Frederiksholms Kanal: Copenhagen’s Historic Waterfront Boulevard
Frederiksholms Kanal: An evocative canal-side promenade at the heart of Copenhagen, blending royal history, stately architecture, and peaceful city scenes.
Frederiksholms Kanal is a picturesque canal and boulevard in Indre By, Copenhagen, renowned for its serene waters, scenic bridges, and grand historic architecture. Once central to the city’s trades and royal administration, it is flanked by cultural and governmental landmarks, offering tranquil strolls and glimpses into Danish history, civic life, and urban charm.
A brief summary to The King's Garden
- Øster Voldgade 4A, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1307, DK
- +4533954200
- Visit website
- Monday 7 am-10 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-10 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-10 pm
- Thursday 7 am-10 pm
- Friday 7 am-10 pm
- Saturday 7 am-10 pm
- Sunday 7 am-10 pm
Local tips
- Frederiksholms Kanal is especially picturesque in late afternoon, when sunlight reflects off the water and historic facades glow warmly.
- Pack a picnic or coffee to enjoy on one of the benches along the canal for an authentic local experience.
- Access to major museums and Christiansborg Palace is just footsteps away, making the canal a perfect starting point for deeper exploration.
- Photography enthusiasts will find early mornings offer peaceful, near-empty canal views and excellent lighting.
- Bikes are allowed, but walking reveals more hidden details and facilitates spontaneous explorations of nearby courtyards.
Getting There
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Walking
Frederiksholms Kanal is easily reached on foot from the main sights of Indre By. From iconic city squares such as Rådhuspladsen or the edge of Strøget, it’s a pleasant walk of about 8–12 minutes, passing the grand facade of Christiansborg Palace and several renowned museums. The canal itself is a clearly visible landmark, with leafy promenades and bridges providing natural entry points. This is a flat, accessible route with plentiful benches for pauses, and the area is well-lit in the evenings.
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Public Transport
Several city buses and the Metro connect major transport hubs like Nørreport Station or Central Station to stops just beside Christiansborg Palace and the National Museum, both adjacent to the canal. Single metro or bus tickets within central Copenhagen cost DKK 16–24. All stops are wheelchair-accessible, and it’s just a brief walk of around 5 minutes from each station to the canal.
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Taxi
Taxis from anywhere in central Copenhagen typically reach Frederiksholms Kanal in 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect fares in the range of DKK 60–120 for short city journeys. Drop-off points are available near Christiansborg Palace, with immediate access to the canal’s walking paths.
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Cycling
Copenhagen’s robust cycling infrastructure makes it easy and enjoyable to reach Frederiksholms Kanal by bike. From most city-center locations, it’s a 5–10-minute ride through scenic and mostly flat cycle routes. Public bike-sharing schemes operate throughout the city, with costs typically DKK 17 for 30 minutes.
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