Must See Modern Architecture in Copenhagen: The Ultimate Guide

If there is one thing that Copenhagen does exceptionally well, it is architecture. Danish design and architecture are renowned globally and are the creative force behind some of the world’s most iconic buildings, like the famous Sydney Opera House. In 2023, UNESCO named Copenhagen the World Capital of Architecture for its urban planning, sustainability, and architecture. So, it’s only fitting that Copenhagen has some of the best modern architecture you’ll see! If you visit this amazing city, here are some of the best Copenhagen architecture you have to see (from a self-proclaimed architecture enthusiast).

Background

From the 18-19th century, Copenhagen architecture boasts Baroque and Neoclassic architecture, which you can see in classic buildings like the Church of Our Savior and Copenhagen City Hall. Buildings in those eras are grand yet simple with an emphasis on symmetry.

After World War I, Functionalism grew in popularity, and the city built many new residential buildings that were simple and clean, contributing to Copenhagen’s modernity. This change in design profile reflects Denmark’s culture of hygge and design aesthetics, where many buildings have clean lines and sunlight. Simply put, Denmark’s design blends aesthetics with functionality.

Today, Copenhagen blends iconic structures and experimental designs. The city’s architectural landscape is continually evolving, with new projects that push the boundaries of design, sustainability, and urban living. This dynamic evolution makes Copenhagen a must-visit destination for architecture enthusiasts and tourists alike.

So, what Copenhagen architecture do you have to see?

Must See Modern Copenhagen Architecture

The modern architecture in Copenhagen blows my mind. You’ll find modern buildings all over the city, in places you least expect them! Their architecture seamlessly blends innovative design, functionality, and sustainability.

On my one-month trip to Copenhagen, I tried my best to see some of the best modern architecture. So, here are some of the must-see architecture for tourists visiting Copenhagen!

1. The Royal Library, AKA The Black Diamond

Architect: Schmidt Hammer Lassen

Location: Søren Kierkegaards Pl. 1, 1221 København K, Denmark

An extension of the Royal Danish Library, this striking black granite and glass building is situated on the waterfront and has a beautiful, modern interior. It has a massive floor to ceiling window (or windows) facing the waterfront, letting all the natural sunlight in.

Viewing Tip:

Take the escalator, then the elevator to the top floor and go to the viewing bridge and stand in the middle for the best view. You’ll see the entire Black Diamond! Then, you can use the stairs at the ends of each floor and see the Black Diamond from different heights.

I’m also a believer that a large building looks best from far away. So, the best view of the entire structure is from the other side of the waterfront—perhaps from the Circle Bridge!

2. BLOX

Architect: OMA (Office for Metropolitan Architecture)

Location: Bryghusgade 10, 1473 København, Denmark

Right across the Black Diamond Library is BLOX, a multifunctional building that houses the Danish Architecture Center, offices, homes, a gym, and more. It is the place for people wanting to learn about Danish architecture and design history.

Viewing Tip:

You’ll get a great view of the BLOX walking from the Royal Library to it. However, you’ll also get a great view from across the waterfront. There’s also a great view from the DAC cafe balcony on the top floor.

3. The Silo

Architect: COBE

Location: Helsinkigade 29, 2150 København, Denmark

A former grain silo transformed into 39 luxury apartments with a preserved grain silo interior and an exterior of angled galvanized steel. This project revitalized the silo for urban living while also highlighting its structure and heritage.

Viewing Tip:

You can see the sides of the building on the main street it sits on, and if you want a side view, then head to the adjacent pier across the Kronløbsøen.

4. CopenHill (Amager Bakke)

Architect: Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)

Location: Vindmøllevej 6, 2300 København, Denmark

This amazing structure, which you can see anywhere in Copenhagen, is a waste-to-energy plant with an artificial ski slope, hiking trail, and climbing wall on its roof! It’s also home to the world’s tallest artificial climbing wall, which is 85 meters or 279 feet high! It’s absolutely massive, and the fact that it turns waste into energy and has a usable green roof blows my mind.

Viewing Tip:

Take the elevator to the top of CopenHill (to the cafe) for amazing views of Copenhagen—it’s beautiful at sunset on a clear day.

