Architecture of Copenhagen, Denmark

Must-See Sites in Copenhagen: Nyhavn, Rosenborg Castle, Carlsberg Glyptotek

Copenhagen is the largest city in all of Denmark with over 2 million people living in the city center and surrounding area. It was originally settled in the late Viking Age, and it’s one of the greatest cities in Scandinavia, rivaling others like Stockholm, Oslo, and Helsinki. Copenhagen was made the capital of the Kingdom of Denmark in the early 1400s, and from then on it emerged as the political, economic, and cultural center of the nation. During the Renaissance and Baroque Ages, many incredible works of architecture were commissioned by the Danish Royal Family, and these structures remain as some of the city’s most impressive buildings. Copenhagen also contains a great deal of Neoclassical and Revival Style Architecture, thanks to a massive building boom that occurred during the 19th century. Today Copenhagen is a global city, with a thriving economy and a strong tourism sector, and it’s one of the top destinations in Northern Europe.

The article below will take an in-depth look at the Architecture of Copenhagen, analyzing 36 different buildings and monuments found throughout the city.

Map of Copenhagen

Maps Data: Imagery © 2022 Aerodata International Surveys, CNES / Airbus, Landsat / Copernicus, Landmäteriet/Metria, Maxar Technologies, Scanmort, Map Data ©2022
Map of Copenhagen highlighting some of the city’s main attractions.
1. Outline of the Inder By, the city’s historic core
2. Rosenborg Castle
3. Nyhavn
4. Carlsberg Glyptotek
5. Strøget, the Main Shopping Street within Copenhagen

Table of Contents

History of Copenhagen

Stone Age – 12th Century



Origins of Copenhagen

Ancient remains show that the area around Copehagen was inhabited as far back as the Stonge Age. The city itself originated as a small Viking settlement, with a recorded history that begins in the 11th century. The positioning of Copenhagen has always been very strategic. It’s located at a choke point between the Baltic Sea and the rest of the Atlantic Ocean – on strip of water known as the Øresund Straight.

12th Century – 1397

Kingdom of Denmark

After it was settled in the 11th century, Copenhagen steadily grew in importance, It had a growing population, and its people took advantage of the bountiful waters located around the city.

The local population eventually built impressive defenses to fortify the city, including Copenhagen Castle; which was built on the island of Slotsholmen within the city center.

The Painting above shows what Copenhagen Castle in looked like in 1698. The castle burned down in 1884 and was later replaced by Christiansborg Palace.

1397 – 1523

The Kalmar Union

In 1397 Denmark entered into a treaty with its neighbors known as the Kalmar Union. This treaty essentially unified the Kingdoms of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. These three nations were trying to unify against their common enemy, the Henseatic League, which was a trading partnership made up of cities such as Amsterdam, Bruges, Lübeck, and Hamburg.

In 1416, Copenhagen was established as the Danish Capital when the King of Denmark moved his court into Copenhagen Castle. This proved to be great for the city, which grew into an important economic and political hub from then on.

Eventually the Protestant Reformation lead to big political changes in Northern Europe, and by 1523 the Kalmar Union was ended, with Stockholm emerging as the Capital of the Independent Nation of Sweden.

1523 – 1807

Renaissance and Baroque Ages in Copenhagen

During the Renaissance Age, Copenhagen was ruled by one of Denmark’s greatest kings, Christian IV. His reign was the longest in Danish history, lasting from 1588-1648. He was a powerful and successful ruler, and he was also a major patron of the arts. He commissioned several incredible works of architecture within Copenhagen, including Rosenborg Castle and the Copenhagen Stock Exchange Building. The new neighborhood of Christianshavn also dates to this period, and it was built to house facilities for Copenhagen’s expanding trade network.

Copenhagen’s Defenses were also greatly improved at this time, when the Kastellet and series of moats and ramparts were constructed around the city. Unfortunately in the 1700s, Copenhgen suffered several devastating fires, and much of its original medieval architecture was lost. But as a result of this, new works of Baroque & Rococo Architecture were constructed such as the Amalienborg and Frederik’s Church.

1807-1918


Bombardment of Copenhagen & Rebuilding Efforts

During the Napoleonic Wars In 1807, Copenhagen was besieged and bombardment by the British Royal Navy. This attack left the city devastated, and large portions of Copenhagen had to be rebuilt. Many of the replacement structures were built in the Neoclassical Style, including Copenhagen’s main Cathedral, the Church of Our Lady.

Copenhagen also grew dramatically during the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to the Industrial Revoltion and the advent of the railroad. Many incredible buildings date to this booming time including the National Gallery of Denmark and Copenhagen City Hall.

