Frederiksholms Kanal
Historic canal skirting Slotsholmen where royal power, stately architecture and quiet waterside promenades meet in the very heart of Copenhagen.
Frederiksholms Kanal is a graceful historic canal skirting the southwestern edge of Slotsholmen in central Copenhagen. Dug in the late 17th century, it threads between grand palaces, museums and government buildings, with stone bridges, quayside benches and moored boats shaping a quietly atmospheric waterside promenade. It is a free, open‑air slice of royal Copenhagen, ideal for unhurried walks, photography and canal‑boat sightseeing at any time of day.
A brief summary to Frederiksholms Kanal
- Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Aim to walk the canal in late afternoon or near sunset, when the low light catches Christiansborg’s towers and creates particularly atmospheric reflections on the water.
- Combine your stroll with visits to nearby museums on Slotsholmen or the National Museum just off the canal to turn the area into a half‑day cultural walk.
- Bring a light layer even in summer; breezes funnel along the water, and it can feel cooler on the quays and bridges than in sheltered city streets.
- For varied perspectives, cross each of the canal’s bridges rather than staying to one side; the views back towards the palace and Indre By change subtly from every crossing.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Walking from Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square)
From City Hall Square in central Copenhagen, Frederiksholms Kanal is an easy urban walk of about 10–15 minutes along mostly flat pavements. The route passes through the compact historic core with frequent pedestrian crossings and is suitable for most visitors, including those using wheelchairs or strollers. Surfaces are generally smooth, though some older cobbled sections near the canal can feel slightly uneven.
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Metro to Gammel Strand Station
Take the M3 or M4 metro line to Gammel Strand Station, a central stop in the Indre By district. Trains run every few minutes throughout the day, and a single zone ticket typically costs the same as other inner‑city journeys in Copenhagen. From the station, expect a 5–10 minute walk on level streets to reach the canal’s western stretches near Slotsholmen. Lifts and escalators at the station make this route convenient for travelers with luggage or reduced mobility.
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Bus to National Museum area
Several city bus routes stop by the National Museum area, a short walk from Frederiksholms Kanal. Travel time from other central neighbourhoods is usually 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic, and ticket prices match standard inner‑city bus fares. Buses run frequently during the day and early evening. From the museum area, it is a 5–8 minute level walk to the canal, with good signage and wide pavements along the way.
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Canal boat tour stop near Slotsholmen
Many sightseeing canal boats include Frederiksholms Kanal or its immediate surroundings on their central Copenhagen routes. Tours typically last 60–90 minutes and depart regularly in peak season, with ticket prices in the moderate range for a city boat excursion. Most boats are low and step‑on access can involve a short, sometimes sloping gangplank, which may be challenging for some visitors. Using a canal tour is a scenic way to arrive and enjoy the waterway from the surface before exploring the quays on foot.
Frederiksholms Kanal location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Frederiksholms Kanal
Waterway Beside Copenhagen’s Island of Power
Frederiksholms Kanal traces a calm, curving line along the southwestern flank of Slotsholmen, the small island that has long been the heart of Danish state power. On one side lies the water, rippling gently as tour boats slide past; on the other rises a dignified façade of stone and brick, with towers, domes and gables belonging to ministries, museums and historic townhouses. Even though you are in the very centre of Copenhagen, the pace feels unhurried and reflective. The canal forms a kind of watery moat, separating Slotsholmen from the rest of the inner city. Its quays are mostly flat and paved, so it is easy to wander along the edge, pausing to watch the play of light on the surface or the reflections of buildings stretching down into the water. The view changes constantly as you move, from stately institutional blocks to more intimate stretches of yellow‑washed houses and old storage yards.From Fortress Edge to Elegant Canal
The story of Frederiksholms Kanal begins in the 17th century, when Copenhagen reinforced its western defences after a dramatic siege. As ramparts were pushed out into the shallow coastal waters, a new district called Frederiksholm emerged, and in 1681 a canal was dug here to shape the shoreline and improve access for ships bringing in building materials. Over time, utilitarian timber yards and sand depots gave way to the refined cityscape you see today. Walking along the canal, it is easy to imagine the bustle of earlier centuries: barges unloading stone, carpenters’ yards stacked with beams, soldiers crossing simple wooden bridges. Today, the same line of water is framed by stone embankments and handsome buildings, but the sense of the canal as a working artery of the city’s growth still lingers in its proportions and gentle bends.Palaces, Museums and Historic Houses
Frederiksholms Kanal is less an isolated sight than a spine linking many of Copenhagen’s most important institutions. Just across the water looms Christiansborg Palace, home to the Danish parliament, high courts and royal reception rooms, its towers visible from many points along the quay. Nearby, the National Museum occupies a former royal residence, adding cultural depth to the architectural panorama. Among the canal‑front townhouses, several have rich stories of their own, from merchants’ mansions to later government offices. One address even hides a meticulously preserved late‑19th‑century bourgeois apartment, set up as a period home. Although you may simply be strolling outdoors, the buildings you pass hold centuries of political decisions, diplomatic gatherings and everyday domestic life behind their facades.Bridges and Views Along the Water
Four bridges span Frederiksholms Kanal, each with its own character and vantage point. At one end, Storm Bridge marks the spot associated with the 1659 storming of the city, linking the mainland side to Slotsholmen with sturdy stone arches. Further along, the refined Marble Bridge, with its sculpted balustrades and lanterns, serves as a ceremonial gateway to Christiansborg’s riding grounds and is a highlight of any walk here. From these crossings, you can look down the length of the canal and pick out silhouettes of spires, domes and copper roofs, or watch canal boats slip under low arches. The bridges are natural pauses in a stroll, offering some of the best photo angles towards the palace complex, the waterfront beyond and the lively streets of the Indre By district just a short distance away.Everyday Life on a Historic Promenade
Despite its weight of history, Frederiksholms Kanal feels surprisingly relaxed. Office workers sit on the steps with takeaway lunches, cyclists glide along the adjacent streets, and small boats sway gently at their moorings. Benches and low quays provide informal seating where you can read, sketch or simply watch the boats and changing sky. The atmosphere shifts through the day: mornings can feel almost contemplative as the city wakes up, while late afternoons and early evenings often bring warm light that bathes façades in soft gold. In cooler months, the canal has a quieter, almost introspective charm; in summer, it becomes a pleasant corridor of fresh air and open views in the dense historic core, perfect for combining with nearby museums or a wider exploration of central Copenhagen.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Stable Boy's House
0.2 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.2 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
The Danish Parliament
0.2 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Frederik VII
0.3 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Holmens Bro
0.4 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
Højbro
0.4 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Circle Bridge
0.4 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Kopenhagen
0.4 km
Spectacular palace at Copenhagen’s core, blending royal grandeur, political intrigue, and centuries of Danish history—home to Parliament, the courts, and the monarchy.
