Natural History Museum of Denmark (Øster Voldgade 5–7)
Copenhagen’s national museum for nature, where meteorites, minerals and living gardens connect deep time with the city’s green heart beside the Botanical Garden.
Tucked into the corner of Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden, the Natural History Museum of Denmark invites you into a world of fossils, meteorites, minerals and ever-changing exhibitions on the wonders of nature. Inside the historic building at Øster Voldgade 5–7, you can stand beside a 16‑ton meteorite, wander through glittering mineral halls, and discover how life on Earth has evolved. Linked with the Palm House and Butterfly House in the surrounding garden, it’s a compact but richly layered museum that combines hands‑on science, national collections and striking displays just a short stroll from Nørreport.
A brief summary to Museum of Natural History
- Øster Voldgade 5, 7, Indre By, Indre By, 1350, DK
- +4535322222
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-9 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least two to three hours for the museum itself, then add extra time if you want to explore the Botanical Garden, Palm House and Butterfly House on the same ticket.
- Aim for the late afternoon or the extended Wednesday evening opening if you prefer calmer galleries and more space around the major exhibits like the meteorite.
- Bring a light layer: temperatures vary between the air‑conditioned mineral halls, the main museum spaces and the warm, humid climate inside the Palm House.
- Check current temporary exhibitions in advance; themes change regularly and can influence how much time you spend on each floor.
- Combine your visit with nearby Nørreport’s cafés and shops, using the museum as a cultural stop within a wider wander through central Copenhagen.
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
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro and S‑train via Nørreport Station
From anywhere in central Copenhagen, take the metro (M1, M2, M3 or M4) or an S‑train line to Nørreport Station, which is a major hub roughly 10 minutes’ ride from Kongens Nytorv or the main station. Trains and metro services run every few minutes throughout the day, with reduced but regular frequency in the evening. A standard two‑zone ticket costs around 20–30 DKK depending on your exact start point, and the station is within a short, level walk of the museum entrance, making this the most convenient option in most weather.
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City bus to Øster Voldgade area
Several city bus routes serve the streets around the Botanical Garden, typically taking 10–20 minutes from City Hall Square or similar central stops, depending on traffic. Expect to pay roughly 20–30 DKK for a single ticket valid across buses, metro and S‑trains. Buses can be a good choice if you prefer to avoid stairways and escalators, though journey times vary at rush hour. Most buses stop on relatively flat streets, but you should allow extra time if travelling with a stroller or wheelchair due to occasional crowding.
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Cycling through central Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make it straightforward to reach the museum by bike from districts such as Vesterbro, Nørrebro or Østerbro in about 10–20 minutes. You can use a city bike scheme or standard rental, with daily rates often starting around 100–150 DKK. Dedicated bike lanes run close to the Botanical Garden, and there is bicycle parking near the museum. Surfaces are mostly flat, but be prepared for wet or windy conditions outside summer, and always follow local cycling rules and lights.
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On foot from inner city landmarks
If you are already in Copenhagen’s historic centre, walking to the museum is a pleasant option. From places like Kongens Nytorv or the pedestrian shopping streets, allow 15–25 minutes at a relaxed pace. The route is generally flat and paved, though cobblestones appear in older sections. This is free and suitable for most visitors with moderate mobility, but it can feel exposed in heavy rain or winter winds, so consider combining it with public transport if the weather is poor.