1918 – 1945

WWI & WWII

Denmark remained neutral throughout WWI, and as a result it was largely spared the devastation that was seen in other countries. The nation continued to thrive throughout the 1920’s and 30’s until the outbreak of WWII. Copenhagen and the rest of Denmark suffered a lengthy Nazi Occupation which lasted from 1940 until 1945. Despite the occupation and subsequent liberation by British Forces, Copenhagen was relatively unharmed during the conflict, and most of the city’s historic buildings survived the war.

1945-Today


Modern Day Copenhagen

After the end of WWII, life in Copenhagen returned to normal, and the city has prospered ever since. Today Copenhagen is making large investments into infrastructure, and it contains a modern network of tramways, and a new connection with the Swedish mainland known as the Øresund Bridge.

Copenhagen has also embraced modern architecture in a major way, and many contemporary buildings such as Copenhagen Opera House are among the city’s most cherished landmarks.

Fortifications of Copenhagen

During the 1700s major improvements were made to the fortifications surrounding Copenhagen. The city was enclosed by an array of moats and ramparts which were orientated in a distinct “star pattern.” This was a common fortification scheme from the era. This layout made a land assault on Copenhagen extremely challenging. Additional fortifications were also built to protect the city from the sea. A large fort known as the Kastellet was built on the northern edge of the city, and other smaller forts and batteries are positioned at the entrances to Copenhagen’s inner harbors.

In the 19th century, large portions of Copenhagen’s fortifications were demolished, particularly on the northern and western edges of the city. This helped the city grow, and also helped prevent overcrowding within the city center.

Gothic Architecture in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is largely void of Medieval and Gothic Architecture when compared to other major European cities. Many of Copenhagen’s oldest buildings were lost in fires and other conflicts, and most of the surviving structures from the Gothic Age were replaced or modified over time. The three buildings listed below are among the oldest surviving buildings in Copenhagen, and they show a window into how the city might have looked in the early middle ages.

Maps Data: Imagery © 2022 Aerodata International Surveys, CNES / Airbus, Landsat / Copernicus, Landmäteriet/Metria, Maxar Technologies, Scanmort, Map Data ©2022
Map of Copenhagen highlighting the most notable works of Gothic Architecture within the city.

1. Church of the Holy Spirit

Copenhagen does not contain a lot of Gothic Architecture, but the church of the holy spirit is a rare example.

Originally founded in the 13th century, The Church of the Holy Spirit is one of the best-preserved examples of Gothic Architecture within Copenhagen. Like all of the city’s older churches, it’s made of brick and it was heavily modified later on in the Baroque Age. In the image above you can see how the older Gothic Portions of the church are blended with the newer Baroque additions. The main entrance on the side of the building is surrounded by intricate stonework dating to the Baroque Age, while the rest of the church is much older and doesn’t have a lot of intricate details.

2. St. Peter’s Church

St. Peter’s church was originally built in the 1200s, but large portions of it burned down in the late 1300s. Over time the church was heavily modified, and it contains a blend of different styles. Most of the ground level and the base of the tower date to the Gothic Age, but other elements were added later on. Like all of Copenhagen’s Gothic churches, it contains a tower that’s significantly taller than the surrounding city. During the 18th century, the upper portions of the tower were added. This copper-clad section was built with Baroque Detailing, and several other Baroque Elements were also added to the rest of the church.

3. St. Nicholas Church

St. Nicholas Church is one of Copenhagen’s oldest churches, although it has been significantly modified since the Gothic Age. Today the lowest portion of the tower is the only original part of the building after most of the structure was lost in a fire in 1795. The green copper spire at the top of the tower was completed in the 19th century and like many other spires within the city, it’s built in the Neo-Baroque style. Today the building no longer primarily functions as a church, and is instead utilized as an art gallery called the Nikolaj Contemporary Art Center.

Gothic was the dominant architectural style in Europe during the early Middle Ages. Check out our article on the Top 25 Examples of Gothic Architecture to learn more!

Renaissance Architecture in Copenhagen

The Renaissance emerged in Florence Italy in the 15th century and slowly spread to the rest of the European continent. The Renaissance Movement arrived later in Northern Europe, and it first became popular in the late 1500s. Copenhagen is filled with some of the greatest works of Renaissance Architecture anywhere in Scandinavia, and this is mostly thanks to the great Danish King, Christian IV. He ruled Denmark from 1588 to 1648, and his reign is seen as a high point in Danish power and prosperity. The list below will highlight four of the greatest works of Renaissance Architecture within Copenhagen, and show how this style has affected the history of the city.

Maps Data: Imagery © 2022 Aerodata International Surveys, CNES / Airbus, Landsat / Copernicus, Landmäteriet/Metria, Maxar Technologies, Scanmort, Map Data ©2022
Map of Copenhagen highlighting the most notable works of Renaissance Architecture within the city.

1. Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Castle is one of the many buildings in Copenhagen commissioned by King Cristian IV.

