Sankt Nicolai Church, Kolding
Kolding’s oldest church, where medieval roots, Renaissance artistry, and daily parish life meet under a red-brick neo‑Gothic tower.
Sankt Nicolai Church is Kolding’s oldest church, with roots around 1250 and a striking red-brick exterior shaped by a major 19th-century restoration. Step inside to discover a richly carved late Renaissance altarpiece and pulpit linked to Koldinghus castle, a sandstone font from the early 1600s, evocative epitaphs and headstones, vivid mid‑20th‑century stained-glass windows, and the resonant sound of a 57‑stop Marcussen organ and a 48‑bell carillon. Set on Nicolaiplads in the compact city center, it offers a quiet, atmospheric pause amid centuries of Danish history and everyday parish life.
A brief summary to Saint Nicolas Church
- Nicolaiplads 3, Kolding, 6000, DK
- +4521272727
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan your visit on a weekday late morning or early afternoon, when the church is most often open for quiet viewing of the interior.
- Take time to study the late Renaissance altarpiece and pulpit; many visitors overlook the fine carved details and inscriptions linked to Koldinghus.
- Pause by the baptismal font and nearby epitaphs to trace names and dates; they reveal layers of Kolding’s civic and noble history.
- Step outside and circle the church to appreciate the 19th‑century brickwork and tower from different angles on Nicolaiplads.
- If you are sensitive to sound, check service and event times in advance; organ recitals and bell chimes can be impressively loud inside.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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On foot from central Kolding
From the main shopping streets and central squares of Kolding, allow around 5–10 minutes on foot to reach Nicolaiplads, where Sankt Nicolai Church stands. The route is flat, paved, and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, though cobblestones close to the church can be slightly uneven in wet or icy weather. Walking is the most convenient option within the compact city center and avoids navigating one‑way streets by car.
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Local bus within Kolding
City buses running through Kolding’s center typically stop within a short walk of Nicolaiplads, with travel times of about 5–15 minutes from most residential districts. A single adult ticket within the local zone generally costs in the range of 20–30 DKK, with services running more frequently on weekdays and reduced timetables in evenings and on weekends. Check accessibility if you use a wheelchair, as low‑floor buses are common but not universal.
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From Kolding Station by bus or taxi
From Kolding’s main railway station, local buses to the central area take roughly 5–10 minutes, with tickets usually costing around 20–30 DKK for a short city journey. Taxis waiting outside the station cover the distance in about 5 minutes, with typical fares in the range of 80–140 DKK depending on time of day and traffic. Both options drop you within a few minutes’ walk of the church, and there is no need for long uphill walks.
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By car from the wider Trekantområdet
Arriving by car from nearby towns in the Triangle Region, driving times to central Kolding are often 20–40 minutes via regional roads and motorways. Public parking areas are available in and around the city center, usually paid during weekday daytimes and Saturdays with hourly rates commonly between 10 and 25 DKK depending on the zone. Spaces can be limited at busy times, so allow extra time to park and walk a few minutes through the compact streets to the church.