5. Copenhagen Opera House (Operaen)

Architect: Henning Larsen

Location: Ekvipagemestervej 10, 1438 København K, Denmark

The National Opera House of Denmark! However, its exterior facade was quite controversial when it was built, with some saying it looked like an alien spaceship due to its large protruding roof. Yet, the interior facade is light and spacious, with lots of room for state-of-the-art opera and more.

Viewing Tip:

The opera house is quite looming up close, so the best view of it is from across the harbor where the Royal Palace is. You can also go inside (there are free tours available).

6. Axel Towers

Architect: Lundgaard & Tranberg Architects

Location: Axeltorv 2, 1609 København, Denmark

This complex comprises five interconnecting mixed-use office building towers with distinctive curved facades and a fluid, open public space at the base.

Viewing Tip:

Go up the stairs and look up—it’s the best view of the Axel Tower’s curves! You can also get a great view of the Axel Towers across the street from Tivoli Gardens.

7. Circle Bridge (Cirkelbroen)

Architect: Olafur Eliasson

Location: Johan Semps Gade, 1402 København K, Denmark

A pedestrian bridge made up of 5 interconnected circular platforms mimics the shape of a sailboat to symbolize the Christianshavn neighborhood, a historic boating district.

Viewing Tip:

Stand in the bridge’s center for a cool perspective of the bridge pole structures. Or, stand on either end of the bridge to see the entire strait. For a far away view, stand at the harbor on the Black Diamond side!

8. Maersk Tower

Architect: C.F. Møller Architects

Location: Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København N, Denmark

The Tower is an extension of Panum, the University of Copenhagen’s Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. It contains research and teaching facilities and a conference center with auditoriums and meeting rooms.

This high-rise research building is eye-catching because of its distinctive copper window shutters. The shutters move based on the weather, and their simple design makes them timeless and versatile. The tower also features a sustainable design, uses recycled waste energy, and has energy-saving practices.

Viewing Tip:

Standing at the tower’s base near the road, you’ll see the entire tower and all its glory. However, if you want a fantastic view of Copenhagen, use the elevator and head to the 15th floor for a free viewing platform.

9. Portland Towers

Architect: DesignGroup Architects

Location: Århusgadekvarter, 2150 København, Denmark

The Portland towers are former cement silos turned into modern office spaces and were the first modern buildings to be finished in Nordhavn. The original interior still exists and is apart of the new office buildings.

What’s remarkable is that the office buildings are mounted to the exterior of the old silos so they “float” 24 meters above the ground.

Viewing Tip:

The Portland Towers look best from afar, so anywhere along the harbor near UN City is perfect. For relaxing, go to the base of the towers and sit on the harbor front stairs underneath them. It’s a popular place for locals to sit, chat, and eat.

10. Superkilen Park

Architect: Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Topotek1, and SUPERFLEX

Location: Nørrebrogade 210, 2200 København, Denmark

This public park was designed to celebrate diversity, to reflect the most ethnically diverse and socially challenged neighborhoods in Denmark, Nørrebro. It features objects and elements worldwide, like Japanese playgrounds, Chinese mountains, Greek ruins, a Qatar dental sign, and more.

It’s most famous for Mimers Plads, a play area with white lines on the ground running north to south, curving around the furniture and structures.

Viewing Tip:

Walk through the entire park for the best experience!

11. Royal Danish Playhouse (Skuespilhuset)

Architect: Lundgaard & Tranberg Architects

Location: Sankt Annæ Pl. 36, 1250 København K, Denmark

It is a waterfront theater for dramatic arts known for its amazing location on the Langelinie waterfront promenade and enormous glass facade. The building is actually made with a special type of brick made specially for this project: long, slim, deep-brown brick. It’s also covered in large, cantilevered glass, making for amazing views inside and out.

Viewing Tip:

This enormous building is great both close up and far away. Walk along the Langelinie waterfront promenade and walk the side of the building. For a far away view, sit somewhere near the Copenhagen Opera House or Opera Garden and look across the harbor.

12. Krøyers Plads

Architect: COBE and Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects

Location: 1401 Copenhagen Municipality, Denmark

Krøyers Plads is a new residential building that reinvents the adjacent industrial warehouse. It mimics its structure, so it blends seamlessly with the old warehouses. The area is a former industrial port, and to build next to the warehouses, the design underwent five rejections to ensure it was the perfect fit! The red brick mimics the red tile on the warehouses—it’s such a genius design and is ideal for the area.

