Wilhelm Hansens Hus
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Tucked into central Copenhagen’s Gothersgade, Wilhelm Hansens Hus is the former headquarters of the influential music publisher Wilhelm Hansen, once a powerhouse in Danish and European music life. Behind a modest historic facade near Kongens Nytorv, this house evokes an era when sheet music, composers and copyright deals shaped the city’s cultural scene. Today it is primarily an architectural and historic point of interest, best appreciated as a quick cultural stop on a wider stroll through the elegant streets between Kongens Nytorv, Rosenborg Castle and the city’s inner canals.
A brief summary to Wilhelm Hansens Hus
- Gothersgade 11, Copenhagen, København K, 1123, DK
- +4551356009
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Combine a stop at Wilhelm Hansens Hus with a walk between Kongens Nytorv and Rosenborg Castle to appreciate how the house fits into Copenhagen’s historic core.
- Plan 5–10 minutes here; use the time to study architectural details, then continue to nearby gardens or museums for a fuller cultural experience.
- Come in the early morning or late afternoon for softer light on the facade and calmer street conditions along busy Gothersgade.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro from wider Copenhagen
From elsewhere in Copenhagen, take any metro line to Kongens Nytorv Station, a major interchange in the city centre. The ride from most central stations takes about 5–10 minutes and a single metro ticket within the city zone typically costs the equivalent of 2–4 EUR. Trains run frequently throughout the day. From the station, it is a short, level walk through busy but well‑paved streets, suitable for most visitors including those with light mobility needs.
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Bus within the city centre
Several city buses run along or close to Gothersgade and Kongens Nytorv, linking the area with districts such as Vesterbro, Nørrebro and Østerbro. Typical travel times from these neighbourhoods range from 10–25 minutes, depending on traffic. A standard city bus ticket usually costs around 2–4 EUR and can often be used interchangeably with metro services within the same fare zones. Buses can be crowded at rush hours, and stops may not always have shelter, so allow a little extra time in bad weather.
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Walking from the inner city
If you are already in Copenhagen’s historic centre, reaching Wilhelm Hansens Hus on foot is straightforward. From places like Strøget, Nyhavn or the City Hall area, expect a pleasant urban walk of roughly 10–20 minutes along well‑lit streets with regular pedestrian crossings. The terrain is mostly flat, though cobblestones appear in some sections, which may be less comfortable for wheelchairs or strollers in wet conditions.
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Bicycle from nearby districts
Copenhagen is highly bike‑friendly, and many visitors use rental bikes to reach central sights. From central neighbourhoods such as Vesterbro, Nørrebro or Østerbro, cycling to Gothersgade typically takes 10–20 minutes using the city’s dedicated bike lanes. Expect busy bicycle traffic at commuting times and be prepared for limited bike parking space close to major junctions. Some rental schemes charge by the minute or hour, with common costs in the range of a few EUR for short trips.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Discover more about Wilhelm Hansens Hus
A quiet house with a loud musical past
Wilhelm Hansens Hus on Gothersgade looks like many other dignified townhouses in Copenhagen’s old centre, but it once housed one of Scandinavia’s most important music publishers. From here, the Wilhelm Hansen firm helped shape Danish musical life, handling everything from classical scores and educational material to popular songs. Contracts were signed in its offices, new works were negotiated at heavy wooden desks, and the building effectively became a backstage hub for the country’s composers and performers. The publisher eventually moved on, and the company itself changed ownership, but the address still carries the name and memory of that era. Passing by today, it is easy to overlook just how many premieres and performances were indirectly linked to the decisions made within these walls.Gothersgade’s cultural corridor
Set almost midway between Kongens Nytorv and the green lawns of the King’s Garden, Wilhelm Hansens Hus sits on a stretch of Gothersgade that functions as a cultural corridor. Within a short walk you find major attractions such as Rosenborg Castle, the Botanical Garden, and several intimate museums and galleries. The Royal Guard’s daily march often proceeds along Gothersgade, giving the street a ceremonial rhythm that contrasts with its everyday traffic and bike lanes. This location means the house is best experienced as part of a broader exploration of the neighbourhood rather than as a stand‑alone destination. Look up as you pass: cornices, rooflines and window details reveal how this part of town grew into a refined quarter for merchants, publishers and professionals tied to the nearby royal and administrative institutions.Architecture in the subtle Copenhagen style
Architecturally, Wilhelm Hansens Hus is a study in restraint. The facade follows the Copenhagen tradition of solid masonry, tall sash windows and a clear, almost rhythmic vertical arrangement. Instead of elaborate decoration, the interest lies in proportions and the way the building fits its row of neighbours, forming a continuous street wall that defines Gothersgade’s character. Details such as doorway framing, ironwork and roof pitch speak to the practical elegance of older Copenhagen townhouses. This subtlety is part of its charm: the building rewards a slow look rather than a single snapshot, especially in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon when textures and colours gently stand out.From sheets of music to city soundscape
The story of the house is also the story of how music moved from printed sheets to modern formats. When Wilhelm Hansen operated here, musical life depended on printed scores distributed to orchestras, choirs and private homes. Today, the surrounding streets carry a different soundtrack: passing bikes, conversations from nearby cafés and the occasional echo of a busker’s tune drifting over from Kongens Nytorv. Thinking about that shift while standing outside the building adds depth to the visit. You are looking at a place where rights, royalties and repertoire were once planned on paper, yet the real outcome was what people heard in concert halls, churches and living rooms across the country.A short stop on an urban walking route
Most travellers will experience Wilhelm Hansens Hus in just a few minutes, pausing en route between better‑known sights. It works well as a moment to slow down, connect individual attractions into a coherent story of the city, and appreciate the quieter addresses behind Copenhagen’s cultural reputation. Combined with a walk through the King’s Garden, a visit to a nearby museum and time on Kongens Nytorv, the house helps anchor your sense of place in this compact, walkable capital.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
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Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
The King's New Square
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Balderdash
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Nyhavn
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Essential places to dine
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Bistro Royal
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Frank
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Den Lille Fede
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Marchal
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l’Alsace
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Restaurant Vita
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Restaurant Koefoed
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Llama
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Alouette
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Restaurant Rebel
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Cap Horn
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Storm - design art fashion
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Henrik Vibskov Boutique
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Magasin du Nord
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ILLUM
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Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
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Studio Arhoj
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Time's Up Vintage
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Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
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Quirky Lane
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Wasteland
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TorvehallerneKBH
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Tivoli Gift Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
1105
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Architectural Shots
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
