Cisternerne – The Cisterns in Søndermarken
Vast underground cisterns beneath Søndermarken where cool darkness, dripstone formations and large‑scale contemporary art fuse into a single immersive experience.
Hidden beneath the lawns of Søndermarken park in Frederiksberg, Cisternerne is a vast former underground water reservoir transformed into a contemporary art space. Once holding 16 million litres of drinking water for Copenhagen, this cool, damp, cathedral-like complex now hosts one major site-specific exhibition each year. Stalactites drip from the concrete ceiling, shallow water often ripples underfoot and sparse lighting turns the long brick vaults into a surreal fusion of engineering, art and natural decay.
A brief summary to Cisterns in Søndermarken
- Roskildevej 25A, Frederiksberg, 2000, DK
- +4530738032
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Bring a warm layer and closed, non‑slip shoes; the temperature stays around 8–10°C and walkways can be damp, even in midsummer.
- Check the current exhibition period in advance, as Cisternerne closes between major installations for refurbishment.
- Allow time to let your eyes adjust and walk slowly; low lighting, water and reflections are an intentional part of the experience.
- Combine your visit with a stroll in Søndermarken and views of Frederiksberg Palace just above the underground cisterns.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public bus from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, regular city buses such as line 6A connect the inner city with Frederiksberg along Roskildevej, stopping a short walk from Søndermarken near the zoo. Journey times are typically 15–25 minutes depending on traffic, with services running several times per hour throughout the day. A standard adult single ticket within the city zones generally costs around 20–30 DKK. Buses are low‑floor and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, but note that the walk through the park to the entrance involves gentle slopes and unpaved paths in places.
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Metro and short walk
You can take the M1 or M2 metro lines to Frederiksberg or Forum station and continue by bus, or use the M3 Cityring to reach stops such as Frederiksberg Allé, then walk through the neighbourhood and parkland to Søndermarken. Total travel time from the city centre is about 20–30 minutes. A metro journey within the central zones is usually 15–30 DKK for a single ticket, and trains run every few minutes. The final walk to Cisternerne crosses park paths that may be uneven or muddy after rain, so allow extra time and wear suitable footwear.
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Bicycle from inner Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make it straightforward to reach Frederiksberg by bike from areas such as Indre By, Vesterbro or Nørrebro. Expect a 15–25 minute ride of roughly 3–5 km, mostly on segregated cycle tracks along main roads, followed by quieter streets near the park. You can use personal bikes or city bike rentals, which typically cost from about 15–25 DKK per half hour. Bike parking is available around the edges of Søndermarken, but bicycles are not allowed inside the underground exhibition space itself.
Cisterns in Søndermarken location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Cisterns in Søndermarken
From lifesaving reservoir to underground art temple
Cisternerne lies under Frederiksberg Hill in Søndermarken park, in chambers that once formed a crucial part of Copenhagen’s 19th‑century drinking water system. Excavation started in 1856 and the cistern was completed three years later, giving the growing city the capacity to store around 16 million litres of clean water in brick‑lined tanks safely away from the polluted surface. For decades the structure helped solve the city’s water shortages, but by 1933 newer systems had taken over and the cisterns were removed from the drinking water network. The vast space remained flooded until the early 1980s, when it was finally drained and left as an empty subterranean cathedral of brick, concrete and slowly forming mineral deposits.An immersive space for contemporary installations
In 1996 the underground reservoir was reborn as an exhibition venue during Copenhagen’s year as European City of Culture. A collaboration between the City of Frederiksberg and curator Max Seidenfaden first presented it as a museum of modern glass art, taking advantage of the reflections in the residual water and polished brick vaults, before it evolved into a broader contemporary art space. Today Cisternerne is part of Frederiksberg Museums and each season a single artist or curatorial team is invited to create an all‑encompassing installation across the entire complex. Works often use water, sound, mist, light projections and sculptural interventions, responding directly to the architecture, the darkness and the echoing acoustics. Rather than a collection of objects, the site offers a total environment that you move through slowly, letting eyes adjust and senses recalibrate.A man‑made dripstone cave beneath the park
