Lur Blowers Monument
Ancient horns, timeless monument—Denmark's Bronze Age heritage cast in bronze at the heart of Copenhagen.
The Lur Blowers is a striking 20-meter bronze monument in Copenhagen's City Hall Square, featuring two Viking-era figures playing ancient lur horns. Designed by sculptor Siegfried Wagner and inaugurated in 1914, this iconic landmark celebrates Denmark's Bronze Age heritage and was gifted to the city by the Carlsberg Foundation. The monument stands as a symbol of Copenhagen's cultural identity and remains one of the city's most photographed attractions.
A brief summary to Lur Blowers
- Rådhuspladsen 57, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1550, DK
- Duration: 0.25 to 1.5 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for the most dramatic photography, when soft light illuminates the bronze figures and the red brick column against Copenhagen's skyline.
- Explore the monument from multiple angles—the rear view reveals different sculptural details, and the circular bench at its base offers a perfect vantage point for people-watching and absorbing the square's energy.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions: the Dragon Fountain, Hans Christian Andersen statue, and City Hall's interior (including Jens Olsen's World Clock) are all within steps.
- Weekday mornings offer fewer crowds for photography and contemplation; avoid peak tourist hours (midday and late afternoon) if you prefer a quieter experience.
- Check the Visit Copenhagen website for seasonal events and festivals in Rådhuspladsen—from Christmas markets to concerts—which add atmosphere to your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
-
Metro
Copenhagen Metro Line M1 and M2 serve Rådhuspladsen station directly beneath City Hall Square. Journey time from Copenhagen Central Station is approximately 2 minutes. Trains operate 24 hours daily with frequencies of 3–6 minutes during peak hours and 15–20 minutes late at night. Single ticket costs approximately 24 DKK (3.20 EUR).
-
Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the northern side of Rådhuspladsen, including lines 1A, 2A, 6A, 14, 26, and 66. Journey times from Copenhagen Central Station are 5–10 minutes depending on route and traffic. Buses run frequently throughout the day (every 5–15 minutes) with reduced service at night. Single ticket costs approximately 24 DKK (3.20 EUR).
-
Walking
From Copenhagen Central Station (Hovedbanegården), Rådhuspladsen is a straightforward 5–10 minute walk heading northeast through the city center. The route is flat, well-signposted, and passes through pedestrian-friendly streets. This is the most accessible option for visitors with mobility needs.
-
Bicycle
Copenhagen's extensive cycling infrastructure makes reaching Rådhuspladsen by bike highly practical. Bike rental services are available throughout the city (approximately 80–100 DKK per day). The square has designated bike parking areas. Journey time from Central Station is approximately 5 minutes via flat, dedicated cycle paths.
Lur Blowers location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about Lur Blowers
A Monument to Ancient Tradition
The Lur Blowers monument rises 20 meters above Rådhuspladsen, Copenhagen's bustling City Hall Square, commanding attention with its distinctive silhouette. Two bronze male figures stand closely together atop a tall terracotta column, each holding a raised lur—an ancient curved bronze horn dating to the Late Bronze Age around 1000 BC. The figures wear capes and helmets, embodying the warrior spirit of Denmark's prehistoric past. The column itself is constructed of red brick and bears the inscription "J.C. JACOBSEN•CARLSBERG 1811•2•SEPTEMBER•1911," commemorating the centenary of Carlsberg founder J.C. Jacobsen's birth.The Design Evolution and Inspiration
The monument's final design reflects a fascinating creative journey. Originally conceived as a single lur blower, the design was revised to feature two figures because lurs were always tuned and played in pairs—a detail that underscores the authenticity of the sculpture. The two inverted lurs mirror the positioning seen in the Brudevælte Lurs, ancient instruments discovered in Danish bogs. Architect Anton Rosen designed the column, drawing inspiration from the classical columns of St. Mark and St. Thomas on Venice's Piazzetta di San Marco. A circular bench at the column's base invites visitors to pause and contemplate this remarkable fusion of ancient heritage and modern civic art.From Vision to Reality
The idea of a lur-blower monument emerged around 1890 when architect Martin Nyrop, designer of the new Copenhagen City Hall, envisioned columns flanking the City Hall Square entrance, each topped with a Heimdallr figure holding a gjallarhorn. A wooden mock-up was installed in 1901 but the concept was abandoned. The idea resurfaced at the 1909 Danish National Exhibition in Aarhus, where Carlsberg displayed a temporary wooden victory column featuring a lur blower. This temporary structure inspired the Carlsberg Foundation and New Carlsberg Foundation to commission a permanent monument for Copenhagen. The final bronze sculpture was created by Siegfried Wagner and inaugurated in 1914, transforming a century-old vision into an enduring landmark.The Lur: Bronze Age Artifact and Cultural Symbol