Rosenborg Castle is by far the most notable work of Renaissance Architecture in Copenhagen. It was commissioned by King Christian IV as his primary residence in the center of the city. Christian IV also built Frederiksborg Castle, a much larger structure located about 23 miles (38 km) north of the city. Both castles share a similar architectural identity and have a strong influence from Dutch Renaissance Architecture. They each utilize brick masonry, copper-clad roofs, classical influences, and many other Renaissance elements to create a style unique to the buildings of Christian IV.

Rosenborg Palace is the best work of Renaissance Architecture in all of Copenhagen.

Like so many other royal residences, Rosenborg Palace is surrounded by a vast array of gardens. These gardens were modified and expanded over time, and have influences from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical periods. Today the palace gardens are open to the public and are one of Copenhagen’s most popular parks. Just like Renaissance Architecture, Renaissance Gardens utilize symmetry, rhythm, and proportion in their design. Rosenborg Castle is one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of Copenhagen, and many people visit both Rosenborg Castle and Frederiksborg Castle while in Denmark to see the incredible splendor of the Danish Monarchy under Christian IV.

Interested in Renaissance Architecture? Check out our article on the Architecture of Florence to learn more about the birth of the Renaissance Movement.

2. Copenhagen Stock Exchange

The Copenhagen Stock Exchange Building dates to the days of the Renaissance.

The Copenhagen Stock Exchange is another incredible work of Renaissance Architecture in Copenhagen. Construction began on the building in 1619, making it even older than Rosenborg Castle. The stock exchange building is famous for its central spire, which is a sculptural element featuring four dragons. The tails of the dragons each intertwine in a spiral pattern, which then creates the main part of the spire. This feature is unique for a Renaissance building, and it’s a great example of the innovative designs commissioned by King Christian IV.

The Copenhagen Stock Exchange Building was devastated by a fire in April 2024. Most of the building and it’s iconic spire were completely destroyed. Restoration works are ongoing, but are set to take several years.

3. Round Tower

The Round Tower, or Rundetaarn, is another incredible work of architecture commissioned by the great Danish King Christian IV. It was built as an observatory for the study of astronomy, which was a popular field during the 17th century. The unique spiral ramp was designed so that a horse could move up and down the tower, to easily bring people and supplies up to the observatory at the top. The Round Tower functioned as an observatory for centuries, but today it mostly serves as a lookout tower that’s open to the public. Anyone can walk up the spiral ramp to get incredible views over the surrounding neighborhoods within Copenhagen.

4. Church of Holmen

The church of Holmen is one of the smaller examples of Renaissance Architecture in Copenhagen.

The Church of Holmen is a small Renaissance Style Church located in Central Copenhagen. It originally dates to the late 16th Century, but much of the church has been refurbished over time. Although originally built before his reign, Christian IV made a few modifications to the building. The exterior facade faces one of Copenhagen’s many canals, and like a lot of other Renaissance buildings in the city, the Church of Holmen has a strong Dutch influence.

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    Baroque & Rococo Architecture in Copenhagen

    Baroque Architecture replaced Renaissance Architecture to become the dominant style in Copenhagen by the late 1600s. Copenhagen itself continued to expand at this point in time, and in the 1700s the city made a massive investment in its fortifications. The city center was completely enclosed by a ring of ramparts and moats, designed in a typical geometric star pattern. Many palaces, churches, and government buildings were also completed during the Baroque and Rococo Ages, and new districts in the city such as Chrsianshavn were also built out.

    Maps Data: Imagery © 2022 Aerodata International Surveys, CNES / Airbus, Landsat / Copernicus, Landmäteriet/Metria, Maxar Technologies, Scanmort, Map Data ©2022
    Map of Copenhagen highlighting the most notable works of Baroque & Rococo Architecture within the city.

    1. Church of Our Savior

    The Church of Our Savior is an iconic work of Baroque Architecture located in the Christianshavn neighborhood of Copenhagen. The church is famous for its spiral tower, which is a distinct element developed in the Baroque Age. Many Baroque buildings feature complicated geometries and curvatures, and the spire here was an innovative achievement when it was completed in 1752. The spiral tower at the Church of Our Savior is also gilded, another typical element in Baroque Design. The church is one of the more iconic buildings in the Copenhagen skyline, and many locals claim that the views from the top of the spire are some of the best in the entire city.

    Inside the Church of Our Savior, you will find many additional elements from Baroque Architecture. The high altar is decorated with a series of marble statues, each depicting an angel. These statues are works of Baroque Sculpture, which is a style that heavily utilizes movement and emotion. In the right image above, you can see the underside of the Church of our Savior’s Organ. It’s ornately carved with an intricate leafy pattern. In many Lutheran Churches, the Organ is a focal point of the design, and many of the Lutheran Churches in Copenhagen feature these elaborately decorated organs.