Because the cistern sits under a park, water from the soil above still seeps through hairline cracks in the concrete roof. Over many decades this mineral‑rich moisture has formed delicate stalactites and stalagmites along ceilings, pillars and walls, creating what is often described as Denmark’s only real dripstone cave. The formations are fragile reminders that nature is gradually reclaiming this feat of engineering. Humidity here hovers close to 100%, and the temperature remains around 8–10°C year‑round. The air smells faintly of wet stone and earth, while occasional pools or thin sheets of water underfoot mirror columns and artworks. It is both an industrial relic and a living geological process, with decay woven into the experience as an aesthetic element.Atmosphere, light and sound under Frederiksberg Hill
Stepping down from daylight through the modest glass entrance on the surface, you enter a semi‑dark labyrinth of long aisles and rhythmic rows of columns. Subtle lighting picks out arches and surfaces, leaving other corners in deep shadow. Sounds are amplified: footsteps on raised walkways, the distant drip of water, or a low musical score designed as part of an exhibition. Depending on the current installation you might encounter shallow water crossed by narrow pathways, projected images playing on mist, or sculptural works that emerge slowly as your eyes adjust. The sense of distance is distorted; what looks near may be separated by water, and reflections blur the boundary between architecture and artwork. It is an environment that encourages slow exploration and a heightened awareness of movement and sound.Planning your visit inside the cisterns
Cisternerne is typically open during the exhibition season from spring to late autumn, with a pause for refurbishment between large installations. Admission is charged, with reduced rates for students and free entry for children, and visits are self‑guided at your own pace. Because of the constant chill and dampness, warm layers and sturdy, closed shoes are recommended even on hot summer days above ground. Access is largely level, with lift and ramp solutions to reach the underground hall, though lighting is intentionally low and surfaces can be wet, which some visitors may find challenging. The entrance is set in the greenery of Søndermarken, across from Frederiksberg Palace and close to the zoo, making it easy to combine time in the park with an hour or two immersed in this otherworldly underworld of water, art and slow‑forming stone.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Elefantporten
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Storm P. Museum
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CWGC Krigsgrave, CWGC Graves
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Frederiksbergmuseerne
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Explore Frederiksberg's cultural gems: Cisternerne, Bakkehuset, STORM, and Møstings, each offering unique art and history experiences.
Møstings Hus
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Explore contemporary art in a historic neoclassical villa at Møstings Hus, Frederiksberg's cultural gem.
Frederiksberg Town Hall
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Brick-clad beacon of Frederiksberg’s independence, this 1950s functionalist town hall blends civic power, mid‑century Danish design and views across leafy Copenhagen.
Enghaveparken
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Cykelslangen
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Frihedsstøtten
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Copenhagen Central Station
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Historic brick-and-timber rail hub at the heart of Copenhagen, combining grand architecture, everyday convenience and instant access to the city’s main sights.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
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Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Havneholmen 33
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Copenhagen Central Post Building
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Folkets Park
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Grassroots community spirit, creative play areas, vibrant street art, and urban oasis charm in the heart of Nørrebro’s multicultural Copenhagen.
Assistens Cemetery
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Unmissable attractions to see
Søndermarken
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Former royal hunting grounds turned semi-wild city park, Søndermarken blends forested paths, meadows and an underground art world beneath Frederiksberg’s leafy streets.
Copenhagen Zoo
0.2 km
Historic canal in Indre By weaving past royal palaces, stately bridges, and cultural icons—offering tranquil walks and quintessential Copenhagen views.
Frederiksberg Palace
0.3 km
Renaissance splendor, regal treasures, and royal intrigue await within Rosenborg Castle, set amid the enchanting King’s Garden in central Copenhagen.
The Hill House Museum
0.5 km
Step into a preserved Danish Golden Age home where intimate rooms, a romantic garden and literary memories of Hans Christian Andersen bring 19th‑century Frederiksberg to life.
Frederiksberg Gardens
0.6 km
Royal waterways, baroque palaces, and pacifier traditions in Copenhagen's most romantic green escape.
Carlsberg Brewery Tours
0.7 km
Step into the original 1847 Carlsberg brewery for immersive beer history, interactive exhibits, courtyard drinks and encounters with the brewery’s iconic draught horses.
Frederiksberg Walk of Fame
1.1 km
Explore the Frederiksberg Walk of Fame, where Denmark's cultural legends are celebrated along a historic, tree-lined avenue.
Frederiksberg Allé
1.2 km
Copenhagen’s historic royal boulevard, where linden trees, theatres and elegant facades lead from city bustle to the green calm of Frederiksberg Gardens.
Falkonerbrønden
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A star-studded stroll in Copenhagen: the Frederiksberg Walk of Fame celebrates Danish legends along one of the city’s most iconic boulevards.
Værnedamsvej
1.7 km
Copenhagen’s “Little Paris”: a short, atmospheric street where historic food shops, French-inflected cafés and design boutiques create an intimate, everyday city buzz.
Landbohøjskolens Have
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Folkehuset Absalon
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Copenhagen's beloved community gathering space where strangers share meals, create art, and build genuine connections.
Legepladsen i Skydebanehaven
1.9 km
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Istedgade
2.0 km
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Det Ny Teater
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Essential places to dine
Enomania
0.5 km
Intimate Italian restaurant in Frederiksberg celebrated for expertly paired wine menus, exceptional Mediterranean cuisine, and an atmospheric, welcoming dining experience.
Hansens Gamle Familiehave
0.6 km
Hansens Gamle Familiehave—a historic Frederiksberg garden restaurant famed for classic Danish cuisine, family-friendly charm, and over 170 years of tradition in scenic surroundings.
Ewalds Brasserie
1.1 km
Classic Danish-French brasserie in the heart of Frederiksberg, offering seasonal menus, a cozy atmosphere, and stunning garden views for an authentic local dining experience.
Restaurant Frederiks Have
1.1 km
Frederiksberg’s cherished fine dining hub, blending Nordic tradition with modern cuisine in a welcoming, neighborhood setting—perfect for an authentic Danish gastronomic experience.
Café Lindevang
1.3 km
A beloved Frederiksberg institution, Café Lindevang serves up hearty Danish classics and authentic smørrebrød in cozy, vintage surroundings steeped in local charm.
Frederik the VI
1.3 km
Discover culinary delights at Frederik the VI - a vibrant restaurant and pub serving authentic Danish cuisine in Frederiksberg C.
Restaurant Polly København
1.5 km
A modern Nordic brasserie in the heart of Frederiksberg, blending Danish produce, creative cuisine, and relaxed elegance for a memorable city dining experience.
Bevi Bevi
1.6 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine and exquisite wines at Bevi Bevi, a charming restaurant in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Spuntino
1.8 km
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Madklubben Vesterbro
1.8 km
A buzzing, design-forward restaurant in the heart of Vesterbro, known for great value fixed-price menus and a welcoming slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Delphine
2.0 km
Stylish Mediterranean small plates in a visually stunning Vesterbro setting.
Je t'aime
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Paté Paté
2.2 km
Paté Paté offers Mediterranean-inspired dining and expertly curated wines in Vesterbro’s Meatpacking District, blending industrial charm with vibrant Copenhagen culinary culture.
Cofoco
2.2 km
Cofoco in Vesterbro delights with accessible, innovative Danish and European tasting menus amid warm Scandinavian aesthetics and a true neighborhood spirit.
Fleisch
2.2 km
A contemporary restaurant and butcher shop in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, Fleisch combines Nordic meat traditions with creative, communal dining in an atmospheric urban setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Royal Copenhagen - Outlet
1.0 km
Discover Danish porcelain heritage and timeless design at discounted prices in Frederiksberg’s celebrated Royal Copenhagen Outlet, close to the city’s green heart.
Frederiksberg Centret
1.4 km
Frederiksberg Centret offers a sleek, Scandinavian shopping experience with 90+ stores, cafés, and events in the chic heart of Frederiksberg, steps from the Metro.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
1.8 km
Compact, colorful and full of playful Danish design, this Vesterbrogade shop turns everyday essentials, gifts and games into a fun, low-cost treasure hunt.
Funky Junky
1.8 km
Discover Vesterbro’s Funky Junky—a vibrant vintage store featuring retro furniture, unique fashion, and Danish design, perfectly reflecting Copenhagen’s creative soul.
Artikel København
1.8 km
Family-run Copenhagen atelier where timeless, unisex garments are designed, cut and sewn in an open workshop on historic Gammel Kongevej.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
2.5 km
A small Vesterbro boutique where Nordic clothing, cozy textiles and design-led gifts capture the understated charm of contemporary Scandinavian style.
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
2.5 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination with 120+ brands, world-class cinema, and waterfront charm.
Souvenir Gift Shop
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Compact, central and colourful, this Vesterbrogade gift shop is a quick and easy stop for Copenhagen-themed souvenirs between Tivoli, Vesterbro and the Central Station.
Tivoli Gift Shop
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A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Jægersborggade
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Discover Copenhagen’s Jægersborggade: a vibrant, creative street in Nørrebro packed with innovative eateries, hip boutiques, and local character.
Perfectly Worn Vintage
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København K
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Wonderful Souvenirs
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Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
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Carmen Copenhagen
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Cafe Intime
1.0 km
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Berlin Bar
1.2 km
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JOJO
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Colourful neighbourhood cocktail bar in Vesterbro, serving freshly crafted drinks on tap in a relaxed, sociable setting that suits pre-drinks, dates and casual nights.
The House of Machines Copenhagen
1.4 km
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Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Frederiksberg
1.4 km
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Märkbar
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Märkbar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets an eclectic atmosphere and affordable drinks.
bird
1.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Bird, where unique cocktails and a laid-back ambiance await you.
La Fée Verte
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Discover La Fée Verte, a charming bar in Frederiksberg, offering exquisite cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.
Riesen Bar
1.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Riesen Bar, where great drinks and lively atmosphere come together for an unforgettable evening.
Tap 21 Craft Beer
1.7 km
Explore the vibrant craft beer scene at Tap 21, a cozy Frederiksberg bar offering a wide selection of local and international brews in a welcoming atmosphere.
Lidkoeb
1.8 km
Discover Lidkoeb, a vibrant cocktail bar in Copenhagen, renowned for its innovative drinks and lively atmosphere, perfect for nightlife enthusiasts.
Duck and Cover - Cocktailbar
1.8 km
Experience exquisite cocktails in a stylish ambiance at Duck and Cover, Copenhagen's premier cocktail bar for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Amigo Bar
1.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Amigo Bar, where affordable drinks and a friendly atmosphere await you.
Gensyn Bar
2.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg C at Gensyn Bar, known for its innovative cocktails and inviting atmosphere.
1656 Cocktail Bar
2.1 km
Hidden behind an unmarked door in Vesterbro, 1656 serves inventive cocktails in a dimly lit, speakeasy-style hideaway made for slow, late-night conversations.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Haven - Events
0.9 km
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Falafelberg
1.9 km
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The Union
2.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
Vela Lesbian Lgbtq+ NightClub
2.1 km
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Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub
2.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub, where adult entertainment meets unforgettable performances.
KB3
2.1 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
CristalClubCopenhagen
2.2 km
Dive into Copenhagen's nightlife at Cristal Club, where upscale ambiance meets electrifying music and unforgettable experiences.
Baggen
2.2 km
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Den Anden Side
2.6 km
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Moon Club
2.6 km
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Never Mind
2.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Module
2.7 km
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G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
2.8 km
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Cosy Bar
3.0 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Temple Bar
3.0 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
