Kong Hans Kælder (King Hans Cellar)
Two‑Michelin‑star French‑Nordic fine dining in Copenhagen’s oldest vaulted cellar, where centuries of history meet candlelit elegance and meticulously crafted cuisine.
Hidden beneath the cobbled streets of Copenhagen’s old town, Kong Hans Kælder is an intimate, two‑Michelin‑star fine‑dining restaurant set in a 700‑year‑old vaulted cellar. Candlelight, stone arches and white tablecloths frame meticulously crafted French cuisine infused with Nordic sensibility, a deep wine cellar and quietly polished service. It is a destination for lingering, celebratory dinners rather than quick bites, and reservations are essential.
A brief summary to King Hans Cellar
- Vingårdstræde 6, Copenhagen, København K, 1070, DK
- +4533116868
- Visit website
- Duration: 2.5 to 4 hours
- Luxury
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Wednesday 6 pm-12 am
- Thursday 6 pm-12 am
- Friday 6 pm-12 am
- Saturday 6 pm-12 am
Local tips
- Reserve several weeks ahead for Friday and Saturday evenings, especially in summer and during major events, as the small cellar dining room fills quickly.
- Plan for at least a three‑hour dinner to fully enjoy the tasting menu, wine pairings and petit fours without needing to rush courses.
- Opt for the wine pairing if you are curious about the cellar; the sommelier team is a highlight and the list leans heavily into classic French regions.
- Wear smart, comfortable clothing and consider a light layer; the historic cellar is climate‑controlled but can feel cooler than street level.
- Inform the restaurant of dietary restrictions when booking; the kitchen can usually adapt menus for vegetarian diners with sufficient notice.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
King Hans Cellar location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about King Hans Cellar
A medieval cellar turned culinary institution
Kong Hans Kælder occupies what is widely regarded as Copenhagen’s oldest cellar, with origins stretching back more than seven centuries beneath the narrow lane of Vingårdstræde. The space once formed part of royal premises associated with King Hans and later housed, among others, the writer Hans Christian Andersen, giving the restaurant a tangible link to Denmark’s layered past. Since 1976, when the Grønlykke family transformed the vaulted rooms into a pioneering gourmet restaurant, it has been at the forefront of the city’s fine‑dining evolution. Step inside and you descend from the bustle of the inner city into a hushed, almost cloistered world of stone, brick and low arches. The sense of history is strong, yet the atmosphere feels welcoming rather than austere. Over the decades, Kong Hans Kælder has become synonymous with ambitious gastronomy in Copenhagen, earning the city’s first Michelin star in the 1980s and today holding two, a testament to its long‑running pursuit of refinement.French foundations with a Nordic accent
The kitchen takes classic French haute cuisine as its backbone, layering in Nordic produce and contemporary techniques. Under the leadership of chef Mark Lundgaard, menus lean towards multi‑course tastings that might move from delicate shellfish preparations to deeply reduced sauces, seasonal vegetables prepared with precision, and luxurious touches such as caviar or truffle when in season. While the compositions are modern, there is often an old‑world sense of craft in the saucing, roasting and tableside finishing. Diners can expect a carefully choreographed progression of small bites, bread and butter, main courses and intricate desserts, often culminating in petit fours served with coffee or tea. A substantial wine list reaches across the classic regions of France and beyond, with both established names and more adventurous choices. The sommelier team is central to the experience, guiding pairings that complement the richness and detail of the cooking.An atmosphere made for lingering evenings
Evening is the only time to experience Kong Hans Kælder: doors open for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday, and the restaurant remains closed the rest of the week. The pace is unhurried, with most guests allowing several hours to move through the full menu. Soft lighting, widely spaced tables and attentive yet discreet service set an elegant, romantic tone that suits anniversaries, special celebrations and couples’ nights out. Despite the formality of the setting and the precision of the service, the atmosphere aims for warmth rather than stiffness. Staff explain dishes with ease, offer suggestions from the wine list and keep the flow of the meal smooth. The subterranean setting also makes the restaurant feel cocooned from the elements, a particularly appealing prospect on dark winter evenings when Copenhagen’s streets outside are cold and windy.Design details in a historic vault
The restaurant’s interior design respects the medieval shell while introducing modern comfort. White tablecloths, simple yet refined tableware and understated floral arrangements allow the architecture to remain the star. Low stone and brick vaults curve overhead, supported by thick pillars that break the room into more intimate zones. The color palette stays largely neutral, allowing the play of candlelight and the hues of each dish to stand out. Acoustic control is subtly handled so that conversation remains private despite the hard materials of the old cellar. There are also private dining areas that offer a more secluded setting for business dinners or small gatherings. Overall, the look sits at the intersection of historic character and contemporary fine‑dining minimalism, without slipping into trendiness.Planning your evening at King Hans Cellar
Given its fine‑dining status, Kong Hans Kælder is firmly in the splurge category; tasting menus and wine pairings are priced at the top end of Copenhagen’s restaurant scene. Booking well in advance is wise, especially for Fridays and Saturdays or when major events bring more visitors into the city. Dietary preferences such as vegetarian menus can typically be accommodated with notice, but last‑minute changes may be harder for the kitchen during a tightly timed service. Most guests plan to arrive a little before their reservation time to settle in and perhaps begin with an aperitif. Expect to stay at least three hours if you choose a full tasting menu. Smart attire feels most at home here, though there is no need for overt formality. This is a place to slow down, savor the details and enjoy one of Copenhagen’s most storied dining rooms.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Holmens Bro
0.3 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.
