Frederiksholms Kanal
Historic waterway where Danish grandeur meets serene Nordic charm, lined with palaces and museums.
Frederiksholms Kanal is a historic waterway winding through Copenhagen's heart, lined with stately 17th-century architecture and cultural landmarks. This serene canal, created during King Christian IV's reign, flows past Christiansborg Palace, the National Museum, and Thorvaldsens Museum. Picturesque bridges offer enchanting views, while benches and green spaces invite lingering. Free to visit at all hours, the canal is equally captivating at sunrise, during midday strolls, or at golden sunset—a quintessential Copenhagen experience blending regal grandeur with relaxed Nordic charm.
A brief summary to Frederiksholms Kanal
- Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- Duration: 0.75 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit at sunrise or dusk for the most compelling photography. The soft light transforms the historic facades and their reflections in the water into luminous compositions.
- Combine your canal walk with nearby museums. The National Museum, Thorvaldsens Museum, and Royal Arsenal Museum are all within steps, making cultural exploration seamless.
- Take a guided boat tour for a different perspective. Multiple operators offer 60–90 minute cruises with commentary in Danish, English, and German, departing from Holmens Church or Nyhavn.
- Bring a picnic and claim one of the benches or steps along the water. Locals frequent these spots during lunch, and the views make for a memorable meal.
- Explore the bridges in detail. The Marble Bridge and Storm Bridge offer distinct architectural character and framed views that reward close inspection.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Information Boards
- Drink Options
- Food Options
Getting There
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Walking from City Hall Square
From Copenhagen's City Hall Square in the heart of Indre By, Frederiksholms Kanal is accessible via a 10–20 minute walk on flat, fully accessible terrain. Follow visible palace spires and museum domes for orientation. The route passes key landmarks and public spaces, with frequent benches along the banks. No special equipment or fitness level required.
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Public Transport to Nearby Station
Take the Metro or S-train to Nørreport Station or Kongens Nytorv Station (both approximately 5–10 minutes travel from central Copenhagen). From either station, the canal is a 5–10 minute walk. The area is flat and fully accessible. A single journey ticket costs approximately 24–36 DKK depending on zones.
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Canal Boat Tour from Holmens Church or Nyhavn
Guided boat tours depart regularly from Holmens Church or Nyhavn at Heibergsgade. Tours last 60–90 minutes and include commentary in Danish, English, and German. Operators include Netto-Boats and other local providers. Prices range from approximately 105–150 DKK per person. Winter tours use heated glass-roofed boats (October–March). No advance booking required for most departures, though reservations are recommended during peak season.
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Guided Kayak Tour
For a more immersive water-based experience, guided kayak tours of Copenhagen Harbor and the canal system depart from central locations. Tours typically last 2 hours and cost approximately 500–700 DKK per person. These tours offer a unique perspective and are suitable for participants with basic swimming ability. Operators provide all necessary equipment and safety briefings.
