St Alban's Church (The English Church), Copenhagen
An elegant English Gothic Revival church in a leafy Copenhagen park, uniting Danish setting and British heritage beside Kastellet and the Gefion Fountain.
St Alban’s Church, often called the English Church, is a striking Gothic Revival landmark set in Churchillparken beside Copenhagen’s Kastellet and the Gefion Fountain. Built between 1885 and 1887 for the city’s growing Anglican congregation, it resembles a traditional English parish church, with flint and limestone walls, a soaring spire and richly detailed interior. Its tranquil park setting and strong Danish–British royal connections make it both a place of worship and a characterful stop on any city stroll.
A brief summary to St Alban's Church
- Churchillparken 11, Indre By, Indre By, 1263, DK
- +4533118518
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-1 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-1 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-1 pm
- Thursday 10 am-1 pm
- Friday 10 am-1 pm
- Saturday 10 am-1 pm
- Sunday 1 pm-4 pm
Local tips
- Plan your visit during the church’s posted open hours to see the interior; times are limited to short daytime windows on most days.
- Walk the paths around the nearby moat and Gefion Fountain for the best profile views and reflections of the spire in the water.
- Keep voices low and avoid flash photography inside, as this is an active place of worship with regular services.
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for softer light on the flint and limestone, ideal for atmospheric photographs.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Metro and short walk
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 or M4 metro line to Marmorkirken or Østerport; trains run every few minutes, and a single zone ticket costs roughly 20–25 DKK. From either station, expect a 10–15 minute walk on level pavements through the city centre and park areas. The route is generally step-free but can be busy around rush hours and in peak tourist season.
-
City bus connection
Several city bus lines serve the area near Churchillparken and Kastellet, with typical journey times of 10–25 minutes from the inner city depending on traffic. A standard bus ticket within the central zones is around 20–25 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or travel apps. Buses run frequently during the day, less often late evenings, and stops may require crossing busy roads using signalised crossings.
-
Bicycle from city centre
Cycling from the main shopping streets or Rådhuspladsen to St Alban’s Church usually takes 10–20 minutes along Copenhagen’s dedicated bike lanes. You can use a rented city bike or standard rental, with typical daily rental costs from about 120–180 DKK. The terrain is flat, but be prepared for heavy bicycle traffic at junctions and follow local cycling rules, including lights after dark.
-
Taxi from central hotels
A taxi ride from major central hotels to Churchillparken generally takes 10–15 minutes outside peak congestion, longer in rush hour. Fares are usually in the range of 120–200 DKK depending on distance and traffic, with surcharges at night and on holidays. Taxis can drop passengers near the park entrances, but vehicles cannot drive directly onto the lawns around the church.
St Alban's Church location weather suitability
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Clear Skies
-
Any Weather
-
Cold Weather
Discover more about St Alban's Church
An English parish silhouette in a Danish capital
St Alban’s Church stands like a slice of rural England placed gently into central Copenhagen. Its slender spire rises above Churchillparken, framed by leafy trees, the water of the Kastellet moat and the spray of the nearby Gefion Fountain. Designed by English architect Arthur Blomfield and consecrated in 1887, it was built to serve Copenhagen’s small but influential Anglican community at a time when the city was emerging as a major commercial hub. Seen from a distance, the church’s grey flint walls, pale limestone dressings and steeply pitched roof create a distinctly British profile against the Danish skyline. As you draw closer, the detailing becomes more apparent: buttresses step out from the nave walls, narrow lancet windows punctuate the elevations and the tower’s stonework catches the northern light, especially on clear days.Royal ties and a bridge between two nations
The story of St Alban’s is inseparable from the relationship between Denmark and Britain. When Princess Alexandra of Denmark married the future King Edward VII, she became the driving force behind the project to build a permanent Anglican church in Copenhagen. She helped raise funds and persuaded the authorities to grant this prestigious site on the edge of the old citadel. The consecration in 1887 became a display of dynastic diplomacy. Members of several European royal families attended, underlining the church’s role as both a house of worship and a symbolic link between two monarchies. To this day, memorial tablets and heraldic motifs inside the church quietly recall these royal connections and the long history of British seafarers, merchants and diplomats who passed through the city.Gothic Revival details and crafted interiors