Højbro
0.3 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
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.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.3 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.3 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
The Danish Parliament
0.4 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.4 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Varehuset Messen
0.5 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Havnepromenade
0.5 km
Copenhagen's historic 750-meter waterfront where 19th-century maritime heritage meets vibrant contemporary urban life.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.5 km
Copenhagen’s only Russian Orthodox church, famed for its golden onion domes, rich history, and unique architectural style rooted in Danish-Russian royal ties.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.5 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.
Knippelsbro
0.5 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
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Discover Nordic art, culture, and cuisine from Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands at North Atlantic House, a historic waterfront warehouse in Copenhagen.
Gråbrødretorv
0.5 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
The War Museum
0.6 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Unmissable attractions to see
Guinness World Records Museum
0.2 km
Explore the extraordinary limits of human achievement in Scandinavia's premier world records museum.
The Royal Playhouse and The Old Stage
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s national theatre in two acts: a gilded 19th‑century Old Stage on Kongens Nytorv and a bold modern playhouse rising directly above the harbour waters.
Kongens Nytorv
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s grand royal square, where theatres, palaces, luxury hotels and metro lines meet above a lively, ever-changing city stage.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
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Strikingly modern, immersive, and acoustically exceptional, DR Koncerthuset is Copenhagen's world-renowned concert hall and a must-visit for music and architecture lovers.
Church of Holmen
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Roskilde's central square, Stændertorvet.
Ved Stranden
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
Højbro Pl.
0.3 km
Open, airy and steeped in history, Højbro Plads is Copenhagen’s neoclassical city living room between canal, palace views and busy pedestrian streets.
Stromma Canal Tours
0.3 km
Discover the world of 'Nordic gold' at the Copenhagen Amber Museum, where history, science, and stunning amber artifacts meet in Nyhavn’s oldest house.
Højbro Plads
0.3 km
A historic canal in central Copenhagen, Frederiksholms Kanal blends royal heritage, elegant facades, and tranquil waterways in the heart of the Danish capital.
Bishop Absalon
0.3 km
Denmark’s national gallery showcases Nordic and international masterpieces in stunning, light-filled halls—SMK is a must-visit for art lovers in Copenhagen.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.3 km
A submerged family of bronze beneath Højbro Bridge brings an old Danish ballad of love, faith and abandonment to life in the heart of historic Copenhagen.
Kunsthal Charlottenborg
0.3 km
Historic Charlottenborg Palace transformed into one of Northern Europe’s leading contemporary art halls, blending bold exhibitions with Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv views.
Stork Fountain
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Bask in the serene Baltic ambiance of Rødvig Beach on South Zealand—an inviting stretch of sand with sweeping views of Stevns Klint and local Danish charm.
Memorial Anchor
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Explore one of Europe’s oldest zoos, home to over 3,000 animals, award-winning architecture, immersive habitats, conservation programs, and engaging family activities.
Indre By
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A storied sanctuary in Nørrebro, Assistens Cemetery blends tranquil nature, remarkable history, and the celebrated graves of Danish luminaries.
Essential places to dine
King Hans Cellar
0.0 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Llama
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Restaurant Maven
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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.
Marchal
0.2 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
à terre
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l’Alsace
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Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Frank
0.3 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
Bistro Royal
0.3 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Goldfinch
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Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.3 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Nyhavns Færgekro
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Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
Cap Horn
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Den Lille Fede
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Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Skipperkroen
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Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Restaurant Vita
0.4 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Magasin du Nord
0.1 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.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.1 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.1 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Viking Souvenirs
0.2 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.2 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Urban Outfitters
0.2 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
ILLUM
0.2 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Danish Souvenirs
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Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Magnolias
0.3 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.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.3 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Storm - design art fashion
0.3 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
Zane
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Hygge Original
0.4 km
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The Wilde Shop
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Norse Projects
0.4 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Brønnum
0.2 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Balthazar
0.2 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.2 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
1105
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Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
K-Bar
0.2 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Bar Deco
0.3 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.3 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Charlie's Bar
0.3 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
The Dubliner
0.3 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
The Moose
0.3 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Trykbar
0.5 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
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.
Ruby
0.5 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
