Frederiksholms Kanal
Royal island's scenic waterway where Danish history, palaces, and museums converge in picturesque harmony.
Frederiksholms Kanal is a picturesque waterway encircling Slotsholmen, the royal island at the heart of Copenhagen's political and cultural life. This scenic canal connects to Copenhagen Harbor and is lined with historic buildings, including Christiansborg Palace (seat of the Danish Parliament), the National Museum, and the Royal Danish Library. The waterway features moored historical boats, charming bridges including the iconic three-arched Storm Bridge, and serves as one of Copenhagen's most photogenic spots for leisurely walks and canal tours.
A brief summary to Frederiksholms Kanal
- Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- Duration: 0.75 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. The canal's reflections are particularly striking during golden hour.
- Look into the water just off Højbro bridge to spot the submerged art installation—a quirky surprise that rewards careful observation.
- Combine your visit with a guided canal tour departing from nearby Holmens Church or Nyhavn to experience the waterway from the water and learn detailed historical context.
- Explore the adjacent museums and Christiansborg Palace to deepen your understanding of the institutions that line the canal.
- Bring a camera or smartphone—the Storm Bridge and palace facades create exceptional photography opportunities from multiple angles along the canal path.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Walking
The canal is accessible on foot from Copenhagen's city center. Walking from Nyhavn takes approximately 10–15 minutes. The canal path is flat, well-maintained, and suitable for all fitness levels. Access points are available at multiple bridges, including Højbro and the Storm Bridge. No special permits or fees are required for walking along the canal.
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Canal Tour Boat
Guided canal tours depart from Holmens Church and Nyhavn (at Heibergsgade) operated by Netto-Boats. Tours last approximately 60 minutes and pass through Frederiksholms Kanal. Tours run year-round; autumn and winter tours (October–March) use heated glass-roofed boats. Guides provide commentary in Danish, English, and German. Typical cost ranges from 80–120 DKK per person. Departure times vary by season; check schedules in advance.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen's extensive bicycle infrastructure makes cycling to and around the canal straightforward. Bike rental is available throughout the city at approximately 60–100 DKK per day. The canal path and surrounding streets are bike-friendly with dedicated lanes. Travel time from central Copenhagen is 5–10 minutes depending on starting point. Bike parking is available near major attractions.
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Public Transport
Multiple metro and bus lines serve the area. The nearest metro station is Gammel Strand (lines M1 and M2), approximately 3–5 minutes' walk from the canal. Buses 1A, 2A, and 26 also serve nearby stops. A single journey ticket costs approximately 24 DKK; a 24-hour pass is around 80 DKK. Service is frequent and reliable throughout the day.
Frederiksholms Kanal location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Frederiksholms Kanal
The Royal Island's Protective Moat
Frederiksholms Kanal encircles Slotsholmen, a small island that has served as Denmark's political and cultural epicenter for centuries. Originally functioning as a defensive moat, the canal now stands as one of Copenhagen's most enchanting waterways, connecting seamlessly to the broader Copenhagen Harbor. The water's edge is lined with centuries-old buildings and monuments that tell the story of Danish governance and artistic achievement, making it far more than a simple waterway—it is a living chronicle of the nation's heritage.Palaces, Museums, and Institutional Grandeur
The canal's banks showcase some of Denmark's most significant institutions. Christiansborg Palace dominates the landscape as the seat of the Danish Parliament, a magnificent structure that has witnessed the evolution of Danish democracy. The National Museum of Denmark, housed in the Prince's Mansion, offers insights into Danish cultural history, while the Royal Danish Library provides access to the nation's literary treasures. The Royal Arsenal Museum and the Thorvaldsen Art Museum further enrich the cultural landscape, each contributing to the island's status as a repository of Danish achievement.Architectural Landmarks and Historic Bridges
The Storm Bridge, with its distinctive three arches, stands as a testament to Copenhagen's military past. Named after the 17th-century Northern Wars conflict known as the "Storm on Copenhagen," the bridge marks the spot where Swedish troops once attempted an unsuccessful siege of the city. This and other bridges spanning the canal create picturesque vistas that have made Frederiksholms Kanal one of Copenhagen's most photographed locations. The architectural details of these structures reflect centuries of Danish craftsmanship and design sensibility.Submerged Art and Hidden Treasures
Beyond the obvious attractions, the canal harbors unexpected delights for the curious visitor. Just off Højbro bridge, an otherworldly piece of submerged art lies beneath the water's surface, rewarding those who pause to look into the canal's depths. Historical boats moored along the banks add to the romantic atmosphere, their presence evoking Copenhagen's maritime heritage and the city's deep connection to the sea.A Gateway to Copenhagen's Waterways
Frederiksholms Kanal serves as a natural starting point for exploring Copenhagen's broader network of canals and waterways. The canal's accessibility and central location make it ideal for both independent exploration and guided tours. Whether experienced from the water aboard a traditional boat, a solar-powered vessel, or a low-slung river boat, the canal reveals different perspectives on the surrounding architecture and history with each vantage point.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Stable Boy's House
0.2 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.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.2 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 Danish Parliament
0.2 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Frederik VII
0.3 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Holmens Bro
0.4 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
Højbro
0.4 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Circle Bridge
0.4 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Kopenhagen
0.4 km
Spectacular palace at Copenhagen’s core, blending royal grandeur, political intrigue, and centuries of Danish history—home to Parliament, the courts, and the monarchy.
