Christian IV’s Brewhouse & The Lapidarium of Kings
A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
Christian IV’s Brewhouse on Slotsholmen is one of Copenhagen’s oldest buildings, a massive 17th-century bastion-turned-brewery that now houses the atmospheric Lapidarium of Kings. Beneath its lofty timber roof and meter-thick walls, more than 300 royal statues and stone ornaments from castles and gardens across Denmark are gathered in a single, dimly lit hall. It is a characterful blend of fortress engineering, brewing history and sculptural heritage in the heart of the city’s cultural district.
A brief summary to Christian IV's Brewhouse
- Frederiksholms Kanal 29, Copenhagen, København K, 1220, DK
- +4533926492
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan around limited opening seasons and hours; the Lapidarium of Kings is not open year-round and typically operates with short afternoon time slots.
- Bring a light layer even in summer; the thick fortress walls keep the interior cool and slightly draughty.
- Allow time to look up at the roof structure and down along the walls to spot traces of the old brewery, such as beam marks and structural reinforcements.
- Combine your visit with the nearby Danish War Museum and National Museum to turn Slotsholmen into a full historical walking day.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public transport from central Copenhagen
From the central city area around Copenhagen Central Station, regular city buses and metro connections bring you to the Slotsholmen district in about 10–15 minutes. A typical combination is metro to a nearby stop in the inner city, followed by a short walk across the canals. A single-zone ticket for buses and metro usually costs around DKK 20–30 when bought as a single ride or via a travel card.
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Walking from City Hall Square
From Rådhuspladsen, Copenhagen’s City Hall Square, the walk to Christian IV’s Brewhouse across the inner harbor canals takes around 15–20 minutes at a relaxed pace. The route is flat and fully paved, crossing broad pavements and pedestrian-friendly bridges, suitable for most visitors with standard mobility and for strollers in normal weather conditions.
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Cycling within the inner city
Using Copenhagen’s extensive cycle network or a rented city bike, you can reach Slotsholmen from most inner-city neighborhoods in 5–10 minutes. Cycle lanes are segregated from traffic on the main approach routes, and bicycle rental typically starts at about DKK 50–100 for a few hours via bike-share or standard rental services.
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Taxi from central hubs
A taxi ride from Copenhagen Central Station or Kongens Nytorv to the Brewhouse area usually takes 5–10 minutes outside peak traffic. Fares for such short inner-city trips are commonly in the range of DKK 80–140 depending on time of day and traffic conditions.
Christian IV's Brewhouse 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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Hot Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Christian IV's Brewhouse
From royal bastion to naval brewhouse
Christian IV’s Brewhouse began life in the early 1600s as a corner bastion in the king’s ambitious fortification of Copenhagen, guarding the harbor along Frederiksholms Kanal. Built in heavy brick with vaulted interiors and walls up to several meters thick, it was designed to withstand cannon fire rather than to entertain guests. Arrow slits and the low, fortress-like profile still hint at this original defensive purpose, even as the city has grown up around it. Within a decade, changing plans for the city’s ramparts made the bastion redundant as a frontline fortification. Rather than abandon the structure, Christian IV converted it into a brewery for the royal navy. The strategic building by the water became a place where beer was brewed in vast quantities for the king’s sailors, turning military infrastructure into a practical supply hub for a growing fleet.Fire, rebuilding and a survivor’s silhouette
Brewing was a risky business in a building packed with grain, wooden barrels and open flames, and the brewhouse suffered at least two serious fires. The final reconstruction in the 1760s gave the building the tall, red-tiled roofline you see today, replacing an earlier, lower slate roof. The sturdy lower walls, however, still belong to the original early 17th-century fortress, making the structure a layered record of centuries of adaptation and repair. From the outside, the long, low brick volume with its gables and heavy roof has a distinctly Renaissance-era character. It forms a powerful counterpoint to the neighboring palace complexes, and together with the adjacent former armory, now the Danish War Museum, it underlines Slotsholmen’s historic role as the nerve center of royal power and defense.The Lapidarium of Kings: a stone treasury
Today the interior is home to the Lapidarium of Kings, an evocative display of more than 300 statues, reliefs and architectural fragments assembled from royal gardens, palaces and monuments across Denmark. Many pieces once adorned Frederiksborg Castle, Christiansborg Palace and other major residences, their stonework now sheltered under the brewhouse’s long roof. Walking the single vast hall feels like moving through a sculptural attic of the Danish monarchy. Colossal kings, mythological figures and decorative coats of arms stand shoulder to shoulder, often at eye level. Weather-softened lions, fountain figures and fragments of balustrades reveal details that were once far above ground. The rough brick walls and timber beams form a stark backdrop to the pale stone, creating strong contrasts of texture and light that emphasize the craftsmanship in each carving.Atmosphere, light and quiet discovery
Inside, the space is deliberately kept somewhat dim, with directed lighting picking out faces, drapery and inscriptions. The acoustics reflect the building’s origin as a fortress and brewery: footsteps echo, voices carry softly, and there is a cool, slightly earthy feel to the air. The mood encourages unhurried exploration, pausing in front of individual statues to trace chisel marks or decipher Latin texts. Although the room is open-plan, the sculptures naturally create small pockets and corridors, offering changing perspectives on both the works and the architecture. By looking down the length of the hall, you can appreciate the rhythm of the vaulted structure and the steady progression of royal symbols, almost like an honor guard turned to stone. Occasional glimpses of the canal and city through small openings remind you how close you are to central Copenhagen.A compact stop in a dense cultural district
