ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
A contemplative scrap-metal thinker on Copenhagen’s harborfront, ZinkGlobal fuses recycled machinery with big ideas about the future and our industrial past.
ZinkGlobal is a striking 3 m waterfront sculpture in Copenhagen, crafted by Danish artist Kim “TheZinker” Michael from scrap metal and old machine parts. The contemplative figure, reminiscent of Rodin’s Thinker, sits on an oversized key symbolising the “key to the future.” Installed in 2012 on the harborfront at Nordre Toldbod, it stands amid historic pavilions and royal architecture, offering a bold contrast between industrial upcycling and the city’s classical surroundings.
A brief summary to ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
- Nordre Toldbod 12, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1259, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Bring a camera or phone with a wide-angle lens; the mix of sculpture, harbor, and historic buildings makes for strong compositions from several viewpoints.
- Visit in early morning or late evening for softer light that highlights the textures of the scrap metal and reduces glare from the water.
- Combine your stop here with a leisurely walk along the waterfront; plan extra time to sit nearby and watch harbor traffic go by.
- Wear windproof layers on cooler days; the exposed quay can feel significantly breezier than streets a few blocks inland.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro and walking
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 Cityringen or M4 metro line to Marmorkirken Station; trains run every few minutes and a single-zone ticket typically costs around 20–25 DKK. From Marmorkirken, expect a 10–15 minute walk along mostly flat pavements toward the harbor, suitable for most visitors with moderate mobility, though surfaces near the quay can be uneven in places.
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Bus connection
Several city buses run toward the harbor area north of central Copenhagen, with journeys from the inner city usually taking 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Standard bus tickets are in the same price range as metro fares, around 20–25 DKK for the necessary zones. Services are frequent during the day but less regular late at night and on weekends, so check departure times in advance.
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Bicycle access
Cycling from the city centre to the Nordre Toldbod waterfront typically takes 10–20 minutes along Copenhagen’s extensive network of bike lanes. The route is generally flat and well-marked, but be prepared for strong winds near the water and heavier bike traffic during rush hours. Dockless bike-share and rental shops are widely available, usually costing from about 75–150 DKK per day depending on the provider.
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Harbor boat transport
Harbor buses running along Copenhagen’s inner harbor provide a scenic way to reach stops within walking distance of Nordre Toldbod in roughly 15–30 minutes from central quays. These boats operate as part of the public transport system, with fares comparable to standard bus and metro tickets, typically around 20–25 DKK. Services can be less frequent in the late evening and during bad weather, when sailings may be reduced.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
A scrap-metal thinker on Copenhagen’s harbor
ZinkGlobal is hard to miss: a three-meter-tall human figure, hunched in thought, gazing toward the water from the quay at Nordre Toldbod. Built from welded scrap, gears and old machine components, it has the poise of a classic philosopher while looking as if it has stepped off a sci‑fi film set. The sculpture was created by Danish artist Kim “TheZinker” Michael and installed here in 2012, quickly becoming one of the city’s more unconventional waterfront sights. Set against a backdrop of royal pavilions, historic port buildings and corporate headquarters, the raw metal silhouette forms a deliberate contrast. Where nearby statues are cast in bronze or carved in stone, ZinkGlobal flaunts its recycled origins, the seams, bolts and joints all intentionally visible. It is both a solitary figure and a piece of urban theatre, perched at the edge of the harbor as ships and harbor buses glide past.The idea behind the ‘key to the future’
Look down and you will see that the figure is not seated on a simple plinth but on a giant key. This is central to the artist’s message: ZinkGlobal is meant to represent a global visionary, sitting quite literally on the “key to the future.” The posture echoes Auguste Rodin’s famous Thinker, but here the classical pose is translated into industrial scrap, suggesting that tomorrow’s solutions may come from rethinking the materials and systems of the present. The choice of reused car parts and machine elements speaks to themes of technology, industry and environmental awareness. Instead of hiding its components, the sculpture invites you to read it up close: brake discs form muscle, pipes mimic tendons, and cogs stand in for joints. It feels approachable rather than distant, designed to be walked around, inspected and photographed from every angle.From controversy to waterfront fixture