Frederiksholms Kanal location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Frederiksholms Kanal
A Waterway Born from Royal Ambition
Frederiksholms Kanal emerged in the early 17th century as part of King Christian IV's visionary expansion of Copenhagen. This elegant waterway was engineered not merely as a scenic feature but as a strategic element of the capital's development, weaving through the historic island of Slotsholmen. The canal's creation reflected the ambitions of a monarch determined to transform Copenhagen into a grand European capital, and today it stands as a living testament to that era of Danish power and cultural flourishing. The canal's historical significance deepens when you consider its role in the city's defense and commerce. The Storm Bridge, with its distinctive three arches, marks the spot where Swedish troops once mounted an unsuccessful siege during the 17th-century Northern Wars. This bridge and others spanning the waterway are more than functional crossings—they are architectural statements that frame the canal's most photogenic vistas.Palaces, Museums, and Institutional Grandeur
The banks of Frederiksholms Kanal showcase some of Copenhagen's most imposing and culturally significant buildings. Christiansborg Palace dominates the landscape, its grand silhouette rising above the water as the seat of the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the royal reception rooms. This architectural masterpiece represents centuries of Danish governance and remains one of Europe's most important political buildings. Equally impressive are the cultural institutions that line the canal. The National Museum of Denmark occupies the Prince's Mansion, once the official residence of the Crown Prince, while the Thorvaldsens Museum celebrates the legacy of Denmark's most celebrated sculptor. The Royal Arsenal Museum and the Danish Film School further underscore the canal's role as a cultural corridor. Walking along the promenade, you encounter layer upon layer of Danish heritage, each building telling stories of artistic achievement, political power, and national identity.The Rhythm of Daily Life Along the Water
Beyond its historical and architectural significance, Frederiksholms Kanal pulses with the everyday life of Copenhagen. Locals frequent the benches and steps along the banks during lunch breaks, watching classic canal boats glide past while enjoying picnics with views of historic facades reflected in the water. The canal's tranquil ambiance provides a counterpoint to the bustle of the surrounding city center, creating pockets of calm where both residents and visitors can pause and absorb the atmosphere. The waterway is animated by pleasure boats and cruisers that regularly navigate its length, offering visitors an alternative perspective on the landmarks. These vessels—ranging from traditional low-slung river boats to solar-powered craft and romantic gondolas—add movement and life to the scene. The sight of boats passing beneath the bridges, their passengers gazing upward at the surrounding architecture, has become an iconic image of Copenhagen.Bridges, Views, and Photographic Magic
The bridges crossing Frederiksholms Kanal are far more than utilitarian structures; they are vantage points that transform the canal into a photographer's paradise. The Marble Bridge, in particular, offers stunning views that shift dramatically depending on the time of day and season. Sunrise bathes the facades in soft golden light, while sunset creates a luminous glow that reflects off the water's surface. The bridges themselves, with their elegant arches and historic stonework, frame compositions that have captivated visitors for centuries. Photographers and casual observers alike discover that nearly every angle along the canal yields a compelling view. The interplay of water, architecture, and light creates an ever-changing canvas throughout the day. The canal's gentle curves ensure that no two vantage points offer identical perspectives, rewarding those who take time to explore different sections and return at different hours.Access and Atmosphere for Every Season
Frederiksholms Kanal remains open and accessible at all hours, free of charge, making it one of Copenhagen's most democratic attractions. The flat terrain and frequent benches ensure accessibility for visitors of all mobility levels. In warmer months, the canal becomes a hub of activity, with boat tours departing regularly and outdoor seating areas filled with people enjoying the waterfront. During autumn and winter, heated glass-roofed boats continue to operate, allowing year-round exploration of the canal's charms. The surrounding area seamlessly integrates museums, historic sites, and public spaces, inviting visitors to combine a canal stroll with cultural visits. The proximity of Hojbro Square, Holmens Kirke church, and Børsen (the former Copenhagen Stock Exchange) means that a walk along Frederiksholms Kanal naturally connects to broader explorations of Copenhagen's historic center. This interconnectedness makes the canal not an isolated attraction but a vital artery in the city's cultural and historical landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Stable Boy's House
0.2 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.2 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.
The Danish Parliament
0.2 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Frederik VII
0.3 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Holmens Bro
0.4 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
Højbro
0.4 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Circle Bridge
0.4 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Kopenhagen
0.4 km
Spectacular palace at Copenhagen’s core, blending royal grandeur, political intrigue, and centuries of Danish history—home to Parliament, the courts, and the monarchy.
Church of Holmen
0.4 km
A Renaissance gem transformed from anchor forge to naval sanctuary, where maritime heritage and royal history converge.
Højbro Plads
0.4 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Nytorv
0.5 km
Historic domed observatory in Aarhus offering inspiring stargazing nights, public tours, and a glimpse into Denmark’s astronomical history atop a leafy city hill.
Højbro Pl.
0.5 km
Maskinrummet is Skagen’s maritime museum and café, featuring historic marine engines, hands-on exhibits, and harbor-side atmosphere in Denmark’s northernmost town.
Strøget
0.5 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Amagertorv
0.5 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.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.5 km
A gilded astronomical masterpiece with 15,448 parts, calculating time and cosmos for the next 2,500 years.
