Søren Aabye Kierkegaard Statue by Louis Hasselriis
A quiet bronze of Denmark’s great existential thinker, hidden in the Royal Library’s leafy garden in the heart of Copenhagen’s old town.
Tucked into the tranquil Royal Library Garden in central Copenhagen, the bronze statue of Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis offers a quiet encounter with Denmark’s most influential philosopher. Unveiled in 1918 and based on an earlier statuette, the seated figure captures Kierkegaard mid-thought, notebook in hand, surrounded by lawns, trees and brick facades. It is a reflective little corner of the city where literature, philosophy and landscape come together in one compact, evocative scene.
A brief summary to Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
- Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- +4533257400
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon for softer light and fewer people in the Royal Library Garden, ideal for photos and quiet reflection.
- Bring a short Kierkegaard text or download one to your phone and spend a few minutes reading on a nearby bench to deepen the sense of place.
- Walk a slow circle around the statue; the shifting backdrop of trees, water and brickwork reveals different moods in the sculpture.
- The garden is mostly flat with paths and seating, making it a gentle stop for mixed‑ability groups needing a calm break in central Copenhagen.
- If you are into photography, try framing the statue with overhanging branches or the library facade to create strong vertical lines in your images.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro from central Copenhagen hubs
From major central stations such as Nørreport or Kongens Nytorv, take the M1 or M2 metro one stop to Gammel Strand or Christianshavn, then walk through the historic core to the Royal Library area in around 10–20 minutes in total, depending on your starting point. A standard single metro ticket within the central zones typically costs about 20–30 DKK and trains run every few minutes during the day. Stations and trains are step‑free, but some nearby streets are cobbled and may feel uneven for wheelchair users.
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City bus within central zones
Several city bus lines serve the vicinity of Slotsholmen and the Royal Library from central Copenhagen corridors. Typical journey times range from 10–25 minutes within the inner city, depending on traffic and your origin. Single tickets bought from machines or via transport apps usually cost around 20–30 DKK for central zones. Buses are low‑floor with wheelchair ramps, but at busy times they can be crowded, and service frequency is reduced late in the evening.
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Bicycle through the historic center
Using Copenhagen’s public bike‑share schemes or a rented bicycle, you can cycle to the Royal Library Garden from most inner‑city districts in about 10–20 minutes along a network of dedicated bike lanes. Expect to pay roughly 20–40 DKK for a short bike‑share ride, depending on duration and provider. Cycling is generally flat and straightforward, but you will need to navigate mixed pedestrian and cycle traffic near major cultural sites, and wet weather can make cobbles and paving stones slippery.
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On foot from nearby central landmarks
If you are already in the historic center near the parliament buildings or major museums, reaching the Royal Library Garden on foot typically takes 5–15 minutes at an easy pace. The route passes through level but sometimes crowded streets, with sections of cobblestones that may be less comfortable for strollers or wheelchairs. Walking is free and flexible, and allows you to combine a visit to the statue with other nearby sights in a single leisurely circuit.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
A philosopher in a hidden city garden
The statue of Søren Aabye Kierkegaard sits in the Royal Library Garden, a surprisingly secluded pocket of green in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By. Here, enclosed by brick walls and the sober facades of the old Royal Library, the city’s bustle softens to a murmur. On a simple pedestal, the bronze figure of Denmark’s most famous thinker appears absorbed in his own world, shoulders slightly hunched, gaze lowered, as if the garden itself were an extension of his inner reflections. The garden setting is central to the experience. Benches, clipped lawns and mature trees frame the statue and invite you to pause rather than simply pass by. In spring and summer, leafy branches cast dappled shadows over Kierkegaard’s features; in autumn, fallen leaves drift around the base like pages from a well‑thumbed book. Even on grey days, the quiet enclosure feels contemplative rather than gloomy.Louis Hasselriis and the making of an icon
The statue was unveiled in 1918, more than sixty years after Kierkegaard’s death, and is based on an earlier plaster statuette by sculptor Louis Hasselriis held at the Danish National Gallery. Hasselriis chose to represent the philosopher seated, writing in a book balanced on his lap, rather than in the heroic, upright pose common to public monuments of the era. The result is an unusually introspective piece of civic sculpture. Look closely at the modelling of the hands and coat folds: they give the impression of motion halted for a moment, as if the pen might resume moving at any second. Weathering has lent the bronze a green patina that contrasts beautifully with the red brick around the garden, adding a sense of age and gravitas while underlining that this is a lived‑in, everyday monument rather than a distant relic.Kierkegaard’s Copenhagen presence
Søren Kierkegaard spent his life in Copenhagen, walking its streets and turning its churches, squares and houses into a backdrop for his thought. The choice to place his statue in the Royal Library’s garden is fitting: the library holds a rich collection of his manuscripts, while the garden gives physical form to the introspection and solitude that run through his work. From this spot, it is easy to imagine him setting off on one of his famous walks through the old town, or returning to sit and wrestle with a philosophical problem. The statue has also become an informal starting point for thematic walks that trace locations associated with Kierkegaard’s life, giving it a role not just as a piece of art but as an anchor in a broader intellectual map of the city.Details to notice when you linger
Although modest in size, the work rewards attention. The slightly oversized head and expressive hair draw your eye, emphasizing thought over physical presence. The pose is relaxed but not casual, combining concentration with a hint of restlessness. Depending on where you stand, the backdrop shifts: from one angle the figure is silhouetted against trees and sky, from another against brick and library windows, subtly changing the mood. The garden’s soundscape adds another layer. Church bells, distant bikes and rustling leaves form a low urban hum around the silent figure. On warm days people read on nearby benches or eat lunch on the grass, echoing the statue’s theme of contemplation in everyday life. In winter, when the trees are bare and the light is low, the monument feels starker, bringing out the more austere side of Kierkegaard’s thought.Planning your visit to the library garden
The Royal Library Garden is freely accessible and unfenced, functioning as a small public park embedded between major cultural institutions. It is easy to combine a brief stop here with time in nearby museums or historic sites. There are benches for sitting, and open lawns where you can simply stand and take in the composition of statue, water, trees and architecture. Allow at least half an hour if you want to explore the garden, study the sculpture from different viewpoints and perhaps read a passage of Kierkegaard while you are here. For visitors interested in photography, the interplay of foliage, brickwork and bronze offers strong compositions throughout the day, with especially atmospheric light in the early morning and late afternoon.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Danish Parliament
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Equestrian statue of Christian IX
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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.
Frederik VII
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Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
The Stable Boy's House
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A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Holmens Bro
