Gefion Fountain

Myth in motion on Copenhagen’s harbour front: a towering bronze goddess, four straining oxen and cascades of water telling the origin tale of Zealand for free.

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Gefion Fountain

Set at the edge of Churchillparken by Copenhagen’s harbour, Gefion Fountain is a powerful fusion of Norse myth and early 20th‑century sculpture. Bronze oxen surge forward through cascades of water, driven by the goddess Gefion as she ploughs the Danish island of Zealand out of Sweden. Completed in 1908 as a gift from the Carlsberg Foundation, this is one of Copenhagen’s largest and most dramatic monuments, a free, open‑air sight that pairs perfectly with strolls to Kastellet, St. Alban’s Church and the nearby waterfront.

A brief summary to Gefion Fountain

Churchillparken, København K, København K, 1263, DK
+4570222442
Visit website
Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Come early in the morning or near sunset for softer light and fewer people, ideal for appreciating the sculpture’s detail and getting clear photos.
Walk up around the upper basin to see Gefion’s face and the oxen from multiple angles; the dynamic composition reads very differently from each side.
Pair your visit with a loop around Kastellet and a quick look at St. Alban’s Church to enjoy a compact mix of nature, history and architecture.
In colder months, bring a warm layer; the harbour breeze and fountain spray can feel noticeably cooler than elsewhere in the city.

Getting There

Metro and walk from central Copenhagen

From central Copenhagen, take the M3 Cityringen metro to Østerport Station, a journey of about 5–7 minutes from Kongens Nytorv. From Østerport it is roughly a 10–15 minute walk through a largely flat, paved area of Churchillparken and the Kastellet surroundings, suitable for most visitors and strollers. A single metro ticket within the city zones typically costs around 20–30 DKK. Services run frequently throughout the day, making this a convenient option year-round.
City bus to the harbourfront

Several city bus lines connect the inner city with the Kastellet and Langelinie area near Gefion Fountain, with typical travel times of 10–20 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. Expect standard city fares in the range of 20–30 DKK per ride, payable by card or travel card. Buses usually stop on major roads close to Churchillparken; from there, the walk to the fountain is 5–10 minutes on mostly level pavements, though crossings can be busy at peak times.
Bicycle from inner Copenhagen

Cycling from the historic centre to Gefion Fountain typically takes 10–20 minutes, depending on your route. Copenhagen has extensive dedicated bike lanes almost the entire way, making this an appealing option for confident cyclists. Many bike rental services and city bikes are available, often priced from about 100–150 DKK for a full day or on a pay-per-minute basis. Near Churchillparken you will find places to lock a bike, but avoid leaving it on pedestrian paths immediately surrounding the fountain.
Harbour boat and short walk

During the main season, harbour boats and water buses operate along Copenhagen’s inner harbour, with some stops close to the Langelinie and Nordre Toldbod area. The boat ride from central stops usually takes 15–30 minutes and offers a scenic approach. Tickets typically cost in the same 20–30 DKK range as other public transport and may be included in city travel cards. From the nearest quay, expect a 5–10 minute walk on flat promenades; services can be less frequent in winter and evenings.

Gefion Fountain location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Cold Weather
Hot Weather
Windy Conditions

Discover more about Gefion Fountain

Norse goddess at the edge of the harbour

Gefion Fountain unfolds at the junction of Churchillparken and Copenhagen’s harbour front, where the city’s green spaces meet open water. Here, a vast bronze tableau crowns a stepped stone basin, its water spilling in tiers that echo the harbour just beyond. The fountain is deliberately positioned as a focal point on the Langelinie promenade, an arresting counterpoint to the fortress of Kastellet and the slender spire of St. Alban’s Church behind it. Rather than a gentle pool, this is a scene of motion and struggle frozen in metal. From a distance you notice first the dynamic silhouettes of horns, hooves and the sweeping figure of a woman driving forward. Up close, the sculpture’s details emerge: taut muscles, flying manes, and the folds of Gefion’s dress as she leans into the plough, urging her team on.

