Cisternerne – The Cisterns in Søndermarken
A vast 19th‑century water reservoir hidden beneath Søndermarken park, transformed into a cool, echoing world of dripstone, darkness and site-specific contemporary art.
Hidden beneath Frederiksberg Hill in Søndermarken park, Cisternerne is a vast former water reservoir transformed into one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric art spaces. The cavernous, columned halls once stored up to 16 million litres of drinking water and today host a single large-scale, site-specific contemporary art installation each season. Cool, humid air, near-darkness and fragile dripstone formations create a cathedral-like underground world where art, architecture and slow encroaching nature meet.
A brief summary to Cisterns in Søndermarken
- Roskildevej 25A, Frederiksberg, 2000, DK
- +4530738032
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear warm layers and waterproof, non-slip shoes; the underground climate stays around 8–10°C with high humidity and occasionally wet floors even in summer.
- Check the current exhibition period and any temporary closures in advance, as Cisternerne usually operates seasonally and hosts one major installation at a time.
- Allow your eyes a few minutes to adjust after descending; move slowly at first to appreciate the subtle lighting, dripstones and reflections in the dark.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through Søndermarken and views of Frederiksberg Palace and Copenhagen Zoo directly across busy Roskildevej.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro and bus from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M1 or M2 metro line to Copenhagen Central Station and change to bus 6A towards Rødovrehallen, getting off near the Roskildevej stop by Søndermarken. The combined journey typically takes 20–30 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day. A single adult ticket on the city zones usually costs around 24–36 DKK depending on distance, and buses are low-floor, making this option practical for most visitors.
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Metro to Frederiksberg area and walk through parks
Alternatively, ride the M1, M2 or M3 metro to Frederiksberg station and continue on foot through the Frederiksberg district and adjacent green spaces to reach Søndermarken and the Cisternerne. The metro ride is about 5–10 minutes from the city centre, and the walk adds roughly 20–30 minutes at a relaxed pace. Standard metro tickets cost in the 24–36 DKK range, and this route suits visitors who enjoy an urban stroll combined with time in the parks.
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City bike from inner Copenhagen
Using Copenhagen’s public or rental bikes, you can cycle from the inner city to Søndermarken in about 15–25 minutes along established bike lanes. This option offers flexibility and an easy approach through Frederiksberg’s streets. Typical city bike rentals range from about 100–200 DKK per day depending on provider and season. Be prepared for occasional traffic on Roskildevej and remember that the final approach includes gentle gradients up to Frederiksberg Hill.
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 cultural underworld
Cisternerne lies buried under the grassy slope of Frederiksberg Hill, in the heart of Søndermarken park. Excavation started in 1856 and the immense brick cistern was completed just three years later to help solve Copenhagen’s serious 19th‑century water problems. For decades it could hold around 16 million litres of clean drinking water, forming a crucial part of the city’s early modern supply system. By 1933 the reservoir had become obsolete, and although the structure remained intact underground, it was not fully drained until the early 1980s. In the 1990s, as Copenhagen embraced its role as a European Capital of Culture, the City of Frederiksberg and local curators saw potential in this abandoned piece of infrastructure. The cisterns were gradually reborn first as a glass art museum and later as Cisternerne, a dedicated venue for contemporary art and experimental installations.An underground cathedral of columns and watermarks
Step below the park and you enter a sequence of long, low-vaulted halls supported by rows of massive pillars. The concrete and brick surfaces still bear the stains and mineral traces of decades under water, giving the space a raw, almost archaeological character. At over 4,000 square metres, it feels at once monumental and strangely intimate, the ceiling never far above your head while the galleries seem to stretch on without end into shadow. The climate is part of the architecture. Because daylight never penetrates, the temperature hovers around 8–10°C year-round and humidity is close to 100%. Underfoot, the floor can be damp or film-thin with water depending on the current exhibition design. The faint echo of footsteps and the occasional drip from overhead reinforce the impression that you are walking through the city’s hidden underbelly rather than a conventional white-cube museum.Dripstone cave where nature reclaims the structure
Over time, water seeping through the concrete roof has dissolved minerals and redeposited them as delicate stalactites and stalagmites throughout the chambers. These dripstone formations make Cisternerne the closest thing Denmark has to a natural cave, even though it is entirely man-made. Thin, icicle-like fingers hang from beams and edges, while small stalagmites rise from the floor where drops have fallen in the same place for decades. The dripstones are both attraction and warning: beautiful and fragile, yet also evidence of the building’s slow decay. They show how moisture from Søndermarken above steadily infiltrates the structure, blurring the line between constructed space and geological process. Lighting is kept low to protect this environment, so your eyes gradually adapt and begin to pick out the subtle textures of mineral deposits, old brick and reflective pools.Immersive art tailored to a singular setting
Cisternerne typically hosts one major, site-specific installation each season, inviting artists to respond to the reservoir’s extraordinary scale, acoustics and atmosphere. Works often incorporate sound, fog, light projections or shallow water to heighten the sense of disorientation and discovery as you move through the darkness. Rather than separate galleries, the cisterns form a continuous environment, encouraging you to wander, pause and let each space unfold slowly. Because the venue sits beneath a historic park opposite Copenhagen Zoo and near Frederiksberg Palace, a visit naturally combines with time above ground. Many travellers treat Cisternerne as a cool, contemplative counterpoint to the lively city streets, a place where contemporary art, urban history and a quietly otherworldly setting intersect beneath the lawns and tree avenues of Søndermarken.Planning your time in the depths
Visits here are self-paced, but most people spend long enough to adjust to the gloom, trace the vaulted chambers and absorb the current exhibition. The constant cool temperature makes it comfortable in summer yet chilly at other times, so bringing an extra layer is sensible even on warm days. Surfaces can be uneven or slightly wet, making sturdy shoes useful. Cisternerne is run as part of the Frederiksberg Museums, with seasonal opening periods and ticketed entry. Simple facilities and information are provided topside before you descend through the glass pavilions that mark the only hint of the vast hidden world underneath Søndermarken.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Elefantporten
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Storm P. Museum
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CWGC Krigsgrave, CWGC Graves
0.8 km
Scandinavia's largest cemetery: a 54-hectare landscape of history, architecture, and remembrance in Copenhagen.
