The Church of Holmen stands on Holmens Kanal in central Copenhagen, across from Christiansborg Palace and the Old Stock Exchange. Built first as an anchor forge in 1563, it became a naval church under Christian IV in 1619. Inside, look for the detailed altar and pulpit, a ship model suspended above the nave and the pipe organ installed in 1738. The church also holds the tombs of naval figures Niels Juel and Peter Tordenskjold, and composer Niels Wilhelm Gade. Entry is free.
From anchor forge to naval church
The building began as an anchor forge in 1563. In 1619, King Christian IV converted it into a church for Copenhagen’s maritime community. That history gives the Church of Holmen a close connection to the Danish navy and the people who served at sea.
The church remains a parish church of the Lutheran denomination. Its location on Holmens Kanal places it directly across from Christiansborg Palace and the Old Stock Exchange, making it easy to include alongside a walk through this part of central Copenhagen.
Details inside the church
The altar and pulpit are among the most detailed pieces of the interior. The pulpit dates to 1662 and is identified as the oldest in Copenhagen. A pipe organ installed in 1738 is another central feature; organ music may be playing during a visit, though performances are not guaranteed.
Look above the middle of the church for a model ship suspended from the ceiling. The carved vessel reflects the building’s maritime associations. The church also contains artwork by Bertel Thorvaldsen and Karel van Mander.
Clear-glass windows set largely in iron frame the interior. The building’s spire is copper-clad, as is the smaller spire above the confessional roof. Its appearance is close to the form it had in 1872, though the colour has since changed.
Royal events and memorials
In 1967, the church hosted the wedding of Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henrik. Its history also includes Danish naval figures: Niels Juel and Peter Tordenskjold are buried here. Composer Niels Wilhelm Gade is another of those laid to rest at the church.
At the far end of the main building, doors lead to the crypt. Allow time to look around this quieter part of the church as well as the main interior.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is there an entry fee for the Church of Holmen?
No. Entry is free.
What are the main things to see inside?
Look for the altar, the 1662 pulpit, the 1738 pipe organ, the ship model hanging above the nave and the crypt.
Where is the Church of Holmen?
It is at Holmens Kanal 21 in central Copenhagen, across from Christiansborg Palace and the Old Stock Exchange.