Viewing Tip:

This building is also great up close and far away. Walk between and around the residential warehouses for an up-close view. Stand on the Inderhavnsbroen bridge and get a great shot of all the warehouses together.

13. Nordøen

Architect: Tredje Natur and Vilhelm Lauritzen

Location: Gdanskgade 18, 2150 København, Denmark

This 60 meter tall modern and eco-friendly building houses the energy infrastructure investment company Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, and it’s also a contemporary lighthouse! The functional design is based on an annual hour-by-hour weather simulation, where the window covers the angle strategically and reflects sunlight form the water. Because of its reflective facade, it reduces the energy needed for cooling!

Viewing Tip:

You can walk around the building and admire the exterior facade’s angles. Then, for a far away view, you can practically go to any other pier in Nordhavn and get a great view of this massive structure. The best view, though, is probably across the harbor from UN City.

14. UN City

Architect: 3XN

Location: Marmorvej 51, 2100 København, Denmark

The new central office building for the United Nations is on Nordhavn’s harbor. The buildings from above create an eight-point star and sit on a dark steel base. The buildings are made of cladded white perforated aluminum shutters that provide solar shading without blocking the view. UN City’s exterior resembles the white boats that the area is known for. There are also amazing sustainable parts of the building, including solar panels, sea water cooling, reflective roofs, and more.

Viewing Tip:

I think the best view is from above, but that’s nearly impossible unless you ride a helicopter… so from far away is best! You can see a great view of UN City by standing at the harbor where Nordøen is. You can also take a free guided tour inside, but you have to reserve in advance here.

15. Cosmic Dawn Center (DAWN) at Dark Cosmology Centre

Architect: NORD Architects

Location: Jagtvej 155, 2200 København, Denmark

Part of the University of Copenhagen, the Dark Cosmology Centre is dedicated to astrophysics research and features a unique glass design inspired by cosmic phenomena. The entire building is covered in protruding diamond-shaped windows

Viewing Tip:

It’s best viewed walking or biking along the Jagtvej road, where you can see both buildings and the glass bridge connecting them. You can also look at the side of the building in the bigger parking lot.

16. Center for Cancer and Health Copenhagen

Architect: NORD Architects

Location: Nørre Allé 45, 2200 København, Denmark

This health center was built with the mission to create a welcoming healthcare environment that promotes wellness and a less sterile health environment for cancer care and prevention. It features patient-friendly design where you are greeted with an open kitchen when you step inside, not a reception area.

The facility is a number of small houses combined into one which combines the space for a modern health facility, without losing individual comfort. The white angular origami buildings contrast with the surrounding red-brick residential blocks of Nørrebro and surrounds a large courtyard.

Some say it has a healing effect on you. It fully embraces the question, can architecture be healing? It’s one of my favorite buildings in Copenhagen.

Viewing Tip:

The facility is not open to the public (rightfully, open to patients) but you can walk around the building and through its side path to the playground in the back. You can get a good view of the building geometry near the playground or across the main street it sits on.

17. Operaparken

The park, with the size of three soccer fields, consists of six gardens from various parts of the world: COBE

Location: Ekvipagemestervej 18, 1438 København K, Denmark

A harbor front garden next to the Royal Danish Opera House, it sprung from a design competition. The park, which is the size of three soccer fields, consists of six gardens from various parts of the world, a green house in the center, a fountain, a water lily pond, and more. There are 223 species of plants here, and it is lush all year round.

The greenhouse in the middle has a cafe and feeds into the opera car parking lot. From the top, the greenhouse has a roof shaped like a flower (which I didn’t know until I did research for this article)! It’s also one of my favorite buildings in Copenhagen, and the surrounding area is serene.

Viewing Tip:

The park is best viewed from above, but, again, only accessible with a drone or helicopter. It’s best experienced inside it when walking around the gardens and the greenhouse inside. Grab a coffee and sit outside on the terrace or a bench outside and enjoy the water.

18. Cykelslangen (The Bicycle Snake)

Architect: DISSING+WEITLING architecture

Location: Cykelslangen, 1560 København V, Denmark

In 2010, DISSING+WEITLING architects had a job to replace an inconvenient staircase with a ramp for bikers. Instead, they created a long curvy bridge that separated bikers from pedestrians and other obstacles for safety.

This was planned as the city’s first bike-only bridge. It weaves through several buildings and allows bikers to pass over cars as well. It connects bikers to the harbor front seamlessly, and it’s a fun experience to ride at the first-floor level.