When ZinkGlobal appeared on the quay, it sparked a lively debate in Copenhagen’s art circles. Some critics dismissed the piece as too rough or out of place beside the area’s more formal monuments. The fact that the work was funded privately and installed outside the usual committee processes added to the discussion about who gets to shape public space. Over time, however, the metal figure has settled into its surroundings. Its unconventional, almost mechanical presence adds a contemporary layer to a stretch of harbor otherwise dominated by 18th- and 19th-century architecture. The nickname “The Terminator,” coined because of its cyborg-like build, hints at how locals have folded the work into everyday city life, treating it as a familiar landmark as much as an artwork.Experiencing the sculpture up close
Visiting ZinkGlobal is as much about the setting as the statue itself. The quay at Nordre Toldbod backs onto parkland and promenades, with open views across the harbor. On clear days the metal surfaces catch the changing light, shifting from cold steel tones to warm reflections at sunset. The open-air location means you can linger as long as you wish, sit nearby on the edge of the quay, or simply pause on a walk along the waterfront. There is no ticket booth or barrier here; the sculpture stands directly on the paving stones, accessible day and night. Its human scale invites comparison with your own height, while the industrial details reward anyone who takes a moment to circle around it. Whether you approach as an art enthusiast, a photographer, or simply a curious passerby walking between other harbor sights, ZinkGlobal offers a compact but memorable pause point.A handy waypoint between harbor highlights
ZinkGlobal also works well as a waypoint on a broader harborfront stroll. The promenade that passes the sculpture links green spaces, historic pavilions and several of Copenhagen’s most photographed landmarks. Many walkers and cyclists use this stretch daily, and the statue serves as a convenient meeting spot thanks to its distinctive silhouette. Because it is outdoors and free to access, the experience shifts with the seasons and time of day. In winter, the figure can appear stark and solitary against a grey sky, while in summer it becomes part of a livelier scene of joggers, families and harbor traffic. Returning at different hours, you see new details in the metalwork and new moods in the water and light around it.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
0.1 km
A towering tribute to Admiral Huitfeldt's heroic last stand at sea, crowned with Victory.
Horn mine
0.2 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
0.3 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
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.
Nyholm Central Guardhouse
0.4 km
Discover Aarhus’s Latin Quarter, where historic charm meets a lively cultural scene, bustling cafés, artisan shops, and rich Danish heritage in the city’s oldest district.
Maritime Monument
0.5 km
Honoring Denmark’s seafaring legacy, the Maritime Monument in Østerbro is a striking, evocative memorial nestled in the heart of Copenhagen’s leafy cityscape.
Larsens Pl.
0.6 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Copenhagen Opera House
0.8 km
An architectural landmark on Copenhagen’s harbor, the Opera House blends Scandinavian design with world-class performances and spectacular waterfront views.
St. Paul's Church
0.8 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.9 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.
The Kissing Stairs
1.0 km
Copenhagen's beloved waterfront amphitheatre where culture, community, and harbour views converge.
The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard
1.0 km
Aarhus University Park blends stunning natural scenery with iconic Danish architecture, creating a lush urban haven and cultural centerpiece in the heart of Aarhus.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
1.0 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Ofelia Plads
1.0 km
Copenhagen's iconic waterfront plaza where culture, harbor views, and the famous kissing stairs meet the sea.
Langelinie
1.1 km
Discover Copenhagen's iconic waterfront promenade, home to the Little Mermaid, historic landmarks, and stunning harbor views, offering a captivating blend of culture and maritime charm.
Unmissable attractions to see
Gefion Fountain
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s creation myth cast in bronze, the Gefion Fountain hurls goddess, oxen and water into a powerful tableau beside the harbour and Churchillparken.
Langelinie Park
0.2 km
Explore Denmark's first public museum, showcasing the neoclassical masterpieces of Bertel Thorvaldsen in the heart of Copenhagen.