    2. Amalienborg

    The Amalianborg is palace owned by the Danish Monarchy. Its one of the greatest examples of Baroque Architecture in Copenhagen.

    The Amalienborg is one of several major royal residences located in central Copenhagen. It was built during the Late Baroque Age in the mid-1700s, and much of the interiors were later outfitted in the Rococo Style. The Amalienborg is famous for its octagonal central courtyard. The space is perfectly symmetrical, and it’s enclosed by four separate buildings that were each designed as distinct residences for different people. At the center of the square is a famous equestrian statue depicting King Frederick V.

    The Amalienborg is a great example of Late Baroque or Rococo Architecture in Copenhagen.

    The Amalienborg is still listed as a private residence of the Danish Royal Family, and several members of the Danish Royal Guard are on duty protecting the palace at all times. The four buildings create a large enclosed space that’s a popular photo spot for tourists. The courtyard is also on a large axis that connects with Frederik’s Church and the Amalienborg Gardens. The Amalienborg Gardens overlook the waters of Copenhagen Harbor, and they are one of the city’s many open green spaces.

    3. Frederik’s Church

    Frederik’s Church is one of the most significant examples of Late Baroque or Rococo Architecture in Copenhagen. The church is located at the end of a long linear axis that connects with the Amalienborg. Many people colloquially refer to Frederik’s Church as, the “Marble Church” because it’s primarily made of marble. The church was built in the Late Baroque period, with construction beginning in 1749. Frederik’s Church utilizes many elements from Classical Architecture, such as coffered ceilings, Corinthian Columns, and a large central dome.

    4. Nyhavn

    Nyhavn is a popular area in Copenhagen for eating out and drinking.

    Nyhavn is a neighborhood in central Copenhagen that was originally a working-class area filled mostly with sailors and fishermen. While the neighborhood doesn’t really follow the same themes and ideologies as other Baroque Architecture, most of the buildings were still completed in the Baroque Age during the second half of the 17th century. Nyhavn is one of the most popular areas in the entire city, and it’s lined with bars and restaurants making it a popular hang-out spot at all times of the day. Many of the businesses offer takeaway food and drinks, so it’s common to see people sitting along the pier as well as at the tables in the cafes.

    5. Frederiksberg Palace

    Frederisksberg Palace is located just outside the city center, and its one of the largest examples of Baroque Architecture in Copenhagen.
    Photo by Ikiwaner from Wikimedia Commons

    About a 40-minute walk outside central Copenhagen is Frederiksberg Palace. It’s a work of Baroque Architecture that was built as a Summer Residence for the Danish Royal Family. Construction took place during the beginning of the 18th century, and it was built with an expansive Baroque Style Garden. The palace was used by various members of the royal family up until the mid-19th century, after which it was handed over to the military. Today the palace houses the Royal Danish Military Academy, but the grounds are open to the public.

    6. Christian’s Church

    Christian’s Church is another example of Baroque Architecture in Copenhagen. It differs dramatically from the Church of Our Savior, which is also located nearby in the Christianhavn Neighborhood. Christian’s Church is much more laid back and subdued; and it more closely resembles some English works of Baroque Architecture, such as the churches designed by Sir Christopher Wren in London. Christian’s Church is located on the southern edge of the Christianhavn Neighborhood, just inside the Ramparts of Copenhagen.

    7. Kastellet

    The Kastellet is the most impressive portions of Copenhagen's defensive architecture.
    Photo by CucombreLibre from Wikimedia Commons

    The Kastellet is a large Star Fort located at the northern edge of Copenhagen’s historic center. It was built as part of the overall fortification network of the city. The facility once housed garrisons for troops and storage areas for gun powder and other munitions.  Today the fort no longer serves as a military installation, and like the rest of the ramparts of Copenhagen, the Kastellet now mostly functions as a public park. To the east of the Kastellet, there is a large waterfront walkway, which is a popular promenade. The walkway features the iconic Little Mermaid Statue, which is one of Copenhagen’s most noteworthy landmarks. 

    8. Ramparts & Moats of Copenhagen

    There are several moats that still remain from the Defensive Architecture that once enclosed Copenhagen.

    By the 1600s, cities all over the world were surrounding themselves with low earth-packed walls & moats as a way to protect against sieges. This was common throughout Europe, and Copenhagen contains one of the best-preserved Fortification Systems of any European city. The Danish Kings commissioned this vast ring of walls to enclose Copenhagen and protect it on all sides. A lot of the earthworks have since been demolished, particularly on the west side of the city, but on the east side, many of the original walls and moats are still intact. Today they have become a popular park space, and they are a great place for walking and biking.

    9. Mastekranen

    The Mastekranen is a great example of Baroque Architecture in Copenhagen.

