Assistens Cemetery Copenhagen
A historic cemetery and beloved green space in Copenhagen, resting place of Hans Christian Andersen and Søren Kierkegaard.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for picnics & strolls
Assistens Cemetery Copenhagen
Best Time
Perfect for picnics & strolls
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic cemetery and beloved green space in Copenhagen, resting place of Hans Christian Andersen and Søren Kierkegaard.
"A special spot where everyday life and history gently come together."
🚶♀️ Respectful Exploration
Enjoy the park-like atmosphere, but be mindful of active burial sites.
🚴♀️ Stick to Bike Paths
Follow marked routes; Google Maps can be unreliable for biking here.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hans Christian Andersen's Grave
Assistens Cemetery
Pay respects to the beloved fairy tale author in this serene, park-like setting.
Søren Kierkegaard's Resting Place
Assistens Cemetery
Visit the philosopher's grave, a significant spot for those interested in Danish intellectual history.
Niels Bohr's Memorial
Assistens Cemetery
Discover the final resting place of the Nobel Prize-winning physicist, a testament to Danish scientific achievement.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Park-like Atmosphere
Navigating the Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Respectful Exploration
Enjoy the park-like atmosphere, but be mindful of active burial sites. +1
🚴♀️ Stick to Bike Paths
Follow marked routes; Google Maps can be unreliable for biking here.
🧺 Picnic-Friendly
Locals enjoy picnics; bring a snack and soak in the ambiance.
📸 Photography Allowed
Capture the tranquil beauty, but be discreet near gravesites.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Respectful Exploration
Enjoy the park-like atmosphere, but be mindful of active burial sites. +1
🚴♀️ Stick to Bike Paths
Follow marked routes; Google Maps can be unreliable for biking here.
🧺 Picnic-Friendly
Locals enjoy picnics; bring a snack and soak in the ambiance.
📸 Photography Allowed
Capture the tranquil beauty, but be discreet near gravesites.
🗺️ Grave Location Help
An interactive map might exist; ask locals or check for section/row info.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Assistens Cemetery is a unique blend of a peaceful resting place and a vibrant public park, appreciated for its tranquil atmosphere and the graves of famous Danes. While some find the 'famous' headstones to be modern replacements, many enjoy the green space for picnics and walks, appreciating its role in local life. +1
"If you’re looking for a dramatic cemetery, this isn’t the place. It is a lovely, park-like atmosphere, with many famous graves. However, all of the “famous” headstones seem to be recent replacements, which really saps the historical element.
The paths where biking is allowed are clearly marked. Don’t trust Google Maps bike directions, which kept sending us on non-biking paths. It also kept showing us exits that weren’t open."
Jason Miller
"This is a beautiful and peaceful place to walk, especially on sunny days. It feels more like a quiet park than a cemetery. Many people come with their families or as couples, and you often see others riding bikes or having a picnic on the grass. The paths are wide and shaded, and the atmosphere is calm and inviting. It is also a place of cultural and historical importance, where you can find the graves of well-known Danish writers, scientists, and other prominent figures. A special spot where everyday life and history gently come together."
David
"Great place to walk and relax for a bit. It’s surrounded by beautiful old trees and famous people’s graves."
Jorge Pierdant
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Assistens Cemetery is easily accessible by public transport. You can take buses or the metro to stations near the Nørrebro district. Many visitors also find it a pleasant walk or bike ride from the city center.
Street parking is available in the Nørrebro area, but it can be challenging to find. Cycling is a very popular and convenient way to reach the cemetery, with bike racks often available.
Public transport will get you to the vicinity of the cemetery. Once inside, you'll need to navigate the grounds to find specific graves. Consider using a map if you have precise coordinates.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Assistens Cemetery is free. It functions as both a historic burial ground and a public park.
The cemetery is generally open daily from morning until evening. However, hours can vary, especially on holidays, so it's best to check for any specific updates if you're visiting on a special occasion.