Langelinieparken
0.2 km
Leafy waterfront lawns, sculptures and sea views where cruise ships, mythic fountains and Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid all meet along a single harbourfront walk.
St Alban's Church
0.2 km
Step into history and legend at Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed as Hamlet’s ‘Elsinore,’ overlooking the spectacular Øresund Strait.
Kongeskibet Dannebrog
0.2 km
An elegant white royal yacht moored in Copenhagen’s harbour, Kongeskibet Dannebrog is a floating palace, naval vessel and living symbol of modern Danish monarchy.
Langelinie Pavillonen
0.2 km
Experience modernist elegance and panoramic harbor views at Copenhagen's iconic Langelinie Pavillonen.
Museum of Danish Resistance
0.3 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 Little Mermaid
0.4 km
Historic harbor district ablaze with color, culture, and canals—Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s most iconic and photogenic waterfront destination.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
0.4 km
A quiet, contemporary memorial within Copenhagen’s star-shaped fortress, honoring Denmark’s post‑1948 international missions with flame, stone and thoughtful space.
Kastellet
0.4 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's crown jewels and royal regalia.
Designmuseum Danmark
0.5 km
Copenhagen’s temple of design, where rococo halls, iconic Danish chairs and a tranquil garden reveal how beautifully made objects shape everyday life.
Bredgade Kunsthandel
0.6 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.
Inugsuk
0.6 km
Discover one of Europe's oldest and most innovative zoos, home to over 4,000 animals and award-winning habitats in the leafy heart of Frederiksberg, Copenhagen.
Amaliegade
0.6 km
A stately Copenhagen street where Rococo townhouses, royal colonnades and diplomatic mansions line a calm axis through the heart of Frederiksstaden.
Medicinsk Museion
0.6 km
Historic surgical academy turned cutting‑edge medical museum, where preserved bodies, instruments and contemporary science exhibitions reveal how we understand health and disease.
Essential places to dine
La Banchina
0.7 km
Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.
Veve
0.9 km
A destination for innovative, plant-based fine dining in Østerbro, where Nordic purity meets global flavors for an unforgettable vegetarian tasting menu experience.
Kokkeriet
0.9 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Aoc
1.0 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Noma
1.0 km
Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.
Alchemist
1.0 km
A boundary-pushing Copenhagen icon where fine dining, art installation and social commentary fuse into a five-hour, 50-course immersive experience under a vast projected dome.
Restaurant Rebel
1.0 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
1.1 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Restaurant Koefoed
1.1 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Khun Juk
1.2 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.
Skipperkroen
1.2 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.
Cap Horn
1.2 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Den Lille Fede
1.2 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
1.2 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
1.2 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Crown souvenir
0.3 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.8 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.
Maritime Antiques &
1.1 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
1.1 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
The Wilde Shop
1.2 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
1.2 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
1.4 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Viking Souvenirs
1.4 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
1.4 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
1.4 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
1.4 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Storm - design art fashion
1.4 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
1.5 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
1.5 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
1.6 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
0.8 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
1.3 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
1.3 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Brønnum
1.4 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Balthazar
1.4 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
1.4 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.
TATA Cocktail Bar
1.4 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
1105
1.5 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
1.5 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.
Charlie's Bar
1.6 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
1.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik - Østerbro
1.6 km
Explore the finest wines at ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik in Østerbro, Copenhagen – where every sip tells a story.
Gejser Bar
1.6 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
Chevy's
1.7 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Chevy's in Østerbro, Copenhagen—where delicious drinks and good company create unforgettable nights.
Søernes Ølbar
1.7 km
Discover Søernes Ølbar, a cozy craft beer haven by Copenhagen's lakes, offering an extensive selection of brews and breathtaking views.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
1.0 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
1.4 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
1.4 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
1.5 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.
Operaen
1.7 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.
Mirage
2.0 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
2.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Chateau Motel
2.0 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
2.1 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
2.1 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
2.1 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
La Terraza
2.1 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Miami Bar
2.1 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
2.3 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
2.3 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
- Unique
- Casual
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
- Panoramas
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
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Heritage
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
