The Hidden North
North European travel guide
self-guided walks
Christiansborg & Christianshavn in Copenhagen
Follow the route of the various King Christian’s that have shaped the city – most notably King Christian IV. This walk includes Christiansborg Palace and Christianshavn, a neighbourhood established in the 17th century for merchants to settle in. This self-guided walk also gives the possibility to visit Christiania.
What you get
Historic overview of Christiansborg & Christianshavn
Link to a Google Map that can be loaded into your phone for easier navigation
Clear directions with English & Norwegian names of places, addresses, and step-by-step guides
Photos of each point of interest
This guide is 11 pages and comes in a PDF format.
King Christian IV's City
The neighbourhood of Christianshavn was established in the 16th century by the Danish King Christian IV as a place where Danish merchants could compete with the Dutch. Today it is a alternative neighbourhood with lots of artists and trendy cafes. You will also find some of the oldest houses in Copenhagen here, making it a fascinating place to explore.
Trip Highlights
- Visit the Royal & Ancient Polar Bear Society
- Learn about Hammerfest's development thanks to LNG
- Discover the World War II history here
Distance
1km (0.6 miles)
Activity Level
Level 1 – flat path, no stairs, paved. Slight uphill towards the church.
Start Location
Coastal Ferry Terminal
End Location
Hammerfest Church
Itinerary
This is a summarised itinerary. More stops are included in the walk.
Christiansborg Palace
The site where Christiansborg Palace is today is where there has been a castle ever since Copenhagen was founded in 1167. Until 1794 this was the main residence of the Danish Kings, and ever since 1849 it has been the seat of Parliament.
Holmen Church
Holmens Church is located across the canal on your left. It used to be an anchor forge in 1563, but it was converted into a naval church by King Christian IV.
Knippelsbro
Before Christianshavn was constructed, there was a ferry connection between the island of Amager and the island of Zealand.
Strandgade
The street originally ran along the waterfront and is on the original plans of Christianshavn from 1617. The plots where not popular here, so the King had to give them away for free to wealthy citizens on the condition they build good commerce houses.
The Church of Our Saviour
The church of Christianshavn was supposed to be a couple blocks further west at Christianshavns Torv, but that never happened. This church was completed in 1696. The architect was Lambert van Haven, who designed the church in the Dutch Baroque style. It is built in the shape of a cross, which is not common in Denmark.
Amager Port
This was one of the four gates that brought you into Copenhagen. It is not known what the first gate looked like, but a gate was known from 1724 and it used to be closed at night. Next to the gate was a porter’s residence, which is the old building you can see.
Christianshavn’s Torv
This is the main square for Christianshavn. Originally the prison and Children’s house.
Example of what the guide looks like.