Nyholm Central Guardhouse
Compact Baroque guardhouse with a crown‑topped tower, anchoring Copenhagen’s historic naval base on Holmen amid water, lawns and centuries of maritime heritage.
Nyholm Central Guardhouse is a beautifully preserved 18th‑century Baroque guardhouse standing at the heart of Copenhagen’s former naval base on Holmen. Completed in 1745 and attributed to architect Philip de Lange, it once controlled access to the Nyholm dockyards, the strategic hub of the Danish navy. Today its yellow masonry, high hipped roof and oversized crown‑topped clock tower form an unmistakable silhouette, surrounded by lawns, water and historic naval buildings that together evoke centuries of maritime power.
A brief summary to Nyholm Central Guardhouse
- Henrik Gerners Pl. 1, Copenhagen Municipality, Indre By, 1439, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon when the low harbour light throws strong shadows on the yellow façades and makes the crown‑topped tower especially photogenic.
- Combine a stop at the guardhouse with a slow walk around Holmen to see former dockyards, mast cranes and naval school buildings that place the guardhouse in its original context.
- Bring a light jacket even in summer; the exposed waterfront can feel noticeably cooler and breezier than the streets of central Copenhagen.
- Look up at the tower crown and clock from multiple angles; from some viewpoints it lines up with ships’ masts and nearby spires for distinctive photos.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Harbour bus
From central Copenhagen, take the harbour bus line that serves Holmen; boats typically run every 20–30 minutes during the day. The trip across the harbour takes about 10–15 minutes and delivers you within a short walk of Nyholm Central Guardhouse. Standard public transport tickets and city travel cards are accepted, and a single adult fare is usually in the range of 20–30 DKK. Services can be less frequent in late evenings and on some winter days, so check the timetable in advance.
-
City bus
Several city bus routes run through Christianshavn and out toward Holmen, linking the area with the inner city in roughly 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. Expect to pay a regular city fare of around 20–30 DKK for a single adult journey when using a transport card or mobile ticket. Buses generally operate from early morning until late evening, with reduced frequency late at night and on weekends.
-
Bicycle
Cycling from the historic centre of Copenhagen to Holmen typically takes 10–20 minutes along designated cycle lanes and bridges. The route is flat and straightforward, but be prepared for strong winds on exposed harbour crossings and be mindful of other cyclists at peak commuting hours. You can bring your own bike or use local bike‑share services, which usually charge a small unlocking fee plus a per‑minute rate, adding up to around 20–60 DKK for a casual return trip.
-
On foot
Walking from central areas such as Kongens Nytorv to the Holmen waterfront is a pleasant, mostly flat route that generally takes 25–40 minutes at a relaxed pace. The stroll leads through historic streets and across harbour bridges before reaching the more open former naval grounds around the guardhouse. Surfaces are paved but can be uneven in older sections and slippery in wet or icy conditions, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Nyholm Central Guardhouse location weather suitability
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
-
Hot Weather
-
Any Weather
-
Windy Conditions
Discover more about Nyholm Central Guardhouse
A Baroque Sentinel of Copenhagen’s Naval Past
Nyholm Central Guardhouse rises from Henrik Gerners Plads like a compact Baroque jewel, fronting the waters of Copenhagen’s inner harbour. Completed in 1745 as part of the Nyholm naval base, it served as the central checkpoint and ceremonial face of what was then Denmark’s most important military installation. The base itself occupied reclaimed islands created from the late 1600s, shifting the royal fleet away from the crowded medieval city and into a purpose‑built stronghold of shipbuilding and defense. Conceived as both working guardroom and architectural showpiece, the building signalled that anyone approaching by sea was entering a carefully controlled, prestigious world of naval power. Its relatively modest footprint is offset by theatrical detailing, making it appear almost like a small palace watching over the quays.Philip de Lange’s Dramatic Architecture
The guardhouse is widely associated with the prolific architect Philip de Lange, whose hand shaped much of 18th‑century Copenhagen. Here he combined sturdy, almost austere brick walls with exuberant Baroque flourishes. The façades are rendered in warm yellow tones, broken by tall, rhythmically spaced windows and simple pilaster‑like strips that emphasize the building’s verticality. Above the steep, dark roof rises the structure’s most distinctive feature: a clock tower crowned by an outsized royal crown. The proportions are deliberately bold, ensuring the crown is legible from ships entering the harbour. Decorative cornices, the crisp outline of the tower and the play between solid masonry and open belfry details create a striking profile against the sky, especially on clear days when the light glints off metalwork and window glass.Gatekeeper to the Nyholm Naval Base
