Sophienholm Country House & Art Hall
Elegant 18th-century country house turned art hall, set in a romantic landscape park on Bagsværd Lake with changing exhibitions, sculpture-filled lawns and a cosy café.
Sophienholm is an elegant 18th-century country house turned contemporary art hall, set in a romantic lakeside park on Bagsværd Lake in Kongens Lyngby, just north of Copenhagen. Behind its strict neoclassical façade you will find changing art exhibitions, a café and intimate cultural events, while outside an English-style landscape garden with sculptures, pavilions and old trees invites unhurried walks and views over the water.
A brief summary to Sophienholm
- st, Nybrovej 401, Lyngby, 2800, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Combine your gallery visit with a slow walk through the English-style park to see the lakeside views, pavilions and scattered sculptures in different lights.
- Check the current exhibition and event calendar in advance; opening days and ticket prices vary slightly between main shows, special events and free outdoor installations.
- Allow time for the café, which offers prime views over the park and lake and makes a relaxed base between exploring the galleries and strolling the grounds.
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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S-train and bus from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take an S-train on line B towards Holte or Farum and get off at Lyngby; the journey usually takes 20–25 minutes. From Lyngby Station continue by local bus towards Nybrovej and alight near the Sophienholm stop, adding about 10–15 minutes. A standard adult single ticket within the Greater Copenhagen fare zones typically costs around 24–40 DKK depending on your starting point. Services run frequently throughout the day, but evening and weekend intervals can be longer, so check departure times when planning late visits.
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Cycle from Copenhagen via lake and forest routes
Cycling from inner Copenhagen to Sophienholm takes roughly 35–55 minutes depending on your pace, following marked bike lanes towards Kongens Lyngby and then quieter roads by Bagsværd Lake. The terrain is mostly flat and suitable for everyday bikes, but be prepared for some shared paths with pedestrians near the lake. City bikes and rental bicycles are widely available in Copenhagen, typically from about 100–200 DKK per day. In winter or wet weather, paths can be slippery and visibility reduced, so allow extra time and use lights.
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Car or taxi within Greater Copenhagen
By car or taxi from central Copenhagen, the drive to Sophienholm generally takes 20–35 minutes, depending on traffic around Lyngby and the northern ring roads. There is usually parking available in the vicinity of the estate, but spaces can fill on sunny weekends and during major exhibitions or concerts. A taxi from the city centre often costs in the range of 250–400 DKK one way, varying with traffic and exact pickup point. If you are driving, keep in mind that access roads can be busy at peak commuter times, so off-peak travel is more relaxed.
Sophienholm location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Sophienholm
From Postal Director’s Retreat to Cultural Landmark
Sophienholm began life in 1768–69 as a refined country estate for Theodor Holmskiold, then director of the Danish postal service, who named the property after his wife Sophie Holmskiold. In an era when Copenhagen’s elite sought summer refuges along the lakes and forests north of the city, this house quickly became one of the most distinguished residences in the area. Its position on the shore of Bagsværd Lake offered fresh air, space and an aura of cultivated seclusion that still shapes the atmosphere today. In 1790 the estate passed to the wealthy merchant Constantin Brun, who completely reimagined Sophienholm. Between 1800 and 1805 he commissioned the French architect Joseph-Jacques Ramée to rebuild the main house in a disciplined classical style, giving the building the clean lines, symmetry and understated grandeur it retains. At the same time, Ramée redesigned the grounds, turning the entire property into a complete ensemble of landscape, architecture and art.Golden Age Salons and Literary Echoes
The estate’s true flowering came under Constantin Brun’s wife, Friederike Brun, a writer, lyricist and seasoned traveller. Inspired by the intellectual salons of Europe, she turned Sophienholm into a vibrant meeting place for the Danish Golden Age: poets, philosophers, composers and painters gathered here for long summer stays. Names like Oehlenschläger, Heiberg and Weyse belong to the circle that discussed ideas, read new works and tried out music within these rooms. Their presence left traces in Danish literature and culture. Oehlenschläger’s poem “Til Frøken Ida Brun” evokes Sophienholm by name, capturing the sense of a cultivated refuge where art and nature merge. Today the estate’s quiet rooms and lake views make it easy to imagine those evenings of conversation, candlelight and piano music, even as the building has taken on a new role as a public art hall.Art Hall with Changing Exhibitions