Viewing Tip:

You can’t view the bridge on it as it’s only for bikers,, and you can’t see the shape of the bridge up close. The best view is from far away at the base of the Kaktus Towers! You can take the elevator to the second floor and walk to the balcony’s edge to see the Cykelslangen.

19. E/F Gemini Residence

Architect: MVRDV

Location: Gemini Residence, Islands Brygge 32A, 2300 København, Denmark

Similar to the Portland Towers, the Gemini Residence is a modern apartment building built on the old silos of the Soya Bean Cake Factory. And just like the Portland Towers, the apartments are attached to the exterior of the silos, preserving the interior and allowing for modern innovation. The silos are entirely covered with glass from the top to a fourth from the bottom and have protruding balconies with glass railings.

Viewing Tip:

You can see the whole building from the Bryggebroen bridge. You can also stand underneath it at the base for a cool perspective of its curvy facade.

20. Industriens Hus

Architect: Schmidt Hammer Lassen

Location: H. C. Andersens Blvd. 18, 1553 København, Denmark

A remodeling of a sizeable brick-faced building for new company offices to promote innovation and collaboration. The old brick building survives beneath the glass exterior facade, and you can see each building floor at night, along with the colorful company logos. The window edges also function as lights that light up at night. It contrasts with the Tivoli Gardens next door, but it is a cool reminder of modernity.

Viewing Tip:

The best view is from the opposite side of the street near the Axel Towers!

21. Kaktus Towers

Architect: BIG

Location: 1577 Copenhagen, Denmark

The Kaktus Towers are 80-meter-tall apartment buildings on a green plateau with 500 apartments. They’re famous for their almost 500 pointed balconies, which wrap around a central core and look like cacti!

Though I love it, when it was first announced, it was controversial for its appearance and rental prices. This is my favorite piece of architecture in Copenhagen, and I love the plateau it sits on.

Viewing Tip:

You can view it up close by taking the elevator to its green plateau and walking around the park. If you get underneath the balconies, you’ll get a cool view of the pointed balconies! For a faraway view, stand at the end of Dybbølsbro Bridge before it crosses the train station tracks.

22. Inderhavnsbroen (Inner Harbour Bridge)

Architect: Studio Bednarski (design) and COWI (engineering)

Location: Inderhavnsbroen, 1401 København, Denmark

This pedestrian and bicycle bridge crosses Copenhagen’s harbor and connects Nyhavn and Christianshavn. Its more fun nickname is the Kissing Bridge because of the unusual way that it opens and closes to let ships pass through the harbor. It’s a beautiful, modern, sleek bridge that also has amazing views of the Copenhagen harbor. This is my favorite bridge in Copenhagen!

Viewing Tip:

You’ll get a great view from either side of the bridge, no matter which side of the harbor you’re on. It’s best from afar!

How to Do a Self-Guided Copenhagen Architecture Tour

As architecture is one of the best things about Copenhagen, many tours take you around to some fantastic sites. However, it’s also very doable to do your own self-guided tour (perfect for introverts) and save some money.

To do your own self-guided Copenhagen architecture tour, first, decide how you will get from place to place. Then, plan your route. Finally, decide what time of day you want to go! That’s it!

If you’re visiting Copenhagen soon and are on a budget, besides doing your own free architecture tour, here are some other amazing things to do in Copenhagen! Additionally, here are the cheap eats in Copenhagen that will help you spend less on your trip.

How to Get Around Copenhagen

It’s straightforward to get around Copenhagen without a car. You can walk, take public transport or ride a bike. I strongly recommend biking to get around Copenhagen, the best bike city in the world. It’s safe, convenient, and fast, sometimes faster than public transportation! Biking is truly the best way to get around, and you’ll feel like a local when you go.

It’s easy to rent a bike in Copenhagen—just use the DonkeyRepublic app! Learning the biking rules in Copenhagen is also fairly easy and straightforward. Once you practice a little bit, it’ll be easy to commute.

If you don’t know how to bike or aren’t comfortable with it, that’s okay! The Copenhagen public transportation is awesome, too. It’s easy to take the metro or bus and then combine it with walking to get around. You can read my blog for more information on how to take public transport in Copenhagen.

Now that you’ve figured out how to get around, how will you see architecture?

Planning Your Route

Luckily, Copenhagen is quite compact, so it’s convenient to get from building to building with a short commute. However, some buildings can be spread apart, so it’s best to pick an area with a cluster of architecture that is close together. I recommend four areas and their respective architecture points:

1. Nordhavn
   • UN City
   • The Silo
   • Portland Towers
   • Nordøen
   • Bonus: Danmarks Nationalbank
   • Bonus: Accura
2. Nørrebro
   • Superkilen Park
   • Center for Cancer and Health
   • Mærsk Tower
   • DAWN
3. Vesterbro
   • Kaktus Towers
   • Cykelslangen
   • Axel Towers
   • Industriens Hus
   • Gemini Residence
4. Harborfront
   • Inderhavnsbroen
   • Circle Bridge
   • Opera House
   • Operaparken
   • Krøyers Plads
   • Royal Danish Playhouse
   • Black Diamond
   • BLOX
   • CopenHill (a bit on the outskirts)

Each area has a cluster of modern architecture close to each other, so commuting is kept to a minimum. Of course, you can crisscross and hop from one area to another, but if you want to save time and be efficient, pick an area to explore. It’ll be extremely convenient to bike, stop to admire, and then bike some more to the next destination. It will be easy to take public transport and walk around as well.

Maps

Here’s a map I made of all the architecture mentioned in this article so you can browse and see where they all are:

When to Go

Seeing architecture can take a couple of hours, so depending on how long you want to be out and when you want to start depends on you! Buildings will look and feel different during the day versus at night.

I recommend going in the late morning or late afternoon for the best lighting. For tour length, it might take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to see a lot of buildings, depending on what you want to see. It’s definitely a half-day activity, and it’s so much fun.

Architecture Tours

If you’d rather go on a guided tour, there’s plenty to choose from! There are several options which I’ll highlight here:

• Copenhagen Architecture Bike Tour With Expert:
  • Bike through Copenhagen with an expert (urban planning or architecture professor) who is local!
• Architecture Cruise or City Walk with DAC:
  • Join the Danish Architecture Center on an architecture tour and get included admission to their museum.
• Architecture Tour of Copenhagen with a Professional Architect:
  • Hosted yearly, you can snag a tour they host for the public or get your own private tour!

Tips

Here are some tips that will help you enjoy Copenhagen architecture best:

1. Best Times to Visit for Architecture Sightseeing

• Spring and Summer:
  • The weather is perfect, and the plants are in bloom! It’s not too rainy or cloudy, so it’s perfect for sunshine as well.
• Late Morning or Late Afternoon:
  • These times have the best lighting for photography and fewer crowds in popular areas.

2. Accessibility of Major Architectural Sites

• Public Transport:
  • Copenhagen has an efficient public transportation system, including the bus, metro, and trains. Use a Rejsekort Anonymous (travel card) for convenience or the DOT app for mobile single tickets.
• Bicycles:
  • The city is extremely bike-friendly! Consider renting a bike to explore at your own pace. But definitely read the biking rules first before you attempt biking in Copenhagen.
• Walking:
  • Many architectural sites are within walking distance of each other, especially in the city center and along the waterfront.

3. Tips for Photography and Viewing

• Golden Hour:
  • It’s worth waiting for the light to be soft and golden. Soft sunlight during the morning or late afternoon is also great!
• Angles and Perspectives:
  • Experiment with different angles and perspectives to capture each building’s unique features. Don’t be afraid to walk around, under, or away from the building!

4. Safety and Etiquette

• Respect Private Spaces:
  • While many architectural sites are public, some are residential or office spaces. Be mindful of privacy and avoid trespassing.
• Watch Where You’re Going:
  • Make sure not to stand in cycling lanes and pedestrian paths to not block traffic or get injured. And if you’re biking, stop your bike and take a photo—don’t do it while you’re biking!

Be Mind Blown By Copenhagen Architecture!

Copenhagen’s architecture is the best. You have both classic and modern architecture, and every aspect of the city is intentionally designed. From bridges, research centers, apartment buildings, and more, you’re going to be blown away by how functional and aesthetic Copenhagen architecture is. It’s my absolute favorite part of Copenhagen and I could spend hours just walking around and admiring all the amazing design. Don’t miss it! Hopefully this guide helps you put some architecture on the map for you or helps you see it yourself! Happy travels!