Frederiksbergmuseerne
1.0 km
Explore Frederiksberg's cultural gems: Cisternerne, Bakkehuset, STORM, and Møstings, each offering unique art and history experiences.
Møstings Hus
1.0 km
Explore contemporary art in a historic neoclassical villa at Møstings Hus, Frederiksberg's cultural gem.
Frederiksberg Town Hall
1.1 km
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
1.2 km
Historic art deco park with rose gardens, community events, family-friendly spaces, and a vibrant local atmosphere at the heart of Vesterbro, Copenhagen.
Cykelslangen
2.5 km
An elevated orange ribbon over Copenhagen’s harbor where cyclists glide above the water and visitors glimpse the city’s everyday bicycle culture in motion.
Frihedsstøtten
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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
2.6 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.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
2.6 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Havneholmen 33
2.7 km
Striking waterfront media headquarters in Copenhagen’s Havneholmen district, where modern Danish office architecture meets busy cycle bridges and harbour life.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
2.7 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.
Folkets Park
2.8 km
Grassroots community spirit, creative play areas, vibrant street art, and urban oasis charm in the heart of Nørrebro’s multicultural Copenhagen.
Assistens Cemetery
2.9 km
Historic, leafy burial ground in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, home to Hans Christian Andersen’s grave and tranquil paths where Danish history and urban life intertwine.
Unmissable attractions to see
Søndermarken
0.1 km
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
1.5 km
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
1.7 km
A 19th‑century university horticultural garden in Frederiksberg, where scientific plant collections and everyday park life blend into a calm green refuge.
Folkehuset Absalon
1.7 km
Copenhagen's beloved community gathering space where strangers share meals, create art, and build genuine connections.
Legepladsen i Skydebanehaven
1.9 km
A colourful staffed playground tucked inside a historic walled park in Vesterbro, where giant parrots, paddling pools and lawns turn old shooting grounds into family fun.
Istedgade
2.0 km
Gritty, creative and endlessly watchable, Istedgade is Vesterbro’s main strip and Copenhagen’s classic showcase of everyday city life with an edge.
Det Ny Teater
2.0 km
Historic Belle Époque playhouse turned musical powerhouse, Det Ny Teater blends gilded grandeur, modern stagecraft and big‑scale productions in the heart of Copenhagen.
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
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Restaurant Spuntino in Copenhagen - where flavors meet ambiance for an unforgettable dining experience.
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
2.1 km
Intimate Vesterbro bistro where candlelight, classic French dishes and a well‑chosen wine list bring a touch of Paris to a quiet Copenhagen side street.
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
2.6 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.
Tivoli Gift Shop
2.8 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Jægersborggade
2.8 km
Discover Copenhagen’s Jægersborggade: a vibrant, creative street in Nørrebro packed with innovative eateries, hip boutiques, and local character.
Perfectly Worn Vintage
2.9 km
Discover handpicked vintage gems and timeless fashion in the heart of Nørrebro’s creative district at Perfectly Worn Vintage, Copenhagen’s haven for unique style.
København K
2.9 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.
Wonderful Souvenirs
3.0 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
3.0 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.
Carmen Copenhagen
3.0 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Cafe Intime
1.0 km
Discover the charm of Cafe Intime, a cozy bar and cafe in Frederiksberg offering delightful drinks and a warm ambiance for every visitor.
Berlin Bar
1.2 km
Experience the eclectic vibe and creative mixology at Berlin Bar, the perfect spot for memorable nights in Frederiksberg.
JOJO
1.2 km
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
Award-winning cocktail bar with industrial soul and live music in Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Frederiksberg
1.4 km
Experience the craft of brewing at Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar, Frederiksberg's premier destination for beer lovers with an extensive selection and vibrant atmosphere.
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
1.5 km
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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
- Minimalist 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
- Car-Free Access
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
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