The legend that shaped an island

The fountain retells one of Denmark’s favourite Norse legends. Gefion, a goddess associated with ploughing and fertility, was promised as much land as she could plough from Sweden in a single day and night. To win the wager, she transformed her four sons into powerful oxen and cut so deep into the earth that an entire chunk of land was ripped free and dragged into the sea. That land, the story says, became Zealand, the island on which Copenhagen now sits. In the sculpture, the moment captured is not triumph but intense effort: oxen lunging, hooves braced, heads lowered, water surging around them like torn earth becoming sea. The basin’s cascading water suggests both the carved-out lake left behind in Sweden and the surrounding straits that cradle Denmark’s largest island. It is myth made physical, a creation story translated into spray and bronze.

A monumental gift to the city

Although its subject is ancient, Gefion Fountain is a relatively recent addition to Copenhagen’s cityscape. Danish sculptor Anders Bundgård designed the work in the early 1900s, and it was commissioned and funded by the Carlsberg Foundation as a gift to the city. The fountain was inaugurated in 1908, coinciding with the brewery’s 50-year anniversary, and was conceived on a grand scale to match Copenhagen’s growing confidence as a capital. Over the decades the fountain has become part of the city’s cultural fabric. It is counted among Copenhagen’s largest monuments, and its robust bronze and granite construction has allowed it to weather both the coastal climate and periods of restoration. A major renovation around the turn of the 21st century saw the waterworks and surfaces renewed, ensuring that the sculpture’s sharp details and powerful jets remain as striking as when they first flowed.

Between fortress walls and waterfront promenades

Gefion Fountain sits within a cluster of emblematic Copenhagen sights. Just across the road rise the earth ramparts of Kastellet, a 17th‑century star-shaped fortress, its grassy walls and windmill forming a calm green buffer around the sculpture. To one side, the English Gothic lines of St. Alban’s Church lend a different kind of drama, its pale stone and pointed steeple contrasting the dark bronze figures at the fountain’s centre. The surrounding Churchillparken and Langelinie area offers broad paths, benches and patches of lawn, making the fountain a natural pause point on a longer harbourfront walk. Cruise ships often dock not far away, and the popular Little Mermaid statue lies within walking distance along the water. Despite these landmarks, the immediate space around the fountain can feel surprisingly contemplative, especially outside busy midday hours.

Experiencing the fountain up close

Visiting Gefion Fountain is informal and unhurried. There is no admission gate or ticket booth; the site is open at all hours, and the sound of cascading water becomes part of the park’s ambient soundtrack when the fountain is running. Many people simply pass through, pausing briefly at the lower basin before climbing the gentle steps to study the sculpture from different angles. You can circle the upper level to appreciate the composition: the way Gefion’s outstretched arm leads your eye toward the harbour, or how the oxen’s bodies overlap to create a sense of compressed force. On sunny days, droplets catch the light around the bronze, while in colder months the damp stone and chill air give the scene a starker beauty. Coins sometimes glitter in the water below, a quiet reminder that the fountain doubles as an informal wishing well.

A flexible stop in any Copenhagen itinerary

Gefion Fountain is easy to weave into almost any exploration of central Copenhagen. Its open, outdoor setting suits both quick photo stops and longer breaks on nearby benches. The legend at its heart appeals to those interested in Nordic mythology, while the craftsmanship of the early 20th‑century bronze attracts lovers of sculpture and design. Because the monument is free to access and never formally “closes”, it works as a dawn or dusk stop when light is gentler and the area calmer. Whether you arrive in the soft haze of a misty morning, under a bright summer sky, or wrapped in a winter coat as the spray turns to icy beads on the stone, the fountain offers a vivid encounter with the stories that have helped shape Denmark’s identity.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Horn mine

0.1 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.

Our Fallen

0.2 km

A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.

Iver Huitfeldt Memorial

0.2 km

A towering tribute to Admiral Huitfeldt's heroic last stand at sea, crowned with Victory.

I am Queen Mary

0.3 km

A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.

Maritime Monument

0.5 km

Honoring Denmark’s seafaring legacy, the Maritime Monument in Østerbro is a striking, evocative memorial nestled in the heart of Copenhagen’s leafy cityscape.

