Kastellet

Unlike some of the other parks that are built on Copenhagen's old defences, this is Copenhagen's old defences. This old star-shaped fortification is well-preserved and still houses a functioning military base. Not that you can tell – people have picnics here. Nice view of the harbour up on the eastern ramparts.

Free entrance. Public toilets. Playground. Note: No swimming in the moat.

1 Kastellet, 2100 København Ø

Open: The gates around the military base itself are open 6-22, the area outside the moats is always accessible.

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A bite to eat in/near Kastellet

BBQing is not allowed on the ramparts, only the area outside the moat. Here you will find permanent BBQs as well as benches and a playground.

There is an Irma supermarket at Østerport Station, Oslo Plads (west).

At Nordre Toldbod (southeast) you will find Løgismose, a luxury food business which produces, imports and sells only the very best produce from Denmark and abroad. Especially the cheese, wine and chocolate is to die for.

16 Nordre Toldbod, 1259 København K

Tel.: 3332 9332

Email: salg@loegismose.dk

Open Mon-Fri 10-19, Sat 10-15

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Buttermilk koldskål, typical Danish summer dessert

Fresh cake coming up

 

The restaurant Toldboden offers fresh-made seafood at prices from DKK 50, and a very expansive weekend brunch. (See separate post here.)

24 Nordre Toldbod, 1259 København K

Tel.: 3393 0760

Email: mail@restaurantjulian.com

Online booking possible

Open: Every day 11-22, brunch Sat+Sun 10-14

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Østre Anlæg

Østre Anlæg stretches all the way from Statens Museum for Kunst (the National Gallery, Sølvgade/Øster Voldgade) to Østerport station at Oslo Plads. Like several other of Copenhagen’s parks it is built on the city’s old defences. It is a very varied park with lakes, rose beds, rhododendrons, a playground with a fishing boat (on land), etc. You can easily find your very own little spot to enjoy.

This is also where the “Stella Polaris” event takes place: the first weekend of August every year, the park is filled with mellow chill-out electronic music and several thousand people lounging in the sun. Relax and enjoy. (12-21)

Free entrance to the park.

Entrances from Øster Voldgade, Sølvgade, Stockholmsgade and Oslo Plads.

Open: Always.

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A bite to eat in/near Østre Anlæg

Dotted around the park you will find permanent BBQs and tables where you can place and use your own disposable BBQ: Facing Oslo Plads, at Püchler’s Bastion along the railroad tracks, and near Hirsprungs samling overlooking Quitzows Ravelin.

You will find an Irma supermarket at Østerport Station, Oslo Plads.

The restaurant Aamans offers very delicate interpretations of typical Danish dishes including the open-faced sandwiches 'smørrebrød'. Also takeaway smørrebrød, cheese and cake – perfect for your picnic in Østre Anlæg.

Dinner courses from DKK 235. Lunch courses from DKK 115. Takeaway from DKK 45.

10-12 Øster Farimagsgade, 2100 København Ø

Tel.: 3555 3310

Email: info@aamans.dk

Online booking available

Open:

Restaurant - Wed-Sun 12-16, Wed-Sat 18-23
Takeaway Deli – Mon-Fri 10:30-20:30, Sat 11-16:30, Sun 12-16:30

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Kongens Have – the King’s Garden

Kongens Have – the King’s Garden (Palaces and Properties Agency)

Where everybody goes. This park was originally the kitchen garden for Rosenborg Castle. You won’t find any carrots or potatoes these days, but a multitude of flowers, trees and bushes. The park is quite varied, there is something for everyone here, and it’s all very well maintained. Which is why it remains the most popular park in Copenhagen.

The place is always full of life. Live, free jazz here during the Copenhagen Jazz Festival. At 14 and 15 Tuesday-Sunday there’s a puppet show for the kids (the pavilion in Kronprinsessegade 21).

Free entrance. Public toilets. Playground. Note: No BBQ or other open fire, no cycling.

Gothersgade, 1123 København K. Entrances from Gothersgade, Kronprinsessegade and Øster Voldgade.

Open:

January 7-17,

February 7-18,

March 7 -19,

April 7-21,

1 May – 14 June 7-22,

15 June – 14 August 7-23,

15 August - 31 August 7-22,

1 September - 14 September 7-21,

15 September – 30 September 7-20,

1 October – 14 October 7 -19,

15 October - 31 October 6-18,

1 November – 31 December 6-17

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Marionet Teatret (puppet show)

A bite to eat in/near Kongens Have

Pretty much everything is within reach of Kongens Have, so there is a multitude of options when it comes to takeaway. There are also some very good restaurants close by.

 

Orangeriet is a beautiful restaurant on the edge of the park that serves delicious French-inspired food and Danish smørrebrød. Book a table in advance – since they received a 'Bib Gourmand' mention in the Michelin guide, they are even more busy.

Main dinner course from DKK 175. Lunch from DKK 65.

13 Kronprinsessegade, 1306 København K

Tel.: 3111 1307

Email: mail@restaurant-orangeriet.dk

Online booking available - parties of 8 or more, please call the restaurant

Open Mon-Sat 11:30-15 and 18-22, Sun 12-16

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Il Senso wine bar offers simple Italian snacks and dishes. Alternatively you can buy a picnic basket to bring with you to the park. Everything is homemade or specially imported, and extremely delicious. (Same team as Magstræde 16.)

Baskets cost DKK 299-399 for 2 people (plus a DKK 200 deposit that you will get back when you return the basket) and contains everything the heart desires – but you’re of course welcome to order extra charcuterie and cheese if you’re feeling very hungry. The experts behind the counter will help you pick the perfect bottle of wine for your picnic. Order your basket in advance.

87 Gothersgade (the corner of Landemærket), 1123 København K

Tel.: 3312 8719

Email: ilsenso@ilsenso.dk

Open: Mon-Thur 16-23, Fri 16-24, Sat 13-24

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Bibliotekshaven - the Royal Library Garden

Bibliotekshaven - the Royal Library Garden (Palaces and Properties Agency)

This tiny park is squeezed in between mighty Christiansborg (housing our Parliament) and the Royal Library on the island of Slotsholmen. It’s very peaceful and quiet (and let’s keep it that way, people), and a favoured spot for those studying for their exams this time of year. Right now the 'beauty bush' is in full bloom, so have a seat under the pink cloud and enjoy whatever you brought.

Free entrance. Note: only ducks are allowed to swim in the fountain…

1 Søren Kierkegaards Plads, 1218 København K. Entrance to the garden through the doorway from Rigsdagsgården, and through the gate at Christians Brygge.

Open 6-22 every day

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A bite to eat in/near Bibliotekshaven

Søren K – fabulous view, good cuisine. Situated on the very edge of the harbour, inside Den Sorte Diamant (the Black Diamond), the extension to the Royal Library. Dishes from DKK 75 for lunch, from DKK 95 for dinner. Book a table in advance, the 'Bib Gourmand' mention in the Michelin guide means the place can be quite busy.

1 Søren Kierkegaards Plads, 1220 København K.

Tel.: 33 47 49 49

Email: soerenk@kb.dk

Open Mon-Sat 12-16 and 17-22

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