In its operational heyday the guardhouse controlled movement in and out of the Nyholm complex. Sentries were posted here to monitor personnel, visiting officers and civilian contractors heading toward the dockyards and workshops beyond. The interior, though not normally accessible today, once contained guardrooms, basic facilities for the watch and spaces where officers could oversee shifts and handle formalities. The surrounding square and adjoining quay read like an open‑air manual of naval history. Around the guardhouse you can see long brick sheds, mast cranes and former workshops where hulls were assembled, fittings were crafted and the Danish fleet was readied for sea. The building thus functioned less as an isolated monument and more as the nerve centre of a sprawling working base, where everyday routines were framed by the rituals of inspection and salute.From Closed Military Zone to Quiet Heritage Enclave
For centuries Holmen was largely off‑limits, its guard posts and barriers enforcing the strict separation between the military world and the civilian city. Over time, as shipbuilding techniques changed and naval operations shifted elsewhere, much of the base was decommissioned. The guardhouse lost its original role, but its fabric and setting remained remarkably intact, protected by continued military use and later heritage designation. Today the area feels unexpectedly tranquil. Lawns soften the ground around the building, and views open across the harbour to modern landmarks and church spires. Occasional naval activity, visiting ships or training vessels at nearby quays recall the site’s original purpose, but most of the time you will encounter only a scattering of walkers, architecture enthusiasts and people following themed city walks that explore Holmen’s layered history.Experiencing the Guardhouse and Its Waterfront Setting
Although the guardhouse itself is not a regular museum and may be closed internally, there is plenty to take in from the outside. You can circle the building to appreciate how its design changes from the more formal front to the plainer service sides. From different angles the crown‑topped tower aligns with masts, cranes and roofs around the harbour, creating classic Copenhagen photo compositions. The broad quays around Henrik Gerners Plads offer generous sightlines over the water, with benches and informal seating spots where you can pause to watch harbour buses, kayakers and training ships. In the softer light of morning or evening, the yellow walls and intricate rooflines glow, and the guardhouse becomes an atmospheric backdrop for reflection on how the sea has shaped Denmark’s fortunes.Layers of Memory in a Maritime Landscape
The square takes its name from Henrik Gerner, an 18th‑century naval officer and shipbuilder whose work helped modernize the Danish fleet. His legacy, combined with that of Philip de Lange and generations of sailors, engineers and dockyard workers, gives the area a dense, if quiet, sense of memory. Plaques, preserved workshops and the alignment of streets still echo the days when the clang of metal, shouted orders and the creak of rigging filled the air. For visitors, Nyholm Central Guardhouse offers an accessible way to engage with this history without the formality of an indoor exhibition. Standing here, surrounded by water, brick and sky, you can read the evolution of Copenhagen from fortified naval capital to open, livable harbour city, all anchored by one small but eloquent Baroque building.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Nyholm Central Guardhouse
0.0 km
Discover Aarhus’s Latin Quarter, where historic charm meets a lively cultural scene, bustling cafés, artisan shops, and rich Danish heritage in the city’s oldest district.
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
0.5 km
A towering tribute to Admiral Huitfeldt's heroic last stand at sea, crowned with Victory.
Horn mine
0.6 km
A disarmed World War II naval mine displayed in Churchill Park, turning a former weapon of the sea into a quiet reminder of conflict amid central Copenhagen’s greenery.
I am Queen Mary
0.6 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Our Fallen
0.7 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
Larsens Pl.
0.8 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Maritime Monument
0.8 km
Honoring Denmark’s seafaring legacy, the Maritime Monument in Østerbro is a striking, evocative memorial nestled in the heart of Copenhagen’s leafy cityscape.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
1.0 km
Copenhagen's ornate Russian Orthodox gem with gilded domes and royal heritage near Amalienborg Palace.
The Old Execution site in Copenhagen 1946-1950
1.1 km
A hidden concrete foundation marks where post-war Denmark executed Nazi collaborators in secrecy.
Frederik's Church
1.1 km
Copenhagen's iconic copper-domed masterpiece—a 145-year architectural triumph offering panoramic views and spiritual grandeur.
The Kissing Stairs
1.1 km
Copenhagen's beloved waterfront amphitheatre where culture, community, and harbour views converge.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
1.1 km
A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
Ofelia Plads
1.1 km
Copenhagen's iconic waterfront plaza where culture, harbor views, and the famous kissing stairs meet the sea.
