St. Paul’s Church (Sankt Pauls Kirke), Nyboder
Red-brick Romanesque revival in Copenhagen’s historic Nyboder, St. Paul’s Church marries naval heritage, serene worship and quietly striking architecture.
St. Paul’s Church rises in red brick at the heart of Copenhagen’s historic Nyboder district, long known for its regimented yellow naval housing. Completed in 1877 and designed by Johannes Emil Gnudtzmann, this Neo‑Romanesque Lutheran church blends Italian Renaissance inspirations with Danish brickwork, a tall spire and rounded arches. Step inside for calm light, sculptural details and an active parish life of services, organ music and cultural events just a short stroll from central city sights.
A brief summary to St. Paul's Church
- Gernersgade 33, Copenhagen, København K, 1319, DK
- +4531111745
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan your visit on a weekday daytime if you want a quiet look inside; services and events can limit access to some areas of the nave and chancel.
- Walk a short loop through the surrounding Nyboder streets to see how the church’s red brick contrasts with the iconic yellow naval housing rows.
- If you enjoy church music, check parish listings in advance for organ recitals or choir performances, which are often held in the evenings.
- Bring a light jacket in cooler months; the interior can feel noticeably cooler than the street, especially when the church is sparsely heated.
- Photography is generally fine outside and discreetly inside, but avoid flash and remain respectful if a service or private ceremony is underway.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro and walking
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 or M4 metro line to Marmorkirken station; trains run every few minutes and the journey from major hubs such as København H usually takes 5–10 minutes. A single metro ticket within the city centre typically costs around 20–30 DKK. From Marmorkirken it is an easy 10–15 minute walk on mostly flat pavements to St. Paul’s Church, suitable for most visitors with basic mobility.
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City bus
Several inner-city bus routes run through Copenhagen K and stop within a short walk of Nyboder, with typical travel times of 10–20 minutes from central areas depending on traffic. Standard bus fares within the central zones are usually 20–30 DKK and can be paid with travel cards or contactless options. Buses run frequently during the day and early evening, but late-night services are more limited.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle network makes it straightforward to reach St. Paul’s Church by bike from most central districts in about 10–20 minutes. You can use public bike-share schemes or rental bikes, which commonly cost in the range of 20–40 DKK per half hour. Cycle lanes are generally well marked, but be mindful of busy junctions around larger roads on the approach to Nyboder.
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Taxi or rideshare
Taxis and app-based rideshares connect central Copenhagen with Nyboder in roughly 10–15 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Fares within the inner city commonly range from 80–160 DKK depending on distance and time of day. Vehicles can usually drop passengers on the streets directly surrounding the church, but stopping space may be tighter during weekday daytime hours.
St. Paul's Church location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about St. Paul's Church
A red-brick landmark in the sailors’ quarter
St. Paul’s Church stands where regimented rows of yellow houses meet a sudden burst of red brick and stone. Raised between 1872 and 1877 as Nyboder’s long-awaited parish church, it gave Copenhagen’s naval families their own spiritual home after more than two centuries without a local sanctuary. The church quickly earned the nickname “Nyboder’s Church”, anchoring the neighbourhood with its tower, gables and confident silhouette. From a distance, the building reads as a classic 19th‑century statement of faith in brick. Up close, you notice the robust walls, the carefully patterned masonry and a composition that terminates the visual axis of surrounding streets, making the church a natural focal point in the urban landscape.Brick, arches and the Neo-Romanesque vision
Johannes Emil Gnudtzmann’s design blends Neo‑Romanesque solidity with Italian Renaissance influences, all interpreted through Danish brick traditions. The exterior is dominated by warm red brick, rounded arch windows and arcades, and a tower that rises above Nyboder’s low rooflines. String courses, blind arcades and subtle ornamentation give rhythm to the façades without overwhelming them. Step inside and the same language of rounded arches continues in the nave arcades and chancel. The relatively simple, spacious interior draws your eye towards the altar and up into the roof structure. Light filters through high-set windows, catching carved details, the crucifix and other liturgical furnishings. The overall impression is one of measured harmony: devotional without being dark or heavy.Nyboder, the navy and a changing city
The story of St. Paul’s is tightly bound to Nyboder. This district was founded in the 17th century under King Christian IV as housing for the professional Danish navy, and its distinctive yellow terraces once housed generations of seafaring families. By the late 1800s, Copenhagen’s population boom created pressure for new churches, and Nyboder finally received one of its own. Over the decades, demographic shifts meant the parish population shrank, and at one point St. Paul’s even appeared on lists of churches proposed for closure. Instead, the decision was taken to restore and reinvigorate the building. Today it stands as a reminder of how the city has repeatedly reinvented itself while preserving key pieces of its military and social heritage.Inside the sanctuary: art, organ and atmosphere
Within the church, liturgical art and music play a central role. A gilded crucifix above the altar focuses the interior, replacing an earlier painted altarpiece. Sculptural details and modest stained glass add quiet colour rather than spectacle. The organ, whose origins date back to the late 19th century, has been rebuilt and expanded over time and now underpins services, concerts and special events with a rich, resonant sound. The atmosphere on non‑service days is hushed and contemplative. Wooden pews, stone floors and the faint scent of wax create a sense of continuity, while changing exhibitions or artistic installations occasionally animate side chapels and walls. It is a space where everyday parish life and cultural programming coexist under the same vaulted ceiling.Visiting amid Copenhagen’s central sights
St. Paul’s Church occupies a particularly convenient corner of central Copenhagen, within walking distance of the King’s Garden, major museums and the harbour fortifications. Yet the Nyboder streets around it feel calmer than nearby boulevards, with long rows of yellow houses framing the church tower in unexpected vistas. Most visitors drop in briefly to admire the architecture, enjoy a moment of quiet or listen in on organ practice. Others plan a longer stop to attend a service or concert. Whether you stay ten minutes or an hour, the church offers an illuminating counterpoint to the city’s palaces and galleries: a working parish in a historic military neighbourhood, where brick, faith and everyday life continue to meet.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St. Paul's Church
0.0 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Our Fallen
0.6 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
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.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.6 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.
