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Frihedsstøtten: The Pillar of Danish Freedom

Statuesque tribute to Danish freedom: Frihedsstøtten stands as a majestic milestone marking the abolition of serfdom at the vibrant gateway to Copenhagen's Vesterbro.

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Frihedsstøtten, or the Liberty Column, stands as a prominent memorial at the gateway to Vesterbro in Copenhagen. Erected in 1797, this neoclassical public monument commemorates the abolition of serfdom in Denmark—a turning point in the nation's social history. The tall obelisk, topped with a gilded flame and surrounded by allegorical figures, embodies ideals of freedom and enlightenment. Set amid a busy urban crossroads, its stately presence invites both reflection and admiration from locals and visitors alike.

A brief summary to Frihedsstøtten

  • Vesterbrogade 6, Copenhagen, København V, 1620, DK
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with fewer crowds around the base.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll down Vesterbrogade to experience Vesterbro’s lively café and shopping culture.
  • Take a moment to read the monument's inscriptions and observe the bronze details up close—they tell the story of Denmark's road to freedom.
  • There are no barriers, so visitors can approach the monument anytime, but take care when crossing the busy road nearby.
  • The nearby Central Station makes Frihedsstøtten a convenient landmark for orienting yourself in Copenhagen.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the heart of Vesterbro, such as near the main square or Central Station, Frihedsstøtten can be reached in just a few minutes on foot. Walk toward the city centre and you’ll see the column standing proudly in a busy plaza—a convenient and enjoyable stroll amid the area’s shops and cafés.

  • Public Transport

    For those arriving from farther within Vesterbro or Copenhagen, city buses frequently stop at or near the main railway station, which is adjacent to Frihedsstøtten. A single-trip adult ticket within the city zone generally costs around DKK 24. From there, it’s only a short walk to the monument.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from anywhere in Vesterbro to Frihedsstøtten is quick and straightforward, typically taking less than 5 minutes and costing between DKK 80 and 120, depending on traffic and exact pickup point. The driver will recognize it as a major landmark, but parking or drop-off may require a brief stop on a nearby side street due to traffic flow.

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Discover more about Frihedsstøtten

Towering above the entrance to Vesterbro, Frihedsstøtten—the Liberty Column—serves as one of Copenhagen’s most significant historical monuments. Erected in 1797, this landmark celebrates the decision to abolish adscription, a form of serfdom that had long bound Danish peasants to the land. As you approach, the monument’s imposing obelisk and ornately cast bronze figures herald the birth of a freer Danish society and the ideals of civil liberty that shaped the nation. The column rises gracefully atop a stone plinth, with its four statues symbolising Bravery, Civic Virtue, the Industrious Farmer, and Loyalty. Crowning the structure is a resplendent gilded urn, whose flame is designed to represent the 'living spirit of freedom.' The plinth’s bronze reliefs and inscriptions honor the ordinary men and women who benefited from the reforms, making this not just a tribute to the past, but an ongoing symbol of democratic progress. Set on the bustling Vesterbrogade, Frihedsstøtten’s surroundings are vibrant with urban energy. Locals pass on their daily commutes, while nearby cafés offer opportunities to pause and view the monument from a relaxed vantage. The column’s prominent placement, once marking Copenhagen’s western city gate, continues to serve as both a literal and metaphorical point of transition—between city and suburb, tradition and progress. Visitors can circle the base to appreciate the fine details, and from here, easily continue into lively Vesterbro or toward the historic city centre. No entry fee or barriers separate you from the monument, making it a truly public space for contemplation or photography at any time of day.

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