Vandkunsten Fountain
Medieval watermill heritage meets 1910 artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town square.
Vandkunsten is a historic fountain and small square in Copenhagen's Old Town, dating back to the 14th century. The elegant 1910 fountain features granite and bronze details, including four fish heads that commemorate the square's former use as a fish market. Surrounded by protected heritage buildings, this charming urban space blends Copenhagen's medieval past with early 20th-century design.
A brief summary to Vandkunsten Springvand
- Vandkunsten 8, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1467, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture the best light for photography, especially when the sun reflects off the fountain's polished granite.
- Take time to examine the fish-head details and fish-scale decorations on the fountain—they tell the story of the square's 300-year history as a fish market.
- Look for the embedded historic street sign on the 1910 building at Frederiksholms Kanal corner, one of Copenhagen's oldest directional markers.
- Explore the surrounding narrow streets and heritage buildings; the square is best appreciated as part of a walking tour through Copenhagen's medieval Old Town.
- Sit on nearby benches with a coffee from one of the surrounding cafes to experience how locals use this historic space as a quiet urban refuge.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro and Walking
Take the Copenhagen Metro Line M1 or M2 toward Nørreport Station. Exit at Nørreport and follow signs toward the Old Town (Indre By). Walk south through the narrow streets for approximately 8–10 minutes until you reach Vandkunsten square at the intersection of Rådhusstræde and Løngangsstræde. Journey time from Central Station is approximately 12–15 minutes including walking. No fare required if you have a valid Copenhagen Card; otherwise, a single journey ticket costs approximately 24 DKK.
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Bus
Take bus route 1A, 6A, or 14 from Copenhagen Central Station toward the Old Town. Alight at the stop near Rådhuspladsen or Strøget. From there, walk east into the narrow streets of Indre By for approximately 5–7 minutes to reach Vandkunsten. Total journey time is approximately 15–20 minutes. A single ticket costs approximately 24 DKK.
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Walking from Central Station
From Copenhagen Central Station, head northeast on Vesterbrogade toward Tivoli Gardens. Continue straight for approximately 600 meters, then turn right onto Strøget (Copenhagen's main pedestrian shopping street). Walk for approximately 400 meters, then turn left onto Rådhusstræde. Continue for approximately 150 meters until you reach Vandkunsten square on your right. Total walking time is approximately 15–18 minutes on flat, well-paved streets.
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Bicycle
Rent a bicycle from one of Copenhagen's many bike-sharing stations (Bycyklen or similar services cost approximately 80 DKK for a day pass). From Central Station, cycle northeast through the city center toward Strøget, then navigate the narrow streets of Indre By to reach Vandkunsten. Journey time is approximately 8–12 minutes depending on route. Bike parking is available near the square.
Vandkunsten Springvand location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Vandkunsten Springvand
A Square Rooted in Medieval Water Management
Vandkunsten takes its name from a watermill established in the 14th century that supplied Copenhagen Castle with water through a system of wooden pipes—a remarkable feat of medieval engineering. The site originally featured a mill pond, which was later replaced by a pumping station built in 1539. However, water pollution from adaptations to the nearby castle forced the station to close. For centuries afterward, the location fell into disrepair and served as a waste dump until Christian V ordered it to be cobbled over around 1684.From Market Square to Urban Landmark
Beginning in 1684, Vandkunsten transformed into a bustling fish market, a role it maintained for generations. The square's commercial character left an indelible mark on its identity and would later inspire the design of its most iconic feature. Remarkably, Vandkunsten escaped both the Copenhagen Fire of 1728 and the devastating Fire of 1795, allowing its medieval street layout and historic buildings to survive when much of the city burned. Over time, the square also hosted a flea market, further cementing its place as a gathering point for Copenhagen's residents.The 1910 Fountain: Art Honoring History
The fountain that gives the square its modern character was commissioned by the Copenhagen Art Foundation from architect Johannes Magdahl Nielsen in 1907 and inaugurated on September 15, 1910. This elegant water feature stands as a masterwork of early 20th-century design, with a central stele crafted from granite and adorned with decorative details in bronze and gilded metal. The cylindrical lower section is decorated with fish scales, and water flows from four fish heads—a poetic reference to the square's centuries-long history as a fish market. The fountain's upper portion features a polished red granite hemisphere, creating a striking visual composition that draws the eye upward.Protected Heritage and Notable Architecture
Four buildings surrounding Vandkunsten are listed in Denmark's registry of protected buildings and places, each telling its own story. Two structures, numbered 8 and 10, were originally constructed as breweries. Building No. 8, dating from 1750, was converted into a residence for a brewer and his family in the 1810s, when the brewing operations relocated. The conversion introduced four Ionic order pilasters on the façade, details that remain visible today. At the square's end stands Kronborg, a large property at the corner of Løngangsstræde, named for its Historicist design that echoes the famous Kronborg Castle in Helsingør. Built in 1895, this building once served as headquarters for the Danish Teachers' Association. The corner building at Frederiksholms Kanal, constructed in 1910 and designed by architect Aage Langeland-Mathiesen, exemplifies early 20th-century urban design and houses one of Copenhagen's oldest street signs embedded in its façade.A Living Urban Space
Today, Vandkunsten remains a vital part of Copenhagen's Old Town character, where narrow medieval streets intersect with early modern architecture. The square's intimate scale and historic buildings create a sense of stepping back in time, while the fountain provides a focal point for both locals and visitors. The surrounding area is alive with cafes and shops, making it a natural stopping point for those exploring the winding streets of Indre By. Whether visited in daylight when sun glints off the water or in evening hours when the fountain takes on a quieter presence, Vandkunsten offers a window into Copenhagen's layered past and its enduring commitment to preserving urban heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Lur Blowers
0.3 km
Bronze Age horns meet early 20th‑century grandeur in this 20‑metre column, where two silent lur players keep watch over Copenhagen’s bustling City Hall Square.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.3 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.
