Architecture tour in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a city where you can read Denmark's history in its buildings. We walk from 17th-century palaces, towers and harbours to the modern architecture that is now a world reference, and your guide explains why each building looks the way it does.

You will see the hand of King Christian IV, who built much of the old city, the rococo of Amalienborg and the brick of the traditional districts, and then we cross the harbour to the Opera House, the Black Diamond and the contemporary architecture of Henning Larsen, Schmidt Hammer Lassen or Bjarke Ingels.

It is a walking experience, designed for the curious as well as for those who study or work in architecture and design.

What you will see

• Børsen, Christiansborg and the Slotsholmen canal
• Rundetårn and the old town
• Nyhavn and Amalienborg, with the Marble Church in the background
• The waterfront: Opera House, Black Diamond and Playhouse
• Optional: Ørestad and Bjarke Ingels' housing

What you will learn

• How Christian IV transformed Copenhagen in the 17th century: the Stock Exchange (Børsen) with its dragon-tail spire and the Round Tower (Rundetårn)
• Why Amalienborg, with four rococo palaces around a square, is one of the most elegant urban ensembles in Europe
• What Danish design is: light, natural materials, functionality and simplicity, from Arne Jacobsen to Jørn Utzon
• How the waterfront went from industrial harbour to cultural district, with the Opera House, the Royal Playhouse and the Black Diamond of the Royal Library
• What ideas of sustainability and urban life lie behind Copenhagen's current architecture

Practical information

• Walking experience at an easy pace
• Duration and meeting point: to be confirmed
• Bring comfortable shoes and clothes suited to the weather
• Stops may change depending on weather and group

Frequently asked questions