I am Queen Mary
0.7 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.7 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Gefion Fountain
0.7 km
A powerful Norse creation myth cast in bronze and spray, the Gefion Fountain unites legend, sculpture and harbor light on the edge of Churchillparken.
Larsens Pl.
0.7 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Indre By
0.7 km
Medieval streets, royal palaces, and European shopping converge in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.8 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
0.8 km
Discover the Monument to Denmark's International Activities in Kastellet: A historical landmark celebrating Denmark's global contributions since 1948.
Memorial Anchor
0.8 km
A historic anchor monument honoring Danish WWII sailors, set at the heart of scenic Nyhavn, blending maritime history with Copenhagen’s lively canal atmosphere.
Kongens Nytorv
0.8 km
Discover Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen's historic square, surrounded by iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and easy access to Nyhavn and Strøget for an unforgettable experience.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
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A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
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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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bredgade Kunsthandel
0.3 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.
Medicinsk Museion
0.4 km
Historic surgical academy turned cutting‑edge medical museum, where preserved bodies, instruments and contemporary science exhibitions reveal how we understand health and disease.
Frederik's Church
0.4 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.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
0.4 km
Explore the evolution of design at Copenhagen's premier museum, housed in a historic rococo building.
Designmuseum Danmark
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s temple of design, where rococo halls, iconic Danish chairs and a tranquil garden reveal how beautifully made objects shape everyday life.
Den Frie Udstilling
0.4 km
Independent artist-run exhibition house in a striking wooden building, presenting changing contemporary art shows in the heart of Copenhagen’s Østerbro district.
The David Collection
0.5 km
Scandinavia's premier Islamic art museum, housed in a historic townhouse with free admission year-round.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.5 km
Step behind the facades of Copenhagen’s royal square to explore intimate apartments, glittering gala halls and Fabergé treasures at Amalienborg Palace Museum.
The King's Garden
0.5 km
Frederiksholms Kanal: An evocative canal-side promenade at the heart of Copenhagen, blending royal history, stately architecture, and peaceful city scenes.
Amaliegade
0.5 km
A stately Copenhagen street where Rococo townhouses, royal colonnades and diplomatic mansions line a calm axis through the heart of Frederiksstaden.
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst
0.5 km
Denmark’s national gallery, uniting seven centuries of art, a world-class Matisse collection and a luminous modern wing beside Østre Anlæg park in central Copenhagen.
Amalienborg
0.6 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.
Rytterstatuen
0.6 km
A surreal subterranean art museum beneath Søndermarken Park, fusing Copenhagen’s 19th-century waterworks with modern installations and immersive experiences.
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.
Kastellet
0.6 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's crown jewels and royal regalia.
Essential places to dine
Kokkeriet
0.1 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Restaurant Rebel
0.5 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.
Aoc
0.5 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.5 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Restaurant Vita
0.6 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
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.
Den Lille Fede
0.6 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.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.7 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Goldfinch
0.7 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Bistro Royal
0.7 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Frank
0.8 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.
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.8 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.
Marchal
0.8 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
l’Alsace
0.8 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Cap Horn
0.8 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.4 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
0.6 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
0.6 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
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.
Zane
0.7 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
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.
Storm - design art fashion
0.8 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.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.8 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Viking Souvenirs
0.9 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Maritime Antiques &
0.9 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.
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.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.9 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.9 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Copenhagenglass
0.9 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Norse Store
0.9 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
0.1 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
0.7 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
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.
Bar Deco
0.7 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Balthazar
0.8 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.
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.
1105
0.8 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Charlie's Bar
0.9 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Gejser Bar
0.9 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
Brønnum
0.9 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Skaal
1.0 km
Lively craft beer hall on Kultorvet square, pairing one of Copenhagen’s broadest tap selections with casual café dishes in the heart of Indre By.
Bar'Vin
1.0 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
TATA Cocktail Bar
1.0 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
0.2 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
0.7 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
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.
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.
Mirage
1.2 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
1.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable 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.
Hive
1.3 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
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.
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.
Miami Bar
1.4 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
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
1.5 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Club Mambo
1.7 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
- 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
- LGBT Friendly