    The Mastekranen is a landmark of Copenhagen, and it’s located in the heart of the city’s Royal Naval Shipyard. The building contains a large overhead crane, which was designed to hoist masts onto newly built ships. Construction began on the Mastekranen in the mid-1700s, at a time when the Danish Navy had one of the most powerful fleets in all of Northern Europe. The Mastekranen illustrates Copenhagen’s long connection with the surrounding seas, and the shipbuilding industry in Copenhagen continued to utilize the Royal Naval Shipyard up until the early 20th century.

    10. Marble Bridge

    The Marble Bridge is a piece of architecture from Copenhagen Castle that survived the 19th century fire that destroyed most of the Castle.

    Marble Bridge is a Baroque-era Bridge that connects the island of Slotsholmen with the rest of Copenhagen. It leads directly to a large courtyard at the back of Christiansborg Palace. The Bridge was built in the mid-1700s, during the height of the Baroque Age. It’s made almost entirely of marble, and it was built as part of an update to Copenhagen Castle. Most of Copenhagen Castle burned down in the 19th century and was replaced by Christiansborg Palace, but the Marble Bridge survived. The bridge is richly decorated with sculptural elements, and these intricate details are common throughout many other Baroque Buildings.

    11. Garrison Church

    The Garnisonskirken or Garrison Church is another impressive Baroque Church located in Copenhagen. Like the Church of Our Savior, it’s also a Lutheran Church that contains an ornately designed pipe organ. The organ is decorated with gold leaf and reddish marble, which are materials found throughout the lavishly designed buildings of the Baroque Age. The rest of the Garrison Church is not nearly as flashy as the organ. Most of the interior is simple, with a white-washed color scheme, making the brightly colored organ the centerpiece of the whole building.

    19th & Early 20th Century Architecture in Copenhagen

    (Revival Architecture, Neoclassical Architecture, and National Romantic Architecture)

    Copenhagen was devastated by numerous fires in the 1700s, and the city also saw a lot of damage in the wake of the 1807 Bombardment by the British Royal Navy. Copenhagen would see a large building boom in the 19th century, thanks to the rebuilding effort after these events. The Industrial Revolution and the railroad would bring further growth to Copenhagen, and at this point, the city expanded far outside its fortified ramparts. Copenhagen is filled with many incredible examples of Neoclassical Architecture, which was Europe’s dominant style throughout much of the 19th century. There are also dozens of turn-of-the-century buildings in the city that were built in various Revival Styles like Baroque Revival and Renaissance Revival.

    Maps Data: Imagery © 2022 Aerodata International Surveys, CNES / Airbus, Landsat / Copernicus, Landmäteriet/Metria, Maxar Technologies, Scanmort, Map Data ©2022
    Map of Copenhagen highlighting various works of 19th and early 20th-century architecture within the city.
    Note: #5 on the list is not depicted

    1. Glyptotek

    The Glyptotek is the most impressive building given to the city of Copenhagen by Carl Jacobsen. Its made using a combination of Neoclassical and Neo Renaissance Architecture.

    “Glyptotek” is a term often used for a museum that houses art and artifacts from the days of the ancient Greeks and Romans. There are many famed Glyptoteks in Europe, most notably in Munich and Copenhagen. The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek was founded by the owner of the Carlsberg Brewing Company, a Danish brewery that was founded in 1847. The founder of the Glyptotek, Carl Jacobsen, accumulated a vast fortune from all of his beverage sales, and he used a large sum of money to not only build the museum but also fill it with artwork from his own collection.

    Many people regard the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek as the greatest museum in all of Copenhagen. The collection is well displayed and represents a single art collector’s tastes. In addition to ancient statues, the museum also contains a lot of 19th-century sculptures. One of the collection’s highlights is an assortment of statues by the prominent French artist Auguste Rodin. Some of the upper galleries within the building also contain paintings by important European artists like Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh. All the galleries are housed in an impressive building that combines various Revival Styles like Neoclassical and Renaissance Revival. The left image above shows the Winter Garden, which is a large atrium filled with various plant species. The garden is capped by a massive glass dome, which was an innovative piece of engineering in its day.

    2. Christiansborg Palace

    Christiansborg Palace is a great example of Neo Baroque Architecture in Copenhagen.

    Christiansborg Palace is a work of Neo-Baroque Architecture located on the island of Slotsholmen in central Copenhagen. The palace was built in the same location as Copenhagen Castle, which was a fortification with foundations dating all the way back to the 12th century. The older castle was destroyed by a fire in 1884, and the current replacement palace was completed in the year 1928. The building features many important elements from Baroque Architecture, such as a Mansard Roof, and an intricately decorated central spire.

    Christiansborg Palace was built during the Revival Age of Architecture in Copenhagen.

