiet reminder of conflict amid central Copenhagen’s greenery.

St. Paul's Church

0.6 km

Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.

Our Fallen

0.6 km

A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.

Inderhavnsbroen

0.6 km

Copenhagen's iconic curved 'kissing bridge' where innovation meets the Inner Harbour.

Wilhelm Hansens Hus

0.6 km

Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.

Gefion Fountain

0.7 km

A powerful Norse creation myth cast in bronze and spray, the Gefion Fountain unites legend, sculpture and harbor light on the edge of Churchillparken.

ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael

0.7 km

Aarhus University Park blends modernist architecture, landscaped gardens, and tranquil lakes to create an inviting oasis at the heart of Denmark’s vibrant student city.

Havnepromenade

0.8 km

Copenhagen's historic 750-meter waterfront where 19th-century maritime heritage meets vibrant contemporary urban life.

Kastellet

0.8 km

Explore Kastellet, Copenhagen's historic fortress showcasing stunning architecture, lush greenery, and a glimpse into Denmark's rich military past.

Iver Huitfeldt Memorial

0.8 km

A towering tribute to Admiral Huitfeldt's heroic last stand at sea, crowned with Victory.

Unmissable attractions to see

Amalienborg

0.0 km

Discover the majestic Rosenborg Castle—home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, regal interiors, and lush gardens—offering a journey through centuries of royal Danish history.

Amalienborg Palace Museum

0.1 km

Step behind the facades of Copenhagen’s royal square to explore intimate apartments, glittering gala halls and Fabergé treasures at Amalienborg Palace Museum.

Amaliegade

0.1 km

A stately Copenhagen street where Rococo townhouses, royal colonnades and diplomatic mansions line a calm axis through the heart of Frederiksstaden.

Springvandet i Amaliehaven af Arnaldo Pomodoro

0.1 km

A dramatic bronze fountain at the heart of Amaliehaven, where modern sculpture, royal views and harbor breezes meet in a tranquil geometric garden.

Amaliehaven

0.1 km

A small but beautifully composed waterfront garden weaving royal vistas, sculpture, and harbor views into a calm green oasis in central Copenhagen.

St. Alexander Nevsky Church

0.2 km

Explore the evolution of design at Copenhagen's premier museum, housed in a historic rococo building.

Frederik's Church

0.2 km

Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen offers seven centuries of world-class art in luminous galleries, from old masters to Danish modern icons and contemporary innovators.

Medicinsk Museion

0.2 km

Historic surgical academy turned cutting‑edge medical museum, where preserved bodies, instruments and contemporary science exhibitions reveal how we understand health and disease.

Designmuseum Danmark

0.3 km

Copenhagen’s temple of design, where rococo halls, iconic Danish chairs and a tranquil garden reveal how beautifully made objects shape everyday life.

Bredgade Kunsthandel

0.3 km

Refined contemporary art gallery on Copenhagen’s Bredgade, where Danish and international works unfold in bright, minimalist rooms just steps from royal and design landmarks.

The Kissing Stairs

0.3 km

Stroll along Langelinie, Copenhagen’s bustling waterfront, where iconic statues, historic parkland, and sweeping harbor views create a quintessential maritime escape.

Hey Captain

0.4 km

Experience the heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where shopping, dining, and culture converge in a historic market square.

Ofelia Plads

0.4 km

A UNESCO-listed Renaissance fortress where royal history, sea vistas, and Hamlet legends converge at the gateway between Denmark and Sweden.

Bredgade 18

0.4 km

A quietly elegant address on Copenhagen’s grand Bredgade, surrounded by Frederiksstaden’s mansions, churches and design showrooms in the heart of the city.

The Playhouse

0.5 km

A beautiful English gothic church in the heart of Copenhagen, St Alban’s blends British heritage and Danish history beside the city’s iconic fortifications.

Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.

Restaurant Grønnegade

0.7 km

Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.

Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Black Swan

0.5 km

Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.

Aloha Beach Bar

0.6 km

Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.

Brønnum

0.6 km

An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.

Bar Deco

0.7 km

Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.

TATA Cocktail Bar

0.7 km

A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.

Balthazar

0.7 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.

1105

0.8 km

Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.

Trykbar

0.8 km

Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.

The Moose

0.9 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.

Charlie's Bar

0.9 km

Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.

Bo-Bi Bar

1.0 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.

Gejser Bar

1.0 km

Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.

K-Bar

1.0 km

Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.

Ved Stranden

1.1 km

Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.

Balderdash

1.1 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.

Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.

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Rytterstatuen – Equestrian Statue of Frederik V at Amalienborg

A brief summary to Rytterstatuen

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Metro

City Bus

Bicycle

On Foot from the Inner City

Rytterstatuen location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Rytterstatuen

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Rytterstatuen

A royal rider at the heart of Amalienborg

The long creation of a neoclassical masterpiece

Symbol of absolutism and the Frederiksstaden vision

Craftsmanship, transport and later restoration

Experiencing Rytterstatuen today

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Hans Christian Andersen plaque

Larsens Pl.

Sankt Annæ Pl.

I am Queen Mary

Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen

Horn mine

St. Paul's Church

Our Fallen

Inderhavnsbroen

Wilhelm Hansens Hus

Gefion Fountain

ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael

Havnepromenade

Kastellet

Iver Huitfeldt Memorial

Unmissable attractions to see

Amalienborg

Amalienborg Palace Museum

Amaliegade

Springvandet i Amaliehaven af Arnaldo Pomodoro

Amaliehaven

St. Alexander Nevsky Church

Frederik's Church

Medicinsk Museion

Designmuseum Danmark

Bredgade Kunsthandel

The Kissing Stairs

Hey Captain

Ofelia Plads

Bredgade 18

The Playhouse

Essential places to dine

Aoc

Restaurant Rebel

Skipperkroen

Cap Horn

Khun Juk

Restaurant Vita

Nyhavns Færgekro

Restaurant Koefoed

Den Lille Fede

Goldfinch

Bistro Royal

Kokkeriet

Frank

Marchal

Restaurant Grønnegade

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Royal Souvenir Shop

Maritime Antiques &

The Crown souvenir

Copenhagenglass

Zane

The Wilde Shop

Viking Souvenirs

Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs

Danish Souvenirs & luggages

Copenhagen Souvenir & Design

Magasin du Nord