Saint Nicolas 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
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Saint Nicolas Church
Centuries of Faith in the Heart of Kolding
Sankt Nicolai Church stands on Nicolaiplads as Kolding’s oldest church, with origins dating back to around 1250. Only fragments of the medieval fabric remain, but the site has anchored religious life here for more than seven centuries. For centuries it was simply known as Kolding Church, only taking the name of Saint Nicholas in the 20th century when a new parish church was built elsewhere in town. The building you see today is the product of many phases. A thorough Baroque rebuilding in the 1750s reshaped the interior, while a major 19th‑century restoration in the 1880s gave the church its present neo‑Gothic red‑brick exterior and distinctive tower, now a familiar landmark on Kolding’s skyline.Historic Interior Rich with Detail
Inside, Sankt Nicolai is anything but plain. The focal point is a richly carved Renaissance altarpiece from the late 16th century, donated by Caspar Markdanner, the royal vassal of nearby Koldinghus. Inspired by contemporary Dutch engravings, its tiers of figures and ornament reward close inspection and link the church directly to Denmark’s noble past. Across the nave, the dark wooden pulpit, also from 1591, bears Markdanner’s coat of arms and the motto initials “G.M.B.”, an abbreviation of “Gott mein Beistand.” Together with the medieval choir stalls and an array of carved details, these fixtures create a sense of continuity between the church’s late medieval Catholic roots and its later Lutheran identity.Stone, Glass, and Memorials
Near the chancel stands the sandstone baptismal font, added in the early 17th century and decorated with symbols of the four evangelists. Suspended above it is an ornate canopy carved a couple of decades later, drawing the eye upward and framing one of the church’s most important ritual spaces. Embedded in the floors and walls you will notice epitaphs and gravestones commemorating prominent local families, merchants, and clergy. Their inscriptions and heraldic shields speak of lives lived in close connection to the church and offer a stone record of Kolding’s social history over the centuries.Light, Sound, and Postwar Renewal
The church’s stained-glass windows in the choir are relatively recent, created in the years after the Second World War by artist Kræsten Iversen. They were installed around 1950 as part of a major anniversary and bring strong color and symbolic scenes into the otherwise pale interior, transforming the quality of light on bright days. Music also plays a central role in the atmosphere. A substantial organ, built in the 1970s by renowned Danish firm Marcussen & Søn, fills the nave with sound during services and concerts. Up in the tower, a carillon of dozens of bells rings out several times a day, its melodies marking the hours and echoing across the city center.Visiting Today: Still a Living Parish
Although steeped in history, Sankt Nicolai remains an active Lutheran parish church. On weekdays the doors are typically open, inviting quiet reflection, candle lighting, or simple architectural appreciation between errands in town. Leaflets in multiple languages explain key artworks and features for independent exploration. The church’s location on Nicolaiplads makes it easy to combine a visit with nearby cultural sights and shopping streets. Whether you stay briefly to admire the craftsmanship or linger longer to listen for the bells and organ, the building offers a calm, characterful glimpse into Kolding’s past and present.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Saint Nicolas Church
0.0 km
Kolding’s oldest church, where medieval roots, Renaissance artistry, and daily parish life meet under a red-brick neo‑Gothic tower.
Borchs Gård
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A vividly painted Renaissance townhouse from 1595, Borchs Gård brings Kolding’s mercantile past to life on the edge of lively Akseltorv square.
Milling Hotel Saxildhus
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Neo-Gothic English church set by Copenhagen’s Churchill Park and Kastellet, famed for its stained-glass windows, flint architecture, and tranquil atmosphere.
Kolding St.
0.6 km
The compact rail and bus hub that delivers you straight into Kolding’s mix of castle-topped history, cobbled streets and fjord-side modern design.
Saint Michaels Church
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A modest 19th-century Catholic red-brick church in central Kolding, offering quiet reflection, intimate architecture and a glimpse of Denmark’s Catholic life.
Villa Gertrud - Bed & Breakfast
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St Alban’s Church is Copenhagen’s only Anglican church—an elegant Neo-Gothic landmark in Churchill Park, celebrated for its English architectural charm and tranquil location.
Fredericia Vold
19.9 km
Northern Europe's best-preserved fortress ramparts, where 370 years of Danish military history meets urban parkland.
Troldborg Ring
22.5 km
Iron Age refuge fortress on a wooded hilltop, where grassy ramparts, “Devil’s Valley” slopes and wide views over Vejle Ådal bring deep Danish history to life.
Vejle Vindmølle
23.5 km
Historic windmill turned art gallery with panoramic city views and rotating contemporary exhibitions.
VisitVejle
24.3 km
Explore Andelstrappen and Fortællegyngestolen in Odense: A fusion of nature's beauty and rich literary heritage.
The Midgård Well
24.7 km
A coiled Norse serpent, a quiet city fountain and a whole mythic world wrapped into one small corner of central Vejle.
Sønderjylland Archaeology Museum
26.3 km
Discover ancient artefacts and hidden history at Sønderjylland Archaeology Museum in Haderslev—a fascinating window into Denmark's past from the Stone Age to Vikings.
Tirsbæk Gods
26.8 km
Experience Tirsbæk Gods, an enchanting Renaissance estate on Vejle Fjord offering historic architecture, idyllic gardens, and immersive events in Denmark’s scenic countryside.
Træskohage fyr
27.3 km
An awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral at the heart of Odense, steeped in royal history as Denmark’s only sainted king’s final resting place.
Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
29.8 km
Experience contemporary art in Vejle's historic 1950s vending machine gallery.