Since Lyngby-Taarbæk municipality took over the property in the 1960s, Sophienholm has functioned as an exhibition venue. Inside the main house, high-ceilinged salons, enfilades of smaller rooms and carefully restored details provide a dignified backdrop for changing art shows. The programme spans contemporary Danish art, themed exhibitions on historical periods and collaborative projects with local art associations, making the house an active cultural centre rather than a static museum. In an adjoining former stable building you will find the CoBrA Room, a small space with a ceiling decorated by artists from the experimental CoBrA movement in the mid-20th century. This contrast between neoclassical interiors and expressive modern painting underlines how the place bridges eras. Smaller exhibitions, talks, workshops and family activities often occupy these annexes, giving visitors several layers to explore beyond the main galleries.Lakeside Park in English Landscape Style
Encircling the house is a park laid out in the romantic “English” landscape tradition, with open lawns, sweeping sightlines and carefully framed views of the water. Ramée’s original design introduced curving paths, groves of mature trees and strategically placed pavilions, including a Norwegian-style house and a Chinese pavilion, which added exotic notes to the otherwise Nordic scene. Many of these features have changed over time, but the overall character of a gently orchestrated natural landscape remains. Sculptures are scattered among the trees and lawns, ranging from figurative works to abstract pieces by modern Danish artists. An obelisk by the entrance commemorates the Brun family, whose salons defined Sophienholm’s golden age. From the lakeshore you can look back at the pale façade reflected in the water, a classic view that captures why this site is often described as one of the region’s most picturesque estates.Café, Seasonal Events and Everyday Calm
Today Sophienholm balances being a quiet green escape with a lively cultural calendar. The on-site café occupies part of the historic buildings and spills into the park on fine days, inviting you to linger over coffee or a light meal with views of the lawns and the lake. Seasonal events such as concerts, guided art tours, family workshops and outdoor installations make repeat visits rewarding, as the site shifts character between summer light, autumn colours and winter dusk. Even on a simple weekday visit, the blend of architecture, garden design and art creates a layered experience. You can move from a contemporary installation inside to birdsong and rustling leaves outside within moments. For many visitors Sophienholm functions both as an art destination and as an everyday breathing space—somewhere to walk, think and enjoy a cultivated slice of nature only a short step from metropolitan Copenhagen.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bagsværd Kirke
1.7 km
A modest suburban shell concealing Jørn Utzon’s luminous “cloud” church, where Nordic minimalism, sculpted concrete and tranquil courtyards create a serene urban sanctuary.
Lyngby Storcenter
3.0 km
Discover a world of shopping and dining at Lyngby Storcenter, one of Denmark's largest malls, offering a vibrant mix of international brands and local favorites in the heart of Kongens Lyngby.
Furesø
3.4 km
Denmark's deepest lake offers pristine waters, historic heritage, and year-round outdoor adventures just 20 km from Copenhagen.
Grundtvig’s Church
8.1 km
A monumental brick cathedral of Nordic minimalism and light, Grundtvig’s Church fuses expressionist form with Gothic scale on a quiet Copenhagen hillside.
Kildevældsparken
9.6 km
Experience a slice of authentic Copenhagen life at Kildevældsparken, Østerbro’s serene neighborhood park with a charming pond and lush greenery.
The Red Square
10.0 km
A striking, modern city square in Nørrebro, where bold Danish design meets global cultures, street art, and vibrant local life in Copenhagen’s most diverse borough.
Copenhagen This Way / Koebenhavnerture.dk
10.4 km
Experience Copenhagen’s only Russian Orthodox church, where golden onion domes and vibrant frescoes highlight an extraordinary cultural and architectural landmark.
Fælledparken
10.7 km
Copenhagen’s largest and most beloved city park, Fælledparken offers a dynamic blend of green tranquility, local culture, sports, and major city events in Østerbro.
Henriksholm
11.0 km
A quiet Vedbæk hillside where Stone Age burials, villa culture and Cold War command history meet in a leafy coastal neighbourhood north of Copenhagen.
The Tower Playground
11.2 km
Award-winning Copenhagen playground where kids explore & climb miniature city towers; centrally located in Fælledparken with family-friendly facilities.
Folkets Park
11.5 km
Grassroots community spirit, creative play areas, vibrant street art, and urban oasis charm in the heart of Nørrebro’s multicultural Copenhagen.
Hørsholm Slotshave
11.5 km
A baroque garden where Scandinavia's lost palace still echoes through ancient linden trees.
Møstings Hus
11.6 km
Explore contemporary art in a historic neoclassical villa at Møstings Hus, Frederiksberg's cultural gem.
Frederiksbergmuseerne
11.7 km
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Frederiksberg Town Hall
11.7 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Lake Bagsværd
0.7 km
Long, tranquil lake on Copenhagen’s northern fringe, where everyday walks, picnics and wildlife share the shoreline with a world-class rowing course.
Klopstocks eg
0.7 km
Discover Store Dyrehave in North Zealand: a historic royal deer forest with unique star-shaped paths, tranquil wildlife, and lush woodlands perfect for outdoor adventures.
Stendysser
2.0 km
Experience the ancient art of falconry amidst the serene landscapes of Fredensborg at Falkonergården.