Christian IV’s Brewhouse stands at the edge of Slotsholmen, steps from several of Copenhagen’s most important museums and institutions. Its relatively compact exhibition makes it easy to combine with visits to nearby sites such as the Danish War Museum or the National Museum, turning the area into a seamless day of architectural and historical exploration. The Lapidarium’s focus on stone sculpture and royal iconography offers a different angle on Danish history than traditional galleries or palace tours. For many visitors, the building itself is as compelling as the collection it houses. Standing under the massive roof trusses and looking along the thick defensive walls, it is possible to imagine soldiers, brewers and later storekeepers all using the same robust shell for entirely different purposes. That continuity of use, adaptation and preservation is what makes Christian IV’s Brewhouse and the Lapidarium of Kings a quietly distinctive stop in Copenhagen’s historic heart.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Stable Boy's House
0.1 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
0.3 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.
The Danish Parliament
0.3 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Circle Bridge
0.3 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.
Frederik VII
0.4 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.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.5 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Gammel Strand
0.5 km
Ledreborg Park blends magnificent Baroque landscaping, palace views and serene Danish woodland for a captivating escape near Roskilde, ideal for history and nature lovers.
Højbro
0.5 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Knippelsbro
0.5 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
Bishop Absalon
0.5 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.
Højbro Plads
0.6 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Højbro Pl.
0.6 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.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
0.6 km
Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
Nytorv
0.6 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Danish Architecture Centre
0.1 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.
The War Museum
0.1 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.2 km
Historic canal skirting Slotsholmen where royal power, stately architecture and quiet waterside promenades meet in the very heart of Copenhagen.
Slotsholmen
0.2 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
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.
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.
Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library
0.2 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.
Black Diamond
0.2 km
Fredensborg Palace is a magnificent 18th-century royal residence on Lake Esrum, famed for its baroque architecture, exquisite gardens, and regal Danish history.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.2 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.
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.
Lille Langebro
0.3 km
A luminous, cyclist-only arc over Copenhagen’s Inner Harbour, Lille Langebro blends cutting-edge engineering with tranquil harbour views and an easy city crossing.
Kopenhagen
0.3 km
A bold "København" sculpture on the harborfront at Langebrogade, mixing graphic design, waterfront views, and everyday local life in Copenhagen’s inner city.
National Museum of Denmark
0.3 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.
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.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.4 km
Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
Essential places to dine
Kanal-Caféen
0.2 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
No. 2
0.3 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
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.
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.
Restaurant 1733
0.4 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
0.4 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
0.5 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Marv & Ben
0.5 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Tight
0.6 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 Kronborg
0.6 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 Maven
0.6 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.
Københavner Cafeen
0.6 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Kadeau
0.6 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
King Hans Cellar
0.7 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.8 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.6 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Læderstræde
0.6 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Audrey Vintage
0.6 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Akimbo
0.6 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Hygge Original
0.6 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.
& Other Stories
0.6 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.6 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.6 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.6 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
0.7 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Duck Haven
0.7 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.
Magnolias
0.7 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.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.7 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
0.7 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
ILLUM
0.7 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Marble Bar
0.4 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Zefside
0.4 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Ruby
0.4 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.4 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Godt Øl
0.4 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
0.5 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.
Southern Cross Pub
0.5 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
0.5 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Ved Stranden
0.5 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
K-Bar
0.5 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.6 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Taphouse
0.6 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
Centralhjørnet
0.6 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.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.6 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.5 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Chateau Motel
0.6 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
0.7 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Dorsia
0.7 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
0.7 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
0.8 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.8 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
La Terraza
0.8 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Module
0.8 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Lusso
0.9 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.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.9 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
The Zoo
0.9 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.
Cosy Bar
0.9 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Never Mind
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Mini Bar
1.0 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
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
- 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
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
