Copenhagen City Hall Tour – What to See Inside This Danish Architectural Gem

Welcome to Copenhagen City Hall (Danish: Københavns Rådhus)—an iconic landmark located at the bustling heart of Denmark’s capital. Overlooking Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square), this grand civic building isn't just the center of the city’s government—it's a celebration of Danish culture, heritage, and design.
 

As your local tour guide, let me take you on a journey through the halls of one of Copenhagen’s most historic and impressive structures.

📍 Where Is Copenhagen City Hall?

Address: Rådhuspladsen 1, 1550 Copenhagen, Denmark

Central Location: Right in the heart of downtown Copenhagen

Nearby: Tivoli Gardens, Strøget shopping street, and Copenhagen Central Station

🚶 Within walking distance of many major attractions

🏗️ A Brief History of Copenhagen City Hall

Copenhagen City Hall is the sixth city hall in the city's history, officially inaugurated in 1905. The building was designed by Danish architect Martin Nyrop, who combined National Romantic style with inspiration from the Palazzo Pubblico in Siena, Italy.

The current building replaced the older city hall that had become too small for the growing city. Its construction marked Copenhagen’s transformation into a modern capital during the early 20th century.

Key Milestones:

Construction period: 1892–1905

Architectural style: National Romantic, with red brick and copper roofs

Tower height: 105.6 meters – one of the tallest in the city

Current function: Seat of the Lord Mayor and Copenhagen Municipal Council

🧭 What to See at Copenhagen City Hall

Copenhagen City Hall is filled with historical and artistic treasures. Whether you join a guided tour or explore parts of the building on your own, these highlights are not to be missed:

🕰️ 1. Jens Olsen’s World Clock

One of the most fascinating features is Jens Olsen’s World Clock, located just inside the entrance.

A mechanical astronomical clock designed by Danish clockmaker Jens Olsen

Installed in 1955, after 27 years of planning and construction

Tracks planetary orbits, solar time, sidereal time, and even a leap year cycle for 400,000 years

⏳ It’s one of the most precise and complex mechanical clocks ever built.

🖼️ 2. The Great Hall (Rådhushallen)

This spacious atrium-style hall is the architectural centerpiece of City Hall:

Lined with mosaics, flags, and commemorative plaques

Decorated with statues of famous Danes, including Hans Christian Andersen

Hosts civic events, wedding ceremonies, and official receptions

Take a moment to admire the natural light filtering through the glass roof—it’s stunning.

🧑‍🎨 3. Artwork and Murals

Throughout the City Hall, you’ll find:

Historical murals depicting Copenhagen’s growth

Ornate wood carvings, stained glass, and frescoes

Symbolic elements highlighting Danish national identity, including motifs of dragons, lions, and crowns

🎨 Look up—the ceiling decorations are beautifully detailed and often overlooked!

📜 4. The Wedding Room

City Hall is also a popular venue for civil weddings, with thousands of couples marrying here each year.

Elegant but minimalistic Scandinavian design

A favorite location for both locals and international couples

Can be visited on a tour (when not in use)

💍 Fun fact: It’s one of the most romantic public institutions in Denmark!

🗼 5. The City Hall Tower

Adventurous visitors can climb 300+ steps to the top of the City Hall Tower, which stands at over 105 meters tall.

One of the highest public viewpoints in Copenhagen

Offers panoramic views over Rådhuspladsen, Tivoli Gardens, and the city skyline

Guided tower tours available daily

🏙️ Sunset views from the tower are unforgettable—bring your camera.

🧑‍🏫 Guided Tours of Copenhagen City Hall

To fully appreciate the building’s history and significance, I recommend joining one of the guided tours, available in English and Danish.

What’s Included:

Visit the Great Hall, wedding room, council chambers, and tower

Detailed insight into Danish politics, symbolism, and architecture

Access to areas not open to the general public

Tour Schedule:

Usually offered Monday to Saturday

Duration: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour

Check the official website or inquire at the front desk for updated times

🎟️ Tickets are reasonably priced and worth every krone.

🛍️ Souvenirs and Nearby Attractions

🛒 Gift Shop:

Postcards, books, local crafts, and Hans Christian Andersen memorabilia

Located inside the City Hall or just outside at Rådhuspladsen kiosks

🎡 Nearby Attractions:

Tivoli Gardens – World-famous amusement park right across the street

Strøget – Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek – Art museum with classical and modern collections

Copenhagen Central Station – For onward travel and city access

🍽️ Where to Eat Nearby

The area around City Hall Square is filled with excellent cafes and restaurants.

Top Picks:

Café Vivaldi – Danish café with breakfast, sandwiches, and smørrebrød

Restaurant U Formel – Modern Danish cuisine just a short walk away

RizRaz – Mediterranean buffet popular with tourists and locals alike

Andersen Bakery – Cozy spot with pastries, coffee, and light lunch options

📅 Events at City Hall

Copenhagen City Hall is often used for:

Public debates and lectures

Cultural exhibitions

Holiday events like Christmas tree lighting and parades

New Year’s speeches and fireworks displays

If you're lucky, you may catch a royal visit or an event honoring Denmark’s national heroes and achievements.

🕐 Opening Hours and Visitor Information

🕒 Opening Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Tours may vary)

🎟️ Admission: Free to enter the Great Hall and clock area. Guided tours and tower access have a fee.

🚻 Facilities: Restrooms, baby changing stations, and accessible ramps

🌐 Website: https://international.kk.dk

🚇 How to Get There

🚉 By Train:

Get off at Copenhagen Central Station – 5 minutes on foot

🚋 By Metro:

Closest station: Rådhuspladsen (M3 City Circle Line)

🚌 By Bus:

Lines 2A, 5C, or 250S all stop near City Hall Square

🚲 By Bike:

Copenhagen is one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities—plenty of racks available

📸 Tips for the Best Photos

📷 Golden Hour: The building looks stunning at sunset from across the square

🗼 Tower Top: Bring a zoom lens for skyline and harbor views

🧱 Details: Don’t miss architectural details like the dragon spouts, clock faces, and brickwork patterns

📸 Pro tip: Take a shot from Tivoli’s entrance across the road for a dramatic wide-angle view.

🏁 Final Thoughts – Why Visit Copenhagen City Hall?

Copenhagen City Hall is more than just a seat of government—it’s a symbol of Danish identity, civic pride, and architectural beauty. Whether you're interested in history, politics, or design, this landmark invites you to step inside and connect with the soul of the capital.

From its towering spire and murals to its timeless clockwork and political legacy, Copenhagen City Hall is a must-see attraction on any traveler’s itinerary.