Ørstedsparken
A historic moat turned inner-city oasis, Ørstedsparken blends lakeside calm, playful lawns and quiet café corners just moments from busy central Copenhagen.
Ørstedsparken is a leafy inner-city park in central Copenhagen, laid out along the line of the former 19th-century fortifications. Named after physicist Hans Christian Ørsted, it wraps around a serene lake that once formed part of the old defensive moat. Today its lawns, flowerbeds, statues, playgrounds and small café create a calm, typically Danish blend of history and hygge just a few minutes from the bustle of Nørreport and the city’s main sights.
A brief summary to Ørstedsparken
- Nørre Voldgade 1, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1358, DK
- +4533663366
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Bring a blanket and use the grassy slopes above the lake as a natural amphitheatre for people-watching and sunset views on clear summer evenings.
- If you are visiting with children, seek out both playgrounds: one is closer to the lake, while the other offers a bit more space for energetic play.
- Combine a stroll in Ørstedsparken with a stop at nearby Torvehallerne to pick up picnic supplies and enjoy them on one of the park’s many benches or lawns.
- Visit in spring or early autumn for softer light and colourful foliage, when the park is especially photogenic around the bridges and lakeside paths.
- Be mindful after dark and stick to the main paths and lit areas if you are unfamiliar with the park’s layout at night.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro from central Copenhagen
From most central districts, take the metro to Nørreport Station on lines M1, M2, M3 or M4; trains run every few minutes and the ride from Kongens Nytorv or København H usually takes 3–6 minutes. A single-zone ticket costs roughly 20–25 DKK. From Nørreport it is an easy, level walk of several minutes through city streets to the park’s edges, suitable for most mobility levels.
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City bus connection
Several city bus routes stop around Nørreport and along Nørre Voldgade, typically 10–20 minutes from inner neighbourhoods such as Vesterbro or Østerbro depending on traffic. Standard bus fares are in the same 20–25 DKK range within the central zones, and services are frequent throughout the day. Alight near Nørre Voldgade and walk a short distance along broad pavements to reach the park.
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Cycling through the inner city
Copenhagen’s cycle lanes make Ørstedsparken very accessible by bike from nearby districts like Vesterbro, Nørrebro or Christianshavn in about 10–20 minutes. You can use a city bike scheme or standard rental; expect to pay around 75–150 DKK for a day’s access depending on provider. Cycle lanes are generally flat and well marked, and there are railings and informal spots near the park where you can lock your bike.
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Walking from nearby attractions
If you are already in the central area around Torvehallerne, the Round Tower or the University of Copenhagen, Ørstedsparken can be reached on foot in roughly 5–15 minutes. The route passes along busy but pedestrian-friendly streets with crossings and level pavements. This option is free, straightforward and well suited to combining the park with other nearby sights in a single outing.
Ørstedsparken location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
- Snow
Discover more about Ørstedsparken
A historic green ribbon in the heart of Copenhagen
Ørstedsparken stretches along the trace of Copenhagen’s former ramparts, a reminder that this tranquil space once formed part of the city’s line of defence. When the fortifications were dismantled in the 19th century, the moats and earthworks were reshaped into a chain of parks, and Ørstedsparken was inaugurated in 1879 as one of the earliest examples of a purpose-designed promenade park in the capital. The park takes its name from Hans Christian Ørsted, the Danish physicist whose work on electromagnetism helped transform modern science. His legacy lives on here in a quieter way, as the hum of city traffic fades behind tall trees and the former military landscape is softened by lawns and ornamental plantings. Walking the curving paths, it is easy to forget you are still in the dense fabric of Indre By.The lake and sculpted landscape
At the centre of Ørstedsparken lies a sinuous lake, a surviving fragment of the old moat that once encircled Copenhagen. Today it is edged by weeping willows, flowerbeds and gracefully arched bridges, giving the park a romantic character in every season. Ducks and swans glide across the water, and in warmer months turtles sometimes sun themselves on exposed stones, adding a touch of surprise for keen-eyed visitors. Steep grassy slopes on the former ramparts create natural viewpoints over the water. Paths wind up and down these banks, offering short, gentle climbs and varied perspectives. Benches are tucked into small clearings and along the lakeside, making it easy to pause with a book, a coffee, or simply your thoughts while the reflections ripple below you.Playgrounds, statues and everyday life
Ørstedsparken is as much a neighbourhood commons as a historic monument. Two well-equipped playgrounds draw local families, with slides, swings and sandpits that turn the park into an open-air living room for children. Open lawns provide space for informal games, picnics and sunbathing when the Danish summer cooperates, while joggers trace loops around the paths in the cooler hours of morning and evening. Scattered through the greenery are statues and monuments, including classical figures that lend an almost sculpture-garden feel to certain corners. Some represent Greek deities in full neoclassical style; others commemorate Danish figures tied to science, politics or culture. Encountering these works as you stroll gives the park a subtly intellectual air that fits its namesake.Café culture and Copenhagen hygge
On the northern side of the park, near the water, a small café offers coffee, light meals and drinks with views of the lake. In summer its outdoor seating fills with people lingering over conversation, the clink of cups mixing with birdsong and the murmur from a nearby playground. It is an easy place to experience hygge in a very local, unforced way: wrapped in a blanket on a chilly day, or in shirt sleeves under the late Nordic evening light. The park’s central location means it often features as a green pause between other experiences. It sits within walking distance of Torvehallerne’s food halls, the historic streets around Nørreport and the cultural cluster of museums and galleries nearby. Yet stepping through its gates, the pace slows immediately, and the cityscape briefly gives way to lawns, water and trees.Seasons, atmosphere and who it suits
Ørstedsparken reveals different moods across the year. Spring brings fresh leaves and blooming borders along the paths; summer sees the slopes and lawns turn into outdoor lounges. In autumn the foliage reflects in the lake in shades of gold and rust, while winter light and bare branches create a more contemplative scene, sometimes dusted with snow. It is a versatile space: a spot for solo reflection, a romantic detour after a nearby museum, or a low-key afternoon with children at the playground. Runners trace quiet laps before work, friends gather for picnics, and dog walkers make the park part of their daily routine. For visitors, it offers an accessible glimpse of everyday Copenhagen life framed by a landscape where history and leisure have been carefully woven together.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Nørre Voldgade 11
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Kultorvet
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Skaal
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The Round Tower
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Nytorv
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Essential places to dine
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ferment, ramen izakaya
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Krebsegaarden
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Husmanns Vinstue
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Selma
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ARK
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Det Lille Apotek
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Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
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Wining and Dining
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Københavner Cafeen
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Restaurant Kronborg
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Restaurant Schønnemann
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Wasteland
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Quirky Lane
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Exotic Mix
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Carmen Copenhagen
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Notre Dame
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A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Arch
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Mirror
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
