Hans Christian Andersen Experience
Step off Copenhagen’s City Hall Square into a dimly lit world where Hans Christian Andersen’s life and beloved fairy tales unfold through immersive scenes, sounds and stories.
Set just off Copenhagen’s bustling City Hall Square, the Hans Christian Andersen Experience draws you into the imaginative world of Denmark’s most famous storyteller. This atmospheric, indoor attraction combines theatrical sets, light effects, soundscapes and even scents to recreate scenes from beloved tales such as The Little Mermaid, The Princess and the Pea and The Ugly Duckling. Alongside the fairy-tale tableaux, biographical exhibits trace Andersen’s journey from his childhood in Odense to his life and travels across Europe, offering an engaging, family-friendly introduction to both the man and his stories in the very heart of the city.
A brief summary to Hans Christian Andersen Experience
- Rådhuspladsen 57, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1550, DK
- +4533323131
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-7 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-7 pm
- Thursday 10 am-7 pm
- Friday 10 am-7 pm
- Saturday 10 am-7 pm
- Sunday 10 am-7 pm
Local tips
- Allow at least 45–60 minutes so you can move slowly through each fairy-tale scene and listen to the audio without rushing, especially if visiting with children.
- Combine your visit with Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in the same building if you plan to buy a ticket anyway, as combined tickets are often priced the same as single entry.
- Come earlier in the day outside school holidays for a quieter, more atmospheric experience when sound effects and narration are easier to appreciate.
- Read or retell a few Andersen stories beforehand so younger visitors recognise characters like the Little Mermaid and the Princess and the Pea inside the exhibits.
- Afterwards, step out to the Hans Christian Andersen statue on Rådhuspladsen for photos that link the indoor experience with the author’s presence in the city.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro
From anywhere on Copenhagen’s M1, M2, M3 or M4 metro lines, travel to Rådhuspladsen Station, which sits directly beneath City Hall Square. The ride from central hubs such as Kongens Nytorv or Nørreport typically takes 3–6 minutes, with trains every few minutes most of the day. A standard two-zone ticket usually costs around 24–30 DKK one way, and lifts and escalators make the station convenient for travelers with luggage or limited mobility.
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Train and short walk
If you are arriving by regional or intercity train, travel to Copenhagen Central Station. From there, it is an easy 10–15 minute city-centre walk to Rådhuspladsen along broad pavements that are generally suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Standard regional tickets within the Greater Copenhagen area normally fall in the 24–50 DKK range depending on distance, and trains run frequently throughout the day and evening.
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City bus
Several inner-city bus routes serve stops along the northern edge of City Hall Square, making this a practical option if you are already within Copenhagen. Travel times from neighbourhoods such as Østerbro, Nørrebro or Vesterbro are typically 10–25 minutes depending on traffic. Single tickets bought from machines or via transport apps usually cost about 24–30 DKK for two zones, and most modern buses are low-floor with space for prams and wheelchairs.
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Bicycle
For a classic Copenhagen experience, cycle to Rådhuspladsen using the city’s extensive bike lanes. Journeys from nearby districts like Frederiksberg, Nørrebro or Islands Brygge typically take 10–20 minutes at a relaxed pace. You can rent a city bike or from private rental shops, with typical prices starting around 100–150 DKK for a full day. Be aware that the square itself is busy; dismount and walk your bike through the most crowded sections for safety.
