Børsen (Old Stock Exchange), Copenhagen - lighted brown house during blue hour
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Børsen Old Stock Exchange Copenhagen

4.5
·2k reviews·Copenhagen, Denmark

Iconic 17th-century Dutch Renaissance building with a famous dragon spire, tragically damaged by fire.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime, from a distance

Best light for exterior views

CrowdLow
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Børsen (Old Stock Exchange), Copenhagen - lighted brown house during blue hour

Børsen Old Stock Exchange Copenhagen

Best Time

Daytime, from a distance

Best light for exterior views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic 17th-century Dutch Renaissance building with a famous dragon spire, tragically damaged by fire.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"The magnificent spire, with four dragon tails, was a truly unique and mesmerizing sight."

Vertical photo
TIP

Admire from the Water

Take a canal tour for unique perspectives of Børsen's facade and spire. :boat:

View from Christiansborg

Nearby Christiansborg Palace offers great vantage points for admiring Børsen's exterior. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Dragon Spire

The Dragon Spire

Exterior

A magnificent 17th-century spire, famously adorned with four intertwined dragon tails.

Dutch Renaissance Architecture

Dutch Renaissance Architecture

Exterior

Admire the intricate brickwork and historical facade of this 17th-century waterfront gem.

Waterfront Views

Waterfront Views

Canal adjacent

Enjoy picturesque views of the building from the water, especially from canal tour boats.

Planning Your Visit

Post-Fire Status & Restoration

The iconic Børsen building suffered a devastating fire in April 2024. While access is currently restricted due to ongoing restoration efforts, its historical significance and architectural beauty are still appreciated from the outside. Stay updated on restoration progress for future viewing opportunities.

Viewing from Afar

Even with restricted access, Børsen's striking spire and Dutch Renaissance architecture can be admired from various vantage points around Copenhagen. Consider a canal tour or a visit to nearby Christiansborg Palace for excellent external views.

Best Times

When
Daytime, from a distance
Why
Best light for exterior views
Crowd
Low
When
During Culture Night (annual)
Why
Rare interior access
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A huge fire has broke out at Denmark’s 400-year-old building Børsen, or the Old Stock Exchange. Ppassers-by have been rushing to help authorities save priceless paintings inside. This is one of Cop enhagen’s top tourist attractions, which is just moments away from government buildingss top tourist attractions, which is just moments away from government buildings#historicalbuilding. #fy #fyp #denma...
@metrouk
101.2K likes • 1.1M views

Admire from the Water

Take a canal tour for unique perspectives of Børsen's facade and spire. :boat:

View from Christiansborg

Nearby Christiansborg Palace offers great vantage points for admiring Børsen's exterior. :camerawithflash:

Denmark's historic stock exchange erupted into flames after a fire broke out during renovations in Copenhagen today. Local media reported a 'large bang' early this morning before the 400-year-old spire collapsed, with smoke billowing high above the city as locals reported debris from the 183ft tower crumbling into the street below. Bystanders believed to be connected to the building in some way ca...
@dailymail
0 likes • 0 views
Maro takes in the view of the beautiful old Copenhagen Stock Exchange Building from a canal jetty, as two rental boats (you can rent boats in Copenhagen Harbour) from @goboatcph and @friendshipscph slowly sail by. FACT: Børsen ("Exchange" in English) or Børsbygningen (The Stock Exchange Building) is a Dutch Renaissance style building from the 17th century located next to Christiansborg Palace - t...
copenhageninfocus
1.1K likes • 16K views

Check Restoration Updates

Keep an eye on official announcements regarding restoration progress and potential future access. :newspaper:

Inside The Old Stock Exchange (Børsen) in Copenhagen 🇩🇰 Built in the 17th-century, the stock exchange is one of the oldest buildings in Copenhagen and has been kept in fantastic shape to this day. It is closed to the public all year round, except for the Culture Night ❤. . . . #børsen #kulturnatten2021 #kulturnatten #kulturnattenkbh #culturenight #culturenight2021 #copenhagen #visitcopenhagen ...
madalina.sirghie
42 likes • 2.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Admire from the Water

Take a canal tour for unique perspectives of Børsen's facade and spire. :boat:

View from Christiansborg

Nearby Christiansborg Palace offers great vantage points for admiring Børsen's exterior. :camerawithflash:

Check Restoration Updates

Keep an eye on official announcements regarding restoration progress and potential future access. :newspaper:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Before the fire, Børsen was lauded for its spectacular architecture and unique dragon spire, visible from across the city. Visitors appreciated its historical charm and waterfront location. Sadly, the devastating fire in 2024 has led to its closure for extensive restoration, with hopes for its faithful reconstruction.

"2022: Wonderful architecture, a spectacular tower with some unique and mesmerizing models, visible from various parts of the city.

2024: sadly, there was a fire and the building burned down. :( Hopefully it will be restored as it was, including the beautiful spiral tower."

Ana S

"I visited during the culture night in Copenhagen. It’s highly recommended by my friends. It’s a beautiful historical place in town."

Hataichanok Unphon

"After spending around an hour here, we then embarked on the city tour. Standing at the save junction, we glimpsed at the old stock exchange as well as at other buildings. Oh, amazing view and indeed, something different compared to our day in day out city traffic life. On our travel card next was Carlsberg Brewery."