Church of Holmen
0.4 km
A Renaissance gem transformed from anchor forge to naval sanctuary, where maritime heritage and royal history converge.
Højbro Plads
0.4 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Nytorv
0.5 km
Historic domed observatory in Aarhus offering inspiring stargazing nights, public tours, and a glimpse into Denmark’s astronomical history atop a leafy city hill.
Højbro Pl.
0.5 km
Maskinrummet is Skagen’s maritime museum and café, featuring historic marine engines, hands-on exhibits, and harbor-side atmosphere in Denmark’s northernmost town.
Strøget
0.5 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Amagertorv
0.5 km
Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.5 km
A gilded astronomical masterpiece with 15,448 parts, calculating time and cosmos for the next 2,500 years.
Unmissable attractions to see
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.
Slotsholmen
0.1 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
0.2 km
A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
The War Museum
0.2 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.2 km
A quiet bronze of Denmark’s great existential thinker, seated with manuscripts in a hidden garden behind the Royal Library in the heart of Copenhagen.
National Museum of Denmark
0.2 km
Denmark’s past comes alive in a grand city palace, where Vikings, royal salons and playful children’s galleries tell 14,000 years of stories under one roof.
Garden of the Royal Library
0.2 km
A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s harbourside hub for design and urban life, where immersive exhibitions, playful workshops and rooftop views reveal how architecture shapes the way we live.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.2 km
Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
Christiansborg Palace
0.3 km
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Magstræde
0.3 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest cobbled lanes, Magstræde is a colorful, time‑worn shortcut through the city’s medieval heart and everyday modern life.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.3 km
An intimate museum in a 17th‑century boathouse where Daniel Libeskind’s Mitzvah‑shaped architecture tells 400 years of Danish Jewish history and rescue.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.3 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.
Black Diamond
0.3 km
Fredensborg Palace is a magnificent 18th-century royal residence on Lake Esrum, famed for its baroque architecture, exquisite gardens, and regal Danish history.
Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s Black Diamond blends a centuries‑old national library with bold harbourfront architecture, quiet reading rooms, exhibitions, concerts and a hidden garden oasis.
Essential places to dine
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 Karla
0.2 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Restaurant 1733
0.3 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Rio Bravo
0.3 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Restaurant Puk
0.3 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
0.3 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
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.
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.
No. 2
0.5 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Københavner Cafeen
0.5 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 Maven
0.5 km
Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.6 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.6 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.6 km
Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Audrey Vintage
0.4 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Læderstræde
0.4 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
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.
Danish Souvenirs
0.5 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.5 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
& Other Stories
0.5 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
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.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.5 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.5 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Souvenir Shop
0.5 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
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.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.5 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.
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.
Viking Souvenirs
0.6 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.
Magnolias
0.6 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Zefside
0.3 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
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.
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.
The Rooftop Bar
0.3 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
0.3 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Marble Bar
0.3 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Southern Cross Pub
0.4 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 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.
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.
K-Bar
0.4 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.4 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Centralhjørnet
0.4 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.
Taphouse
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
The Dubliner
0.5 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.4 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Chateau Motel
0.5 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
0.6 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Dorsia
0.6 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
0.6 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
0.6 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.6 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
La Terraza
0.7 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Module
0.7 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Cosy Bar
0.7 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.7 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
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.
Lusso
0.8 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.
Never Mind
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Mini Bar
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Romantic
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
