Højbro Bridge, Copenhagen
An elegant 19th‑century canal bridge linking Copenhagen’s busy heart to Slotsholmen, with city views above and the haunting “Agnete and the Merman” sculpture below.
Højbro is a graceful 19th-century arch bridge linking Copenhagen’s bustling Højbro Plads with the historic island of Slotsholmen and Christiansborg Palace. Built in 1878 to a design by architect Vilhelm Dahlerup, the steel bridge rests on granite plinths and carries cars, cyclists and pedestrians over Slotsholmen Canal. Its central location makes it both a practical crossing and a natural viewing platform for the city’s spires, canals and the haunting underwater sculpture “Agnete and the Merman” below.
A brief summary to Højbro
- Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Pause at the centre of the bridge for some of the best compact views of Christiansborg Palace on one side and Højbro Plads with Absalon’s statue on the other.
- Lean over the railings and look down carefully to spot the underwater bronze group “Agnete and the Merman”; the figures are easier to see when the light is bright and the water is relatively clear.
- Combine a stop on Højbro with a short loop along Gammel Strand and across Slotsholmen to appreciate how the bridge knits together different historic quarters.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Restrooms
Getting There
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Metro and short walk
Take the M1 or M2 metro line to Kongens Nytorv station, then walk for about 10–15 minutes along the pedestrian streets toward the city centre to reach Højbro. The metro runs frequently from early morning until late evening, and a single adult ticket within the central zones typically costs around 20–30 DKK. This option is step‑free in the trains and stations, but the final walk is over cobbles and may be uneven in places.
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S‑train and walk from Nørreport
From elsewhere in the Copenhagen region, travel by S‑train to Nørreport Station, then walk approximately 10–15 minutes through the inner city to Højbro. S‑trains run regularly throughout the day and are covered by the same zone‑based tickets as the metro, with typical fares around 20–36 DKK depending on distance. Elevators and escalators are available at Nørreport, though the walk includes some busy crossings and pedestrian streets.
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City bike or private bicycle
Copenhagen’s dense cycle‑lane network makes it straightforward to reach Højbro by bike from most central districts in 10–20 minutes. You can use a city bike rental or a private bicycle; expect to pay roughly 20–40 DKK for a short city bike rental period. Be prepared for heavy cycle traffic at rush hours and remember that riding on the bridge itself follows normal Danish cycling rules, with dedicated lanes but limited space for sudden stops.
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Harbour or canal boat tour
Join a paid harbour or canal boat tour departing from central quays such as Nyhavn or Gammel Strand; many routes pass directly under Højbro and along Slotsholmen Canal in 60–90 minutes round‑trip. Adult tickets commonly range from about 95–150 DKK depending on operator and season. Boats operate mainly in the milder months and offer open or covered seating, but they are not always fully accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.
Højbro location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Højbro
A historic link between city and power
Højbro, literally “High Bridge”, spans the Slotsholmen Canal in the very heart of Copenhagen, stitching together the commercial city centre with the political core on Slotsholmen. The present bridge dates from 1878 and was designed by Vilhelm Dahlerup, one of Denmark’s most prolific 19th‑century architects. Its elegant iron structure replaced a series of earlier crossings that had stood here since the Middle Ages, when this was already a vital route between market streets and the royal castle. Over time, the bridge has watched the city transform around it: medieval alleyways opened into the spacious Højbro Plads after the Great Fire of 1795, merchants’ houses rose along the square, and Christiansborg Palace was rebuilt more than once. Yet Højbro has remained a constant connector between everyday life and the institutions of state just across the water.Architecture on granite and iron
Dahlerup’s design is a closed‑spandrel arch bridge in steel, set firmly on solid granite plinths. The structure combines robust engineering with decorative touches typical of its era: ornamental detailing along the parapets, carefully shaped arches and a rhythm of repeating elements that feels both ordered and graceful. In the 1960s the bridge was widened to accommodate growing traffic, but the original character was carefully preserved. Today the deck carries motor vehicles, heavy flows of cyclists and a constant stream of pedestrians. Despite this functional load, the proportions and open views down the canal keep the bridge from feeling congested. Standing at the centre, you are held between the weight of stone and the lightness of water, with the city’s towers rising on either side.Stories beneath the surface
Look over the side of Højbro and, just below the waterline, another layer of the city reveals itself. On the canal bed sits the bronze group “Agnete and the Merman” by Danish artist Suste Bonnén, inspired by a traditional ballad. The sculpture shows a merman and his seven children reaching upwards, eternally waiting for Agnete, the human woman who left them to return to life on land. The figures are just visible through the often‑green water, giving the scene a slightly eerie, dreamlike quality. Tour boats glide past at eye level with the sculpture, but from the bridge you gain a more contemplative vantage point, watching the silent family rise from the depths while the traffic hums above. It adds a note of folklore and melancholy to an otherwise practical city crossing.Everyday life on a central crossing
Because Højbro connects Højbro Plads and the pedestrian streets with Christiansborg and the canal quays, it is woven into the city’s daily rhythms. Commuters on bikes ring their bells as they sweep across, office workers pause to take a call against the railings, and visitors linger to photograph the palace façade or the colourful facades along Gammel Strand. The bridge offers one of central Copenhagen’s most accessible small panoramas: turn one way and the copper roofs and spires of Slotsholmen dominate the view; turn the other and you look back toward the bustle of Strøget and the equestrian statue of Bishop Absalon in the square. In the evening, reflections of streetlights and windows shimmer on the canal, turning the bridge into a quiet lookout over the water.A compact stop on a wider city walk
Højbro itself is small enough to cross in moments, but it rewards slowing down. From here you can trace the outline of Copenhagen’s history in stone, water and sky: medieval foundations beneath Christiansborg, 18th‑ and 19th‑century facades around Højbro Plads, and modern life threading everything together. The bridge makes a natural pause point on walks between the city centre, the parliament complex and the waterfront. Whether you are following the canal by boat, cycling across with the morning rush, or simply leaning on the railing to find the merman below, Højbro offers a succinct, evocative snapshot of Copenhagen’s relationship with its waterways and its past.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Højbro
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A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Frederik VII
0.2 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
0.2 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.