Nava Krishnan

What People Like

Spectacular dragon spire
Unique architecture
Waterfront location

What People Dislike

Fire damage
Current closure

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Børsen is located in the heart of Copenhagen, right next to Christiansborg Palace. You can easily reach it by walking from the city center, or by taking public transport to nearby stations like Gammel Strand or Kongens Nytorv. Many canal tours also pass by the building, offering a scenic approach. Instagram

Yes, Børsen is very accessible by public transport. The nearest metro stations are Gammel Strand and Kongens Nytorv, both within a short walking distance. Numerous bus lines also stop in the vicinity. Reddit

Driving directly to Børsen is not recommended due to limited parking in the city center. It's best to park in a designated parking garage and walk or use public transport. Reddit

Given the current restoration, the best way to see Børsen is from the outside. Canal tours offer excellent views from the water, and nearby viewpoints like those from Christiansborg Palace provide a good perspective. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Børsen is situated in a prime location, adjacent to Christiansborg Palace and within walking distance of Nyhavn and the Royal Danish Theatre. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Following the fire in April 2024, Børsen is currently closed to the public for extensive restoration. Access is restricted. TikTok

The reopening date for Børsen has not yet been announced, as restoration efforts are ongoing. It is expected to take several years. TikTok

Historically, Børsen was not a typical tourist attraction with regular opening hours for the public. It was primarily an operational building, though it occasionally opened for special events like Culture Night. Instagram

In the past, the only way to see the interior was during special events like Copenhagen's Culture Night. With the current closure for restoration, interior visits are not possible. Instagram

Currently, no tickets are available or needed as the building is closed for restoration. In the past, special event tickets might have been required for limited access. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Excellent photo opportunities exist from the canals, offering unique angles of the building and its spire. The waterfront promenade and nearby Christiansborg Palace also provide great vantage points. Instagram+1

In the past, photography was often permitted during special events. However, with the current closure for restoration, interior photography is not possible. Instagram

The most iconic feature is undoubtedly the dragon spire, with its four intertwined dragon tails. It's a unique architectural element that draws much attention. TikTok

Drone usage in Copenhagen's city center is highly regulated. It's essential to check current local drone laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying near Børsen. Reddit

The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for exterior shots. Daytime provides clear views, but can be busier with boat traffic. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Børsen is currently closed for restoration, its exterior can still be a point of interest for families. The dramatic dragon spire is particularly captivating for children, sparking imagination about mythical creatures and historical tales.TikTok Consider pointing it out from a distance or during a canal tour, making it a fun 'spot the dragon' activity. The surrounding waterfront area is also pleasant for a stroll, offering open spaces and views of other historical buildings. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Børsen offers unique opportunities, even with its current state. The dragon spire, a truly distinctive element, provides a dramatic focal point. Capturing it from various angles along the waterfront or from a boat on the canal can yield stunning shots.Instagram+1 The intricate brickwork and Dutch Renaissance style of the facade are also worth exploring. While interior shots are not possible now, the exterior details and the poignant sight of the restoration efforts can make for compelling and meaningful photography. TikTok

🏛️ History Buffs

History enthusiasts will appreciate Børsen's significance as a 17th-century landmark and its role in Copenhagen's economic past. Although access is limited, learning about its construction, its function as a stock exchange, and its architectural style provides a deep connection to the city's heritage.Instagram Following the restoration progress can also be a fascinating aspect, witnessing the meticulous efforts to preserve such a vital piece of history. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Tragic Fire and Restoration

In April 2024, a devastating fire swept through Børsen, Copenhagen's historic Old Stock Exchange. The blaze caused significant damage, most notably the collapse of its iconic 56-meter spire, which was adorned with four dragon tails.TikTok The fire broke out during renovations, and while emergency services and bystanders worked to save priceless artworks, the building sustained severe damage.TikTok The event sent shockwaves through Denmark and the international community, with many lamenting the loss of such a significant cultural landmark.

The Dutch Renaissance-style building, constructed in the 17th century, is considered one of Copenhagen's most beautiful and historically important structures, often referred to as the 'Notre Dame of Denmark'.TikTok The ongoing restoration is a massive undertaking, aiming to meticulously rebuild the damaged sections, including the spire, to its former glory. This process is expected to take several years, and updates on the progress are eagerly awaited by locals and heritage enthusiasts alike.

While direct access to Børsen is currently impossible, its presence is still felt throughout the city. Its silhouette, even in its damaged state, remains a poignant reminder of its historical significance. The community's dedication to its restoration underscores the deep affection and importance placed on preserving this architectural masterpiece for future generations. TikTok

Architectural Significance and History

Børsen, the Old Stock Exchange, is a testament to 17th-century Dutch Renaissance architecture in Copenhagen. Commissioned by King Christian IV, its construction began in 1619 and was completed in 1640. The building's most distinctive feature is its magnificent spire, designed by architect Lorenz van Steenwinckel and later completed by Hans van Steenwinckel the Younger. This spire, reaching 56 meters high, is famously composed of four dragon tails twisted together, symbolizing the union of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.TikTok

Beyond its striking spire, Børsen boasts an impressive facade characterized by its red brickwork and decorative sandstone elements. The building served as Copenhagen's stock exchange for centuries, playing a crucial role in the city's economic development. It has also housed various institutions and events over its long history, including being a venue for exhibitions and cultural gatherings.Instagram Its location on the waterfront, adjacent to Christiansborg Palace, further enhances its prominence in the city's historical landscape.

Despite the recent fire, the architectural legacy of Børsen remains intact in historical records and photographs. The intricate details of its design, from the gabled dormers to the ornate rooflines, showcase the craftsmanship of the era. The ongoing restoration efforts are a commitment to preserving this architectural heritage, ensuring that Børsen continues to be a symbol of Copenhagen's rich history and artistic achievements. Instagram

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