The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard
1.2 km
Aarhus University Park blends stunning natural scenery with iconic Danish architecture, creating a lush urban haven and cultural centerpiece in the heart of Aarhus.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
1.2 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Unmissable attractions to see
Holmen
0.3 km
Historic naval islands turned calm harbour quarter, where dockyards, academies and the Copenhagen Opera House share wide quays and sweeping city views.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
0.4 km
A contemplative scrap-metal thinker on Copenhagen’s harborfront, ZinkGlobal fuses recycled machinery with big ideas about the future and our industrial past.
Langelinie Park
0.5 km
Explore Denmark's first public museum, showcasing the neoclassical masterpieces of Bertel Thorvaldsen in the heart of Copenhagen.
Langelinieparken
0.5 km
Leafy waterfront lawns, sculptures and sea views where cruise ships, mythic fountains and Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid all meet along a single harbourfront walk.
Gefion Fountain
0.5 km
Copenhagen’s creation myth cast in bronze, the Gefion Fountain hurls goddess, oxen and water into a powerful tableau beside the harbour and Churchillparken.
Reffen - Skøjteøen
0.6 km
Industrial harbour vibes meet global street food, live events and a glowing winter ice rink at Copenhagen’s most atmospheric container village.
Langelinie Pavillonen
0.6 km
Experience modernist elegance and panoramic harbor views at Copenhagen's iconic Langelinie Pavillonen.
St Alban's Church
0.6 km
Step into history and legend at Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed as Hamlet’s ‘Elsinore,’ overlooking the spectacular Øresund Strait.
The Little Mermaid
0.6 km
Historic harbor district ablaze with color, culture, and canals—Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s most iconic and photogenic waterfront destination.
Museum of Danish Resistance
0.6 km
Go underground beneath Churchill Park to follow five real lives through Denmark’s World War II occupation, in an immersive museum of resistance, choices and courage.
Copenhagen Contemporary
0.7 km
Immersive large-scale installation art in a vast former shipyard hall at the heart of Copenhagen’s raw, waterfront cultural district on Refshaleøen.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
0.7 km
A quiet, contemporary memorial within Copenhagen’s star-shaped fortress, honoring Denmark’s post‑1948 international missions with flame, stone and thoughtful space.
Kastellet
0.8 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's crown jewels and royal regalia.
Copenhagen Opera House
0.8 km
UNESCO-listed Renaissance castle in Helsingør, famed as Elsinore from Shakespeare’s 'Hamlet', with iconic spires, lavish halls, and sweeping views across the Øresund Strait.
Refshaleøen, Copenhagen
0.8 km
Copenhagen's industrial-turned-creative waterfront where shipyard heritage meets cutting-edge culture and world-class cuisine.
Essential places to dine
La Banchina
0.3 km
Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.
Noma
0.7 km
Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.
Alchemist
0.8 km
A boundary-pushing Copenhagen icon where fine dining, art installation and social commentary fuse into a five-hour, 50-course immersive experience under a vast projected dome.
Veve
1.2 km
A destination for innovative, plant-based fine dining in Østerbro, where Nordic purity meets global flavors for an unforgettable vegetarian tasting menu experience.
Aoc
1.2 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Khun Juk
1.3 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
Kokkeriet
1.3 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Restaurant Rebel
1.3 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Restaurant Barr
1.4 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
Skipperkroen
1.4 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Cap Horn
1.4 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Restaurant Vita
1.4 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Nyhavns Færgekro
1.4 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
Restaurant Koefoed
1.4 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Den Lille Fede
1.5 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Crown souvenir
0.7 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Royal Souvenir Shop
1.1 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
Maritime Antiques &
1.3 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
Copenhagenglass
1.3 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Zane
1.4 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
The Wilde Shop
1.5 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Viking Souvenirs
1.7 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
1.7 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
1.7 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Magasin du Nord
1.7 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
1.7 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
1.7 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Storm - design art fashion
1.8 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
1.8 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Urban Outfitters
1.8 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
1.2 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
Brønnum
1.6 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Aloha Beach Bar
1.6 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Bar Deco
1.6 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
TATA Cocktail Bar
1.6 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Balthazar
1.7 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.
1105
1.7 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Trykbar
1.8 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
The Moose
1.8 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Charlie's Bar
1.9 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Eiffel bar
1.9 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
Bo-Bi Bar
1.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Chevy's
1.9 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Chevy's in Østerbro, Copenhagen—where delicious drinks and good company create unforgettable nights.
Gejser Bar
2.0 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
K-Bar
2.0 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
1.4 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
1.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Lusso
1.7 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.
Operaen
1.7 km
Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
The Zoo
1.8 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.
Chateau Motel
2.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Arch
2.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
2.3 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Hive
2.4 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
2.4 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
2.4 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
2.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
2.5 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Dorsia
2.6 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Cosy Bar
2.6 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