Unmissable attractions to see
Galleri Pagter
0.1 km
Intimate gallery in the heart of Kolding showcasing distinctive Danish ceramics and graphic art in a calm, carefully curated setting.
Koldinghus
0.2 km
A 750‑year‑old royal fortress reborn as an award‑winning museum, where raw brick ruins, modern timber and sweeping tower views tell the story of Denmark in one castle.
The Spanish stairs
0.2 km
A broad, tile-clad staircase with Lin Utzon’s art, the Spanish Stairs link Kolding’s old streets to its castle hill in a gently Mediterranean-feeling urban pause.
Helligkorsgade 18
0.2 km
A beloved, free-entry family park in central Kolding featuring creative playgrounds, lakeside pedal boats, mini-golf, picnic spots, and open-air relaxation for all ages.
Castle Garden
0.2 km
A tranquil belt of lawns, trees and lake reflections wrapped around Koldinghus, where everyday life and 750 years of castle history share the same green hillside.
Borgerhaven
0.3 km
A small 1930s garden tucked behind historic walls, where flowers, old brickwork and a cannonball in the gable tell Kolding’s story in a single quiet courtyard.
The Passage
0.3 km
Encounter the legacy of pioneering sculptor Anne Marie Carl Nielsen through this evocative public artwork in the vibrant central square of Kolding.
Stable Yard
0.3 km
Historic whitewashed stables turned city museum, where royal horses, design heritage and Denmark’s only preserved Gestapo cell share one atmospheric courtyard.
Slotssøen
0.3 km
A small castle lake with big atmosphere, Slotssøen pairs medieval walls, swans and leafy paths to create Kolding’s most quietly evocative waterside walk.
Springvandet ved slotssøbadet
0.4 km
Et moderne springvand på Slotsøens overflade, hvor vandsøjler, borgsilhuet og byliv mødes i et kort, gratis åndehul midt i Koldings historiske hjerte.
Søpromenaden
0.4 km
A modest lakeside ribbon where central Kolding slows down, Søpromenaden offers a quiet urban waterside walk, everyday greenery, and simple benches by the shore.
St George's Garden
0.5 km
A modest neighbourhood park in Kolding, St George’s Garden offers simple lawns, trees and local life – a quiet pause between the town’s grander green spaces.
Little Kolding Å Park
0.5 km
A small, quiet green pocket along Kolding Å where river, trees and town meet, perfect for a brief pause, a dog walk or a gentle riverside stroll.
Vifdam park
0.5 km
A compact lakeside neighbourhood park in Kolding, where an artificial lake, play areas and quiet paths turn a dense residential quarter into an easy everyday escape.
Old Cemetery
0.6 km
Historic 1806 cemetery turned tranquil green refuge, where copper beeches, cast‑iron fences and war memorials quietly tell two centuries of Kolding’s story.
Essential places to dine
Flip The Burger
0.1 km
Small, central Kolding burger joint turning out big-flavor smashed patties, hand-cut fries and easygoing dinners just steps from the main square.
Kolding food
0.1 km
Central Kolding shawarma spot serving generous grill plates, durum rolls and box meals, ideal for a quick, filling bite between shops or after a night out.
Restaurant Valdemar
0.1 km
Family-run brasserie in Kolding’s historic centre, serving hearty Danish smørrebrød by day and modern European dishes by night beside the town square.
Atami Sushi Restaurant
0.1 km
All‑you‑can‑eat sushi with tablet ordering and robot service in the heart of Kolding’s Akseltorv, blending modern Japanese flavours with a casual Danish city vibe.
Skagen Fiskerestaurant Kolding
0.1 km
Fresh fish and shellfish with a Skagen harbour feel, served in a bright, maritime restaurant on Kolding’s historic Akseltorv market square.
Madkassen
0.1 km
Hearty pizzas, grill favorites and ice cream in the heart of Kolding, a casual local spot that fuels busy days and late nights in the city center.
Hr & Fru Paps Vin & Tapas
0.1 km
Intimate Kolding wine bar and tapas hideaway serving Iberian-inspired small plates, candlelit atmosphere and conversational evenings in historic Låsbygade.
Le Restaurant Kolding
0.1 km
Casual Asian fusion dining in central Kolding, open daily with sushi, burgers, and meat specialties.
