Gefion Fountain
Bronze goddess and oxen eternally plowing Zealand from the sea—Copenhagen's largest monument to Norse myth.
One of Copenhagen's most iconic monuments, the Gefion Fountain stands majestically in Langelinie Park, depicting the Norse goddess Gefion plowing the island of Zealand from Sweden with four oxen transformed from her sons. Completed in 1908 as a gift from the Carlsberg Foundation, this grand bronze sculpture captures a pivotal moment from Nordic mythology. Free to visit and accessible year-round, it's a powerful blend of artistry, legend, and maritime beauty.
A brief summary to Gefion Fountain
- Churchillparken, København K, København K, 1263, DK
- +4570222442
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during golden hour—early morning or late afternoon—when sunlight catches the bronze sculpture and water spray, creating spectacular photo opportunities and enhanced visual drama.
- Combine your visit with nearby Kastellet fortress and the Little Mermaid statue by walking the Langelinie Promenade, creating a comprehensive tour of Copenhagen's most iconic waterfront landmarks.
- Bring coins if you wish to participate in the informal wishing well tradition, though the fountain's primary purpose is artistic and mythological commemoration.
- In winter, visit after frost or light snow to see the fountain's sculptural forms enhanced by ice and frozen water, creating an entirely different aesthetic experience.
- Allow time to sit on nearby benches in Langelinie Park and absorb the mythology—reading about Gefion's legend before or after viewing deepens appreciation for the sculpture's narrative power.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro
From Copenhagen Central Station, take the M1 or M2 metro line toward Vanløse or Christianshavn. Exit at Kongens Nytorv station (approximately 8–10 minutes). From there, walk northeast through Nyhavn and along the harbor promenade toward Langelinie Park (approximately 15–20 minutes on foot). The fountain is clearly signposted. Cost: approximately 24 DKK for a single ticket.
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Bus
From the city center, take bus 1A or 15 heading toward Langelinie or the harbor district. Journey time is approximately 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. Exit at the Langelinie or Gefionspringvandet stop and walk a few minutes to the fountain. Cost: approximately 24 DKK for a single ticket.
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Walking
From Nyhavn (New Harbor), walk northeast along the Langelinie Promenade for approximately 20–25 minutes. The route is flat, well-maintained, and scenic, following the harbor waterfront. The fountain is clearly visible as you approach. This is the most atmospheric approach, especially during pleasant weather.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen's extensive cycle network makes this accessible by bike. From the city center, follow designated bike lanes toward the harbor and Langelinie Park (approximately 15–20 minutes depending on starting point). Bike parking is available near the fountain. This is a popular local transport method.
Gefion Fountain location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
- Snow
Discover more about Gefion Fountain
The Myth Cast in Bronze
The Gefion Fountain tells one of the most dramatic creation stories in Norse mythology. According to legend, the Swedish king Gylfi promised the goddess Gefion as much land as she could plow in a single day and night. Rather than accepting defeat, Gefion devised an audacious plan: she transformed her four sons into immensely powerful oxen and harnessed them to a plow. Working through the night with supernatural strength, the oxen tore a vast section of land from Sweden and dragged it into the sea. That piece of land became the island of Zealand, upon which Copenhagen now stands. The remaining hole in Sweden filled with water, creating Lake Vänern, whose shape remarkably mirrors that of Zealand itself.A Monument to Sacrifice and Determination
Designed by renowned Danish artist Anders Bundgård, the fountain captures this mythological moment in stunning detail. The sculpture depicts Gefion commanding her four oxen as they strain forward, muscles tensed, in the act of plowing. Every element—from the goddess's determined expression to the animals' powerful forms—conveys the intensity of their legendary labor. The work is rendered entirely in bronze, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of early 20th-century sculpture. What makes the story particularly compelling is its underlying theme of sacrifice: Gefion's sons were transformed into beasts to fulfill her ambition, a mystical bargain that speaks to the strange and often costly nature of mythological power.A Gift to the City and Symbol of Danish Heritage
The fountain was completed in 1908 and presented to Copenhagen by the Carlsberg Foundation as a gift commemorating the brewery's 50th anniversary. It was officially inaugurated on July 14, 1908, and has since become one of the largest and most significant monuments in the city. The fountain underwent extensive renovations beginning in 1999 and was re-inaugurated in September 2004, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Today, it stands as a testament to Denmark's cultural heritage and the enduring power of Nordic mythology in shaping national identity.Setting and Atmosphere
Located in Langelinie Park on the harbor front in the Østerbro district, the fountain occupies a prime position overlooking the water. The park's lush greenery and proximity to the sea create a serene yet dramatic backdrop for the sculpture. The fountain's position at the cusp of the Langelinie Promenade makes it an ideal starting or pausing point for longer walks through Copenhagen's historic waterfront. Nearby attractions include Kastellet, the star-shaped fortress with its windmills and grassy ramparts, and the Little Mermaid statue, allowing visitors to weave together multiple layers of Danish legend and history in a single outing.A Monument for All Seasons
The fountain's appeal transcends the calendar. In summer, visitors can enjoy the cooling spray of water on warm days, while the dynamic interplay of light and water creates ever-changing visual effects. Winter transforms the scene into something equally striking, as frost and ice add sculptural stillness to the already dramatic composition. The fountain operates continuously as a free public monument, accessible at any time, making it one of Copenhagen's most democratic cultural treasures.Visitor Experience and Cultural Significance
While primarily a monument to Norse mythology and Danish heritage, the fountain has also become an informal wishing well, with visitors tossing coins into the water—a modern ritual layered atop ancient legend. The sculpture commands attention through sheer visual power and artistic excellence, drawing history enthusiasts, mythology buffs, photographers, and casual passersby alike. It serves as a tangible reminder that myth and history often blur at the water's edge, and that Copenhagen's very existence is rooted in stories of gods, transformation, and determination.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Restaurant Rebel
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Alchemist
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Maritime Antiques &
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The Wilde Shop
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Copenhagenglass
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Zane
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Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
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Viking Souvenirs
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Romantic
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