Jorcks Passage
0.3 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.3 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
The Danish Parliament
0.4 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
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.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.4 km
Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
Bishop Absalon
0.4 km
Dynamic equestrian monument to Copenhagen’s warrior-bishop founder, rising over central Højbro Plads with rich maritime symbolism and a direct visual link to Christiansborg.
Gråbrødretorv
0.4 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm 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.
The War Museum
0.4 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Højbro Pl.
0.4 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.
The Stable Boy's House
0.4 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Magstræde
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s cobbled time capsule: a gently curving lane of colorful old houses, harbor history and quiet charm in the heart of the Old Town.
Nytorv
0.2 km
Cobbled, compact and quietly dramatic, Nytorv blends royal-era markets, grim judicial history and Neoclassical authority at the pedestrian heart of old Copenhagen.
Weirdwalks Byvandring
0.2 km
Stroll the storied harbor promenade, discover Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid, lush parks, and maritime sculptures along the scenic Langelinie waterfront.
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.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
0.2 km
Discover masterpieces from the Danish Golden Age and European classics to contemporary art in Denmark’s largest art museum, set by Copenhagen’s serene city park.
Rainbow Square
0.2 km
A small city-centre plaza with a powerful rainbow dedication, Rainbow Square turns everyday pavement beside Copenhagen City Hall into a quiet landmark for LGBTQ+ equality.
Marmorbroen
0.2 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.
Nytorv 2
0.2 km
An everyday address on Copenhagen’s historic Nytorv, placing you between grand courthouse columns, cobbled markets of old and the pulse of the Strøget pedestrian zone.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.2 km
Explore a thousand years of Copenhagen's history through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the stories of its people.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.2 km
Descend beneath Søndermarken Park to discover Copenhagen’s historic water cisterns, now transformed into a mesmerizing underground art museum unlike any other in Denmark.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.2 km
Frederiksholms Kanal—a historic waterway offering tranquil walks, classic canal views, and a journey through the heart of Copenhagen’s regal past.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
0.3 km
A compact oddities museum on Rådhuspladsen where shrunken heads, vortex tunnels and record‑breaking curiosities turn everyday Copenhagen into a world of wonders.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.3 km
Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
Hans Christian Andersen Experience
0.3 km
Step off bustling City Hall Square into a multisensory world where Hans Christian Andersen’s life and fairy tales unfold through atmospheric sets, light, sound and scent.
Copenhagen City Hall
0.3 km
Explore Denmark's Viking heritage along the scenic Skjoldungestien trail.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Puk
0.0 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Restaurant 1733
0.1 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.2 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.
Marv & Ben
0.2 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Københavner Cafeen
0.2 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Rio Bravo
0.2 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 Tight
0.3 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.
Restaurant Karla
0.3 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Kanal-Caféen
0.3 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.3 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.3 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Krebsegaarden
0.4 km
An intimate art-filled townhouse in central Copenhagen where creative tasting menus, warm storytelling service and an epic cheese course turn dinner into an evening-long occasion.
ferment, ramen izakaya
0.4 km
Intimate basement izakaya where fermentation, organic ingredients, and Nordic sensibility transform ramen and bao into deeply satisfying art.
Restaurant Noi
0.4 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Wining and Dining
0.4 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.2 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Souvenir Shop
0.2 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Viking Souvenirs
0.3 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.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.3 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.
Audrey Vintage
0.3 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Danish Souvenirs
0.3 km
Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Duck Haven
0.3 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.
Akimbo
0.3 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.3 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.3 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
& Other Stories
0.3 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Notre Dame
0.3 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
Carmen Copenhagen
0.3 km
Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
Hygge Original
0.4 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.
Quirky Lane
0.4 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Zefside
0.1 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Godt Øl
0.1 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.
Centralhjørnet
0.1 km
Copenhagen's legendary gay bar since 1917—where history, warmth, and celebration meet.
Southern Cross Pub
0.1 km
Lively two-floor sports pub in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring well-priced beers, screening wall-to-wall live sport, and staying open long into the night.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.2 km
Discover unconventional wines and craft cocktails in Copenhagen's most welcoming wine bar.
Taphouse
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s craft-beer playground with 60+ rotating taps, minimalist Scandinavian design and a relaxed, conversation-first atmosphere off City Hall Square.
Ruby
0.2 km
Hidden in an 18th‑century canal‑side townhouse, Ruby pairs quietly glamorous, apartment‑style interiors with some of Copenhagen’s most considered cocktails.
The Rooftop Bar
0.2 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.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.2 km
Cuban-inspired cocktails, candlelight and late-night rhythm in a cozy Knabrostræde hideaway at the heart of Copenhagen’s old town.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.2 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Musen & Elefanten
0.3 km
Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
Floss Bar
0.4 km
Copenhagen's legendary dive bar: punk rock heritage, cheap beer, and authentic character until 2 AM.
Luke's Bar
0.4 km
Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.2 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Chateau Motel
0.2 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
0.3 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Hive
0.3 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Miami Bar
0.3 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
0.3 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.3 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
La Terraza
0.4 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Cosy Bar
0.4 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
0.4 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Module
0.5 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Never Mind
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Arch
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.6 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Den Anden Side
0.7 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Historic
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