Madkælderen Koldinghus
0.2 km
Seasonal Danish cuisine and candlelit cellar ambience beneath the vaulted stone of Koldinghus, where modern gourmet dining meets centuries of royal castle history.
Cliff food bike
0.2 km
Compact soul-food kitchen born from a roaming food bike, serving bold, comforting flavours in Kolding’s historic centre just steps from Koldinghus castle.
Kål&co
0.2 km
Bright, veggie-forward café on Kolding’s Slotsgade, turning seasonal greens into hearty salad bowls, pitas and panini in a relaxed, modern setting.
Den Blå Bistro
0.2 km
French-inspired bistro at the heart of Kolding, blending classic Gallic dishes, Danish ingredients and a cosy, candlelit atmosphere ideal for both lunch and long dinners.
Xin Chào Vietnamese Restaurant
0.2 km
Compact, central and casually modern, Xin Chào brings steaming pho, crisp dumplings and fresh Vietnamese flavours to Kolding’s historic Slotsgade every evening.
Restaurant Johansens
0.2 km
Refined Danish smørrebrød and modern Nordic plates in an intimate, candlelit dining room at the heart of Kolding’s historic center.
Rafaels Restaurant
0.2 km
Cosy Italian restaurant on Kolding’s historic Slotsgade, serving generous pizzas, pastas and classic dishes in a warm, lively setting ideal for dinners and celebrations.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Michella´s Frugt og Grønt v/Mahmoud Aldherej
0.1 km
Compact, colourful greengrocer in central Kolding, perfect for fresh fruit, vegetables and picnic supplies between explorations of the city’s historic streets.
byHANSEN
0.1 km
A refined neighborhood florist in central Kolding, specializing in crafted bouquets, seasonal arrangements and thoughtful floral design for life’s big and small moments.
Store No 1b ApS
0.1 km
Boutique fashion in the heart of Kolding's charming pedestrian shopping district.
Bog & idé Kolding City
0.1 km
Central Kolding’s one-stop book and gift shop, combining Danish reads, games, stationery, hobby items and handy photo services in a bright, well-organised space.
Femina Tønder ApS
0.1 km
A central Kolding women’s clothing shop offering practical, Scandinavian-inspired everyday fashion in a compact, easy-to-browse high-street space.
Filurfifi
0.1 km
A cosy Kolding design boutique filled with playful ceramics, Nordic home décor and character-inspired gifts for women, children and the home.
Janne K Kolding
0.2 km
Contemporary fashion boutique offering seasonal clothing and accessories in central Kolding.
DNA Kolding
0.2 km
Stylish menswear and footwear in the heart of Kolding's downtown shopping district.
Only
0.2 km
Compact, trend-focused ONLY store in central Kolding, offering accessible Scandinavian women’s fashion, strong on denim and everyday outfits for quick wardrobe updates.
Kop & Kande Kolding C
0.2 km
Central Kolding’s cosy homeware and gift shop, where practical Danish kitchen design, glassware and tableware meet easy browsing on lively Helligkorsgade.
Rituals
0.2 km
A softly lit Rituals boutique on Østergade in Kolding, where serene design, layered scents and thoughtful gift sets turn everyday routines into small indulgent rituals.
Gundtoft KOLDING CITY
0.2 km
Elegant women's fashion in Kolding's design-forward city centre, featuring curated Danish and international brands.
Kul og Koks
0.2 km
Intimate Kolding menswear boutique pairing Scandinavian simplicity with curated, ready-to-wear outfits for everyday life and special occasions.
HARRESØ
0.2 km
An intimate Kolding concept store where Scandinavian minimalism meets international menswear, blending gallery-like interiors with a sharply curated selection of designer brands.
Red Barnet genbrugsbutik
0.3 km
Compact, community-driven second-hand shop in central Kolding where bargain hunting, sustainability and support for Save the Children come together under one roof.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Cavern
0.2 km
A cozy, low-lit lounge tucked inside Den Engelske Pub, offering intimate drinks, warm conversation and a calm escape from Kolding’s lively weekend nightlife.
Den Engelske Pub - You'll Never Walk Alone
0.2 km
British pub tradition meets Danish warmth in Kolding's heart—craft beer, whisky, and football culture.
