National Museum of Denmark
Nine thousand years of Danish history, from ice age hunters to modern times, housed in an 18th-century palace.
Denmark's premier cultural institution, the National Museum showcases 9,000 years of Danish history within the elegant 18th-century Prince's Palace. Explore iconic Viking treasures, prehistoric artifacts like the Sun Chariot and Egtved Girl, and interactive exhibits including the Children's Museum where visitors can sail Viking ships and cook in medieval kitchens. Located in central Copenhagen, it offers guided tours, a restaurant serving traditional Danish cuisine, and free admission for children under 18.
A brief summary to National Museum of Denmark
- Ny Vestergade 10, København K, København K, 1471, DK
- +4533134411
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 3.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- The museum closes at 5 PM, so plan to arrive by mid-afternoon if you want a thorough visit. Many visitors recommend allowing 2–3 hours minimum to experience the main exhibitions without rushing.
- Mondays are closed November through March; plan your visit for Tuesday–Sunday during winter months. From April to October, the museum is open daily.
- Children under 18 enter free. The Children's Museum is worth prioritizing if traveling with young visitors—it offers hands-on activities unavailable in most traditional museums.
- Book a guided tour in advance through the museum's website for themed experiences like Meet the Vikings or private tours of the Klunkehjem apartment, a preserved 19th-century residence.
- Use the free audio guide to navigate at your own pace. The museum offers 60-minute curated routes covering Danish history, family themes, or world cultures if time is limited.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Lockers
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro and Bus
From Copenhagen Central Station, take the Metro (Lines M1 or M2) toward Vanløse or Christianshavn, or board buses 1A, 6A, or 14 toward the city center. Journey time is approximately 5–10 minutes depending on your starting point. Exit at Gammel Strand or nearby stops and walk 2–3 minutes to Ny Vestergade 10. The museum is well signposted from major transit hubs. Single journey tickets cost approximately 24 DKK; day passes are around 80 DKK.
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Walking from Central Station
A straightforward 9-minute walk from Copenhagen Central Station. Head northeast through the city center via Vesterbrogade and Vester Voldgade, following signs toward Indre By. The route is flat, well-lit, and passes through pedestrian-friendly streets. Ideal for those arriving by train or staying centrally.
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Parking
Two nearby parking facilities serve the museum: BLOX Parking at Vester Voldgade 129 (approximately 200 meters away) and Q-Park Industriens Hus at H.C. Andersens Boulevard 18 (approximately 300 meters away). Both offer hourly rates around 40–50 DKK per hour, with daily maximums typically 200–250 DKK. Arrive early during peak season (May–September) as spaces fill quickly.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen's extensive cycle network makes cycling a practical option. Bike rental stations are scattered throughout the city; expect to pay 80–150 DKK for a day pass. The museum is centrally located with nearby bike parking facilities. Journey time from most central locations is 5–15 minutes depending on starting point.
National Museum of Denmark location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about National Museum of Denmark
A Palace of Stories Spanning Nine Millennia
The National Museum of Denmark occupies the Prince's Palace, an elegant 18th-century building constructed in 1743–44 in the heart of Copenhagen. Within its grand halls—adorned with original stucco, chandeliers, wood paneling, and period furnishings—lies one of Northern Europe's most comprehensive collections of Danish cultural heritage. The museum traces the nation's journey from the ice age reindeer hunters through the Viking era, the introduction of Christianity, absolute monarchy, and into the modern day. This architectural grandeur itself tells a story of power and refinement, creating an atmosphere where history feels tangible and immediate.Treasures from Prehistory and the Viking Age
The exhibition Prehistoric Denmark houses some of Scandinavia's most significant archaeological finds. The Sun Chariot, a Bronze Age artifact of mysterious spiritual significance, stands alongside the Egtved Girl—a young woman whose remains, preserved for over 3,400 years, continue to captivate scholars and visitors alike. The Gundestrup Cauldron, an ornate silver vessel depicting Celtic and Germanic deities, represents the complex trade networks of ancient Europe. Among the Viking displays, visitors encounter weapons, silver hoards, and divination amulets that illuminate a maritime civilization that dominated northern seas through trade, exploration, and conquest. The Huldremose Woman, whose body was preserved in a bog around 100 CE, offers an intimate connection to Iron Age life and death.Contemporary Exhibitions and the Viking Sorceress
Beyond permanent collections, the museum presents rotating exhibitions that deepen understanding of Danish identity and global connections. The special exhibition The Viking Sorceress explores the beliefs, cosmology, and cultural authority of the völva—the seeress figure central to Viking spiritual life. The exhibition KA-CHING! examines how money has shaped human civilization across millennia, inviting visitors to engage interactively with economic history. These exhibitions employ immersive design and multimedia elements to make historical concepts accessible and engaging for contemporary audiences.The Children's Museum: History Through Play
The Children's Museum transforms learning into adventure. Young visitors can set sail in a Viking ship, negotiate trades in a recreated bazaar, prepare meals in a medieval kitchen, and experience classroom life as it existed in the 1950s. Every object is designed to be touched, explored, and manipulated—a philosophy that recognizes how children learn through sensory engagement and play. This section of the museum has become a highlight for families, allowing children to inhabit historical moments rather than merely observe them from behind glass.Visitor Experience and Practical Amenities
The museum offers multiple ways to explore its collections. Free audio guides in several languages allow self-directed discovery at a personal pace, with curated routes available for those with limited time. Guided tours, bookable in advance, include themed options such as Meet the Vikings. The on-site restaurant Smör serves modern interpretations of classic Danish dishes, particularly smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches), emphasizing local, seasonal, and organic ingredients. A museum shop offers replicas of iconic artifacts, Viking mead, jewelry, and contemporary Danish products that bridge past and present. Visitors may bring their own food and use the lunch room, and lockers are available for personal belongings.Setting and Accessibility
Located at Ny Vestergade 10 in the Indre By (Inner City) neighborhood, the museum sits within walking distance of Copenhagen Central Station—approximately nine minutes on foot. The building is wheelchair accessible, and the museum is easily reached by bus, train, or metro using the Rejseplanen travel planner app. Nearby parking options include BLOX Parking and Q-Park Industriens Hus. The museum's central location makes it an accessible anchor point for exploring Copenhagen's historic core.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.3 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 Stable Boy's House
0.3 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.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.3 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
Lur Blowers
0.3 km
Bronze Age horns meet early 20th‑century grandeur in this 20‑metre column, where two silent lur players keep watch over Copenhagen’s bustling City Hall Square.
