Gefion Fountain, Copenhagen - Sunset shine on the Gefion Fountaiin in Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Gefion Fountain Copenhagen

4.6
·3k reviews·København, Denmark

A majestic bronze fountain depicting Norse goddess Gefion plowing Zealand from Sweden with four oxen. A free, mythical masterpiece.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Gefion Fountain, Copenhagen - Sunset shine on the Gefion Fountaiin in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Gefion Fountain Copenhagen

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A majestic bronze fountain depicting Norse goddess Gefion plowing Zealand from Sweden with four oxen. A free, mythical masterpiece.

4.6
(3k reviews)

"The Gefion Fountain is one of the most impressive and majestic fountains I’ve seen in Europe."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Stroll through Langelinie Park

Combine your visit with Kastellet & Little Mermaid for a beautiful walk.

📸 Capture the Myth

The fountain's dynamic sculpture is perfect for photography, especially with the surrounding greenery.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Majestic Gefion Fountain

The Majestic Gefion Fountain

Langelinie Park

Witness Norse goddess Gefion plowing Zealand from Sweden with four oxen in this grand bronze sculpture.

Instagram
Mythological Significance

Mythological Significance

Discover the powerful legend behind the fountain, representing the creation of Zealand. A true masterpiece of Nordic mythology.

Instagram
Picturesque Langelinie Park Setting

Picturesque Langelinie Park Setting

Adjacent to Kastellet and St. Alban's Church

Enjoy the fountain's beauty amidst lush greenery, near historic sites and the harbor. Perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Instagram+1

Planning Your Visit

Combine Your Visit with Nearby Attractions

The Gefion Fountain is conveniently located near other major Copenhagen sights like Kastellet and the Little Mermaid. Plan to see them together to maximize your time and enjoy a scenic walk through Langelinie Park. Instagram+1

Best Time to Avoid Crowds

While free and accessible, the fountain can get busy. Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially on weekdays, can offer a more peaceful experience to appreciate the artistry and mythology. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light, fewer tour groups
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🇩🇰 How to spend a perfect day in Copenhagen ⬇️⁣⁣ MORNING⁣⁣ – ⛵️Explore Nyhavn⁣⁣ – 🥐 Coffee & pastries at BUKA bakery⁣⁣ – 🛍 Vintage & ceramic shopping (scroll for recommendations)⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ AFTERNOON⁣⁣ – 🍽 Lunch at either Delphine or Spuntino⁣⁣ – 🎡 Visit Tivoli Gardens ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ EVENING⁣⁣ – 🌮 Reffen Street Food Market⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ More Copenhagen Recommendations ⬇️⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 🍽 RESTAURANTS — Pluto, Spuntino, Reffen, Put,...
@kelseyinlondon
127.8K likes • 3.1M views

🚶‍♀️ Stroll through Langelinie Park

Combine your visit with Kastellet & Little Mermaid for a beautiful walk. InstagramReddit+1

📸 Capture the Myth

The fountain's dynamic sculpture is perfect for photography, especially with the surrounding greenery. Instagram

Five Things To Do in Copenhagen 🇩🇰 #copenhagen #traveltips #thingstodo
@jyptravels
61.7K likes • 1.7M views
St. Alban’s Church is an Anglican Church in Copenhagen and is located at one of the most beautiful setting, surrounded by parks, harbour, Kastellet, Gefion fountain. It is very near to the famous Little Mermaid, Marble church, so if you are visiting those, chances are you will see this church on the way. 📸@thatindianhodophile 📍Copenhagen #stalbanchurch #church #hoponhopoff #ancient #architect...
copenhagenexplore
2.4K likes • 45.5K views

💧 A Peaceful Pit Stop

It's a great spot to relax and enjoy the soothing sound of water. Reddit

💰 It's Free to Visit!

