This powerful fountain brings Norse mythology to life with the goddess Gefion driving four mighty oxen through rushing water.
Visit the Gefion Fountain in Copenhagen
The Gefion Fountain, known in Danish as Gefionspringvandet, is a must-see stop for visitors interested in mythology, sculpture, history and Copenhagen’s harbourfront. Its dynamic bronze figures, flowing water and location close to several major attractions make it an easy addition to a Copenhagen sightseeing route.
If you are arriving at Copenhagen Airport, booking car rental through Terminal3.dk gives you a flexible way to reach your hotel, travel with luggage and explore more of Denmark beyond the city centre. For the Gefion Fountain itself, the best approach is usually to park nearby and explore the area on foot.
The myth behind the Gefion Fountain
The fountain shows the Norse goddess Gefion driving four oxen as they pull a plough through the land. According to legend, the Swedish king Gylfe promised Gefion as much land as she could plough in one day and one night. Gefion transformed her four sons into oxen, ploughed the land from Sweden and created the island of Zealand, where Copenhagen is located today.
The dramatic movement of the sculpture captures this myth perfectly. The oxen appear to strain forward, the water crashes around them and Gefion stands above the scene with commanding energy.
History of the Gefion Fountain
The Gefion Fountain was created by Danish sculptor Anders Bundgaard and completed in the early 20th century. It was unveiled in 1908 and has since become one of Copenhagen’s most recognisable monuments.
The fountain is often described as one of the largest and most impressive monuments in Copenhagen. Its combination of mythology, bronze sculpture, water and movement makes it very different from many of the city’s quieter statues and memorials.
Where is the Gefion Fountain?
The Gefion Fountain is located near the end of Amaliegade, close to Kastellet and St. Alban’s Church. It is also within walking distance of the Little Mermaid, Churchillparken, Amalienborg Palace and the harbourfront.
This location makes the fountain ideal for a wider sightseeing route. You can visit it on the same walk as Kastellet, the Museum of Danish Resistance, the Little Mermaid, Nyboder, Amalienborg and the Marble Church.
What to see at the Gefion Fountain
The main attraction is the fountain itself. Take time to walk around it and view the sculpture from different angles. From one side, the oxen appear to surge forward; from another, you can appreciate the full composition of Gefion, the animals, the plough and the water.
Highlights include:
- The bronze sculpture of Gefion and the four oxen
- The rushing water that adds movement and drama to the scene
- The mythological story connecting the fountain to the creation of Zealand
- Nearby St. Alban’s Church, one of Copenhagen’s most distinctive church buildings
- Easy access to Kastellet, the Little Mermaid and the harbourfront
Best time to visit the Gefion Fountain
The Gefion Fountain can be visited year-round and is free to see from the public area. It is especially attractive in spring and summer, when the surrounding area is green and pleasant for walking.
Morning is a good time for a quieter visit and clearer photos. Late afternoon or early evening can also be beautiful, especially if you are continuing toward the harbour or the Little Mermaid.
Attractions near the Gefion Fountain
The Gefion Fountain is surrounded by some of Copenhagen’s best historic and waterfront attractions.
Kastellet
Kastellet is a star-shaped 17th-century fortress with green ramparts, walking paths, a windmill and historic military buildings. It is one of the best places in Copenhagen for a peaceful historic walk.
St. Alban’s Church
St. Alban’s Church stands close to the fountain and adds to the area’s historic atmosphere. Its Gothic Revival architecture makes it a popular photo stop beside the fountain and Kastellet.
The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid statue is a short walk away along the waterfront. Many visitors combine the fountain and the statue in the same route.
The Museum of Danish Resistance
The Museum of Danish Resistance is located nearby in Churchillparken and tells the story of Denmark during the German occupation from 1940 to 1945.
Amalienborg Palace
Amalienborg Palace, the Copenhagen residence of the Danish Royal Family, is within walking distance. You can combine it with the Marble Church, Amaliehaven and Nyhavn for a full royal Copenhagen route.
Should you drive to the Gefion Fountain?
The Gefion Fountain is located in central Copenhagen, where parking may be paid, limited or restricted. The fountain and nearby attractions are best experienced on foot once you have parked.
If you are using a rental car, drive to a suitable parking area nearby, check local parking signs carefully and continue on foot to the fountain, Kastellet, the Little Mermaid and Amalienborg. This gives you the convenience of Copenhagen Airport car rental for your wider trip while still allowing you to explore the historic centre properly.
Why rent a car at Copenhagen Airport?
For short distances inside central Copenhagen, walking, cycling and public transport are often convenient once you have parked. However, renting a car at Copenhagen Airport is useful if you are travelling with luggage, children or a group, staying outside the centre, visiting family or planning day trips beyond Copenhagen.
With a rental car from CPH Airport, you can combine the Gefion Fountain and central Copenhagen with castles, museums, coastal towns and other destinations around Zealand.
Easy day trips after visiting the Gefion Fountain
After exploring the Gefion Fountain, Kastellet and the harbourfront, your rental car gives you the freedom to continue beyond the city.
- Dragør for a charming old fishing town close to Copenhagen Airport
- Louisiana Museum of Modern Art for art, architecture and sea views
- Kronborg Castle in Helsingør for Danish history and coastal scenery
- Roskilde for the cathedral, Viking Ship Museum and historic town centre
- Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød for royal history, gardens and impressive architecture
- Malmö in Sweden via the Øresund Bridge, if your rental agreement allows cross-border travel
Suggested Gefion Fountain itinerary from CPH Airport
Morning: Arrive at Copenhagen Airport, collect your rental car and drive to your hotel or a convenient parking area near the city centre.
Late morning: Visit the Gefion Fountain, take photos and walk around St. Alban’s Church and Churchillparken.
Lunch: Continue toward Østerbro, Nyhavn, Amalienborg or the harbourfront for lunch, coffee or Danish pastries.
Afternoon: Walk through Kastellet, visit the Little Mermaid, explore the Museum of Danish Resistance or continue to Amalienborg Palace and the Marble Church.
Evening: Return to your rental car and drive to your hotel, a restaurant outside the centre or your next Copenhagen stop.
Practical tips for visiting the Gefion Fountain
- Visit the fountain as part of a walking route with Kastellet and the Little Mermaid.
- Allow 15 to 30 minutes for the fountain itself, or longer if you are exploring the full area.
- Visit in the morning for fewer crowds and better photos.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking along the harbour and through Kastellet.
- Use official parking areas if arriving by rental car.
- Check Copenhagen parking signs carefully before leaving your vehicle.
- Combine the fountain with St. Alban’s Church, Churchillparken and Amalienborg.
Why book Copenhagen Airport car rental with Terminal3.dk?
With Terminal3.dk, you can search and compare car rental at Copenhagen Airport before you travel. This helps you choose the right vehicle for your itinerary, whether you need a compact city car, an automatic rental car, a family vehicle, an SUV or extra luggage space.
The CPH Car Rental Centre is connected to Copenhagen Airport, making it convenient to continue your journey after landing. From there, you can drive to your accommodation, visit Copenhagen’s historic landmarks and plan day trips around Denmark at your own pace.
Book your CPH Airport car rental and discover Copenhagen’s mythology
The Gefion Fountain is one of Copenhagen’s most impressive monuments. With its dramatic sculpture, Norse mythology, rushing water and location near Kastellet, St. Alban’s Church and the Little Mermaid, it is an easy and rewarding stop on any Copenhagen itinerary.
Book your Copenhagen Airport car rental with Terminal3.dk, park near the city centre and enjoy the freedom to explore the Gefion Fountain, historic Copenhagen and the best day trips around Denmark at your own pace.
