Best Landmarks near Thorvaldsens Museum

Set on the historic riding ground behind Christiansborg Palace, the equestrian statue of King Christian IX is a quietly powerful landmark in the heart of Copenhagen. Completed in 1927 by sculptor Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen, it was the first equestrian monument of a monarch created by a woman, depicting the “Father-in-law of Europe” in bronze atop a carefully modelled horse, surrounded by palace façades, cobbles and the atmosphere of Denmark’s political center.

Commanding the heart of Copenhagen’s Indre By, Christiansborg Palace is a grandiose former royal residence now housing Denmark’s parliament, Supreme Court, and state rooms. Visitors are drawn to opulent halls, resplendent royal tapestries, hidden medieval ruins, and panoramic tower views, all layered with over 800 years of monarchical drama and national intrigue.

Højbro is a graceful 19th-century iron arch bridge in the historic heart of Copenhagen, linking the city centre at Højbro Plads with Slotsholmen and Christiansborg Palace across Slotsholmen Canal. Designed by prominent architect Vilhelm Dahlerup and opened in 1878, the steel bridge rests on solid granite plinths and carries cars, cyclists, and pedestrians between the shopping streets of Indre By and Denmark’s political core. Beneath its span, the atmospheric underwater sculpture “Agnete and the Merman” adds a touch of Danish folklore to the cityscape.

Set on the historic islet of Slotsholmen in central Copenhagen, the Danish Parliament sits within Christiansborg Palace, a rare complex that unites legislature, Supreme Court, Prime Minister’s Office and royal state rooms under one immense copper‑topped tower. This neo‑Baroque palace, completed in 1928 yet rooted in 800 years of power on the site, blends parliamentary democracy with remnants of royal grandeur, from formal chambers and committee rooms to grand halls, ruins and riding grounds.

A haunting underwater bronze sculpture group in Copenhagen's Slotsholm Canal depicting a merman and seven sons reaching upward in eternal longing. Created by Danish artist Suste Bonnén in 1992, this hidden gem illustrates the tragic Danish folklore tale of Agnete, who abandoned her underwater family after hearing church bells from land. Visible from Højbro Bridge, the figures are best observed during calm water and enhanced by atmospheric evening lighting.

Magstræde is one of Copenhagen’s oldest and most atmospheric streets, famed for its cobblestones and centuries-old colorful houses. Winding quietly through the heart of Indre By, it offers a glimpse into historical Copenhagen, untouched by modern redevelopment. The street’s medieval charm and diverse architecture make it a must-see for both history enthusiasts and photographers.

Standing prominently at Christiansborg Slotsplads, the statue of Frederik VII honours the Danish king who ushered in constitutional monarchy in 1849. This bronze equestrian monument, set in the political heart of Copenhagen, is an emblem of the city’s rich history and the dramatic transition from absolute monarchy to people’s rule. Surrounded by stately government buildings, it provides a powerful glimpse into Denmark’s path toward modern democracy and is an essential stop for visitors intrigued by national heritage.

Rising above Copenhagen’s central Højbro Plads, the equestrian statue of Bishop Absalon honors the warrior-bishop traditionally regarded as the city’s founder. Unveiled in 1902 on the 700th anniversary of his death, the bronze figure shows Absalon in armor on a rearing horse, facing Christiansborg where his medieval fortress once stood. Its richly detailed brick-and-granite plinth weaves in symbols of herring, the Øresund, and ecclesiastical heraldry, making this compact monument a vivid lesson in how a fishing hamlet grew into Denmark’s capital.

Højbro Plads is a storied public square in the heart of Indre By, Copenhagen. Flanked by grand 18th- and 19th-century buildings, the plaza has long been a gathering place for markets, political movements, and city festivities. Today, it offers visitors a vibrant atmosphere, striking architecture, and a sense of capital life in motion, all steps from major city attractions.

Frederiksholms Kanal is one of Copenhagen’s most evocative waterways, cutting through Indre By alongside magnificent palaces and museums. Originating as a 17th-century canal, today it offers iconic harbor views, lined with trees, bridges, and historic facades. This tranquil setting forms the backdrop for city walks, vibrant local life, and classic canal tours.