Architecturally, St Alban’s is a textbook example of late Victorian Gothic Revival in the so‑called Early English or Lancet style. Outside, bands of knapped flint contrasted with pale stone give the walls a textured, almost mosaic appearance. The granite tower base anchors the building firmly to its site, while the spire lifts the eye upwards from almost anywhere in the surrounding park. Inside, the space narrows and focuses towards the chancel, where stained-glass windows filter northern light into rich blues, reds and golds. Carved stone and tile work frame the altar, and the font and pulpit display intricate reliefs typical of high Victorian ecclesiastical design. Timber roof trusses overhead add warmth, making the nave feel intimate despite the vertical emphasis of the architecture.A quiet refuge amid Copenhagen’s grand set pieces
Although St Alban’s sits within easy reach of some of Copenhagen’s most photographed sights, its immediate atmosphere is surprisingly calm. The lawns of Churchillparken spread out around it, with benches that invite you to pause and take in the view across the moat towards the earth ramparts of Kastellet. The gentle hum of traffic fades behind the rustle of trees and the distant sound of water. The church is usually open for quiet contemplation during limited daytime hours, and the simple act of stepping through the south porch can feel like crossing a subtle threshold between city bustle and reflective stillness. Even a short visit lets you appreciate how carefully the building has been oriented and composed to create a sense of peace without feeling cut off from the life of the city.Experiencing the church today
Today St Alban’s continues as an active Anglican chaplaincy while also welcoming visitors interested in architecture, history or a moment of calm. You can wander the exterior path for different vantage points, watching how the spire lines up with the moat, the park trees and the distant harbour cranes. Photographers are drawn to the way the church reflects in the water, especially in the soft light of morning or late afternoon. Inside, you may find the space prepared for worship with candles, vestments and hymn books, a reminder that this is not only a historic monument but a living parish. Respectful silence is appreciated, yet you are free to linger over the stained glass and stone carving, tracing in them the intertwined stories of British craftsmanship and Danish setting. When you step back out into the park, the church’s flint and stone profile remains a distinctive reference point as you continue exploring the city’s waterfront.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Horn mine
0.1 km
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.
Our Fallen
0.1 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
0.2 km
A towering tribute to Admiral Huitfeldt's heroic last stand at sea, crowned with Victory.
I am Queen Mary
0.3 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Larsens Pl.
0.5 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Maritime Monument
0.5 km
Honoring Denmark’s seafaring legacy, the Maritime Monument in Østerbro is a striking, evocative memorial nestled in the heart of Copenhagen’s leafy cityscape.
Nyholm Central Guardhouse
0.6 km
Discover Aarhus’s Latin Quarter, where historic charm meets a lively cultural scene, bustling cafés, artisan shops, and rich Danish heritage in the city’s oldest district.
St. Paul's Church
0.7 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.8 km
A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
The Kissing Stairs
0.9 km
Copenhagen's beloved waterfront amphitheatre where culture, community, and harbour views converge.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.9 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Ofelia Plads
1.0 km
Copenhagen's iconic waterfront plaza where culture, harbor views, and the famous kissing stairs meet the sea.
Bredgade 18
1.0 km
Explore the architectural elegance of Bredgade 18 in Copenhagen's historic Frederiksstaden district.
The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard
1.0 km
Aarhus University Park blends stunning natural scenery with iconic Danish architecture, creating a lush urban haven and cultural centerpiece in the heart of Aarhus.
Nyhavn
1.1 km
Copenhagen's iconic 17th-century harbor where colorful townhouses, maritime history, and vibrant waterfront culture converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Gefion Fountain
0.0 km
Copenhagen’s creation myth cast in bronze, the Gefion Fountain hurls goddess, oxen and water into a powerful tableau beside the harbour and Churchillparken.
Museum of Danish Resistance
0.1 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.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
0.2 km
A contemplative scrap-metal thinker on Copenhagen’s harborfront, ZinkGlobal fuses recycled machinery with big ideas about the future and our industrial past.
Langelinieparken
0.2 km
Leafy waterfront lawns, sculptures and sea views where cruise ships, mythic fountains and Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid all meet along a single harbourfront walk.
Langelinie Park
0.2 km
Explore Denmark's first public museum, showcasing the neoclassical masterpieces of Bertel Thorvaldsen in the heart of Copenhagen.
Langelinie Pavillonen
0.3 km
Experience modernist elegance and panoramic harbor views at Copenhagen's iconic Langelinie Pavillonen.
Kastellet
0.3 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's crown jewels and royal regalia.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
0.4 km
A quiet, contemporary memorial within Copenhagen’s star-shaped fortress, honoring Denmark’s post‑1948 international missions with flame, stone and thoughtful space.
Kongeskibet Dannebrog
0.4 km
An elegant white royal yacht moored in Copenhagen’s harbour, Kongeskibet Dannebrog is a floating palace, naval vessel and living symbol of modern Danish monarchy.
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.
Bredgade Kunsthandel
0.4 km
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.
The Little Mermaid
0.4 km
Historic harbor district ablaze with color, culture, and canals—Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s most iconic and photogenic waterfront destination.
Medicinsk Museion
0.5 km
Historic surgical academy turned cutting‑edge medical museum, where preserved bodies, instruments and contemporary science exhibitions reveal how we understand health and disease.
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.
Inugsuk
0.6 km
Discover one of Europe's oldest and most innovative zoos, home to over 4,000 animals and award-winning habitats in the leafy heart of Frederiksberg, Copenhagen.
Essential places to dine
Kokkeriet
0.8 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Aoc
0.8 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Reffen - Skøjteøen
0.9 km
Copenhagen’s dynamic hub for global street food, creative pop-ups, and urban harbor vibes in a repurposed shipyard setting with a seasonal ice skating rink.
La Banchina
0.9 km
Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.
Restaurant Rebel
0.9 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.
Veve
0.9 km
A destination for innovative, plant-based fine dining in Østerbro, where Nordic purity meets global flavors for an unforgettable vegetarian tasting menu experience.
Restaurant Vita
1.0 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Restaurant Koefoed
1.0 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Den Lille Fede
1.1 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.
Khun Juk
1.1 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
Skipperkroen
1.1 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Cap Horn
1.1 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Nyhavns Færgekro
1.1 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.
Noma
1.1 km
Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.
Goldfinch
1.1 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Crown souvenir
0.2 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.7 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.
Maritime Antiques &
1.0 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
The Wilde Shop
1.0 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Copenhagenglass
1.1 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Zane
1.1 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
1.2 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Viking Souvenirs
1.3 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
1.3 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
1.3 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Storm - design art fashion
1.3 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.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
1.3 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
1.3 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.
Magasin du Nord
1.3 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Norse Projects
1.4 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
0.7 km
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
1.2 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Bar Deco
1.2 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Brønnum
1.2 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Trykbar
1.3 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.
Balthazar
1.3 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.
1105
1.3 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
TATA Cocktail Bar
1.3 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
The Moose
1.4 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.
Charlie's Bar
1.4 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Bo-Bi Bar
1.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Gejser Bar
1.5 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik - Østerbro
1.5 km
Explore the finest wines at ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik in Østerbro, Copenhagen – where every sip tells a story.
Søernes Ølbar
1.6 km
Discover Søernes Ølbar, a cozy craft beer haven by Copenhagen's lakes, offering an extensive selection of brews and breathtaking views.
Balderdash
1.6 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
0.9 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
1.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Lusso
1.3 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.
The Zoo
1.4 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.
Operaen
1.7 km
Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
Mirage
1.8 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
1.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Chateau Motel
1.9 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
1.9 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
2.0 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
2.0 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
La Terraza
2.0 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Miami Bar
2.0 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Zefside
2.0 km
Intimate cocktail den turned late-night dance spot, Zefside blends crafted drinks, DJ beats and canal-side charm in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Dorsia
2.1 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Romantic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
- Day Trip
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- 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
- LGBT Friendly
- Business Friendly