Church of Holmen
0.4 km
A Renaissance gem transformed from anchor forge to naval sanctuary, where maritime heritage and royal history converge.
Højbro Plads
0.4 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Nytorv
0.5 km
Historic domed observatory in Aarhus offering inspiring stargazing nights, public tours, and a glimpse into Denmark’s astronomical history atop a leafy city hill.
Højbro Pl.
0.5 km
Maskinrummet is Skagen’s maritime museum and café, featuring historic marine engines, hands-on exhibits, and harbor-side atmosphere in Denmark’s northernmost town.
Strøget
0.5 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Amagertorv
0.5 km
Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.5 km
A gilded astronomical masterpiece with 15,448 parts, calculating time and cosmos for the next 2,500 years.
Unmissable attractions to see
Marmorbroen
0.1 km
An 18th‑century Rococo bridge that once formed the grand entrance to Christiansborg Palace, Marmorbroen quietly unites royal history, canal views and everyday city life.
Slotsholmen
0.1 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
0.2 km
A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
The War Museum
0.2 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.2 km
A quiet bronze of Denmark’s great existential thinker, seated with manuscripts in a hidden garden behind the Royal Library in the heart of Copenhagen.
National Museum of Denmark
0.2 km
Denmark’s past comes alive in a grand city palace, where Vikings, royal salons and playful children’s galleries tell 14,000 years of stories under one roof.
Garden of the Royal Library
0.2 km
A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s harbourside hub for design and urban life, where immersive exhibitions, playful workshops and rooftop views reveal how architecture shapes the way we live.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.2 km
Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
Christiansborg Palace
0.3 km
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Magstræde
0.3 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest cobbled lanes, Magstræde is a colorful, time‑worn shortcut through the city’s medieval heart and everyday modern life.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.3 km
An intimate museum in a 17th‑century boathouse where Daniel Libeskind’s Mitzvah‑shaped architecture tells 400 years of Danish Jewish history and rescue.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.3 km
Experience Copenhagen’s blend of urban cool and waterside relaxation at Islands Brygge, where harbor views, bathing, and local life come together in a thriving central district.
Black Diamond
0.3 km
Fredensborg Palace is a magnificent 18th-century royal residence on Lake Esrum, famed for its baroque architecture, exquisite gardens, and regal Danish history.
Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s Black Diamond blends a centuries‑old national library with bold harbourfront architecture, quiet reading rooms, exhibitions, concerts and a hidden garden oasis.
Essential places to dine
Kanal-Caféen
0.1 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Restaurant Karla
0.2 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Restaurant 1733
0.3 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Rio Bravo
0.3 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Restaurant Puk
0.3 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Restaurant Noi
0.3 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Marv & Ben
0.3 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.4 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Restaurant Tight
0.4 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
No. 2
0.5 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Københavner Cafeen
0.5 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Restaurant Maven
0.5 km
Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.6 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.6 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.6 km
Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Audrey Vintage
0.4 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Læderstræde
0.4 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Akimbo
0.4 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Danish Souvenirs
0.5 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.5 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
& Other Stories
0.5 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Hygge Original
0.5 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.5 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.5 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Souvenir Shop
0.5 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Duck Haven
0.5 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.5 km
Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.5 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Viking Souvenirs
0.6 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Magnolias
0.6 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Zefside
0.3 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Ruby
0.3 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Godt Øl
0.3 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
The Rooftop Bar
0.3 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.3 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Marble Bar
0.3 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Southern Cross Pub
0.4 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
K-Bar
0.4 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.4 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Centralhjørnet
0.4 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest gay bars, Centralhjørnet is a cosy, festive corner pub where historic LGBTQ+ heritage meets camp décor and easy-going charm.
Taphouse
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
The Dubliner
0.5 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
Club Mambo
0.4 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Chateau Motel
0.5 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
0.6 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Dorsia
0.6 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Miami Bar
0.6 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
0.6 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.6 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
La Terraza
0.7 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Module
0.7 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Cosy Bar
0.7 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.7 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
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.
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.
Never Mind
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Mini Bar
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Romantic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
