Ofelia Plads
A broad harborfront square on Kvæsthusbroen where Copenhagen’s royal skyline, modern architecture and ever-changing cultural events meet the water’s edge.
Ofelia Plads is a broad, modern waterfront square stretched along Kvæsthusbroen in central Copenhagen, framed by the Royal Danish Playhouse, Amalienborg and sweeping harbor views. Built on a former pier, this 13,000 m² open platform blends sleek urban design with maritime scenery, hosting free cultural events, art installations, sports screenings and concerts. On quiet days it becomes a calm, sea-breezy promenade of wooden decking, golden pavilions, and tiered steps dropping dramatically to the water’s edge.
A brief summary to Ofelia Plads
- Kvæsthusbroen, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1250, DK
- +4570106070
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 6 am-10:30 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-10:30 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-10:30 pm
- Thursday 6 am-10:30 pm
- Friday 6 am-10:30 pm
- Saturday 6 am-10:30 pm
- Sunday 6 am-10:30 pm
Local tips
- Bring an extra layer: the pier is exposed and coastal wind can make it feel cooler than the rest of the city, even on sunny days.
- Check local cultural listings for open-air concerts, theater or light installations; many events here are free but can draw large crowds.
- Use the broad steps as a viewpoint for photographing the Opera House, Amalienborg and the passing canal boats in a single frame.
- Food and drink options in the golden pavilions are mainly seasonal; in colder months plan refreshments elsewhere nearby.
- Swimming is not permitted from the pier; for a harbor dip, seek out one of Copenhagen’s official harbor baths instead.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro and short walk from central Copenhagen
Take the M3 or M4 metro line to Marmorkirken Station in central Copenhagen; trains run every few minutes and a single-zone ticket typically costs around 20–25 DKK. From the station it is about a 10–15 minute level walk through the Frederiksstaden district to Ofelia Plads. The route is fully paved and suitable for wheelchairs and prams, though wind on the pier itself can make it feel colder outside of summer.
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Harbor bus connection along the waterfront
Use Copenhagen’s harbor bus service and disembark at a stop near the Royal Danish Playhouse, a trip that usually takes 10–25 minutes from other central harbor points depending on the route. Standard public-transport tickets and city passes are valid, with single rides generally costing about 20–30 DKK. Services run regularly during the day but are less frequent in late evenings and on some winter days, and boarding involves ferry-style ramps that are accessible but can be steep at low tide.
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City bike from inner Copenhagen
Pick up a city bike or rental bicycle from central Copenhagen and ride to Ofelia Plads in roughly 10–20 minutes, depending on your starting point. The route follows dedicated cycle lanes most of the way and is mostly flat, making it suitable for casual cyclists. Bike rental prices vary but often start around 75–150 DKK for a day; be prepared for strong headwinds on the exposed harborfront and remember that cycling directly on the pier can be restricted during major events.
Ofelia Plads location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Ofelia Plads
Harbourfront square between palace and playhouse
Ofelia Plads occupies the length of Kvæsthusbroen, a long pier that pushes into Copenhagen’s inner harbor between Nyhavn and Amalienborg Palace. Standing here, you are surrounded by some of the city’s most striking landmarks: the Royal Danish Playhouse at your back, the copper-roofed palace and Frederiks Kirke off to one side, and the modern Opera House directly across the water. The square itself is level and uncluttered, like a vast outdoor stage facing the harbor. The surface is a mix of light concrete, timber and clean-lined details that echo the contemporary architecture around it. Beneath your feet lies a large underground car park, but at ground level the effect is almost minimalist: big skies, wide horizons and Copenhagen’s active harbor life sliding past in slow motion.From industrial pier to open-air cultural scene
Kvæsthusbroen was once a working pier serving the city’s maritime trade and nearby naval facilities. In the early 2010s the area was temporarily transformed into “Ofelia Beach”, an experimental urban space testing whether this exposed stretch of quay could become a cultural playground. Summer screenings, concerts and free events drew enough enthusiasm that a permanent redesign was commissioned. The completed Ofelia Plads opened in 2016 as a fully fledged public square. Its generous 13,000 m² layout was planned to host everything from intimate performances to large-scale productions, often in collaboration with the Royal Danish Theatre next door. Today the square regularly becomes an outdoor extension of the city’s cultural calendar, serving as a setting for theatre, contemporary dance, classical concerts and jazz.Events, bonfires and seasonal spectacles
Across the year Ofelia Plads shifts character with the program. In summer, large screens and temporary stages appear for major sports tournaments and music events, turning the pier into a waterfront festival ground. The open views and tiered seating make it easy for crowds to gather without feeling cramped. One of the most atmospheric annual occasions is the Sankt Hans midsummer celebration on 23 June, when a bonfire is lit over the water and live music carries across the harbor. In winter the square can become part of the Copenhagen Light Festival, hosting installations like illuminated sound sculptures or glowing tunnels that transform the dark pier into an immersive artwork.Design details and everyday pleasures
Even without an event, Ofelia Plads is designed for lingering. Long “kissing stairs” step down towards the harbor, offering broad tiers where people sprawl with books, picnic supplies or just a coffee in hand. The steps are close enough to the water that you can watch small waves slap against the stone and hear the hollow echo beneath the pier. Golden-toned pavilions punctuate the square, housing seasonal bars, cafés and ticket offices. Here you can pick up a drink, grab a simple bite or join a canal cruise departing directly from the pier. The space is open enough for runners, families with prams and cyclists to pass through without disturbing those who simply want to sit and absorb the cityscape.Water views, passing boats and changing weather
What defines Ofelia Plads most strongly is its relationship with the water. From the edge you can follow sightseeing boats, harbor buses and private yachts gliding between Nyhavn, Papirøen and the Opera House. The view stretches far down the harbor, framed by a mix of historic facades and sharp-edged modern buildings. The square is also exposed to the elements. On clear days it captures long hours of sun and feels almost beach-like despite the hard surfaces. When the wind picks up, the pier can feel brisk and maritime, with whitecaps flecking the harbor and flags snapping sharply overhead. This changeability is part of the appeal: Ofelia Plads is less a static monument than a slice of working harbor where Copenhagen’s weather, culture and waterfront life meet.A flexible canvas in the heart of the city
Because the design is so open, Ofelia Plads can be many things at once: a quiet vantage point for photographers chasing reflections on the water, a casual meeting place before a performance at the Playhouse, or a high-energy gathering space when stages and installations arrive. It functions as a hinge between royal history and contemporary urbanism, with the palace and church on one side and the glass-walled theatre and modern bridges on the other. Whether you come for a specific event or simply to pause between nearby sights, the square offers an immediate sense of Copenhagen’s relationship with its harbor: informal, accessible and always slightly in motion.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.2 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.3 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.
0.4 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.4 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
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.
Operaen
0.8 km
A striking harbourfront landmark where cutting-edge architecture, golden interiors and world-class opera meet amid sweeping views of Copenhagen’s historic skyline.
Knippelsbro
0.8 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
Christiania
0.8 km
Explore Christiania, Copenhagen's alternative lifestyle hub, filled with vibrant street art, unique shops, and a rich cultural experience.
Museum of Danish Resistance
0.8 km
Explore the gripping history of Denmark's WWII resistance movement at this immersive Copenhagen museum, uncovering tales of bravery and sacrifice in the face of Nazi occupation.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.8 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Sankt Annæ Gade
0.8 km
Explore Skagen’s Maskinrummet, where maritime history, restored engines, and nautical culture meet within a unique, authentic portside museum and café.
Church of Holmen
0.8 km
A Renaissance gem transformed from anchor forge to naval sanctuary, where maritime heritage and royal history converge.
Horn mine
0.9 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.
Christianshavn
0.9 km
Maritime charm meets modern cool in Copenhagen's most picturesque neighbourhood of coloured houses and idyllic canals.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hey Captain
0.0 km
Experience the heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where shopping, dining, and culture converge in a historic market square.
The Kissing Stairs
0.1 km
Stroll along Langelinie, Copenhagen’s bustling waterfront, where iconic statues, historic parkland, and sweeping harbor views create a quintessential maritime escape.
The Playhouse
0.1 km
A beautiful English gothic church in the heart of Copenhagen, St Alban’s blends British heritage and Danish history beside the city’s iconic fortifications.
Inderhavnsbroen
0.2 km
Explore the evolution of Danish design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.2 km
A modest canal bridge with a grand view, Nyhavnsbroen is the perfect perch above Copenhagen’s most colourful harbour and its centuries of maritime stories.
Nyhavn
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s storybook harbour, where colourful 17th‑century houses, wooden ships and waterside cafés bring the city’s maritime history to life in one vivid canal.
Springvandet i Amaliehaven af Arnaldo Pomodoro
0.3 km
A dramatic bronze fountain at the heart of Amaliehaven, where modern sculpture, royal views and harbor breezes meet in a tranquil geometric garden.
Amaliehaven
0.3 km
A small but beautifully composed waterfront garden weaving royal vistas, sculpture, and harbor views into a calm green oasis in central Copenhagen.
North Atlantic House
0.4 km
A 1767 waterfront warehouse transformed into Copenhagen’s vibrant gateway to the art, stories and flavors of Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Copenhagen Opera House
0.4 km
UNESCO-listed Renaissance castle in Helsingør, famed as Elsinore from Shakespeare’s 'Hamlet', with iconic spires, lavish halls, and sweeping views across the Øresund Strait.
Rytterstatuen
0.4 km
A surreal subterranean art museum beneath Søndermarken Park, fusing Copenhagen’s 19th-century waterworks with modern installations and immersive experiences.
Amalienborg
0.4 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.
Kunsthal Charlottenborg
0.4 km
Historic Charlottenborg Palace transformed into one of Northern Europe’s leading contemporary art halls, blending bold exhibitions with Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv views.
Bredgade 18
0.4 km
A quietly elegant address on Copenhagen’s grand Bredgade, surrounded by Frederiksstaden’s mansions, churches and design showrooms in the heart of the city.
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.
Essential places to dine
Khun Juk
0.2 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
Restaurant Barr
0.3 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
Skipperkroen
0.3 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.
Cap Horn
0.4 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.4 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.
Aoc
0.5 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
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.
Goldfinch
0.6 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Kanalen
0.6 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
Restaurant Rebel
0.6 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.
Restaurant Vita
0.6 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.
Bistro Royal
0.6 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.6 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Marchal
0.7 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Maritime Antiques &
0.2 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.
Copenhagenglass
0.2 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Zane
0.5 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.5 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 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.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.6 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Viking Souvenirs
0.7 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Magasin du Nord
0.7 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.7 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.7 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
The Crown souvenir
0.7 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Urban Outfitters
0.9 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Storm - design art fashion
0.9 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.
ILLUM
0.9 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.9 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Brønnum
0.5 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.5 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
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.
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
0.7 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.
Eiffel bar
0.8 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
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.
Black Swan
0.8 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.
The Moose
0.9 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.
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.
Trykbar
0.9 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.
K-Bar
0.9 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Ved Stranden
1.0 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
Bo-Bi Bar
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
The Dubliner
1.0 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Relaxing
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