Enjoy this impressive landmark without any admission fee. Reddit

Maro takes a leisurely stroll through Langelinie Park in Copenhagen, passing iconic statues and landmarks like the Ivar Huitfeldt Column, King Frederik IX's statue, Gefion Bridge, and the Gefion Fountain. FACTS: - The Huitfeldt Column Monument honours Admiral Ivar Huitfeldt and his crew, who perished when HDMS Dannebroge sank in the Battle of Køge Bay during the Great Northern War. - King Frederi...
copenhageninfocus
258 likes • 4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Stroll through Langelinie Park

Combine your visit with Kastellet & Little Mermaid for a beautiful walk. InstagramReddit+1

📸 Capture the Myth

The fountain's dynamic sculpture is perfect for photography, especially with the surrounding greenery. Instagram

💧 A Peaceful Pit Stop

It's a great spot to relax and enjoy the soothing sound of water. Reddit

💰 It's Free to Visit!

Enjoy this impressive landmark without any admission fee. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Gefion Fountain for its impressive artistry, powerful mythological story, and beautiful setting in Langelinie Park. Many find it to be a majestic and detailed sculpture, offering a meaningful cultural experience. Its free access and proximity to other key attractions like the Little Mermaid make it a highly recommended stop.

"Everything so close together - the ship’s stop, this fountain, lots of cranes, the Little Mermaid. It was really a lovely stroll. A bit too crowdy but that was to be awaited for such a beautiful place."

Denisa Stasakova

"A beautiful designed fountain right by a church and the harbour, not too busy despite a hot and sunny day, the sound of the water is soothing.

The stature on the fountain is stunning with a great mythical story behind it - the creation of Zealand by the Norse goddess."

Jamie Higgs-Dey

"The Gefion Fountain (Gefionspringvandet) in Copenhagen is one of the most impressive and majestic fountains I’ve seen in Europe. Located near Kastellet and the harbor, it’s not only a beautiful work of art but also deeply rooted in Nordic mythology, which makes the visit even more meaningful.

The sculpture itself is powerful and dramatic — it depicts the Norse goddess Gefion driving a group of strong oxen, said to represent her sons, as they plow the land that formed Zealand, the island on which Copenhagen sits. The attention to detail in the stone and bronze work is truly remarkable. It’s dynamic, expressive, and full of motion, as if the scene is coming to life right in front of you.

What makes the experience even better is the setting. Surrounded by greenery, close to the Langelinie promenade and St. Alban’s Church, the area is calm and picturesque. It’s a great place to take a break, snap some photos, and enjoy the sound of the flowing water.

Whether you're interested in mythology, art, or just exploring beautiful spots in Copenhagen, the Gefion Fountain is definitely worth a visit. It’s free, easy to reach, and offers both cultural depth and scenic beauty. A hidden gem with a powerful story."

Berkay

What People Like

Majestic bronze sculpture
Rich mythological story
Beautiful park setting

What People Dislike

Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Gefion Fountain is easily accessible by public transport or a pleasant walk. From the city center, you can take bus lines like the 1A or 23, which stop nearby. Many visitors also enjoy walking from areas like Nyhavn or Kastellet, as it's part of a scenic route. TikTokReddit

Yes, the Gefion Fountain is very close to the Little Mermaid statue, just a short 5-minute walk away. It's often visited as part of the same itinerary. InstagramReddit+1

Absolutely! It's a lovely walk from Nyhavn through Langelinie Park, taking about 15-20 minutes. This route allows you to see other landmarks along the way. TikTok

While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the fountain, street parking is available in the surrounding areas of Langelinie Park. However, walking or using public transport is often more convenient. Reddit

Yes, Copenhagen is very bike-friendly, and there are bike paths leading to Langelinie Park. Renting a bike is a great way to explore the area and reach the fountain. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Gefion Fountain is a public outdoor monument and is completely free to visit. You can admire its grandeur at any time. Reddit

As an outdoor attraction, the Gefion Fountain is accessible 24/7. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best viewing and photography experience. Reddit

There is no admission fee for the Gefion Fountain. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy. Reddit

No, swimming in the Gefion Fountain is not permitted. It is a historical monument and a work of art. Instagram

Yes, you can easily see and appreciate the Gefion Fountain in a short visit, perhaps 15-30 minutes, especially if you're combining it with nearby attractions. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel. Weekdays are also less crowded, allowing for unobstructed shots. TikTok

Try capturing the full scope of the fountain with the oxen and Gefion, as well as close-ups of the detailed bronze work. The surrounding park and St. Alban's Church also make for great backdrops. Instagram+1

Drone usage is generally restricted in public areas and near historical monuments in Copenhagen. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone. TikTok