The Danish Parliament
0.4 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Tivoli Gardens
0.4 km
Discover the magic of Tivoli Gardens, a historic theme park in Copenhagen that offers thrilling rides, beautiful gardens, and captivating performances.
Gammel Strand
0.4 km
Ledreborg Park blends magnificent Baroque landscaping, palace views and serene Danish woodland for a captivating escape near Roskilde, ideal for history and nature lovers.
Gammeltorv
0.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's only Russian Orthodox Church, renowned for its gilded domes, lavish icons, and evocative ties to Denmark's royal and multicultural heritage.
Frederik VII
0.5 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Højbro
0.5 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Jorcks Passage
0.5 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.5 km
Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
Strøget
0.5 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Rutschebanen
0.5 km
Iconic 1914 wooden roller coaster in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, offering nostalgic thrills and hands-on history amid the city’s legendary amusement park.
Bishop Absalon
0.5 km
Dynamic equestrian monument to Copenhagen’s warrior-bishop founder, rising over central Højbro Plads with rich maritime symbolism and a direct visual link to Christiansborg.
Unmissable attractions to see
Museum of Copenhagen
0.1 km
Explore a thousand years of Copenhagen's history through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the stories of its people.
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.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.2 km
Frederiksholms Kanal—a historic waterway offering tranquil walks, classic canal views, and a journey through the heart of Copenhagen’s regal past.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.2 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.
Magstræde
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s cobbled time capsule: a gently curving lane of colorful old houses, harbor history and quiet charm in the heart of the Old Town.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
0.2 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's Crown Jewels and royal treasures.
Rainbow Square
0.3 km
A small city-centre plaza with a powerful rainbow dedication, Rainbow Square turns everyday pavement beside Copenhagen City Hall into a quiet landmark for LGBTQ+ equality.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.3 km
Descend beneath Søndermarken Park to discover Copenhagen’s historic water cisterns, now transformed into a mesmerizing underground art museum unlike any other in Denmark.
Copenhagen City Hall
0.3 km
Explore Denmark's Viking heritage along the scenic Skjoldungestien trail.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
0.3 km
Discover masterpieces from the Danish Golden Age and European classics to contemporary art in Denmark’s largest art museum, set by Copenhagen’s serene city park.
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.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
0.3 km
A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
0.3 km
A compact oddities museum on Rådhuspladsen where shrunken heads, vortex tunnels and record‑breaking curiosities turn everyday Copenhagen into a world of wonders.
Slotsholmen
0.3 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
Weirdwalks Byvandring
0.4 km
Stroll the storied harbor promenade, discover Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid, lush parks, and maritime sculptures along the scenic Langelinie waterfront.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Karla
0.1 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Rio Bravo
0.1 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
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 Puk
0.2 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
0.2 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Restaurant 1733
0.2 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
0.3 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.
Københavner Cafeen
0.4 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 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.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.4 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.5 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Spisestedet FEED
0.5 km
Discover exquisite flavors and an inviting atmosphere at Spisestedet FEED in the heart of København.
Krebsegaarden
0.6 km
An intimate art-filled townhouse in central Copenhagen where creative tasting menus, warm storytelling service and an epic cheese course turn dinner into an evening-long occasion.
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
0.6 km
Handmade Italian pasta and wine in the heart of Tivoli Food Hall, offering relaxed, counter-service dining steps from Copenhagen Central Station.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Souvenir Shop
0.4 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.4 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Viking Souvenirs
0.4 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.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.4 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Audrey Vintage
0.4 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
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.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.4 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.
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.
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.
& Other Stories
0.5 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Tivoli Gift Shop
0.5 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Læderstræde
0.5 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Carmen Copenhagen
0.5 km
Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Rooftop Bar
0.1 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
0.1 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Zefside
0.2 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Southern Cross Pub
0.2 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.
The Marble Bar
0.2 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.3 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Taphouse
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
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.
Ruby
0.3 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Centralhjørnet
0.3 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.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
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.
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.
Musen & Elefanten
0.4 km
Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
Proud Mary Pub
0.5 km
Loud, lively and central, Proud Mary Pub brings a British-style pub atmosphere, hearty bar food and big beer nights to Copenhagen’s Vesterbrogade.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.2 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Chateau Motel
0.4 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
0.4 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
0.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
0.5 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Mirror
0.5 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.5 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Module
0.5 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.6 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
La Terraza
0.6 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Cosy Bar
0.6 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Never Mind
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Den Anden Side
0.7 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
Arch
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Cultural Heritage
- Unique
- Entertaining
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Minimalist Designs
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Wheelchair Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
