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Assistens Cemetery: Copenhagen’s Tranquil Sanctuary of History and Culture

Discover a centuries-old cemetery that doubles as a tranquil park, cultural treasure, and historical haven in Nørrebro, where legends and locals rest beneath leafy boughs.

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Assistens Cemetery, set in vibrant Nørrebro, is a historic urban graveyard where notable Danes like Hans Christian Andersen rest amid leafy pathways, wildflowers, and evocative monuments. This peaceful park-like space is cherished by both locals and visitors for its blend of natural serenity, cultural richness, and poignant history.

A brief summary to Superkilen Park

  • Nørrebrogade 210, Copenhagen, Nørrebro, 2200, DK
  • Visit website
  • 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

  • Take time to visit the graves of Hans Christian Andersen and Søren Kierkegaard, marked by modest stones amidst beautiful surroundings.
  • Enjoy the park-like setting—locals often bring a book or picnic for a peaceful afternoon.
  • Look for interpretive signs or free maps near entrances for historical context and directions to notable graves.
  • Spring and early summer bring a profusion of wildflowers and buzzing bees—ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
  • Entrance is free, and the cemetery is open daily, but check for seasonal closing times as these vary throughout the year.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Køge’s main railway station, regional trains connect frequently to Copenhagen Central. Travelers can transfer to the city’s Metro or one of the S-trains to reach Nørrebro, with the cemetery set just northwest of the city’s famous lakes. The final approach leads you through a bustling multicultural district, characterized by cafés and boutiques, until you reach the walled entrance. Public transport fares from Køge to Copenhagen and onward to Nørrebro range from 60 to 80 DKK one way for adults.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Køge to Assistens Cemetery in Nørrebro offers a straightforward journey into Copenhagen’s northern neighborhoods, with the tall cemetery walls and green canopies visible from the main approach. Fares typically range from 600 to 800 DKK depending on traffic and the time of day.

  • Driving

    Drivers coming from Køge will approach central Copenhagen, steering towards the vibrant district of Nørrebro where the cemetery sits behind unmistakable ochre perimeter walls. On-street parking is available in the vicinity but tends to be limited, particularly during weekdays; parking meters average 20–25 DKK per hour.

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Discover more about Superkilen Park

Hidden behind tall brick walls in lively Nørrebro, Assistens Cemetery is far more than a final resting place—it is an oasis of tranquility, culture, and living history in the heart of Copenhagen. Established in 1760 during the city’s expansion beyond its medieval ramparts, it was initially intended as an overflow burial ground. But over the centuries, the cemetery grew into a symbol of the city’s creative and intellectual spirit. Its leafy, winding paths lead you past impressive tombstones, elegant family plots, and simple markers, each telling a story from Denmark’s golden age to the present day. Among the mossy gravestones, you’ll discover the burial sites of luminaries such as Hans Christian Andersen, whose fairy tales still shape the world’s imagination, philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, and Nobel-winning physicist Niels Bohr. But the cemetery is not reserved for the famous; it is interwoven with the daily rhythms of the city. Locals stroll, read, picnic, or attend small concerts in the dappled sunlight beneath towering chestnuts and linden trees. Wildflowers carpet the grounds in spring and summer, attracting butterflies and songbirds, while autumn paints the landscape with gold and russet hues. Assistens offers a unique glimpse into Copenhagen’s social history, with sections dedicated to different eras and communities, including evocative Jewish burial plots and poignant memorials from the Second World War. Despite its solemn purpose, the cemetery is alive with the hum of community and contemplation. It stands as a powerful example of how a city can weave green space, art, and memory into modern life—a place to reflect, recharge, and be inspired.

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