Lyngby Folkepark
2.1 km
A relaxed patch of green by Lyngby Lake, where everyday walks, dog runs and quiet pauses connect suburban life with the water and woodland north of Copenhagen.
The Open Air Museum
2.3 km
Step into 300 years of rural Danish life among thatched farms, windmills, animals and gardens in one of the world’s largest historic open‑air museums.
Baadfarten Boat Tour
2.4 km
Historic wooden boats, tranquil lakes and forested shores combine on this leisurely North Zealand cruise just outside Copenhagen.
Mindebænk for Viggo Stuckenberg
2.6 km
A modest stone-framed bench in Sorgenfri Slotshave, offering a quiet, poetic pause where Viggo Stuckenberg once found inspiration amid royal parkland.
Templet
2.7 km
Intimate, no‑frills live venue in Kongens Lyngby where loud guitars, close‑up performances and a local crowd turn a modest room into a night of amplified energy.
Open Air Museum
3.1 km
One of the world’s largest open‑air museums, Frilandsmuseet gathers centuries of Danish rural life into a single village of farms, mills, animals and gardens.
Geels Skov
3.8 km
An accessible Copenhagen-edge woodland of beech trees, clear trails and cosy fire pits, Geels Skov is where everyday life slips easily into fresh-air forest time.
Fiskebæk Naturskole
5.3 km
Rustic forest school and shelter camp on the edge of Værløse, where crackling campfires, simple shelters and tall trees turn everyday nature into an easy escape.
Vaserne
5.7 km
Sheltered between Birkerød and Sjælsø, Vaserne is a protected wetland reserve of reeds, swamp forest and bird-filled lakes offering quietly immersive nature on the city’s edge.
Sommer's Automobile Museum
6.6 km
A three-storey Danish car haven where Jaguars, Volvos and rare home-built specials tell a vivid story of 20th‑century motoring and mechanical passion.
Ordrupgaard
6.6 km
A historic country house turned art museum, where French masters, Danish classics, bold contemporary architecture, and a sculpture-filled park meet in leafy Charlottenlund.
Farum Lake
6.7 km
A tranquil woodland lake looped by a 10 km trail, rich in birdlife, legends and gentle outdoor adventures just northwest of Copenhagen.
Essential places to dine
Søllerød Kro
4.9 km
Historic thatched Danish inn turned Michelin-starred dining destination, where refined French-inspired cuisine, deep wines and warm village charm meet by a tranquil pond.
Cafe 33
9.3 km
Explore the rich heritage of vodka at Cafe 33's unique Vodka Museum in Vanløse.
Gro Eatery
9.8 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in an urban rooftop farm setting at Gro Eatery, where seasonal tasting menus and city views meet Danish sustainability in Østerbro.
PAX
10.4 km
Experience innovative Italian-inspired cuisine in the heart of Østerbro at PAX, where a dynamic menu and cozy ambiance await.
Geranium
10.7 km
Geranium offers a world-class New Nordic tasting experience in Copenhagen, uniting innovative Scandinavian cuisine, sustainable luxury, and panoramic city views.
Street Food 108
10.8 km
Experience authentic Turkish cuisine at Street Food 108 in Copenhagen's vibrant Nørrebro district - a delightful taste adventure awaits!
Restaurant Madklubben Østerbro
10.9 km
Enjoy approachable modern Danish cuisine and vibrant local life in the stylish heart of Østerbro at Restaurant Madklubben, where good food and great company meet.
Gaarden & Gaden
11.0 km
Discover Gaarden & Gaden, a stylishly laid-back bistro in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, serving inventive local cuisine and natural wines in a warm, communal setting.
Bæst
11.1 km
Experience Nørrebro’s celebrated Bæst, where organic Italian pizzas and in-house charcuterie meet Scandinavian sustainability and vibrant Danish hospitality.
Aroii - Nørrebro
11.2 km
Savor inventive Asian fusion cuisine in lively Nørrebro, where Aroii delivers creative Thai-inspired plates and vibrant ambiance in one of Copenhagen’s buzziest districts.
Kiin Kiin
11.2 km
Michelin-starred Thai restaurant in Copenhagen’s Nørrebro, offering inventive tasting menus and modern fine dining that blend Southeast Asian flavors with Nordic influences.
Café Lindevang
11.2 km
A beloved Frederiksberg institution, Café Lindevang serves up hearty Danish classics and authentic smørrebrød in cozy, vintage surroundings steeped in local charm.
Hos Fischer
11.2 km
Experience authentic Italian trattoria dining and neighborhood hospitality at Hos Fischer, a beloved Østerbro culinary gem near the tranquil green heart of Copenhagen.
Hooked Nørrebro
11.3 km
Discover fresh seafood delights at Hooked Nørrebro in Copenhagen - a culinary gem celebrating local flavors in a vibrant setting.