There is no separate fee to visit the graves of notable figures like Hans Christian Andersen or Søren Kierkegaard. Access to all parts of the cemetery is free.
While generally open until evening, it's advisable to check the specific closing times for the day of your visit. It's not typically considered a nighttime attraction.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Assistens Cemetery offers a unique blend of a peaceful resting place and a vibrant public park. You'll find tranquility for contemplation alongside locals enjoying picnics, walking, and cycling.
Photography is generally permitted, and many visitors capture the serene beauty. However, always be respectful of the solemn nature of the site and avoid intrusive photography, especially near active graves.
While official guided tours might not be readily advertised, you can explore independently or join local walking tours that may include the cemetery. Some visitors have found interactive maps helpful for locating specific graves.
The main paths are generally wide and relatively flat, making them accessible for many. However, some older sections might have uneven terrain. It's best to stick to the clearly marked paths.
Yes, cycling is permitted on designated paths within Assistens Cemetery. Just be sure to follow the marked routes and be mindful of pedestrians.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly inside Assistens Cemetery. However, the nearby Nørrebro district offers a wide array of dining options, from cafes to more formal eateries. +1
Absolutely! Picnicking is a popular activity for locals in the historic part of the cemetery. It's a great way to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
The Nørrebro area surrounding the cemetery is known for its vibrant food scene. You can find everything from trendy cafes to international cuisine. +1
Yes, eating takeout food in the historic part of Assistens Cemetery is generally accepted and common among locals. Just ensure you are respectful of the surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography
The tree-lined avenues, historic gravestones, and the graves of famous Danes offer beautiful photographic opportunities. The overall tranquil and green environment is very photogenic.
While photography is generally allowed, always be mindful and respectful. Avoid intrusive shots, especially near active burial sites or during private ceremonies.
Yes, the cemetery's aesthetic makes it a popular spot for photoshoots, including engagement and couple shoots. Ensure your activity is respectful of the cemetery's primary purpose.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy on the grass, turning your visit into a relaxed outdoor meal. It’s a chance for kids to experience a different kind of public space, one that blends nature, history, and local life. Just ensure they understand the importance of being quiet and respectful, especially in areas with more recent graves.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Explorers
Bring a book, a journal, or simply your thoughts. The cemetery's tranquil environment is perfect for reflection, and its historical significance provides ample points of interest. You might even find yourself striking up a conversation with a local who's happy to share insights about the area.
📚 History & Literature Buffs
+1Beyond the literary giants, the resting places of scientists like Niels Bohr and jazz musicians add further layers of historical interest. Take your time to explore, perhaps researching their lives beforehand to enrich your experience. The cemetery itself, with its origins dating back to 1760, is a historical artifact in its own right.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Living Piece of History
+1Today, it's a fascinating juxtaposition of solemn remembrance and vibrant daily life. You'll find the graves of literary giants like Hans Christian Andersen and Søren Kierkegaard, alongside scientific luminaries such as Niels Bohr. The cemetery's design, with its tree-lined avenues and open lawns, encourages visitors to not only pay their respects but also to enjoy the peaceful, park-like ambiance.
+2This dual nature is what makes Assistens Cemetery unique. It's a place where history is palpable, yet life continues around it. Locals use it as a shortcut, a place for picnics, or simply a quiet escape, demonstrating a deep-seated respect for the past while embracing the present.
Navigating and Respecting the Grounds
The cemetery is divided into an older, historic section and a more modern, active burial area. While picnicking and casual strolls are widely accepted in the historic parts, it's essential to be more discreet and respectful in the active sections where recent burials may have occurred. Listening to loud music or engaging in boisterous activities would be considered inappropriate.
If you're searching for a specific grave, like that of Oscar Gjemsøe, you might find an interactive map helpful, though these can sometimes be difficult to locate. Knowing the section and grave number can significantly aid your search. Remember, the goal is to experience the cemetery's unique atmosphere while honoring its primary purpose.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit