Nyboder Mindestuer – Memorial Rooms
Historic naval home preserving four centuries of Danish maritime family life in a single yellow row house.
Step into one of Nyboder's oldest surviving houses, built around 1635 for Danish naval personnel. Located at Sankt Pauls Gade 24, the Nyboder Mindestuer (Memorial Rooms) preserves the intimate domestic life of sailors and their families across four centuries. This modest row house, with its distinctive yellow exterior, opens on Sundays to reveal period furnishings, personal artifacts, and the tight-knit community that defined this historic naval quarter.
A brief summary to Nyboder
- Sankt Pauls Gade 24, København K, København K, 1313, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Sunday 11 am-2 pm
Local tips
- Visit on Sunday mornings between 11 AM and 2 PM—these are the only hours the Memorial Rooms are open to the public. Arrive early to avoid crowds and allow time to absorb the intimate domestic spaces.
- Explore the surrounding streets of Nyboder on foot. The neighborhood's narrow lanes, named after flowers and herbs, reveal the full context of this naval quarter and offer excellent photography from multiple angles.
- Stand at the junction of Store Kongensgade and Hammerensgade, near the Edouard Suenson memorial, for one of the best panoramic views of Nyboder's distinctive yellow row houses.
- Note the single-story terrace at Sankt Pauls Gade—it is the only surviving structure from Nyboder's original 1630s construction, making it architecturally significant beyond the museum itself.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro + Walking
Take the Copenhagen Metro Line M1 or M2 toward Vanløse or Christianshavn. Exit at Kongens Nytorv station (approximately 5 minutes travel from central Copenhagen). From the station, walk northeast through Nyhavn area and continue toward Nyboder, approximately 12–15 minutes on foot. Follow signage toward Sankt Pauls Gade. No entrance fee required for the neighborhood; the museum itself is free but donations are welcome.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve the Nyboder area, including routes 1A, 15, and 66. Board from central Copenhagen and travel toward the Nyboder stop near Sankt Pauls Gade, approximately 10–20 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. Single journey ticket costs approximately 24 DKK (3–4 EUR). Buses run frequently throughout the day.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen's extensive cycle network makes cycling to Nyboder practical and popular. Rent a bike from one of many rental stations throughout the city (approximately 80 DKK per day or 30 DKK per hour). Travel time from Nyhavn or central areas is 5–10 minutes. Nyboder has secure bicycle parking throughout the neighborhood.
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Walking from Nyhavn
If staying near Nyhavn or Kongens Nytorv, Nyboder is accessible on foot in approximately 15–20 minutes. Walk north from Nyhavn along Nyhavnsgade, then continue northeast toward the neighborhood. The walk is flat and passes through pleasant residential areas. No parking concerns as a pedestrian.
Nyboder location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Nyboder
A Sailor's Home from Denmark's Golden Age
Nyboder Mindestuer occupies one of the very first houses constructed in the Nyboder district, dating to around 1635. It stands as a rare survivor from King Christian IV's original vision—a purpose-built neighborhood for the rapidly expanding Royal Danish Navy. While most of the original single-story structures were demolished and rebuilt over subsequent centuries, this house at Sankt Pauls Gade 24 endures as a tangible link to the early decades of naval settlement. The building's yellow-painted wooden facade, now iconic to Nyboder's identity, represents the distinctive aesthetic that emerged as the neighborhood evolved.The Context of Christian IV's Naval Vision
Christian IV (1588–1648) established Nyboder in 1631 to address a fundamental military need. Denmark's navy had grown from 22 vessels to 60 under his reign, and the shift from seasonal levies to a permanent standing force required permanent housing. The king personally oversaw the development, working with master builders Hans van Steenwinckel the Younger and Leonhard Blasius to create a self-contained community. From its inception, Nyboder was privileged: residents enjoyed access to a private hospital, private schools, and their own police force—amenities rare for working-class housing in the 17th century. In exchange, male residents committed to military service for up to 20 years.Life Within These Walls
The Memorial Rooms document the everyday reality of naval families confined to remarkably small spaces. Original apartments measured just 40 square meters, later subdivided to accommodate growing demand. Families lived in a living room and small bedroom, with a kitchen that was essentially an expanded corridor shared between two households. Sanitation facilities—wooden outhouses in the yard—were communal. Despite these constraints, Nyboder fostered extraordinary social cohesion. Generations of families intermarried, creating stable kinship networks that persisted for centuries. The family association Enigheden, established in 1862, formalized these bonds as a savings and loan institution, reflecting the deep interdependence that characterized the community.Hardship and Transformation Across Centuries
The 17th and 18th centuries brought severe hardship. During periods of financial crisis, sailors received no wages, forcing widespread begging. Children worked outside Nyboder rather than attending school. A catastrophic gunpowder explosion in 1658 devastated the neighborhood, destroying or damaging numerous houses and killing many residents. Conditions improved markedly in the 19th and 20th centuries, when Nyboder became celebrated in Danish literature and folklore. Hans Christian Andersen drew inspiration from the neighborhood for his fairy tale "The Elder-Tree Mother," capturing the nostalgia and resilience of aging sailors reflecting on their youth.Architectural Evolution and Preservation
The Nyboder visible today reflects multiple building campaigns. While Christian IV's original rows were completed around 1641, the neighborhood underwent substantial expansion from 1757 onward. Philip de Lange designed 24 two-story houses in 1756, establishing a template that guided later construction. Between 1781 and 1796, approximately 150 additional houses were built. The single-story terrace at Sankt Pauls Gade, which includes the Mindestuer, represents the sole surviving remnant of the earliest phase. A nearby two-story section, the Factory Master's House, documents an 1817 expansion. The Grey Rows, constructed 1886–1893 to designs by Olaf Schmidth, introduced working-class housing ideals of the late 19th century.Museum and Living Community
Today, Nyboder remains a functioning residential neighborhood, still home to enlisted members of the Danish Navy, Army, and Air Force, alongside civilians welcomed since 2006. The Mindestuer preserves period furnishings and personal objects that illuminate domestic life across generations. Opening only on Sunday mornings, the museum maintains an intimate, domestic character rather than adopting institutional formality. Visitors encounter the actual spaces where families cooked, slept, and raised children, their modest scale underscoring both the constraints and the community bonds that sustained life in this historic quarter.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St. Paul's Church
0.1 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
0.5 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
Horn mine
0.6 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.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.6 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.
0.6 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
I am Queen Mary
0.6 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.7 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.7 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Memorial Anchor
0.8 km
A historic anchor monument honoring Danish WWII sailors, set at the heart of scenic Nyhavn, blending maritime history with Copenhagen’s lively canal atmosphere.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
0.8 km
Discover the Monument to Denmark's International Activities in Kastellet: A historical landmark celebrating Denmark's global contributions since 1948.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.8 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Kongens Nytorv
0.8 km
Discover Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen's historic square, surrounded by iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and easy access to Nyhavn and Strøget for an unforgettable experience.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
0.8 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.
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
0.8 km
A towering tribute to Admiral Huitfeldt's heroic last stand at sea, crowned with Victory.
The Kissing Stairs
0.8 km
Copenhagen's beloved waterfront amphitheatre where culture, community, and harbour views converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
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.
Medicinsk Museion
0.3 km
Historic surgical academy turned cutting‑edge medical museum, where preserved bodies, instruments and contemporary science exhibitions reveal how we understand health and disease.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
0.3 km
Explore the evolution of design at Copenhagen's premier museum, housed in a historic rococo building.
Frederik's Church
0.3 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.
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.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.4 km
Step behind the facades of Copenhagen’s royal square to explore intimate apartments, glittering gala halls and Fabergé treasures at Amalienborg Palace Museum.
Den Frie Udstilling
0.5 km
Independent artist-run exhibition house in a striking wooden building, presenting changing contemporary art shows in the heart of Copenhagen’s Østerbro district.
Amaliegade
0.5 km
A stately Copenhagen street where Rococo townhouses, royal colonnades and diplomatic mansions line a calm axis through the heart of Frederiksstaden.
The David Collection
0.5 km
Scandinavia's premier Islamic art museum, housed in a historic townhouse with free admission year-round.
Amalienborg
0.5 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.
Rytterstatuen
0.5 km
A surreal subterranean art museum beneath Søndermarken Park, fusing Copenhagen’s 19th-century waterworks with modern installations and immersive experiences.
Museum of Danish Resistance
0.5 km
Go underground beneath Churchill Park to follow five real lives through Denmark’s World War II occupation, in an immersive museum of resistance, choices and courage.
The King's Garden
0.5 km
Frederiksholms Kanal: An evocative canal-side promenade at the heart of Copenhagen, blending royal history, stately architecture, and peaceful city scenes.
Kastellet
0.6 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's crown jewels and royal regalia.
St Alban's Church
0.6 km
Step into history and legend at Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed as Hamlet’s ‘Elsinore,’ overlooking the spectacular Øresund Strait.
Essential places to dine
Kokkeriet
0.2 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Restaurant Rebel
0.4 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Aoc
0.5 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.5 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Restaurant Vita
0.5 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Den Lille Fede
0.6 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Alouette
0.6 km
One‑Michelin‑star Green Star dining in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, where hyper‑seasonal Nordic tasting menus meet quietly striking design by the King’s Garden.
Goldfinch
0.7 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
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.
Bistro Royal
0.7 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Frank
0.7 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.7 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
Cap Horn
0.8 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Marchal
0.8 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Skipperkroen
0.8 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.4 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
The Crown souvenir
0.5 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
The Wilde Shop
0.6 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.7 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Zane
0.7 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Storm - design art fashion
0.8 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.8 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Maritime Antiques &
0.8 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.8 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Viking Souvenirs
0.8 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Copenhagenglass
0.8 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.9 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.9 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Norse Projects
0.9 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Magasin du Nord
0.9 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
0.1 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
0.7 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Trykbar
0.7 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.
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.
Balthazar
0.8 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.
The Moose
0.8 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.
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.
Brønnum
0.9 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
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
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Gejser Bar
0.9 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
TATA Cocktail Bar
1.0 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Bar'Vin
1.0 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
Skaal
1.0 km
Lively craft beer hall on Kultorvet square, pairing one of Copenhagen’s broadest tap selections with casual café dishes in the heart of Indre By.
Balderdash
1.0 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
0.3 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Lusso
0.8 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
The Zoo
0.8 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Mirage
1.2 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
1.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Chateau Motel
1.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
1.3 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
1.4 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.4 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
La Terraza
1.4 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Miami Bar
1.4 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
1.5 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Cosy Bar
1.6 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Operaen
1.7 km
Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Cultural Heritage
- Tranquil
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Protected Area
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- History Enthusiasts