Unmissable attractions to see
Marmorbroen
0.1 km
An 18th‑century Rococo bridge that once formed the grand entrance to Christiansborg Palace, Marmorbroen quietly unites royal history, canal views and everyday city life.
Slotsholmen
0.1 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
0.2 km
A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
The War Museum
0.2 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.2 km
A quiet bronze of Denmark’s great existential thinker, seated with manuscripts in a hidden garden behind the Royal Library in the heart of Copenhagen.
National Museum of Denmark
0.2 km
Denmark’s past comes alive in a grand city palace, where Vikings, royal salons and playful children’s galleries tell 14,000 years of stories under one roof.
Garden of the Royal Library
0.2 km
A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s harbourside hub for design and urban life, where immersive exhibitions, playful workshops and rooftop views reveal how architecture shapes the way we live.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.2 km
Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
Christiansborg Palace
0.3 km
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Magstræde
0.3 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest cobbled lanes, Magstræde is a colorful, time‑worn shortcut through the city’s medieval heart and everyday modern life.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.3 km
An intimate museum in a 17th‑century boathouse where Daniel Libeskind’s Mitzvah‑shaped architecture tells 400 years of Danish Jewish history and rescue.
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.
Black Diamond
0.3 km
Fredensborg Palace is a magnificent 18th-century royal residence on Lake Esrum, famed for its baroque architecture, exquisite gardens, and regal Danish history.
Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s Black Diamond blends a centuries‑old national library with bold harbourfront architecture, quiet reading rooms, exhibitions, concerts and a hidden garden oasis.
Essential places to dine
Kanal-Caféen
0.1 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Restaurant Karla
0.2 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
0.3 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
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 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.
Restaurant Noi
0.3 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Marv & Ben
0.3 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.4 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.
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.
No. 2
0.5 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Københavner Cafeen
0.5 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Restaurant Maven
0.5 km
Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.6 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.6 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.6 km
Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Audrey Vintage
0.4 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Læderstræde
0.4 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Akimbo
0.4 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Danish Souvenirs
0.5 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.5 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
& Other Stories
0.5 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Hygge Original
0.5 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.5 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.5 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Souvenir Shop
0.5 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Duck Haven
0.5 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.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.5 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.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.5 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Viking Souvenirs
0.6 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.
Magnolias
0.6 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Zefside
0.3 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Ruby
0.3 km
Hidden in an 18th‑century canal‑side townhouse, Ruby pairs quietly glamorous, apartment‑style interiors with some of Copenhagen’s most considered cocktails.
Godt Øl
0.3 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.
The Rooftop Bar
0.3 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 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.
The Marble Bar
0.3 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Southern Cross Pub
0.4 km
Lively two-floor sports pub in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring well-priced beers, screening wall-to-wall live sport, and staying open long into the night.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
K-Bar
0.4 km
A small, monochrome cocktail lounge off Ved Stranden where crafted infusions, intimate lighting and a personal touch showcase Copenhagen’s modern bar culture.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
Cuban-inspired cocktails, candlelight and late-night rhythm in a cozy Knabrostræde hideaway at the heart of Copenhagen’s old town.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.4 km
Discover unconventional wines and craft cocktails in Copenhagen's most welcoming wine bar.
Centralhjørnet
0.4 km
Copenhagen's legendary gay bar since 1917—where history, warmth, and celebration meet.
Taphouse
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s craft-beer playground with 60+ rotating taps, minimalist Scandinavian design and a relaxed, conversation-first atmosphere off City Hall Square.
The Dubliner
0.5 km
Lively Irish pub on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, pouring well-kept Guinness, showing big-screen sports and serving hearty pub grub in a warm, wood-paneled setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.4 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Chateau Motel
0.5 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
0.6 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Dorsia
0.6 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Miami Bar
0.6 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
0.6 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.6 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
La Terraza
0.7 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Module
0.7 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Cosy Bar
0.7 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.7 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
The Zoo
0.8 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Lusso
0.8 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
Never Mind
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Mini Bar
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
