St. Paul’s Church (Sankt Pauls Kirke), Nyboder
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
St. Paul’s Church (Sankt Pauls Kirke) rises in warm red brick at the heart of Copenhagen’s historic Nyboder quarter, a striking Neo‑Romanesque landmark framed by rows of iconic yellow naval housing. Consecrated in 1877 and designed by architect Johannes Emil Gnudtzmann, this Lutheran church was built to serve the seafaring community that had lived here for more than two centuries without a parish of its own. Today it offers a calm, contemplative interior, atmospheric services and concerts, and a memorable contrast between its robust tower and the low, orderly streets that surround it.
A brief summary to St. Paul's Church
- Gernersgade 33, Copenhagen, København K, 1319, DK
- +4531111745
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Step outside the main entrance and walk a slow loop around the surrounding Nyboder streets to appreciate how the red-brick church aligns with the rows of yellow naval houses.
- If possible, time your visit for a service or concert to experience the church’s acoustics and interior atmosphere rather than only viewing it from the outside.
- Bring a camera or phone: the contrast between the church tower and the low yellow terraces offers striking architectural photo opportunities in soft morning or late-afternoon light.
- Dress in layers; the interior can feel cool on overcast days, especially if you sit quietly for longer periods during reflection or music.
- Combine your stop here with nearby sites such as Kastellet or the King’s Garden for a compact walking route through some of central Copenhagen’s most historic districts.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro from central Copenhagen
From the central city area, use the M3 or M4 metro line to reach Marmorkirken or Østerport station; trains typically run every few minutes and the journey takes about 5–10 minutes. A single-zone ticket costs roughly 20–25 DKK, and the stations have lifts and escalators, making this option suitable for most mobility levels. From either station, expect an additional 10–15 minutes of level, urban walking through established streets to reach the church.
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City bus within Copenhagen
Several inner-city bus routes serve stops within a short walk of Nyboder and St. Paul’s Church, with travel times of about 10–20 minutes from typical central locations depending on traffic. Standard bus tickets for the relevant zones are around 20–25 DKK and can usually be purchased via ticket machines or mobile apps. Buses run frequently throughout the day, but can be slower during peak hours when traffic increases.
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Bicycle through the inner city
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make it straightforward to reach Nyboder by bike from most central districts in around 10–20 minutes. You can use city bike schemes or rental shops; expect to pay roughly 50–150 DKK for short-term use, depending on duration and provider. The route is largely flat and on dedicated lanes, but be prepared for busy intersections and follow local cycling etiquette.
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On foot from nearby attractions
If you are already visiting nearby sites such as Kastellet, the King’s Garden, or central museums, plan a 10–25 minute urban walk to St. Paul’s Church. The terrain is paved and mostly flat, suitable for casual walkers, though cobblestones in some stretches may be less comfortable for strollers or wheelchairs. This is a pleasant way to experience the transition between waterfront fortifications, gardens, and the historic Nyboder quarter.
