St. Alexander Nevsky Church, Copenhagen
Golden onion domes, royal ties and incense-filled ritual make St. Alexander Nevsky Church Copenhagen’s most evocative glimpse into Russian Orthodox tradition.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church brings a striking touch of Russia to central Copenhagen, its golden onion domes rising above elegant Bredgade near Amalienborg Palace. Built in the early 1880s as a Russian Orthodox church linked to the Danish royal family, it is known for its richly decorated iconostasis, frescoes and candlelit interior. Visitors step from the orderly streets of Frederiksstaden into a world of incense, chanted liturgy and intricate Orthodox art, discovering one of the city’s most atmospheric sacred spaces.
A brief summary to St. Alexander Nevsky Church
- Bredgade 53, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1260, DK
- +4533136046
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Check service and opening times in advance; interior access is often limited to weekends, feast days and periods around liturgy.
- Dress modestly with covered shoulders and subdued clothing, and keep voices low to respect worshippers inside.
- If you wish to take photos, avoid flash and wait for quiet moments when no one is praying directly in front of the icons.
- Bring a small amount of cash if you would like to light a candle or buy a devotional item from the church.
- Combine your visit with a short walk to Amalienborg Palace and the Marble Church to appreciate Frederiksstaden’s varied architecture.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Walking
From Kongens Nytorv in central Copenhagen, walking to St. Alexander Nevsky Church typically takes 10–15 minutes along flat, paved streets. The route passes through the Frederiksstaden district, with broad sidewalks and pedestrian crossings. It is suitable for most visitors, including those with strollers or limited mobility, although cobblestones appear near some intersections and can be uneven in wet or icy weather.
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Public Transport
Using the M3 Cityringen or M4 metro lines, travel to Marmorkirken Station in central Copenhagen, which is usually a 5–10 minute ride from major hubs such as Nørreport or København H. A standard single ticket within the city zones generally costs around DKK 20–30. From Marmorkirken Station, the walk to the church is about 5 minutes on level streets. Metro services run frequently throughout the day, but late-night frequencies are lower, so check times if returning late.
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Taxi or Ride-hail
A taxi from Copenhagen Central Station to St. Alexander Nevsky Church typically takes 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic in the royal district, with fares commonly in the range of DKK 80–140 including basic fees. Vehicles can usually drop passengers close to the church entrance, but brief delays are possible during events or when nearby streets are busy around Amalienborg. Taxis generally accept major cards as well as cash.
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Driving
Reaching the church by car from elsewhere in Copenhagen usually takes 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic. Municipal street parking and paid garages are found in the Frederiksstaden area, often charging around DKK 24–39 per hour. Spaces can be scarce at peak times and during royal events near Amalienborg, and local parking regulations are actively enforced, so allow extra time to find a legal spot and to walk a few minutes to the church.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about St. Alexander Nevsky Church
Russian splendor in royal Copenhagen
St. Alexander Nevsky Church stands on Bredgade in the refined Frederiksstaden district, a short walk from Amalienborg Palace yet visually worlds apart from the surrounding Danish townhouses. Conceived as a Russian Orthodox church in the early 1880s, it was built as a gift from the Russian state to mark the dynastic bond between Tsarevich Alexander Alexandrovich (later Tsar Alexander III) and Princess Dagmar of Denmark. The dedication to the medieval prince and military leader Alexander Nevsky underlines the church’s role as both spiritual home and national symbol. From the street, the building captures attention immediately with its cluster of onion-shaped domes, gilded crosses and richly patterned brickwork. The façade combines red and yellow brick with carved stone details, arched windows and decorative bands that clearly set it apart from the sober Lutheran churches elsewhere in the city. Even before stepping inside, visitors sense that this small church encapsulates a much larger story of diplomacy, marriage and cultural exchange between Denmark and Imperial Russia.Architecture shaped by an imperial commission