Nyholm Central Guardhouse

0.5 km

Discover Aarhus’s Latin Quarter, where historic charm meets a lively cultural scene, bustling cafés, artisan shops, and rich Danish heritage in the city’s oldest district.

Larsens Pl.

0.6 km

Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.

St. Paul's Church

0.7 km

Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.

Hans Christian Andersen plaque

0.8 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.

The Kissing Stairs

0.9 km

Copenhagen's beloved waterfront amphitheatre where culture, community, and harbour views converge.

Sankt Annæ Pl.

0.9 km

Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.

Ofelia Plads

1.0 km

Copenhagen's iconic waterfront plaza where culture, harbor views, and the famous kissing stairs meet the sea.

The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard

1.0 km

Aarhus University Park blends stunning natural scenery with iconic Danish architecture, creating a lush urban haven and cultural centerpiece in the heart of Aarhus.

The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard

Bredgade 18

1.0 km

Explore the architectural elegance of Bredgade 18 in Copenhagen's historic Frederiksstaden district.

Langelinie

1.1 km

Discover Copenhagen's iconic waterfront promenade, home to the Little Mermaid, historic landmarks, and stunning harbor views, offering a captivating blend of culture and maritime charm.

A stately Copenhagen street where Rococo townhouses, royal colonnades and diplomatic mansions line a calm axis through the heart of Frederiksstaden.

A boundary-pushing Copenhagen icon where fine dining, art installation and social commentary fuse into a five-hour, 50-course immersive experience under a vast projected dome.

Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Black Swan

0.7 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

1.2 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

1.2 km

Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.

Brønnum

1.3 km

An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.

Trykbar

1.3 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.

Balthazar

1.3 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.

1105

1.4 km

Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.

TATA Cocktail Bar

1.4 km

A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.

The Moose

1.4 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

1.5 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

1.5 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.

Gejser Bar

1.5 km

Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.

ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik - Østerbro

1.5 km

Explore the finest wines at ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik in Østerbro, Copenhagen – where every sip tells a story.

Søernes Ølbar

1.6 km

Discover Søernes Ølbar, a cozy craft beer haven by Copenhagen's lakes, offering an extensive selection of brews and breathtaking views.

Balderdash

1.6 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.

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Gefion Fountain

A brief summary to Gefion Fountain

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Metro and walk from central Copenhagen

City bus to the harbourfront

Bicycle from inner Copenhagen

Harbour boat and short walk

Gefion Fountain location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Gefion Fountain

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Gefion Fountain

Norse goddess at the edge of the harbour

The legend that shaped an island

A monumental gift to the city

Between fortress walls and waterfront promenades

Experiencing the fountain up close

A flexible stop in any Copenhagen itinerary

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Horn mine

Our Fallen

Iver Huitfeldt Memorial

I am Queen Mary

Maritime Monument

Nyholm Central Guardhouse

Larsens Pl.

St. Paul's Church

Hans Christian Andersen plaque

The Kissing Stairs

Sankt Annæ Pl.

Ofelia Plads

The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard

Bredgade 18

Langelinie

Unmissable attractions to see

St Alban's Church

ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael

Museum of Danish Resistance

Langelinieparken

Langelinie Park

Langelinie Pavillonen

Kastellet

Kongeskibet Dannebrog

Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948

The Little Mermaid

Designmuseum Danmark

Bredgade Kunsthandel

Medicinsk Museion

Inugsuk

Amaliegade

Essential places to dine

Kokkeriet

Reffen - Skøjteøen

La Banchina

Aoc

Veve

Restaurant Rebel

Restaurant Vita

Restaurant Koefoed

Noma

Den Lille Fede

Khun Juk

Skipperkroen

Cap Horn

Nyhavns Færgekro

Alchemist

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

The Crown souvenir

Royal Souvenir Shop

Maritime Antiques &

The Wilde Shop

Copenhagenglass

Zane

Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories

Viking Souvenirs

Danish Souvenirs & luggages

Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs