Frederiksholms Kanal: The Historic Waterway of Royal Copenhagen
Frederiksholms Kanal in Copenhagen offers serene waterfront walks, historic sights, and iconic city views right in the heart of Denmark’s vibrant capital.
Frederiksholms Kanal is a picturesque canal cutting through the heart of Copenhagen’s Indre By (Inner City). Flanked by elegant townhouses, royal palaces, and lush green spaces, the canal’s serene waters reflect centuries of Danish history. It’s a tranquil yet vibrant corridor that invites both quiet contemplation and scenic strolls—a characterful slice of Copenhagen’s urban soul.
A brief summary to Frederiksholms Kanal
- Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
Local tips
- The best photo opportunities are from the canal bridges, especially at sunrise or dusk.
- Nearby museums often cluster around the canal, making it easy to combine cultural visits with your stroll.
- In warmer months, canal boat tours offer a scenic and relaxed introduction to Copenhagen’s maritime history.
- Benches and steps along the water are perfect picnic spots, frequented by locals during lunch breaks.
Getting There
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Walking
Frederiksholms Kanal is an easy stroll from many central hotels and attractions in Copenhagen’s Indre By. Starting near City Hall Square or the National Museum, you’ll pass key landmarks and inviting public spaces en route. The canal can be reached in about 10–20 minutes on foot, using visible palace spires and museum domes for orientation. The area is flat and fully accessible, with frequent benches along the banks.
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Public Transport
Frequent local buses and the M3 Metro Circle Line stop at Gammel Strand or Rådhuspladsen, both a brief walk from the canal. A typical metro or bus single-ride ticket costs 24–30 DKK for an adult, making it an affordable way to reach the heart of the city.
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Taxi
Taxis from central Copenhagen or major rail stations to Frederiksholms Kanal take approximately 5–10 minutes depending on traffic, with fares usually ranging from 80 to 130 DKK. Limited street parking is available in the Indre By area, but fees apply and spaces fill quickly.
Discover more about Frederiksholms Kanal
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.2 km
Explore Denmark's industrial past at Industrimuseet in Horsens, an interactive museum with working machines, workshops, and personal stories from Denmark's iron and steam era.
The Stable Boy's House
0.2 km
Historic seat of Danish royalty and government, Christiansborg Palace dazzles with royal halls, ancient ruins, stables, and unmatched views in central Copenhagen.
The War Museum
0.2 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
The Danish Parliament
0.2 km
Experience Skagen’s rich maritime and industrial heritage, with vintage engines, interactive exhibits, and a harbor-inspired café in a welcoming community setting.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.2 km
Explore Denmark's industrial evolution at Horsens' Industrimuseet, featuring authentic exhibits and interactive displays for all ages.
Frederik VII
0.3 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Højbro
0.4 km
Aarhus University Park: Where world-renowned academic heritage, Danish modernism, and lush green landscapes meet in the heart of Aarhus for a uniquely peaceful escape.
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.
Holmens Bro
0.4 km
Historic cobblestone lanes, colorful houses, indie boutiques, and a bohemian café scene—Aarhus’s Latin Quarter is the city’s creative, cultural soul.
Nytorv
0.4 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.
Lille Langebro
0.4 km
Explore Lille Langebro, a stunning pedestrian bridge in Copenhagen that beautifully connects neighborhoods while offering breathtaking views of the city and its waterways.
Nytorv 2
0.5 km
Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter blends medieval lanes, bohemian charm, vibrant cafés, and local boutiques, making it the creative soul of Denmark’s second-largest city.
Højbro Pl.
0.5 km
Step inside the Ole Rømer Observatory in Aarhus for immersive astronomy, captivating night sky sessions, and an Art Nouveau landmark with Danish scientific heritage.
Amagertorv
0.5 km
Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
Lur Blowers
0.5 km
Aarhus University Park: Where Danish architectural elegance meets lush urban nature, offering tranquil lakes, stately trees, and a vibrant academic atmosphere.
Unmissable attractions to see
Marmorbroen
0.0 km
Explore Langelinie: Copenhagen's historic waterfront promenade featuring iconic landmarks, scenic views, and vibrant cultural attractions.
