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Stork Fountain: Copenhagen’s Iconic Meeting Place

Ornate 19th-century fountain and local meeting spot at the heart of Copenhagen’s pedestrian zone, surrounded by centuries-old city life and vibrant urban energy.

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The Stork Fountain, set at the heart of Copenhagen on bustling Amagertorv, is a quintessential landmark famously serving as a central gathering point. Erected in 1894, the ornate fountain features gracefully sculpted storks and stands surrounded by lively pedestrian shopping streets, offering visitors a taste of Denmark’s city life and rich historic ambiance.

A brief summary to Viking Ship Museum

  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Early mornings offer a quieter atmosphere for photography before crowds arrive.
  • Benches and public seating nearby make it easy to pause and people-watch.
  • Look for the tradition of midwifery graduates dancing at the fountain in late May.
  • Shops and cafés along Strøget allow for easy refreshment or window shopping.
  • Accessible 24/7 and free, making it an effortless stop on any city stroll.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Roskilde’s central area, travelers typically take the frequent regional train to Copenhagen's central station, a journey of around 25–30 minutes costing about DKK 90–110 each way for an adult. From the station, visitors can make their way on foot through Tivoli and the lively downtown, reaching Amagertorv within about 15–20 minutes as city landmarks like the City Hall and towered spires serve as guides.

  • Taxi

    Taxis from central Roskilde to Amagertorv are a comfortable option, offering door-to-door convenience directly to the fountain area. The ride generally takes 30–45 minutes depending on traffic, at a typical cost of DKK 600–750. Be aware that drop-off is near the pedestrian precinct, with a short walk required.

  • Driving/Parking

    Drivers heading from Roskilde can follow major routes into Copenhagen’s core, with public parking garages available within walking distance of Amagertorv. Expect parking fees around DKK 40–60 per hour, and note that spaces fill quickly during peak hours. As the fountain sits within a pedestrian zone, allow extra time for the brief walk from parking areas.

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Stepping into Amagertorv, the lively heart of Copenhagen’s old town, you’ll immediately be drawn to the Stork Fountain—a beloved icon that weaves together the city’s historic narrative and contemporary urban energy. Unveiled in 1894 as a gift to the city from the Society of Copenhagen’s Commercial Apprentices, the fountain’s three slender storks stretch elegantly above the bustling square, wings out as if about to take flight. Their poised forms are reached by crystal clear waters, making this both a visual centerpiece and a harmonic presence amid the activity of one of Denmark’s oldest squares. The location itself is significant: Amagertorv is a main artery of Strøget, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, and radiates centuries of history, once serving as a medieval market and social hub. Today, locals and visitors alike are drawn to the Stork Fountain’s lively circle, rendezvousing before heading to flagship stores, open-air cafés, or simply pausing mid-journey to enjoy its timeworn charm. The site is favored for celebrations, quick breaks, and people-watching, especially during the warmer months when nearby cafés spill out with laughter and music. The tradition of newly graduated Danish midwives dancing around the fountain each May has added a touch of folklore and joy to the city’s annual rhythm. Despite the crowds, the fountain offers moments of stillness—a place where stories unfold as children dangle their feet over the basin, street musicians provide a gentle soundtrack, and friends arrange to meet. It is a free and open space, accessible every hour of the day, set against a backdrop of elegant Renaissance-era façades and bustling commerce. Whether encountered at sunrise in hushed solitude or at sunset amid a swirl of city lights and conversation, the Stork Fountain stands as a genuine emblem of Copenhagen life.

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