    The palace contains a series of buildings each surrounding a few centralized courtyards. Among the various buildings in the complex are museums, stables, and training facilities. There is also a large palace chapel that was designed in the Neoclassical Style. Today Christiansborg Palace houses all three major branches of the Danish Government and the Judicial, Executive, and Legislative branches each have their own spaces within the building. Christiansborg Palace is therefore seen as a symbol of Danish Democracy and it’s one of the city’s most important landmarks.

    3. Copenhagen City Hall

    Throughout Northern Europe and Scandinavia, there is a strong emphasis on fairness and equality in local government. Many of the most impressive works of architecture in Scandinavia are city halls, which are seen as an important contact point between local populations and local governments. Just like Stockholm has the iconic Stockholm City Hall, Copenhagen was also outfitted with a new city hall that was completed in 1905. Copenhagen City Hall still functions as a government building today, and it’s designed in the National Romantic Style – a building form that borrows elements from historic architecture from Denmark’s past.

    Interested in Stockholm City Hall? Check out our article on the Architecture of Stockholm to learn more!

    4. Tivoli Gardens & Nimb Hotel

    Tivoli Gardens is a theme park located just to the west of Copenhagen’s historic center. It first opened its doors to visitors in 1843, and today it’s one of Europe’s most well-known theme parks. It was constructed in the heart of the Revival era when many architects were experimenting with forms of architecture from all over the world. The right image above shows the Nimb Hotel, which was designed to replicate the Moorish Architecture found in Spain and North Africa. The left image shows a manmade pond in the interior of the park, which was built alongside a tower inspired by traditional Chinese Architecture.

    5. Church of Our Lady

    The Church of Our Lady of Copenhagen is one of the cities greatest works of Neoclassical Architecture.

    The Church of Our Lady was completed in 1829 and is one of the most impressive Neoclassical buildings in all of Copenhagen. The image above is a view of the church’s interior looking down the nave. Here you can see many Neoclassical design elements such as Doric Columns, marble sculptures, and a coffered ceiling. The Church of Our Lady was once one of the oldest churches in the city, but the older building was destroyed during the 1807 Bombardment of Copenhagen. Many people visit the church specifically to see its impressive collection of Neoclassical Sculptures by Bertel Thorvaldsen.

    Check out our article on Neoclassical Architecture to learn about other Neoclassical Buildings from throughout the world!

    6. Kongens Nytorv (King’s New Square)

    Kongens Nytorv, which translates to King’s New Square, is one of the largest public spaces in all of Copenhagen. It was originally founded back in the late 17th century, during the reign of Christian V. Today a large equestrian statue depicting him still stands at the center of the square. The Kongens Nytorv is lined on all sides with an assortment of Neoclassical and Revival Style Buildings. Most notably is the Royal Danish Theatre, which is located on the square’s southern edge. Kongens Nytorv is a very lively place, and its a major connection point between Nyhavn and Strøget, a popular shopping boulevard.

    7. Royal Danish Theater

    The Royal Danish Theater is one of the greatest works of Renaissance Revival Architecture in Copenhagen.

    Completed in 1874, the Royal Danish Theater is an impressive work of Renaissance Revival Architecture in Copenhagen. It was designed by the most famous architect in Copenhagen during the Revival Age, Vilhelm Dahlerup. His career took off during the late 19th century, and he designed several of the most impressive buildings in Copenhagen including the Glyptotek and the National Gallery. Today the Royal Danish Theater still holds live events and it’s one of the city’s most popular performing arts venues.

    8. National Gallery of Denmark

    The National Gallery of Denmark is another iconic building located in central Copenhagen. It was designed by Vilhelm Dahlerp and was completed in 1896. It’s located on the edge of Copenhagen’s historic center, where the northern ramparts of the city were once located. The building is designed in a Renaissance Revival Style, replicating many older buildings found in Italian cities like Florence, Venice, and Rome. Today the National Gallery of Copenhagen is filled with a large collection of artwork, with many pieces once belonging to the Danish Royal Family.

    9. Gefion Fountain

    The Gefion Fountain is a great example of Danish Sculpture from the early 1900s.

    Located along the waterfront in Copenhagen, just south of the Kastellet, is the Gefion Fountain. It was designed by a prominent Danish Sculptor and was completed in 1908. The fountain contains three large basins of water, which step up to a large stone plinth that supports a bronze statue. The statue depicts four oxen led by the Norse goddess Gefjon. The use of iconography from Danish Lore was an emerging idea in turn-of-the-century Denmark, and influences from Danish History and the Viking Age can be found throughout buildings and monuments from this time period.