The design was entrusted to the Russian architect David Ivanovich Grimm, who worked in a Neo-Byzantine and Russian Revival style. Completed between 1881 and 1883, the church uses traditional Orthodox forms on a compact urban plot. Its three onion domes rise above a narrow nave, crowned with Orthodox crosses that gleam when the northern light breaks through the clouds. Decorative brick patterns and blind arcades give the exterior a richness that rewards a slow look rather than a hurried glance. Architecturally, the building is carefully integrated into its Danish surroundings while still asserting its foreign identity. The tall, slender proportions relate to neighboring façades, yet details such as kokoshnik-style gables, horseshoe arches and ornamental cornices mark it clearly as a Russian sacred structure. This balance of adaptation and distinctiveness makes the church one of the most intriguing pieces of 19th-century religious architecture in Copenhagen.A candlelit world of icons and incense
Inside, the mood shifts instantly from the bustle of Bredgade to a soft, enclosed world of icon lamps, beeswax candles and gold leaf. The focal point is the ornate iconostasis, the screen of icons separating nave and sanctuary, which is dense with images of Christ, Mary, saints and feast days. Carved woodwork, gilded ornament and rich colors frame these icons, inviting close inspection of faces, gestures and inscriptions. The interior follows Orthodox tradition: there are few pews, encouraging worshippers to stand, move and venerate icons. Walls and vaults are adorned with painted decoration, and the air often carries the lingering scent of incense from recent liturgies. Even outside service times, the space feels active and used, with candle stubs, offerings and handwritten notes at icon stands hinting at the ongoing life of the parish.Living parish and cross-cultural meeting point
St. Alexander Nevsky Church functions not only as a historic monument but as a working parish for Russian Orthodox believers in Denmark and the broader Slavic and Eastern Christian communities of the city. Services, typically held in Church Slavonic and sometimes other languages, bring together worshippers from varied backgrounds while maintaining traditional chant, ritual and vestments. For visitors, this makes the church a place where history is experienced through living practice rather than display alone. Icons are kissed, candles are lit for relatives far away, and feast days bring processions and special services. Even those unfamiliar with Orthodox Christianity can sense the strong connection between architecture, ritual and identity that the church sustains in a largely Lutheran country.Planning a respectful visit
The church keeps limited opening hours, often focused around services, weekends and specific feast days, so stepping inside may require a little timing and patience. When open, modest dress is expected, with covered shoulders and calm behavior, especially if a liturgy or private prayer is underway. Photography is generally tolerated but should be discreet, avoiding flash and refraining from photographing people at prayer. Because of its central location, many travelers pair a visit here with nearby sites such as Amalienborg and the Marble Church, using St. Alexander Nevsky as a quieter counterpoint to the grand royal squares. Whether you stay for a few moments or a full service, the church offers a concentrated experience of Russian Orthodox art and devotion set against the elegant backdrop of Copenhagen’s royal quarter.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.3 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.
Larsens Pl.
0.4 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
St. Paul's Church
0.4 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.4 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
I am Queen Mary
0.4 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Horn mine
0.5 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.
Our Fallen
0.5 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.6 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.6 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Copenhagen Opera House
0.7 km
An architectural landmark on Copenhagen’s harbor, the Opera House blends Scandinavian design with world-class performances and spectacular waterfront views.
The King's Garden
0.7 km
Experience the tranquil beauty of The King's Garden, a historical park in Copenhagen surrounding the majestic Rosenborg Castle, perfect for relaxation and exploration.
Kastellet
0.7 km
Explore Kastellet, Copenhagen's historic fortress showcasing stunning architecture, lush greenery, and a glimpse into Denmark's rich military past.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
0.7 km
Aarhus University Park blends modernist architecture, landscaped gardens, and tranquil lakes to create an inviting oasis at the heart of Denmark’s vibrant student city.
Inderhavnsbroen
0.8 km
Copenhagen's iconic curved 'kissing bridge' where innovation meets the Inner Harbour.
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
0.8 km
A towering tribute to Admiral Huitfeldt's heroic last stand at sea, crowned with Victory.
Unmissable attractions to see
Frederik's Church
0.1 km
Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen offers seven centuries of world-class art in luminous galleries, from old masters to Danish modern icons and contemporary innovators.