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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.
Circle Bridge
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A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
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A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Højbro
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A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Højbro Plads
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Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Højbro Pl.
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Maskinrummet is Skagen’s maritime museum and café, featuring historic marine engines, hands-on exhibits, and harbor-side atmosphere in Denmark’s northernmost town.
Vandkunsten Springvand
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A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
Stork Fountain
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A trio of bronze storks, royal history and everyday city life meet at this elegant fountain in Copenhagen’s Amagertorv square on the Strøget pedestrian street.
Amagertorv
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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 By Mie & Friends
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Strøget
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Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Garden of the Royal Library
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A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
The War Museum
0.1 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Slotsholmen
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A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.1 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.
Black Diamond
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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
0.2 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.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
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A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
Frederiksholms Kanal
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Historic canal skirting Slotsholmen where royal power, stately architecture and quiet waterside promenades meet in the very heart of Copenhagen.
Christiansborg Palace
0.2 km
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Børsen
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Explore Copenhagen’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not!—an imaginative museum of fascinating oddities, curiosities, and interactive wonders at City Hall Square.
Marmorbroen
0.3 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.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.3 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
0.3 km
Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
Church of Holmen
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Roskilde's central square, Stændertorvet.
Stromma Canal Tours
0.3 km
Discover the world of 'Nordic gold' at the Copenhagen Amber Museum, where history, science, and stunning amber artifacts meet in Nyhavn’s oldest house.
Essential places to dine
Kanal-Caféen
0.3 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
No. 2
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Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
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.
Marv & Ben
0.4 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
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 Maven
0.4 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.
Restaurant Puk
0.5 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Restaurant Tight
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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.
Restaurant Noi
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Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Rio Bravo
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Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
King Hans Cellar
0.5 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Restaurant Kronborg
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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.
Københavner Cafeen
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Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Kadeau
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Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Llama
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Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
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Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Læderstræde
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Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Audrey Vintage
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Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Hygge Original
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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
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Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Akimbo
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A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
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Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
& Other Stories
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Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Magasin du Nord
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Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
Magnolias
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A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
ILLUM
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ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Urban Outfitters
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Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
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A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Duck Haven
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A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ruby
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K-Bar
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Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
The Bird and The Churchkey
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Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Godt Øl
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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.
Zefside
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Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
The Dubliner
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Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
The Rooftop Bar
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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 Marble Bar
0.5 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
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Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Southern Cross Pub
0.5 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.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
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Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.6 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Centralhjørnet
0.6 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.
not your USUAL wine bar
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Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.6 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Chateau Motel
0.6 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
0.7 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Lusso
0.7 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.
Miami Bar
0.7 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
0.7 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.7 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Dorsia
0.7 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
The Zoo
0.7 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.
La Terraza
0.8 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
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.
Cosy Bar
0.9 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
0.9 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Module
0.9 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Arch
1.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
