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Copenhagen Amber Museum: Jewels of Danish History at Nyhavn

Discover the world of 'Nordic gold' at the Copenhagen Amber Museum, where history, science, and stunning amber artifacts meet in Nyhavn’s oldest house.

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The Copenhagen Amber Museum, housed in one of Nyhavn's oldest buildings, is a captivating blend of history, natural science, and Danish craftsmanship. Here, amber—also known as the 'Nordic gold'—is displayed in all its diverse forms, from ancient raw clumps to exquisite jewelry, alongside fossilized insects and a record-breaking amber piece. The museum offers insight into amber's significance through centuries of trade, mythology, and art.

A brief summary to Stromma Canal Tours

  • Monday 9:45 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 9:45 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 9:45 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 9:45 am-7 pm
  • Friday 9:45 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 9:45 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 9:45 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early or later in the afternoon for a quieter experience and more space to enjoy exhibits.
  • Children often enjoy spotting prehistoric insects and plants caught inside the amber pieces.
  • The museum shop offers authentic amber jewelry—ideal for memorable Danish gifts.
  • The historic building features steep stairs and uneven floors; take care if visiting with small children or limited mobility.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Once you reach the colorful canal district of Nyhavn in central Copenhagen, the Amber Museum is located in a striking yellow historic house near the main waterway. From most central attractions, it’s a pleasant 5–10-minute walk through Copenhagen’s bustling pedestrian streets. Look for the ships in the harbor and the vibrant facades to orient yourself; the museum stands close to the canal’s entrance, just steps from the busy Kongens Nytorv square.

  • Public Transport

    Metro and bus routes converge at Kongens Nytorv station, one of the best-known city landmarks. From there, it’s a short 3–5-minute stroll to Nyhavn’s waterfront, easily identified by its colorful buildings and moored wooden ships. A standard metro ticket within Copenhagen costs approximately DKK 24 (about €3.20) for adults.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from the city center or main train station can bring you directly to Nyhavn’s canal entrance in around 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares typically range from DKK 100–150 (approx. €13–20).

  • Car

    If driving, note that parking in the Nyhavn area is limited and often expensive, with city meters averaging DKK 38–50 per hour (approx. €5–7). The closest parking garages are located near Kongens Nytorv, requiring a short walk to the museum.

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Tucked within the colorful façade of the Nyhavn waterfront, the Copenhagen Amber Museum offers a compelling journey through the golden history of Scandinavia’s famous fossilized resin. The museum is set in the neoclassical Kanneworffs House, dating back to 1606, which itself is a protected heritage site and one of the oldest buildings in the city. Inside, visitors are greeted by luminous displays of Baltic amber—formed over 30 million years ago—shining from cabinets, quirky nooks, and elegant vitrines. The museum’s collection is both vast and varied, spanning prehistoric plant and insect inclusions, ornate pieces from the Danish royal collections, and dazzling contemporary jewelry produced by renowned Danish designers. Among the highlights is the impressive ‘Sunstones Room,’ home to some of the world’s largest amber pieces, including a jaw-dropping, Guinness World Records-certified chunk weighing over 47 kilograms. Alongside the jewelry, the exhibits recount amber’s mythology and magic—from ancient amulets believed to hold protective powers, to Viking trade routes and Renaissance curiosities. Kids are often fascinated by prehistoric insects frozen in time inside translucent golden resin, and the museum cleverly explains how these pieces offer insights into ancient ecosystems. You’ll also discover the role of amber in art, scientific study, and folk medicine, and can view the meticulous craft behind transforming raw amber into intricate brooches, rings, and sculptures. The museum is compact yet atmospheric, with charming creaky stairs, period woodwork, and cityscape views over bustling Nyhavn. Enthusiastic staff are usually on hand to answer questions or offer background on special finds. The ground floor features a boutique, where visitors can browse everything from affordable trinkets to shimmering collector’s pieces, making it a favorite stop for unique gifts and souvenirs. In sum, the Copenhagen Amber Museum is a treasure trove for anyone curious about Danish history, natural wonders, or decorative arts, offering a sparkling contrast to Copenhagen’s more conventional museums.

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