Frederiksholms Kanal: Copenhagen’s Historic Waterway
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Frederiksholms Kanal, running through Copenhagen’s Indre By, is a distinguished canal lined with stately 18th-century architecture, cultural institutions, and tranquil waterside promenades. This historic channel weaves together governmental landmarks and scenic bridges, providing a serene escape and a unique window into Copenhagen’s storied past at the city’s vibrant heart.
A brief summary to Christiansborg Palace
- Prins Jørgens Gård 1, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1218, DK
- +4533926492
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Sunset offers beautiful reflections of historic buildings in the canal—ideal for photography enthusiasts.
- Combine your stroll with a visit to the nearby Thorvaldsens Museum or Royal Library for an enriching cultural detour.
- Bring a picnic or coffee—ample benches line the water, perfect for people-watching and relaxation.
- The area around the canal is flat and accessible, but cobblestones may be slippery in wet weather.
- Boat tours regularly depart nearby, offering a waterside perspective of Copenhagen’s architectural marvels.
Getting There
-
Walking
From the heart of Indre By, Frederiksholms Kanal is easily reached on foot in under 10 minutes. Head toward the area surrounding Christiansborg Palace, using the prominent spire and the lively cluster of museums and government buildings as reference points. The stroll passes through atmospheric city squares and past bustling cafés, immersing you in the everyday rhythms of Copenhagen.
-
Public Transport
City buses regularly stop at the hubs around Slotsholmen and Nationalmuseet, placing you just a short walk from Frederiksholms Kanal. Single tickets within Copenhagen city zones typically cost DKK 24 per adult, and services run frequently during daytime and early evening.
-
Taxi
A taxi ride from major hotels or Copenhagen Central Station delivers you to the canal’s edge within 5–10 minutes, with fares ranging from DKK 70–120, subject to traffic and pickup point.
-
Cycling
Copenhagen’s city bikes or rental bikes offer a swift option, with dedicated bike lanes approaching the canal area from all directions. Shared bike rental starts around DKK 15 per 30 minutes. Cycle parking is available near the main institutions, though spots may fill quickly on sunny days.
Discover more about Christiansborg Palace
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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
0.1 km
Experience Skagen’s rich maritime and industrial heritage, with vintage engines, interactive exhibits, and a harbor-inspired café in a welcoming community setting.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.1 km
Explore Denmark's industrial past at Industrimuseet in Horsens, an interactive museum with working machines, workshops, and personal stories from Denmark's iron and steam era.
Holmens Bro
0.1 km
Historic cobblestone lanes, colorful houses, indie boutiques, and a bohemian café scene—Aarhus’s Latin Quarter is the city’s creative, cultural soul.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.1 km
Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
Højbro
0.2 km
Aarhus University Park: Where world-renowned academic heritage, Danish modernism, and lush green landscapes meet in the heart of Aarhus for a uniquely peaceful escape.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.2 km
Explore Denmark's industrial evolution at Horsens' Industrimuseet, featuring authentic exhibits and interactive displays for all ages.
Højbro Pl.
0.2 km
Step inside the Ole Rømer Observatory in Aarhus for immersive astronomy, captivating night sky sessions, and an Art Nouveau landmark with Danish scientific heritage.
The War Museum
0.2 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Amagertorv
0.3 km
Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
The Stable Boy's House
0.4 km
Historic seat of Danish royalty and government, Christiansborg Palace dazzles with royal halls, ancient ruins, stables, and unmatched views in central Copenhagen.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.4 km
Explore C.F. Tietgens Hus, a stunning historical landmark in the heart of Copenhagen, showcasing the city's architectural and cultural heritage and reflecting the grandeur of the Neoclassical era.
Nytorv
0.5 km
Historic domed observatory in Aarhus offering inspiring stargazing nights, public tours, and a glimpse into Denmark’s astronomical history atop a leafy city hill.
Circle Bridge
0.5 km
Aarhus University Park: Where Danish architecture, tranquil lakes, and student vitality unite in an iconic Scandinavian landscape at the heart of Aarhus.
Nytorv 2
0.5 km
Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter blends medieval lanes, bohemian charm, vibrant cafés, and local boutiques, making it the creative soul of Denmark’s second-largest city.
Unmissable attractions to see
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.1 km
Discover Copenhagen's only Russian Orthodox church, a masterpiece of Muscovite architecture with iconic onion domes and rich frescoes.
Stromma Canal Tours
0.1 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.
Slotsholmen
0.2 km
Explore Denmark's design heritage at Designmuseum Danmark, showcasing iconic works from past to present in a historic setting.
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.
Gammel Strand
0.2 km
Denmark's stately national gallery with masterpieces from the Renaissance to modern art, housed in a striking blend of classical and contemporary architecture in Copenhagen.
Garden of the Royal Library
0.2 km
Discover Denmark’s most celebrated art collection at SMK – a landmark museum blending centuries of creativity, world masters, and Danish cultural heritage in central Copenhagen.
Church of Holmen
0.2 km
Discover Stændertorvet, Roskilde's lively town square famed for its historical charm, vibrant markets, and as a hub of Danish community life among iconic landmarks.
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.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
0.2 km
Architectural marvel and premier concert venue in Copenhagen, offering world-class performances, exceptional acoustics, and unforgettable cultural experiences.
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.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.3 km
Södergatan is the bustling, historic pedestrian avenue connecting Malmö’s main squares—a showcase of architecture, art, shopping, and Swedish urban life.
Nikolaj Art Gallery
0.3 km
Iconic Copenhagen landmark featuring striking mythological bronze sculptures, vibrant waters, and serene parkland—Gefion Fountain embodies legend and city life.