JATAK
11.3 km
Intimate Nørrebro dining where New Nordic produce meets the bold, personal Asian flavors of chef Jonathan Tam in a calm, minimalist Michelin-starred setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Late Morning Post Photographer
3.0 km
Fine art wedding and family photography studio capturing authentic moments with artistic vision and warmth.
Perfectly Worn Vintage
10.6 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.
Rødovre Centrum
10.7 km
Denmark’s original modern shopping mall, blending big‑name stores, cinema and family‑friendly leisure in a spacious all‑weather hub west of central Copenhagen.
Red Cross Op Shop
11.3 km
A vibrant Østerbro thrift store where sustainable shopping, Danish design, and community spirit support Red Cross humanitarian work.
Frederiksberg Centret
11.4 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.
PRAG Nørrebro
11.5 km
PRAG Nørrebro offers a curated vintage shopping experience surrounded by the eclectic energy and cultural vibrancy of Copenhagen’s trendsetting district.
Royal Copenhagen - Outlet
11.5 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.
Butik Bungalow
11.6 km
Colorful Danish-Indian design shop in Nørrebro offering hand-printed homeware, unique gifts, and stylish paper goods in a cozy, creative boutique setting.
McKorman
11.7 km
Discover McKorman in Nørrebro: Copenhagen’s go-to spot for handpicked streetwear, unique vintage fashion, and urban style essentials for every wardrobe.
TorvehallerneKBH
12.3 km
A vibrant marketplace in the heart of Copenhagen, TorvehallerneKBH blends Danish culinary tradition with global flavors across over 60 food and drink stalls.
Exotic Mix
12.4 km
Gourmet nuts, dried fruits and chocolate dragées from around the world, served from a colourful family‑run stall inside Copenhagen’s Torvehallerne market.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
12.5 km
Denmark's largest souvenir destination with 2,000+ authentic gifts celebrating Danish design, heritage, and iconic landmarks.
Fjällräven
12.7 km
A compact Fjällräven brand shop on historic Kultorvet, pairing Scandinavian outdoor design with expert gear advice in the heart of Copenhagen’s old town.
Værnedamsvej
12.7 km
Copenhagen’s beloved Parisian-style street, brimming with independent shops, cafés, wine bars, and Scandinavian charm between vibrant Vesterbro and Frederiksberg.
Souvenir Gifts shop
12.7 km
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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Gotland - Café & Vinbar
10.2 km
Experience the perfect blend of fine wines and cozy café atmosphere at Gotland - Café & Vinbar in Copenhagen.
Dispensary, Whisk(e)y And Beer
10.3 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Dispensary, Whisk(e)y And Beer, where craft beers and fine whiskies await in a vibrant atmosphere.
Kompasset Ølbar
10.5 km
Experience Copenhagen's nightlife at Kompasset Ølbar, a vibrant bar in Østerbro known for its craft beers and inviting atmosphere.
Bubbles Bar
10.8 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and exquisite cocktails at Bubbles Bar, Copenhagen's chic nightlife destination for tourists and locals alike.
Tap10
10.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Tap10, a cozy bar in Østerbro offering exquisite drinks and a lively atmosphere.
Skovbar
10.9 km
Small, punk-spirited and queer-friendly bar in Nørrebro with vegan drinks, inclusive vibes and intimate music nights at budget-friendly prices.
Paloma Vermuteria
11.0 km
Mediterranean vermut culture meets Nordic hospitality in Copenhagen's creative heart.
Klovnens Bodega
11.1 km
Discover the heart of Nørrebro at Klovnens Bodega, a cozy pub offering a delightful atmosphere and a taste of local culture.
Frederiksberg Ølbar
11.1 km
Experience the best of Denmark's brewing heritage at Frederiksberg Ølbar, a cozy bar with a fantastic selection of local craft beers.
BRUS
11.1 km
Discover the best craft beers and seasonal dishes at BRUS, Copenhagen's top brewpub for foodies and beer lovers alike.
The Mudhoney
11.2 km
Discover The Mudhoney, a stylish cocktail bar in Copenhagen, blending coffee shop charm with expertly crafted cocktails for a perfect night out.
Østerbros Perle Pub
11.3 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Østerbros Perle Pub in København Ø, where locals and tourists unite over drinks and laughter.
Trianglen 7
11.3 km
Experience the best of Copenhagen wine culture at Trianglen 7, a charming wine bar offering a curated selection and an inviting atmosphere.
ØB
11.3 km
Experience the best of Copenhagen's nightlife at ØB, where great beer, tasty burgers, and a lively atmosphere come together.
PULP bar
11.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at PULP Bar, where expertly crafted cocktails meet a lively atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Casual
- Romantic
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- 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
- LGBT Friendly