National Museum of Denmark
0.2 km
Discover baroque elegance and tranquil natural beauty at Ledreborg Park, a historic estate garden near Roskilde, famed for its grand landscapes and palace views.
Slotsholmen
0.2 km
Explore Denmark's design heritage at Designmuseum Danmark, showcasing iconic works from past to present in a historic setting.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
0.2 km
Explore the creative heart of Denmark at SMK, the National Gallery, showcasing iconic Danish and European art in a stunning central Copenhagen setting.
Magstræde
0.2 km
Frederiksholms Kanal flows through central Copenhagen, offering tranquil walks, historic sights, and stunning waterside views beside the city’s grandest landmarks.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.2 km
Discover Copenhagen's only Russian Orthodox church, a masterpiece of Muscovite architecture with iconic onion domes and rich frescoes.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.2 km
Explore Langelinie, Copenhagen's historic waterfront promenade, featuring iconic landmarks, scenic harbor views, and rich cultural heritage.
Garden of the Royal Library
0.3 km
Discover Denmark’s most celebrated art collection at SMK – a landmark museum blending centuries of creativity, world masters, and Danish cultural heritage in central Copenhagen.
Christiansborg Palace
0.3 km
Engage with over 300 interactive exhibits at Experimentarium, Copenhagen's premier science center in Hellerup.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.3 km
Fredensborg Palace is a stunning baroque royal residence on Lake Esrum, famed for elegant interiors, sprawling gardens, bronze statues, and living Danish history.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.3 km
Malmo Live is a contemporary cultural landmark in Malmö, Sweden, offering world-class concerts, innovative events, and dynamic urban energy in a stunning setting.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.3 km
Södergatan is the bustling, historic pedestrian avenue connecting Malmö’s main squares—a showcase of architecture, art, shopping, and Swedish urban life.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s grand Norse fountain, a mythic bronze masterpiece beside Kastellet, blending local legend, striking artistry, and panoramic city park views.
Gammel Strand
0.3 km
Denmark's stately national gallery with masterpieces from the Renaissance to modern art, housed in a striking blend of classical and contemporary architecture in Copenhagen.
Black Diamond
0.4 km
Historic Belle Époque theater in the heart of Copenhagen, renowned for lavish interiors, acclaimed musicals, and immersive cultural experiences since 1908.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Karla
0.2 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Restaurant 1733
0.2 km
Historic canal-side setting in Copenhagen’s center serving creative Danish classics and regional specialties with genuine hygge and a modern twist.
Restaurant Puk
0.3 km
Discover the essence of Danish cuisine at Restaurant Puk in Copenhagen – where tradition meets flavor in every dish.
Marv & Ben
0.3 km
Discover Marv & Ben: A premier destination for fine Danish dining blending tradition with modernity in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Noi
0.3 km
Discover the fusion of modern and traditional Danish flavors at Restaurant Noi in Copenhagen's vibrant culinary scene.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.4 km
Discover authentic Danish smørrebrød and timeless hospitality in a centuries-old cellar, set in the historic heart of Copenhagen’s lively city center.
Restaurant Tight
0.4 km
Discover creative dishes and exceptional service at Restaurant Tight in Copenhagen’s Indre By district.
Københavner Cafeen
0.4 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Københavner Cafeen – a cozy spot in Copenhagen's heart offering delicious meals for every palate.
No. 2
0.5 km
Inventive Nordic cuisine and striking harbour views await at No. 2, where local Danish flavours meet contemporary dining in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Maven
0.5 km
Atmospheric Danish restaurant inside Copenhagen’s historic Nikolaj Church—offering modern Nordic cuisine, inventive wines, and a setting rich in cultural heritage.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.6 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Husmanns Vinstue in Copenhagen – where tradition meets taste in a cozy atmosphere.
Wining and Dining
0.6 km
Experience the essence of Danish cuisine at Wining and Dining in Copenhagen - where fresh ingredients meet culinary creativity.
Krebsegaarden
0.6 km
Discover Krebsegaarden: A premier seafood restaurant in Copenhagen offering exquisite dishes in a charming atmosphere.
King Hans Cellar
0.6 km
Dine in historic vaulted cellars at Copenhagen’s King Hans Cellar, where centuries-old ambiance and Michelin-level Danish cuisine create an unforgettable fine dining experience.