St. Paul's Church 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
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about St. Paul's Church
A Red-Brick Beacon in the Nyboder Quarter
St. Paul’s Church stands at Gernersgade 33 as the natural focal point of Nyboder, Copenhagen’s historic naval housing district. Its tall, square tower and deep red brick immediately stand out against the ochre-yellow terraces that line the streets, creating one of the city’s most distinctive urban ensembles. The church feels at once modest in scale and monumental in presence, anchoring perspectives from several surrounding streets. Step closer and you notice the careful brickwork, with shallow buttresses, round-arched windows, and decorative bands that articulate the facades. The tower’s belfry openings and simple clock faces give it a workmanlike dignity that reflects the neighborhood’s naval roots rather than royal grandeur. Even before you enter, the building reads as a place designed for everyday Copenhageners rather than for ceremony alone.From Naval Housing to a Dedicated Parish Church
Nyboder itself dates back to the 1630s, created to house sailors and personnel of the Danish navy in orderly rows of state-built dwellings. For more than two centuries these residents had no dedicated church of their own, attending services elsewhere in the city. That changed in the 1870s, when a wave of church building swept through Copenhagen’s growing districts and plans were finally drawn up for a parish in Nyboder. The commission went to Johannes Emil Gnudtzmann, then a young architect whose design fused historic forms with the restrained sensibility of late 19th‑century Denmark. Construction began in the early 1870s, and St. Paul’s was consecrated in 1877 as a parish church of the Church of Denmark. It quickly became known as “Nyboder’s Church,” symbolically giving the long-established community a spiritual center to match its physical identity.Neo-Romanesque Lines and Italian Inspirations
Architecturally, St. Paul’s is a textbook example of Neo‑Romanesque, a style that echoed medieval churches while using modern materials and techniques. Its rounded arches, heavy piers, and compact massing all recall Romanesque precedents, yet the overall composition is clear and almost minimalist, stripped of excessive ornament. The red brick construction, so characteristic of Danish public buildings of the period, lends warmth even on cold, grey days. Inside, the church reveals a long, aisleless nave where light filters softly through tall, round‑headed windows. Simple plastered walls and exposed structural elements keep the focus on the altar and pulpit rather than on decorative display. The atmosphere is contemplative rather than dramatic: a calm volume of space defined by rhythm and proportion, where subtle details in wood, stone, and metalwork reward unhurried attention.A Church Saved and Renewed
As central Copenhagen’s population changed during the 20th century, St. Paul’s parish shrank, and by the late 1900s the church faced an uncertain future. At one point it appeared on lists of churches that might be closed or repurposed, a fate that befell several inner-city parishes. Instead, the building underwent restoration and emerged in the 1990s with renewed purpose, its fabric reinforced and its interior carefully refreshed. Today, the church balances its liturgical role with a cultural one. Regular Lutheran services sit alongside concerts, organ recitals, and occasional events that make the most of the building’s acoustics. The restored interior, neither lavish nor austere, feels quietly contemporary while clearly rooted in its 19th‑century origins, a reminder of how historic churches can adapt without losing their character.Everyday Stillness in a Central City Setting
One of St. Paul’s greatest charms is its setting in the everyday life of Nyboder. Outside, cyclists pass along narrow streets, and the yellow rows of former naval homes form low, symmetrical backdrops. From the church steps you can trace the straight lines of the original housing plan, look toward the earthworks of Kastellet, or glimpse the towers and spires of central Copenhagen beyond. For visitors, this is less a grand showpiece and more a place to pause, listen to footsteps on wooden floors, and feel the shift as the city’s sounds soften at the threshold. A short visit easily fits into a wider exploration of nearby gardens, museums, and waterfront fortifications, yet St. Paul’s rewards anyone who lingers—with an intimate sense of Copenhagen’s layered history, and the enduring relationship between a working neighborhood and its parish church.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St. Paul's Church
0.0 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Our Fallen
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A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
Horn mine
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A disarmed World War II naval mine displayed in Churchill Park, turning a former weapon of the sea into a quiet reminder of conflict amid central Copenhagen’s greenery.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
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A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
I am Queen Mary
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A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
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Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Gefion Fountain
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A powerful Norse creation myth cast in bronze and spray, the Gefion Fountain unites legend, sculpture and harbor light on the edge of Churchillparken.
Larsens Pl.
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Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Indre By
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Medieval streets, royal palaces, and European shopping converge in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
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Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
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Discover the Monument to Denmark's International Activities in Kastellet: A historical landmark celebrating Denmark's global contributions since 1948.
Memorial Anchor
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A historic anchor monument honoring Danish WWII sailors, set at the heart of scenic Nyhavn, blending maritime history with Copenhagen’s lively canal atmosphere.
Kongens Nytorv
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Discover Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen's historic square, surrounded by iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and easy access to Nyhavn and Strøget for an unforgettable experience.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
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A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
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Aarhus University Park blends modernist architecture, landscaped gardens, and tranquil lakes to create an inviting oasis at the heart of Denmark’s vibrant student city.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bredgade Kunsthandel
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Refined contemporary art gallery on Copenhagen’s Bredgade, where Danish and international works unfold in bright, minimalist rooms just steps from royal and design landmarks.