Rabalder Bar Kolding
0.3 km
Small, loud and laid-back, Rabalder Bar Kolding delivers sing-along hits, cheeky drink deals and late-night energy in a compact, central Kolding setting.
The Old Irish pub
0.3 km
Kolding's premier Irish pub with live music, 300-person capacity, and weekend dancing until dawn.
Vegas Bet & Beer
0.3 km
Straightforward beers, sports on screen and easygoing local banter in a compact bar at the heart of Kolding’s historic centre.
8eren
0.3 km
Kolding's premier cocktail bar and pool hall—where drinks, games, and good company meet.
Jernbanecaféen
0.3 km
Straightforward, central Kolding bar by the station, serving inexpensive drinks in a relaxed, lived‑in setting from midday until the early hours.
Domhuset Sportsbar
0.3 km
Straightforward Kolding sports bar with darts, big screens and cold beers in a relaxed pub setting on central Låsbygade.
Knuds Garage
0.3 km
Garage‑themed neighborhood bar in central Kolding with affordable drinks, board games, foosball and a cozy courtyard that turns evenings into easygoing social nights.
Kontoret Øl og Vinstue
0.5 km
Atmospheric Kolding bar in a historic townhouse, pouring beer and wine in warmly lit, wood‑paneled rooms that feel like the city’s convivial living room.
Papegøjen
0.6 km
A no-frills corner bodega in central Kolding where cold beer, card games and easy conversation keep the classic Danish pub culture very much alive.
Drop-inn ( 75 50 34 92 )
0.6 km
Unpretentious Kolding bodega in a former girls’ school, serving cold beer, nostalgic “mormor” music and everyday hygge in a cosy red-brick corner bar.
Jazz 6000
0.7 km
Intimate jazz stronghold in Kolding, presenting adventurous live concerts and collaborations that bring Danish jazz up close in a relaxed club atmosphere.
Snapstinget
1.2 km
One of Kolding’s oldest pubs, Snapstinget pairs ice-cold beer with billiards, darts and a warmly local atmosphere on a quiet street off the city’s sports grounds.
Daddys's Pub
1.4 km
Cosy neighborhood pub on Tvedvej in Kolding, serving cold beers, bar‑side conversation and a generous dose of everyday Danish hygge from late morning into the evening.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Discoteque Tordenskiold
0.1 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
0.2 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Koldingtivet Engen
0.4 km
Compact Kolding disco where locals pack the dance floor, mainstream hits fill the speakers and late-night energy turns a modest venue into a full-bodied club night.
Pitstop
0.5 km
Small, central and loud, Pitstop is Kolding’s alternative live music stronghold, blending intimate gigs, late-night dancing and laid-back bar vibes in a historic building.
Tucan Swinger & wellness Club
9.1 km
Adults-only swinger and wellness retreat in rural Jutland, blending erotic exploration, spa comforts and themed rooms in a discreet, rules-based environment.
Fishi
14.2 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub in Vejen with loud beats, simple drinks and a friendly small-town crowd that keeps the dance floor moving late into the night.
AHA Livestage
19.8 km
Intimate live music and cocktail-driven nightlife in the heart of Fredericia, where high-quality sound and curated events turn selected evenings into standout parties.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
21.2 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
NOX Network Ltd.
21.7 km
Small-city Danish nightclub in Vejle with a central dance floor, upbeat chart music, and a straightforward, late-night party atmosphere.
temabar APS 23-05
24.5 km
Tropical vibes and late-night dancing in Vejle's energetic weekend hotspot.
Horsens New Style Dance Club
42.3 km
Horsens' premier line dancing venue where beginners and advanced dancers unite in movement and community.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
45.1 km
Compact late-night club on Grindsted’s main street, mixing local vibes, DJs and simple drinks for weekend nights that run into the early hours.
PDD
46.7 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub on Lindvigsvej in Horsens, offering late-night dancing, simple drinks and an intimate, local-party atmosphere on weekends.
Oskar hossman
47.3 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Horsens, where pulsing beats, colourful lights and a sociable crowd define the city’s after-hours heartbeat.
Sölibat Natklub
47.6 km
Late-night, no-frills clubbing in central Horsens, where loud music, simple drinks and a compact dance floor create an unapologetically local party vibe.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
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
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Photowalk
- 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
- Wheelchair Access