Marmorbroen
0.3 km
Explore Langelinie: Copenhagen's historic waterfront promenade featuring iconic landmarks, scenic views, and vibrant cultural attractions.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.3 km
Frederiksholms Kanal—a historic waterway offering tranquil walks, classic canal views, and a journey through the heart of Copenhagen’s regal past.
Essential places to dine
Marv & Ben
0.2 km
Discover Marv & Ben: A premier destination for fine Danish dining blending tradition with modernity in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Maven
0.3 km
Atmospheric Danish restaurant inside Copenhagen’s historic Nikolaj Church—offering modern Nordic cuisine, inventive wines, and a setting rich in cultural heritage.
Restaurant 1733
0.3 km
Historic canal-side setting in Copenhagen’s center serving creative Danish classics and regional specialties with genuine hygge and a modern twist.
Restaurant Tight
0.3 km
Discover creative dishes and exceptional service at Restaurant Tight in Copenhagen’s Indre By district.
King Hans Cellar
0.4 km
Dine in historic vaulted cellars at Copenhagen’s King Hans Cellar, where centuries-old ambiance and Michelin-level Danish cuisine create an unforgettable fine dining experience.
Københavner Cafeen
0.4 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Københavner Cafeen – a cozy spot in Copenhagen's heart offering delicious meals for every palate.
Restaurant Puk
0.4 km
Discover the essence of Danish cuisine at Restaurant Puk in Copenhagen – where tradition meets flavor in every dish.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.4 km
Discover authentic Danish smørrebrød and timeless hospitality in a centuries-old cellar, set in the historic heart of Copenhagen’s lively city center.
Llama
0.4 km
Experience authentic Latin American flavors at Llama in Copenhagen – where vibrant cuisine meets warm hospitality.
Restaurant Karla
0.5 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
No. 2
0.5 km
Inventive Nordic cuisine and striking harbour views await at No. 2, where local Danish flavours meet contemporary dining in the heart of Copenhagen.
Wining and Dining
0.5 km
Experience the essence of Danish cuisine at Wining and Dining in Copenhagen - where fresh ingredients meet culinary creativity.
à terre
0.5 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.
l’Alsace
0.5 km
Discover authentic Alsatian cuisine at l’Alsace in Copenhagen, where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.
Marchal
0.5 km
Experience modern French cuisine at Marchal in Copenhagen's Hotel d'Angleterre - where elegance meets culinary artistry.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Læderstræde
0.2 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.3 km
Explore Danish history and craftsmanship at Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store, an iconic destination for hand-painted porcelain, elegant collectibles, and Nordic design.
Strøget
0.3 km
Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
ILLUM
0.4 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Magasin du Nord
0.4 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.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.5 km
Nestled on a lively Copenhagen shopping street, Det Gamle Apotek enchants visitors with nostalgic Danish gifts, festive decor, and whimsical home accessories year-round.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.5 km
Discover authentic Danish gifts, charming souvenirs, and practical luggage essentials at this longstanding shop on bustling Østergade in the heart of Copenhagen.
Studio Arhoj
0.6 km
Studio Arhoj fuses Scandinavian and Japanese influences into vibrant, hand-crafted ceramics, making it a unique design destination in central Copenhagen.
Storm - design art fashion
0.6 km
Avant-garde design, progressive fashion, niche perfume, and rare art books unite at Copenhagen’s Storm—an iconic concept store in the city’s creative core.
Viking Souvenirs
0.6 km
Discover authentic Viking keepsakes and Danish-designed gifts at Viking Souvenirs, perfectly placed on Copenhagen’s historic shopping street for a unique Nordic shopping adventure.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.6 km
Henrik Vibskov Boutique: Explore boundary-pushing Danish design and avant-garde fashion in a gallery-inspired setting in central Copenhagen.
Time's Up Vintage
0.7 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Quirky Lane
0.7 km
Discover unique vintage treasures at Quirky Lane, Copenhagen's eclectic boutique for sustainable fashion enthusiasts.
Wasteland
0.7 km
Discover unique vintage fashion treasures at Wasteland in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter.
The Wilde Shop
0.7 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
K-Bar
0.2 km
Leading Copenhagen’s cocktail revolution, K-Bar blends innovative mixology, Scandinavian style, and canal-side ambiance for an unforgettable urban bar experience.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.2 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Ruby
0.2 km
Ruby is Copenhagen’s iconic cocktail bar, where historic townhouse charm meets world-class mixology in a uniquely atmospheric setting near the city’s heart.
Godt Øl
0.3 km
Discover a welcoming cellar sanctuary for craft beer enthusiasts in Copenhagen, offering expertly curated Danish and international selections in a cozy, sociable atmosphere.
The Dubliner
0.3 km
Classic Irish pub atmosphere with live music, hearty food, sports broadcasts, and local camaraderie on lively Amagertorv square in central Copenhagen.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Luke's Bar
0.5 km
Luke’s Bar is a beloved vintage-inspired haunt in Copenhagen’s Indre By, celebrated for creative cocktails, retro ambience, and welcoming, quirky bartenders.
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.
1105
0.5 km
Award-winning cocktail bar in central Copenhagen offering inventive signature drinks, a stylish Nordic-chic atmosphere, and a top-tier nightlife experience.
The Rooftop Bar
0.5 km
Experience panoramic views and a relaxed atmosphere at The Rooftop Bar atop Hotel Danmark in Copenhagen.
Southern Cross Pub
0.5 km
Discover the lively Southern Cross Pub, a charming sports bar in Copenhagen, perfect for sports enthusiasts and social gatherings.
Strøm
0.5 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.5 km
A welcoming, eclectic Copenhagen wine bar dedicated to natural wines, lively hygge, and curated experiences for curious locals and travelers.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.5 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