Det Lille Apotek
0.7 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Det Lille Apotek in Copenhagen - a perfect blend of tradition and flavor.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Læderstræde
0.4 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Strøget
0.5 km
Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.5 km
Nestled on a lively Copenhagen shopping street, Det Gamle Apotek enchants visitors with nostalgic Danish gifts, festive decor, and whimsical home accessories year-round.
Viking Souvenirs
0.5 km
Discover authentic Viking keepsakes and Danish-designed gifts at Viking Souvenirs, perfectly placed on Copenhagen’s historic shopping street for a unique Nordic shopping adventure.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.5 km
Explore Danish history and craftsmanship at Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store, an iconic destination for hand-painted porcelain, elegant collectibles, and Nordic design.
ILLUM
0.6 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Tivoli Gift Shop
0.6 km
Discover unique souvenirs and Danish crafts at the Tivoli Gift Shop, capturing the magic of Copenhagen's historic amusement park.
Quirky Lane
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Discover unique vintage treasures at Quirky Lane, Copenhagen's eclectic boutique for sustainable fashion enthusiasts.
Wasteland
0.6 km
Discover unique vintage fashion treasures at Wasteland in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter.
Magasin du Nord
0.7 km
Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
Studio Arhoj
0.7 km
Studio Arhoj fuses Scandinavian and Japanese influences into vibrant, hand-crafted ceramics, making it a unique design destination in central Copenhagen.
Time's Up Vintage
0.8 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.8 km
Discover authentic Danish gifts, charming souvenirs, and practical luggage essentials at this longstanding shop on bustling Østergade in the heart of Copenhagen.
Storm - design art fashion
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Avant-garde design, progressive fashion, niche perfume, and rare art books unite at Copenhagen’s Storm—an iconic concept store in the city’s creative core.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.8 km
Henrik Vibskov Boutique: Explore boundary-pushing Danish design and avant-garde fashion in a gallery-inspired setting in central Copenhagen.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ruby
0.2 km
Ruby is Copenhagen’s iconic cocktail bar, where historic townhouse charm meets world-class mixology in a uniquely atmospheric setting near the city’s heart.
Godt Øl
0.3 km
Discover a welcoming cellar sanctuary for craft beer enthusiasts in Copenhagen, offering expertly curated Danish and international selections in a cozy, sociable atmosphere.
The Rooftop Bar
0.3 km
Experience panoramic views and a relaxed atmosphere at The Rooftop Bar atop Hotel Danmark in Copenhagen.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.3 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Southern Cross Pub
0.3 km
Discover the lively Southern Cross Pub, a charming sports bar in Copenhagen, perfect for sports enthusiasts and social gatherings.
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.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.4 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
0.4 km
A welcoming, eclectic Copenhagen wine bar dedicated to natural wines, lively hygge, and curated experiences for curious locals and travelers.
Taphouse
0.4 km
Enjoy Copenhagen’s widest choice of craft beers and lively bar culture, all in the inviting, convivial atmosphere of Taphouse—Denmark’s draft beer destination.
K-Bar
0.4 km
Leading Copenhagen’s cocktail revolution, K-Bar blends innovative mixology, Scandinavian style, and canal-side ambiance for an unforgettable urban bar experience.
The Dubliner
0.5 km
Classic Irish pub atmosphere with live music, hearty food, sports broadcasts, and local camaraderie on lively Amagertorv square in central Copenhagen.
Luke's Bar
0.5 km
Luke’s Bar is a beloved vintage-inspired haunt in Copenhagen’s Indre By, celebrated for creative cocktails, retro ambience, and welcoming, quirky bartenders.
Musen & Elefanten
0.5 km
Discover true Danish hygge and vintage bar culture at Musen & Elefanten, a local favorite nestled in the heart of Copenhagen’s vibrant Latin Quarter.
Balderdash
0.6 km
Whimsical cocktails, creative mixing, and historic vibes await at Balderdash, a celebrated Copenhagen bar bringing Nordic flair and surprises to the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Floss Bar
0.6 km
Historic LGBTQ+ bar in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter blending warm hospitality, affordable drinks, and eclectic locals in a welcoming, community-driven setting.