Hans Christian Andersen Experience 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 Hans Christian Andersen Experience
Fairy tales brought to life in the city’s heart
Step inside from the traffic and buzz of Rådhuspladsen and you are immediately transported into the storybook universe of Hans Christian Andersen. Low lighting, theatrical scenery and carefully staged vignettes recreate scenes from some of his most loved tales, from a mermaid poised between sea and land to a tiny princess perched atop teetering mattresses. Each room is designed as a self-contained world, encouraging you to linger and pick out familiar details from the stories you may know from childhood. Instead of reading glass cases and long labels, you move through an unfolding narrative. The experience is compact but densely layered, so even a short visit can feel rich and immersive, particularly for younger visitors who enjoy spotting characters and motifs as they go.The life behind the legendary stories
Beyond the fairy-tale scenes, the exhibition turns its focus to Andersen himself. Displays trace his modest beginnings in Odense, his early ambitions in the theatre, and the move to Copenhagen as a teenager that changed the course of his life. Period images, timelines and reproduced documents sketch out his struggles, his patrons and the growing success that allowed him to travel widely across Europe. These biographical sections help to place the tales in context: the lonely figures, wandering protagonists and distant kingdoms often echo episodes from Andersen’s own life. As you move between life and literature, it becomes easier to see how the cobbled streets, theatres and harbours of 19th-century Denmark fed his imagination.Multisensory storytelling for all ages
What sets the Hans Christian Andersen Experience apart is its use of sound, light and even scent to deepen the atmosphere. Gentle narration and background music accompany you from room to room, shifting tone as you pass from a cosy storyteller’s corner to darker, more dramatic scenes. Carefully controlled lighting picks out small visual jokes and details in the models, rewarding those who slow their pace. This multisensory approach makes the attraction especially welcoming for families. Children can follow the stories through visuals and sound even if they are not yet familiar with the original texts, while adults pick up more of the historical information woven around the displays.A quiet contrast to Rådhuspladsen outside
The location, directly on Copenhagen’s City Hall Square, gives the visit a particular flavour. Outside, buses, cyclists and pedestrians stream past the red-brick city hall, the Dragon Fountain and the start of the Strøget shopping street. Inside, the noise drops away and the focus narrows to candlelit rooms, painted backdrops and gentle narration. This contrast makes the Hans Christian Andersen Experience an appealing pause in a busy sightseeing day. It is easy to combine with nearby landmarks such as Tivoli Gardens and Copenhagen City Hall, yet it offers a calmer, more reflective interlude devoted to stories rather than spectacle.Practicalities and visitor experience
The exhibition is indoors and open daily, with extended hours that suit both morning planners and late-afternoon drop-ins. Entry typically includes access via the same entrance as Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, making the building a small cluster of curiosities and storytelling under one roof. Time inside varies, but most visitors spend around an hour exploring at a relaxed pace, with the option to move more quickly if attention spans are short. Signage and audio cater to an international audience, and the attraction is designed to be straightforward to navigate. Being right on a major square, it benefits from strong public-transport connections and nearby cafés for a drink or snack before or after your visit, rounding out a literary-themed stop in central Copenhagen.Connecting Andersen’s worlds across Copenhagen
Stepping back out onto Rådhuspladsen, it is easy to continue tracing Andersen’s presence around the city. His statue sits on the edge of the square, looking towards Tivoli Gardens, while Nyhavn harbour and other former residences lie within walking distance. In this sense, the Hans Christian Andersen Experience works as both an introduction and a jumping-off point, giving you enough background to recognise the author’s traces in streets, statues and waterfront façades across Copenhagen. Whether you arrive as a long-time admirer or with only a passing familiarity with the tales, the exhibition offers a compact, atmospheric way to meet Denmark’s most famous writer on his home ground.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.
0.2 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.
Strøget
0.5 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Gråbrødretorv
0.5 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
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.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.6 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bishop Absalon
0.7 km
Dynamic equestrian monument to Copenhagen’s warrior-bishop founder, rising over central Højbro Plads with rich maritime symbolism and a direct visual link to Christiansborg.
Unmissable attractions to see
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
0.0 km
A compact oddities museum on Rådhuspladsen where shrunken heads, vortex tunnels and record‑breaking curiosities turn everyday Copenhagen into a world of wonders.
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.
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.
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.
Copenhagen City Hall
0.1 km
Explore Denmark's Viking heritage along the scenic Skjoldungestien trail.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.3 km
Explore a thousand years of Copenhagen's history through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the stories of its people.
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.
Magstræde
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s cobbled time capsule: a gently curving lane of colorful old houses, harbor history and quiet charm in the heart of the Old Town.
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.
Dubrovnik Restaurant
0.2 km
Cosy Croatian tavern in Copenhagen’s inner city, serving generous grills and rustic Adriatic comfort food in a warm, wood‑panelled dining room.
Restaurant Puk
0.3 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
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.
Spisestedet FEED
0.3 km
Discover exquisite flavors and an inviting atmosphere at Spisestedet FEED in the heart of København.
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.
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.
Vækst
0.3 km
Greenhouse-style Nordic dining in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where seasonal vegetable-focused menus meet warm, softly lit interiors wrapped in lush foliage.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Restaurant Tight
0.4 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.0 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
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.
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.
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.
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 modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.1 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Musen & Elefanten
0.1 km
Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
Centralhjørnet
0.1 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest gay bars, Centralhjørnet is a cosy, festive corner pub where historic LGBTQ+ heritage meets camp décor and easy-going charm.
The Scottish Pub
0.2 km
Lively Scottish‑style pub on Copenhagen’s main square, pouring pints and whisky late into the night with music, sports on TV and an easygoing, social 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.
Southern Cross Pub
0.2 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
Floss Bar
0.2 km
Copenhagen's legendary dive bar: punk rock heritage, cheap beer, and authentic character until 2 AM.
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.
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.
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.
Bar7
0.3 km
Colorful multi-room cocktail lounge in Copenhagen’s old town, mixing bold interiors, inventive drinks and a 21+ late-night crowd over lounge beats and weekend energy.
Zefside
0.3 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.3 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
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
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Female Friendly