The lur itself carries profound historical significance. These curved bronze tubes, resembling oxen horns, were crafted during the Late Bronze Age and are thought to have been used for sounding battle cries, participating in religious ceremonies and rituals, and possibly entertainment. In Denmark, lurs are typically discovered in pairs within bog deposits, suggesting their importance in paired performance. The National Museum of Denmark preserves examples of these ancient instruments, and the Lur Blowers monument has made the lur an enduring symbol of Danish cultural identity. The instrument has since appeared on the Lurpak butter label and in various political, artistic, and advertising contexts, cementing its place in modern Danish consciousness.A Gathering Place in the Heart of Copenhagen
Located in Rådhuspladsen, one of Copenhagen's most vibrant public squares, the Lur Blowers monument serves as both a historical landmark and a focal point for urban life. The square itself, built in 1905 alongside the new City Hall, has evolved into the city's civic stage—hosting royal celebrations, sports parades, political demonstrations, concerts, and seasonal festivals. The monument shares the square with other iconic features including the Dragon Fountain, a statue of Hans Christian Andersen, and the mechanical World Clock inside City Hall. The square marks the beginning of Strøget, one of Europe's longest pedestrian shopping streets, and sits adjacent to Tivoli Gardens, making it a natural gathering point for both locals and visitors.Enduring Legacy and Recognition
The Lur Blowers monument has become synonymous with Copenhagen itself, instantly recognizable and frequently photographed from multiple angles. Its prominence in the city's landscape reflects the deep connection between Denmark's prehistoric past and its modern identity. The monument's gift from the Carlsberg Foundation underscores the role of Danish industry and philanthropy in shaping the city's cultural heritage. Standing sentinel over Rådhuspladsen, the bronze figures continue to symbolize Denmark's ancient traditions while anchoring one of the world's most dynamic and livable capitals.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Lur Blowers
0.0 km
Bronze Age horns meet early 20th‑century grandeur in this 20‑metre column, where two silent lur players keep watch over Copenhagen’s bustling City Hall Square.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.1 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
0.4 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Jorcks Passage
0.4 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Frihedsstøtten
0.5 km
Statuesque tribute to Danish freedom: Frihedsstøtten stands as a majestic milestone marking the abolition of serfdom at the vibrant gateway to Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Copenhagen Central Station
0.5 km
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.
Gammel Strand
0.5 km
Ledreborg Park blends magnificent Baroque landscaping, palace views and serene Danish woodland for a captivating escape near Roskilde, ideal for history and nature lovers.
Strøget
0.5 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.5 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
Gråbrødretorv
0.6 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
0.6 km
A majestic neo-Baroque landmark intertwining Denmark’s postal history with Vesterbro’s vibrant urban fabric, located beside Copenhagen’s bustling central railway station.
Amagertorv
0.6 km
Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
The Stable Boy's House
0.6 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Christiansborg Palace
0.6 km
Explore the majestic Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that captivates all who visit.
Højbro
0.6 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hans Christian Andersen Experience
0.0 km
Step off bustling City Hall Square into a multisensory world where Hans Christian Andersen’s life and fairy tales unfold through atmospheric sets, light, sound and scent.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.1 km
Descend beneath Søndermarken Park to discover Copenhagen’s historic water cisterns, now transformed into a mesmerizing underground art museum unlike any other in Denmark.
Rainbow Square
0.1 km
A small city-centre plaza with a powerful rainbow dedication, Rainbow Square turns everyday pavement beside Copenhagen City Hall into a quiet landmark for LGBTQ+ equality.
City Hall Square
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s grand urban living room: a historic civic square framed by City Hall, whimsical fountains, and the gateway to the pedestrian heart of the city.
Copenhagen City Hall
0.1 km
Explore Denmark's Viking heritage along the scenic Skjoldungestien trail.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
0.1 km
Discover masterpieces from the Danish Golden Age and European classics to contemporary art in Denmark’s largest art museum, set by Copenhagen’s serene city park.
Statue of Andersen
0.1 km
A larger-than-life Hans Christian Andersen sits in bronze on Copenhagen’s City Hall Square, book in hand, gazing toward Tivoli Gardens in the city’s vibrant heart.
Weirdwalks Byvandring
0.2 km
Stroll the storied harbor promenade, discover Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid, lush parks, and maritime sculptures along the scenic Langelinie waterfront.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.2 km
Explore a thousand years of Copenhagen's history through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the stories of its people.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.3 km
Experience Copenhagen’s blend of urban cool and waterside relaxation at Islands Brygge, where harbor views, bathing, and local life come together in a thriving central district.
Nytorv
0.3 km
Cobbled, compact and quietly dramatic, Nytorv blends royal-era markets, grim judicial history and Neoclassical authority at the pedestrian heart of old Copenhagen.
Nytorv 2
0.3 km
An everyday address on Copenhagen’s historic Nytorv, placing you between grand courthouse columns, cobbled markets of old and the pulse of the Strøget pedestrian zone.
Gammeltorv
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s oldest square, where cobbles, Neoclassical facades and the Renaissance Caritas Well quietly trace eight centuries of urban life in the city’s historic core.
Tivoli Gardens
0.3 km
Explore enchanting Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, opulent royal halls, lush gardens, and centuries of riveting royal history.
National Museum of Denmark
0.3 km
Denmark’s past comes alive in a grand city palace, where Vikings, royal salons and playful children’s galleries tell 14,000 years of stories under one roof.
Essential places to dine
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.1 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.2 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Restaurant Puk
0.2 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Spisestedet FEED
0.3 km
Discover exquisite flavors and an inviting atmosphere at Spisestedet FEED in the heart of København.
Dubrovnik Restaurant
0.3 km
Cosy Croatian tavern in Copenhagen’s inner city, serving generous grills and rustic Adriatic comfort food in a warm, wood‑panelled dining room.
Rio Bravo
0.3 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
ferment, ramen izakaya
0.3 km
Intimate basement izakaya where fermentation, organic ingredients, and Nordic sensibility transform ramen and bao into deeply satisfying art.
Krebsegaarden
0.3 km
An intimate art-filled townhouse in central Copenhagen where creative tasting menus, warm storytelling service and an epic cheese course turn dinner into an evening-long occasion.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.3 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Restaurant Karla
0.4 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Vækst
0.4 km
Greenhouse-style Nordic dining in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where seasonal vegetable-focused menus meet warm, softly lit interiors wrapped in lush foliage.
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
0.4 km
Handmade Italian pasta and wine in the heart of Tivoli Food Hall, offering relaxed, counter-service dining steps from Copenhagen Central Station.
Københavner Cafeen
0.4 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Restaurant 1733
0.4 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Marv & Ben
0.5 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.1 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
0.1 km
Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Viking Souvenirs
0.1 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Souvenir Shop
0.2 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Carmen Copenhagen
0.2 km
Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
Wasteland
0.3 km
A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
København K
0.3 km
Hidden in a Latin Quarter courtyard, København K is a long-standing Copenhagen vintage shop packed with curated second-hand fashion, denim and quirky homeware finds.
Quirky Lane
0.3 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.3 km
Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
Notre Dame
0.3 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.3 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Souvenir Gift Shop
0.4 km
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.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.4 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Duck Haven
0.4 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Tivoli Gift Shop
0.4 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Taphouse
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s craft-beer playground with 60+ rotating taps, minimalist Scandinavian design and a relaxed, conversation-first atmosphere off City Hall Square.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.1 km
Discover unconventional wines and craft cocktails in Copenhagen's most welcoming wine bar.
Centralhjørnet
0.1 km
Copenhagen's legendary gay bar since 1917—where history, warmth, and celebration meet.
Musen & Elefanten
0.2 km
Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
Southern Cross Pub
0.2 km
Lively two-floor sports pub in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring well-priced beers, screening wall-to-wall live sport, and staying open long into the night.
The Scottish Pub
0.2 km
A lively Scottish‑style pub on Copenhagen’s City Hall Square, pouring whisky and beer late into the night with sports on screen, DJs, and an easygoing crowd.
Proud Mary Pub
0.2 km
Loud, lively and central, Proud Mary Pub brings a British-style pub atmosphere, hearty bar food and big beer nights to Copenhagen’s Vesterbrogade.
The Rooftop Bar
0.2 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
Floss Bar
0.2 km
Copenhagen's legendary dive bar: punk rock heritage, cheap beer, and authentic character until 2 AM.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.3 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Shamrock Inn
0.3 km
Experience the lively atmosphere of The Shamrock Inn, Copenhagen's premier Irish pub with live music and sports entertainment.
Zefside
0.3 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Bar7
0.3 km
Moody, colour-drenched cocktail lounge in Copenhagen’s inner city, known for inventive drinks, themed rooms and late-night, 21+ nightlife energy.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.3 km
Cuban-inspired cocktails, candlelight and late-night rhythm in a cozy Knabrostræde hideaway at the heart of Copenhagen’s old town.
Godt Øl
0.4 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Dorsia
0.2 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Club Mambo
0.2 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.2 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Module
0.2 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Miami Bar
0.3 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Cosy Bar
0.3 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Mirror
0.3 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.3 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
La Terraza
0.3 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Hive
0.3 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Chateau Motel
0.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Never Mind
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Den Anden Side
0.4 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
Arch
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.6 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Lively
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