Museum of Natural History location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Museum of Natural History
Nature’s national collection in the heart of the city
The Natural History Museum of Denmark is the country’s main museum for nature, bringing together scientific collections that span minerals, plants, animals and the deep history of our planet. Housed at Øster Voldgade 5–7 on the edge of Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden, it sits in a classical complex that looks out over lawns, glasshouses and treetops rather than busy streets. Inside, the atmosphere blends university seriousness with family curiosity: cabinets of specimens and research stories are balanced by interactive elements and punchy exhibition design. The museum’s role is both to preserve Denmark’s natural heritage and to make global nature feel tangible. You move between rooms that trace ancient seas, Ice Age landscapes and modern biodiversity, all stitched together through clear, bilingual interpretation. Temporary exhibitions rotate through topics such as evolution, climate and specific animal groups, meaning there is usually something new on display even for repeat visitors.Glittering minerals, fossils and a meteorite you can touch
One of the museum’s most distinctive spaces is the Mineral Hall, a vaulted room lined with cases of crystals, gemstones and rocks from around the world. Here the colours alone are a draw: deep blues, sharp greens, rose‑pink quartz and metallic ores laid out like a jeweller’s fantasy. Labels explain how each mineral forms, what it is used for, and what it reveals about the Earth’s interior, turning what could be a simple display into a geology lesson you barely notice you are receiving. Nearby, fossils and skeletons chart the rise and fall of prehistoric life. Dinosaur bones share space with giant marine reptiles and ancient mammals, while smaller cases show delicate plants, shells and insects preserved in stone. The star for many, however, is the immense iron meteorite, weighing around 16 tonnes, that visitors are encouraged to touch. Resting your hand on its pitted surface offers a surprisingly direct connection to outer space and the violent processes that shaped the solar system.Botanical Garden, Palm House and butterflies
Step back outside and the museum’s story continues in the surrounding Botanical Garden, which is part of the same institution. The garden holds Denmark’s scientific plant collection, laid out in themed beds and winding paths that climb gentle slopes and circle a central lake. Even a short wander reveals species from alpine environments, arid regions and old Danish woodland, with discreet signs outlining each plant’s origin and use. Within the garden stands the iconic 19th‑century Palm House, a cast‑iron and glass structure that rises above the trees. Entry is usually linked to your museum ticket within a limited time window, offering a chance to experience a humid, greenhouse micro‑climate filled with towering palms and lianas. In season, the nearby Butterfly House adds another sensory layer, with brightly coloured butterflies moving freely through warm air scented by orchids and tropical foliage.Visiting experience, practical rhythm and seasonal notes
Inside the museum building, the layout is compact enough to navigate without stress. Cloak areas, a shop and a café are clustered close to the entrance, so you can orient yourself before diving into the galleries. The café overlooks the Botanical Garden, making it an appealing pause point between indoor and outdoor exploration. Exhibitions are generally arranged over a couple of levels, with lifts and ramps contributing to step‑free access where needed. The museum usually opens from late morning through the afternoon, with extended hours one evening a week that suit those who prefer quieter galleries. It is commonly closed on most Mondays outside peak seasons, while school holidays and summer months can bring extra opening days and family‑oriented programming. A standard visit ranges from two to three hours indoors, with at least another hour recommended if you plan to stroll the garden, climb the Palm House stairs and linger among the butterflies.Research, future plans and the museum’s next chapter
Beyond the public galleries, the museum functions as a major research hub affiliated with the University of Copenhagen. Behind the scenes, scientists work on everything from DNA studies of Arctic species to the effects of climate change on Nordic ecosystems, often feeding current findings into exhibition storylines. Collections of preserved animals, herbarium sheets and geological samples, some centuries old, underpin this research and are gradually being digitised. In the coming years, the institution is preparing to consolidate its activities in a new purpose‑built complex near Sølvtorvet, still within the Botanical Garden’s orbit. The Øster Voldgade exhibitions are scheduled to close after autumn 2026 as part of this transition, but the broader mission remains the same: to use Denmark’s natural collections to illuminate global environmental questions. For visitors today, that makes a trip here both a snapshot of a museum in transformation and a thoughtful window onto how nature is studied, protected and understood in a changing world.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Frederik's Church
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Kongens Nytorv
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Jorcks Passage
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Unmissable attractions to see
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The Danish Natural History Museum
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University-based museum of geology, zoology, and botany set beside Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden, linking scientific collections with the living world outside.
The King's Garden
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Frederiksholms Kanal: An evocative canal-side promenade at the heart of Copenhagen, blending royal history, stately architecture, and peaceful city scenes.
Botanical Garden
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Scandinavia's premier Islamic art museum, housed in a historic townhouse with free admission year-round.
Workers Museum
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Step into Copenhagen’s historic Workers’ Assembly Hall and trace 150 years of working-class life, from cramped attic flats and factory floors to activism, cafés and children’s play.
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Kultorvet
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Skaal
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TorvehallerneKBH
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Nørre Voldgade 11
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The Lakes
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Essential places to dine
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Selma
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Alouette
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ARK
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Restaurant Koefoed
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Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Restaurant Grønnegade
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Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
The Olive Kitchen & Bar
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Restaurant Rebel
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Restaurant Vita
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Det Lille Apotek
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Høst
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Den Lille Fede
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Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
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Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
Frank
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Exotic Mix
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Fjällräven
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A compact Fjällräven brand shop on historic Kultorvet, pairing Scandinavian outdoor design with expert gear advice in the heart of Copenhagen’s old town.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
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Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Souvenir Gifts shop
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Classic Copenhagen souvenirs in a compact, central shop on historic Købmagergade, perfect for last‑minute gifts and easy-to-pack mementos from the Danish capital.
Time's Up Vintage
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Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Trykbar
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Charlie's Bar
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Bar Deco
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Mini Bar
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Mirror
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Miami Bar
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Cosy Bar
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Dorsia
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- 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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