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.
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.
Varehuset Messen
0.4 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Jorcks Passage
0.4 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.4 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
Nytorv
0.4 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.
Nytorv 2
0.4 km
Where Copenhagen’s Neoclassical courthouse meets a centuries-old market square, blending solemn civic history with the everyday buzz of the old city.
Kongens Nytorv
0.5 km
Historic observatory in Aarhus combining hands-on stargazing, interactive astronomy exhibits, and tranquil parkland with panoramic city views.
The Round Tower
0.5 km
Explore The Round Tower, Copenhagen's historic observatory offering stunning city views and engaging cultural exhibitions.
National Museum of Denmark
0.5 km
Explore Denmark's rich history and cultural heritage at the National Museum in Copenhagen, home to Viking treasures, Bronze Age relics, and captivating exhibits for all ages.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.5 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bishop Absalon
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Denmark’s national gallery showcases Nordic and international masterpieces in stunning, light-filled halls—SMK is a must-visit for art lovers in Copenhagen.
Stromma Canal Tours
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Discover the world of 'Nordic gold' at the Copenhagen Amber Museum, where history, science, and stunning amber artifacts meet in Nyhavn’s oldest house.
Ved Stranden
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Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
Højbro Plads
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A historic canal in central Copenhagen, Frederiksholms Kanal blends royal heritage, elegant facades, and tranquil waterways in the heart of the Danish capital.
Højbro Pl.
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Open, airy and steeped in history, Højbro Plads is Copenhagen’s neoclassical city living room between canal, palace views and busy pedestrian streets.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
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Strikingly modern, immersive, and acoustically exceptional, DR Koncerthuset is Copenhagen's world-renowned concert hall and a must-visit for music and architecture lovers.
Gammel Strand
0.1 km
A historic Copenhagen harbourfront where Viking-age roots, colourful 18th‑century facades and a contemporary art centre meet beside the city’s central canal.
Læderstræde
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A cosy Old Town side street where rebuilt 18th‑century townhouses, Danish design boutiques and laid‑back cafés create a calm, human‑scaled alternative to busy Strøget.
Stork Fountain
0.1 km
Bask in the serene Baltic ambiance of Rødvig Beach on South Zealand—an inviting stretch of sand with sweeping views of Stevns Klint and local Danish charm.
Nikolaj Art Gallery
0.1 km
Medieval church transformed into a beacon of experimental contemporary art in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Christiansborg Palace
0.2 km
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
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.
Amagertorv
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s historic marketplace turned elegant pedestrian square, where storks, cobblestones and centuries‑old facades meet modern design and city life.
Strøget
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
Church of Holmen
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Roskilde's central square, Stændertorvet.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Maven
0.1 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.
Marv & Ben
0.2 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Tight
0.2 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.
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.
King Hans Cellar
0.3 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Københavner Cafeen
0.3 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Llama
0.3 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.3 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.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.3 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.
l’Alsace
0.4 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Wining and Dining
0.4 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Restaurant Puk
0.4 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Kanal-Caféen
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Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Marchal
0.4 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Det Lille Apotek
0.5 km
Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
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Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
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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
0.2 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Hygge Original
0.2 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.
Magnolias
0.2 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.
ILLUM
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ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Audrey Vintage
0.2 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
& Other Stories
0.2 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Akimbo
0.2 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Urban Outfitters
0.2 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Magasin du Nord
0.3 km
Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
Norse Store
0.3 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.4 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.4 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Duck Haven
0.4 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
K-Bar
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Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.1 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
The Dubliner
0.1 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.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Ruby
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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.
Charlie's Bar
0.3 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.3 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
1105
0.3 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
The Jane
0.4 km
Mad Men–style speakeasy meets late-night dance floor in a warren of hidden rooms, leather sofas and cocktail-fuelled energy beneath central Copenhagen.
Bæst Cocktailbar
0.4 km
Intimate basement cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pairing creative drinks with warm lighting, easygoing music and a sociable late-night city-centre vibe.
Zefside
0.4 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Luke's Bar
0.4 km
Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
Strøm
0.4 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
Balthazar
0.4 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Chateau Motel
0.4 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
The Zoo
0.4 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.
Lusso
0.4 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.
Hive
0.4 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
0.5 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
0.5 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Mini Bar
0.5 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Miami Bar
0.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Club Mambo
0.6 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
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.
La Terraza
0.6 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Arch
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
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.
Mirage
0.7 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.8 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Cultural Heritage
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
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