A standard camera or smartphone is perfectly adequate. If you have a wide-angle lens, it can be useful for capturing the entire fountain and its surroundings. Instagram

There are no specific photo restrictions for personal use at the Gefion Fountain, as it's an outdoor public space. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ History & Mythology

The fountain depicts the Norse goddess Gefion, who, according to legend, was tasked by King Gorm to plow the island of Zealand out of Sweden. She used her four sons, transformed into oxen, to achieve this. Instagram

Gefion is a Norse goddess associated with plowing, fertility, and virginity. She is a prominent figure in Norse mythology, particularly in the creation myths of Zealand. Instagram

The Gefion Fountain was completed in 1908. It was a gift to the city of Copenhagen from the Carlsberg Foundation. Instagram

The main sculpture of the Gefion Fountain is made of bronze, showcasing intricate details of the goddess and the oxen. Instagram

While not its primary purpose, some visitors do toss coins into the fountain, treating it somewhat like a wishing well. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Gefion Fountain is a fantastic, free outdoor attraction for families. Kids are often fascinated by the powerful oxen and the story of how the land was plowed. It's a great spot for them to run around a bit in Langelinie Park and imagine the ancient myths. Instagram

Combine your visit with the nearby Little Mermaid statue and a walk through Kastellet. These areas offer plenty of space for children to explore and burn off energy. Pack some snacks and drinks, as there are lovely spots to sit and enjoy the scenery. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walking Enthusiasts & History Buffs

For those who love to walk and explore, the Gefion Fountain is a highlight of the Langelinie promenade. It's easily integrated into a longer walk that includes Kastellet, the Little Mermaid, and St. Alban's Church. InstagramReddit+1

History buffs will appreciate the mythological story behind the fountain and its proximity to the Kastellet, a historic star fortress. The detailed bronze work of the fountain itself is a testament to early 20th-century artistry. Instagram

📸 Photographers

The Gefion Fountain offers excellent photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon. The dynamic bronze sculpture, set against the backdrop of Langelinie Park and the harbor, creates compelling compositions. Instagram

Experiment with different angles to capture the scale of the fountain and the detail of the oxen and Gefion. The surrounding St. Alban's Church and the waterfront also provide beautiful framing elements for your shots. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legend of Gefion and Zealand

The Gefion Fountain is more than just a beautiful water feature; it's a powerful representation of a key Norse myth. According to legend, the goddess Gefion was promised as much land as she could plow in one day and one night. She took four of her sons, transformed them into powerful oxen, and together they plowed a large section of land from Sweden, which then became the Danish island of Zealand. This dramatic scene is captured in the fountain's impressive bronze sculpture. Instagram

The fountain was a gift to the city of Copenhagen from the Carlsberg Foundation and was completed in 1908. Its intricate details and dynamic portrayal of the myth have made it one of Copenhagen's most significant and visually striking monuments. Visitors often marvel at the sheer power and artistry conveyed in the sculpture, making it a compelling stop for those interested in mythology and history. Instagram

Beyond the myth, the fountain's location in Langelinie Park adds to its charm. It's surrounded by greenery and is in close proximity to other notable landmarks like St. Alban's Church and the Kastellet, offering a picturesque setting for exploration and reflection. Instagram+1

Exploring Langelinie Park and Surroundings

The Gefion Fountain is a central piece within the beautiful Langelinie Park, a popular waterfront promenade in Copenhagen. This area is perfect for a leisurely stroll, offering scenic views of the harbor and a chance to discover other historical points of interest. The park itself is well-maintained and provides a refreshing green space amidst the city. Instagram

Adjacent to the fountain, you'll find St. Alban's Church, an Anglican church with striking architecture that complements the natural beauty of the park. Just a short walk away is the iconic Little Mermaid statue, another must-see landmark that draws visitors from around the globe. The proximity of these attractions makes Langelinie Park an ideal area to spend a few hours exploring. Instagram+1

For those interested in military history, the Kastellet, a well-preserved 17th-century star fortress, is also located nearby. Walking along its ramparts offers fantastic views and a glimpse into Copenhagen's past. The combination of the Gefion Fountain, the Little Mermaid, and Kastellet creates a rich historical and cultural experience within a compact and beautiful area. Reddit

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