Medicinsk Museion
0.1 km
Historic surgical academy turned cutting‑edge medical museum, where preserved bodies, instruments and contemporary science exhibitions reveal how we understand health and disease.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.1 km
Step behind the facades of Copenhagen’s royal square to explore intimate apartments, glittering gala halls and Fabergé treasures at Amalienborg Palace Museum.
Bredgade Kunsthandel
0.2 km
Refined contemporary art gallery on Copenhagen’s Bredgade, where Danish and international works unfold in bright, minimalist rooms just steps from royal and design landmarks.
Amalienborg
0.2 km
Discover the majestic Rosenborg Castle—home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, regal interiors, and lush gardens—offering a journey through centuries of royal Danish history.
Designmuseum Danmark
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s temple of design, where rococo halls, iconic Danish chairs and a tranquil garden reveal how beautifully made objects shape everyday life.
Amaliegade
0.2 km
A stately Copenhagen street where Rococo townhouses, royal colonnades and diplomatic mansions line a calm axis through the heart of Frederiksstaden.
Rytterstatuen
0.2 km
A surreal subterranean art museum beneath Søndermarken Park, fusing Copenhagen’s 19th-century waterworks with modern installations and immersive experiences.
Nyboder
0.3 km
Historic naval home preserving four centuries of Danish maritime family life in a single yellow row house.
Amaliehaven
0.3 km
A small but beautifully composed waterfront garden weaving royal vistas, sculpture, and harbor views into a calm green oasis in central Copenhagen.
Springvandet i Amaliehaven af Arnaldo Pomodoro
0.3 km
A dramatic bronze fountain at the heart of Amaliehaven, where modern sculpture, royal views and harbor breezes meet in a tranquil geometric garden.
Bredgade 18
0.4 km
A quietly elegant address on Copenhagen’s grand Bredgade, surrounded by Frederiksstaden’s mansions, churches and design showrooms in the heart of the city.
Museum of Danish Resistance
0.5 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.
The Kissing Stairs
0.5 km
Stroll along Langelinie, Copenhagen’s bustling waterfront, where iconic statues, historic parkland, and sweeping harbor views create a quintessential maritime escape.
Copenhagen Amber Museum
0.5 km
A tiny 17th‑century townhouse on Kongens Nytorv where Baltic amber, ancient insects and Scandinavian craft turn deep time into a warm, golden museum experience.
Essential places to dine
Aoc
0.3 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Restaurant Rebel
0.3 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 Vita
0.4 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.4 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Kokkeriet
0.4 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Den Lille Fede
0.5 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.
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.5 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.
Goldfinch
0.5 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Cap Horn
0.5 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Skipperkroen
0.6 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.
Bistro Royal
0.6 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Khun Juk
0.6 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.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.6 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Frank
0.6 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
Alouette
0.6 km
One‑Michelin‑star Green Star dining in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, where hyper‑seasonal Nordic tasting menus meet quietly striking design by the King’s Garden.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.1 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.
The Crown souvenir
0.4 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
The Wilde Shop
0.5 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Zane
0.5 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Maritime Antiques &
0.5 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
0.6 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.7 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Viking Souvenirs
0.7 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.7 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.7 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.7 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Storm - design art fashion
0.7 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.
Magasin du Nord
0.8 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.8 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.
Norse Projects
0.9 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
0.3 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.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.6 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
0.6 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Brønnum
0.7 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Balthazar
0.7 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.
Trykbar
0.7 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.
1105
0.7 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
The Moose
0.8 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.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.8 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Charlie's Bar
0.8 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Gejser Bar
0.9 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
Balderdash
1.0 km
Copenhagen’s candlelit cocktail laboratory in a 1732 townhouse, where hygge, art and daring seasonal drinks turn a quiet side street into an unforgettable night out.
K-Bar
1.0 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
The Dubliner
1.0 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
Culture Box
0.4 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
0.6 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
0.7 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.
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.
Chateau Motel
1.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Arch
1.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
1.3 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Hive
1.3 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Operaen
1.4 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.
Rumors
1.4 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.4 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
1.4 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
1.4 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Dorsia
1.5 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
1.6 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
- Unique
- Romantic
- Zen
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- Photowalk
- 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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
