Jens Olsen's World Clock, Zealand Travel Guide

4.6 (107)

Descend beneath Søndermarken Park to discover Copenhagen’s historic water cisterns, now transformed into a mesmerizing underground art museum unlike any other in Denmark.

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Jens Olsen's World Clock

Nestled beneath the green expanse of Søndermarken Park in Frederiksberg, the Cisterns are a unique subterranean museum and exhibition space. Originally built as Copenhagen’s water reservoir in the 19th century, the dark, dripping chambers today host immersive art installations unlike anywhere else in Denmark. Visitors explore a cathedral-like underground world, where contemporary art meets haunting urban archaeology.

A brief summary to Jens Olsen's World Clock

Rådhuspladsen 1, Copenhagen, København V, 1552, DK
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Monday 9:30 am-4 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am-4 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am-4 pm
Thursday 9:30 am-4 pm
Friday 9:30 am-4 pm
Saturday 9:30 am-1 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Jens Olsen's World Clock.

Bring a warm layer, as temperatures underground remain cool year-round, even in summer.
Photography is allowed, but prepare for low-light environments—smartphone night modes work well.
Check the current exhibition before visiting, as installations radically change the atmosphere each year.
Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends, offering a more immersive experience.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From central Copenhagen, take the metro or S-train to Frederiksberg or Copenhagen Central Station. Buses running toward the Frederiksberg and Copenhagen Zoo area stop near Søndermarken Park, with connections taking around 15–25 minutes from the city center (single adult fare typically 24–30 DKK). Once at the park, follow signs for Søndermarken and look for the glass pyramid entrance near the zoo’s prominent elephant gate. The stroll through the park’s greenery sets a tranquil mood before you descend underground.
Taxi

Taxis from central Zealand and Copenhagen’s main squares reach Søndermarken in about 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect standard fares ranging from 100–180 DKK. Drop-off points are located along major park entrances close to other attractions, making direct access simple even during busy periods.
Walking

For those already exploring Frederiksberg or Vesterbro, the Cisterns are within a pleasant walking distance through leafy neighborhoods and across inviting parkland. Allow 15–30 minutes depending on your starting point; the park’s own sculptures and the adjacent main zoo entrance offer helpful orientation landmarks.

Discover more about Jens Olsen's World Clock

The Cisterns, or 'Cisternerne', are an extraordinary underground museum situated beneath the peaceful Søndermarken Park in Frederiksberg, just southwest of Copenhagen's bustling center. Once Copenhagen's main water reservoir from 1856 to 1933, the Cisterns now lure visitors with their eerie, atmospheric interior and thought-provoking contemporary art installations. Stepping down into the cool, echoing vaults, guests are immediately enveloped in a world far from the city above—a landscape shaped by still water, dripping ceilings, and the interplay between light and darkness. The chambers stretch over 4,000 square meters, whose cathedral-like arches and rows of stone pillars create an almost mystical ambiance. The site’s unique acoustics, constant humidity, and natural darkness provide a rare canvas for internationally renowned artists to craft large-scale installations tying into themes of time, memory, and the elements. Exhibitions rotate annually, but the sensory experience—shimmering reflections, unexpected echoes, and art that plays with shadow and space—remains vivid and unforgettable. Practicalities are all part of the adventure: visitors should dress warmly, as temperatures underground remain cool through summer, and good footwear is advised due to the sometimes damp surfaces. Above ground, Søndermarken Park adds further charm with meandering trails and views toward the adjacent Copenhagen Zoo. The Cisterns’ blend of history, nature, and avant-garde culture makes it a one-of-a-kind attraction in Zealand, ideal for those seeking something truly different within the city’s cultural scene.