    10. Elephant Gate & Tower

    Carl Jacobson was a great patron, who commissioned many of the greatest works of architecture in Copenhagen.
    Photo by Troels Dejgaard Hansen from Wikimedia Commons

    To the west of the city center of Copenhagen, there is a district known as Carlsberg. It was mostly developed during the 1800s and it was one of the first areas to be settled outside of the 18th-century fortifications that once completely enclosed Copenhagen. The Elephant Gate and Tower were commissioned by Carl Jacobsen, the wealthy owner of the Carlsberg Brewing Company. The Elephant Gate is built with four representations of traditional Indian War Elephants. Elephants like these were used in battle throughout the Indian Subcontinent. Some Danish architecture from this time period was influenced by the cultures of East Asia and India. There are structures in and around Tivoli Gardens and here in the Carlsberg District that show this connection.

    11. Palace Hotel

    The Scandic Palace Hotel was built during the phase of National Romantic Architecture in Copenhagen.

    Located directly adjacent to Copenhagen City Hall is the Scandic Palace Hotel. The building was completed in 1910, and it has a design influenced by both the Art Nouveau Style, and the National Romantic Style. It’s one of the most popular hotels in all of Copenhagen, thanks to the fact that it overlooks City Hall Square, one of the most lively public spaces in the entire city. The tower of the hotel stands tall over the surrounding area, and it can be seen throughout much of Copenhagen.

    12. Højbro Plads (High Bridge Square)

    There are many different forms of architecture in Copenhagen's High Bridge Square.
    Photo by Olga Itenberg from Wikimedia Commons

    Højbro Plads, which translates to High Bridge Square, is another one of the many notable public spaces within Copenhagen. The square is lined with buildings dating from the Baroque and Neoclassical Ages, and most of the facades have their own unique identity. In the image above you can see the northern portion of the square, which contains the famous Stork Fountain. In the background, behind the front rows of buildings, you can also see the tower of St. Nicholas Church, one of the oldest works of Gothic Architecture in Copenhagen.

    13. Royal Danish Library

    The Royal Danish Library is a Revival Style Building that replicates the Romanesque Architecture of Early Medieval Europe.

    The Royal Danish Library is a Revival Style building located on the island of Slotsholmen in central Copenhagen. The building was completed in the early 1900s, and it houses a large collection of books, historic documents, and items from the National Archives. The building itself is a blend of several styles, with a heavy influence from Romanesque Architecture. Today the Royal Danish Library is mostly housed in the adjacent Black Diamond Building, but the original building still contains many important documents and other functions,

    Romanesque was Europe’s dominant architectural style from the 10th-11th century. Read our article, “Romanesque Architecture and the Top 15 Romanesque Buildings” to learn more!

    14. Copenhagen Court House

    The Copenhagen Court House is an example of Neoclassical Architecture in Copenhagen.

    Copenhagen Court House is another one of the many great works of Neoclassical Architecture located within the city. The Court House was completed in 1815, and it originally functioned as both a Court building and as Copenhagen’s City Hall. Eventually, a new city hall was built elsewhere and today only court functions are held within the building. The exterior is very plain and austere, which was common, particularly in early Neoclassical buildings. The main entrance is located within a temple-front facade, with a large triangular pediment standing atop six identical Ionic Columns.

    Modern Architecture in Copenhagen

    Copenhagen is one of the greatest cities in Scandinavia when it comes to modern architecture. There are dozens of new contemporary buildings within the city, many of which are located along the waterfront on the eastern side of the historic center. Recently the Danish government has also made huge investments in infrastructure. Many new roadways, tunnels, and bridges have been constructed, most notably the Øresund Bridge which opened in 1999. There is also a large focus on arts and culture within many of Copenhagen’s contemporary buildings. The National Library of Copenhagen and the Copenhagen Opera House were both constructed in the modern age, and they both have become important structures within the city’s skyline.

    Maps Data: Imagery © 2022 Aerodata International Surveys, CNES / Airbus, Landsat / Copernicus, Landmäteriet/Metria, Maxar Technologies, Scanmort, Map Data ©2022
    Map of Copenhagen highlighting various works of Modern Architecture within the city.
    Note: #4 on the list is not depicted

    1. Copenhagen Opera House

    The Copenhagen Opera House is a new work of Contemporary Architecture.

    Copenhagen Opera House is arguably the city’s greatest work of modern architecture. It was completed in 2004, and it has been holding live performances ever since. The building’s most striking feature is the massive canopy that juts out over the main entrance below. The canopy is clad with metal panel, and the front facade is made of a large curved glass curtain wall. The Copenhagen Opera House is situated overlooking the waters of Copenhagen Harbor, directly across from the Amalienborg and Frederik’s Church.

    2. The Royal Library

    The Black Diamond Buildings is a great example of Modern Architecture in Copenhagen

    The Royal Library is another great example of modern architecture in Copenhagen. Many locals refer to it as, “The Black Diamond” because of its dark reflective appearance. The majority of the facade is made from unitized curtain wall glazed with a combination of dark opaque glass, and regular clear glass. The use of one unifying material for the entire building is an idea often found in a lot of Danish Minimalistic Architecture. Danish Minimalism is a popular design style, and many buildings in this form can be found throughout the Copenhagen Waterfront.