Medicinsk Museion
0.4 km
Historic surgical academy turned cutting‑edge medical museum, where preserved bodies, instruments and contemporary science exhibitions reveal how we understand health and disease.
Frederik's Church
0.4 km
Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen offers seven centuries of world-class art in luminous galleries, from old masters to Danish modern icons and contemporary innovators.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
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Explore the evolution of design at Copenhagen's premier museum, housed in a historic rococo building.
Designmuseum Danmark
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s temple of design, where rococo halls, iconic Danish chairs and a tranquil garden reveal how beautifully made objects shape everyday life.
Den Frie Udstilling
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Independent artist-run exhibition house in a striking wooden building, presenting changing contemporary art shows in the heart of Copenhagen’s Østerbro district.
The David Collection
0.5 km
Scandinavia's premier Islamic art museum, housed in a historic townhouse with free admission year-round.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.5 km
Step behind the facades of Copenhagen’s royal square to explore intimate apartments, glittering gala halls and Fabergé treasures at Amalienborg Palace Museum.
The King's Garden
0.5 km
Frederiksholms Kanal: An evocative canal-side promenade at the heart of Copenhagen, blending royal history, stately architecture, and peaceful city scenes.
Amaliegade
0.5 km
A stately Copenhagen street where Rococo townhouses, royal colonnades and diplomatic mansions line a calm axis through the heart of Frederiksstaden.
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst
0.5 km
Denmark’s national gallery, uniting seven centuries of art, a world-class Matisse collection and a luminous modern wing beside Østre Anlæg park in central Copenhagen.
Amalienborg
0.6 km
Discover the majestic Rosenborg Castle—home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, regal interiors, and lush gardens—offering a journey through centuries of royal Danish history.
Rytterstatuen
0.6 km
A surreal subterranean art museum beneath Søndermarken Park, fusing Copenhagen’s 19th-century waterworks with modern installations and immersive experiences.
Museum of Danish Resistance
0.6 km
Go underground beneath Churchill Park to follow five real lives through Denmark’s World War II occupation, in an immersive museum of resistance, choices and courage.
Kastellet
0.6 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's crown jewels and royal regalia.
Essential places to dine
Kokkeriet
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Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Restaurant Rebel
0.5 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Aoc
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Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.5 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Restaurant Vita
0.6 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Alouette
0.6 km
One‑Michelin‑star Green Star dining in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, where hyper‑seasonal Nordic tasting menus meet quietly striking design by the King’s Garden.
Den Lille Fede
0.6 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.7 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Goldfinch
0.7 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Bistro Royal
0.7 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Frank
0.8 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.8 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
Marchal
0.8 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
l’Alsace
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Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Cap Horn
0.8 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.4 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
The Crown souvenir
0.6 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
The Wilde Shop
0.6 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.7 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Zane
0.7 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.8 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Storm - design art fashion
0.8 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.8 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Viking Souvenirs
0.9 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Maritime Antiques &
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Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
Norse Projects
0.9 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.9 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.9 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Copenhagenglass
0.9 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Norse Store
0.9 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
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Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.7 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Trykbar
0.7 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
Bar Deco
0.7 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Balthazar
0.8 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
The Moose
0.8 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
1105
0.8 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Charlie's Bar
0.9 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Gejser Bar
0.9 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
Brønnum
0.9 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Skaal
1.0 km
Lively craft beer hall on Kultorvet square, pairing one of Copenhagen’s broadest tap selections with casual café dishes in the heart of Indre By.
Bar'Vin
1.0 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
TATA Cocktail Bar
1.0 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Balderdash
1.0 km
Copenhagen’s candlelit cocktail laboratory in a 1732 townhouse, where hygge, art and daring seasonal drinks turn a quiet side street into an unforgettable night out.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
- 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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