    3. Royal Danish Playhouse

    The Royal Danish Playhouse is a work of Modern Architecture in Copenhagen.
    Photo by Maria Eklind from flickr

    The Royal Danish Playhouse is another impressive work of contemporary architecture located along Copenhagen’s harbor. It opened in 2008 and it’s one of the city’s most popular venues for live events. The Royal Danish Playhouse is closely affiliated with the Royal Danish Theater, and both venues work in tandem to hold theatrical performances. The building is mostly glass, with a large horizontal emphasis. The harbor-facing elevation is completely translucent and it reflects the adjacent waters around the city, and at the heart of the building is an opaque volume containing the actual theater.

    4. Øresund Bridge

    The Oresund Bridge is an impressive work of Infrastructure within Denmark. Its a great example of the modern architecture in Copenhagen.
    Photo by Nick-D from Wikimedia Commons

    The Øresund Bridge opened in 1999 as the first connection point between Denmark and Sweden. Copenhagen is located on the west side of the bridge, and the Swedish city of Malmö is located on the eastern side. The bridge is open to vehicular traffic, and it also contains a tram line that brings passengers from Copenhagen to Malmö in about 40 minutes. Since the bridge opened, both Copenhagen and Malmö have grown more interconnected, and it’s now possible for people to live and work on opposite sides of the bridge and commute back and forth each day. The Øresund Bridge serves as a testament to the growing connection between all of the countries in Scandinavia, and it remains one of the most vital pieces of infrastructure in all of Denmark.

    Neighborhoods of Copenhagen

    Maps Data: Imagery © 2022 Aerodata International Surveys, CNES / Airbus, Landsat / Copernicus, Landmäteriet/Metria, Maxar Technologies, Scanmort, Map Data ©2022
    Map of Copenhagen Showing the extents of various neighborhoods within the city
    .

    1. Inder By

    Inder By is the term describing all of Copenhagen’s Historic Center. It loosely corresponds to the 18th-century fortification ring that once enclosed the city.

    The vast majority of the major sites are located in this part of the city, and it’s typically the busiest and most crowded part of the entire urban area of Copenhagen.

    2. Gammelholm

    Gammelholm is a waterfront neighborhood in central Copenhagen. It was settled as far back as the 12th century, but most of the buildings are from after the year 1700.

    Some of Copenhagen’s most notable landmarks are located in this district, including Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv.

    3. Rådhuspladsen & Tivoli

    The area around Copenhagen City Hall and Tivoli Gardens is one of the most lively neighborhoods in the entire city.

    Particularly in the summer months, large crowds gather in and around Tivoli Gardens, and the surrounding streets are filled with many bars and clubs which are open late into the evening.

    4. Slotsholmen

    Slotsholmen is an island within central Copenhagen that once contained Copenhagen Castle. Although Copenhagen Castle burned down in the 1800s, it was quickly replaced by Christianborg Palace.

    Slotsholmen Island also contains several other notable works of architecture, including the Copenhagen Stock Exchange Building and the Royal Danish Library.

    5. Christianshavn

    Christianhavn is an area that’s located across the harbor from the oldest part of Copenhagen. It was largely settled in the Baroque Age when it was enclosed by the city’s ramparts.

    Chistianshavn contains many important works of Baroque Architecture, including the Church of Our Savior.

    6.  Copenhagen Lakes

    The Copenhagen Lakes sit along the northern edge of the city center. These lakes are manmade and were designed as part of the city’s fortifications.

    In the 19th century, after many of the ramparts in this area were demolished, many Neoclassical & Revival buildings were constructed along the lakefronts. This created residential neighborhoods that still exist today.

    Architecture of Copenhagen: In Review

    Copenhagen is a city filled with history and impressive architecture. It’s one of the leading cities in Scandinavia, and it maintains a strong connection with its Viking Roots. Copenhagen has been the seat of the Kingdom of Denmark for over 600 years, and many different Danish Kings commissioned impressive structures throughout the city. Copenhagen contains a blend of Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical architecture, along with an abundance of new contemporary buildings. It’s a city with a strong past and a bright future, and anyone visiting Copenhagen is sure to be inspired by its historic buildings, its inviting people, and its laid-back Scandinavian Culture.

    • About the Author
    • Rob Carney, the founder and lead writer for Architecture of Cities has been studying the history of architecture for over 15 years.
    • He is an avid traveler and photographer, and he is passionate about buildings and building history.
    • Rob has a B.S. and a Master’s degree in Architecture and has worked as an architect and engineer in the Boston area for 10 years.

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      The Copenhagen Stock Exchange Building is a great example of Renaissance Architecture in Copenhagen.
      Additional View of the Copenhagen Stock Exchange Building