Located between the royal palace square and the harbourfront, it offers one of the best views toward the Copenhagen Opera House.
Visit Amaliehaven near Amalienborg Palace
Amaliehaven, also known as the Amalie Garden, is a peaceful public garden in Copenhagen’s elegant Frederiksstaden district. It is located between Amalienborg Palace and the waterfront, making it an easy stop during a royal Copenhagen sightseeing route.
The garden is not large, but that is part of its charm. It is a calm place to pause between visits to Amalienborg Palace, the Marble Church, Nyhavn, the harbourfront and the Copenhagen Opera House. With a rental car booked through Terminal3.dk, you can travel easily from Copenhagen Airport to your hotel, park near the city centre and explore this historic area on foot.
A small garden with a royal setting
Amaliehaven was created in 1983 and given to the city of Copenhagen as a public garden. It was designed by Belgian landscape architect Jean Delogne and features sculptures and fountains by Italian artist Arnaldo Pomodoro.
The garden is laid out symmetrically, with a central fountain, water features, sculptural columns, planting and paths that frame the view between Amalienborg Palace and the harbour. From the waterfront side, you can look across the water toward the Copenhagen Opera House, one of the city’s most striking modern buildings.
Why Amaliehaven is worth visiting
Amaliehaven is a good choice if you want a quiet break in one of Copenhagen’s most visited royal districts. It is free to enter, easy to find and close to several major attractions. It works especially well as a short stop rather than a full-day destination.
Visitors come here for:
- Views of the Copenhagen harbour and the Opera House across the water
- Fountains and sculptures in a calm garden setting
- Easy access to Amalienborg Palace and the palace square
- A peaceful pause between sightseeing stops
- Photography, especially with the Marble Church, palace and harbour nearby
Combine Amaliehaven with Amalienborg Palace
Amaliehaven is directly connected with the Amalienborg area, so most visitors combine the garden with the palace square. Amalienborg is the Copenhagen residence of the Danish Royal Family and consists of four palaces around an elegant octagonal square.
The centre of the square features the equestrian statue of King Frederik V, while the Marble Church forms a dramatic backdrop nearby. The changing of the guard at Amalienborg is one of Copenhagen’s classic daily sights and can be combined with a short walk through Amaliehaven before or after the ceremony.
What to see near Amaliehaven
Amaliehaven is located in one of Copenhagen’s best sightseeing areas. Once you have parked nearby, you can easily explore several attractions on foot.
Amalienborg Palace
Amalienborg Palace is one of Copenhagen’s most important royal landmarks. Visitors can explore the palace square, watch the changing of the guard and visit the Amalienborg Museum when open.
The Marble Church
The Marble Church, officially Frederik’s Church, is one of the city’s most impressive architectural landmarks. Its large dome is visible from many points around Frederiksstaden and is only a short walk from Amaliehaven.
Nyhavn
Nyhavn is close by and offers colourful harbour houses, canal tours, restaurants and classic Copenhagen photo opportunities. It is easy to include Nyhavn in the same walking route.
The Copenhagen Opera House
The Opera House sits directly across the harbour from Amaliehaven. The garden and waterfront offer excellent views of the building, and you can continue across the harbour by bridge, harbour bus or other transport depending on your route.
The Royal Danish Playhouse
The Royal Danish Playhouse is another modern waterfront cultural building nearby. It is a good stop if you enjoy architecture, harbour views and cultural venues.
How long do you need at Amaliehaven?
Most visitors only need 15 to 30 minutes to enjoy Amaliehaven itself. Allow longer if you want to sit, take photos, watch the fountains, visit Amalienborg Palace or continue along the harbourfront.
The garden is best treated as part of a wider Copenhagen walking route rather than a standalone attraction. It is ideal between Nyhavn, Amalienborg, the Marble Church and the harbour.
Should you drive to Amaliehaven?
Amaliehaven is located in central Copenhagen, where streets can be busy and parking may be limited, paid or restricted. The garden and surrounding royal district are best explored on foot once you have parked.
If you are visiting with a rental car, drive to a suitable parking area nearby, check local parking signs carefully and continue on foot. This gives you the convenience of car rental for airport arrival and longer journeys while still letting you experience central Copenhagen in the best way.
Why rent a car at Copenhagen Airport?
For short distances inside the city centre, walking, cycling and public transport are often convenient after parking. 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 Amaliehaven and royal Copenhagen with castles, museums, coastal towns and other destinations around Zealand.
Easy day trips after visiting Amaliehaven
After exploring Amaliehaven, Amalienborg and the harbourfront, your rental car gives you the freedom to continue beyond central Copenhagen.
- 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 Amaliehaven 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 Amalienborg Palace and watch the changing of the guard if it fits your schedule.
Lunch: Walk toward Nyhavn, Kongens Nytorv or the harbourfront for lunch, coffee or Danish pastries.
Afternoon: Spend time in Amaliehaven, enjoy the fountains and views across the harbour, then continue to the Marble Church or Royal Danish Playhouse.
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 Amaliehaven
- Visit Amaliehaven as part of a wider Amalienborg and Nyhavn walking route.
- Allow 15 to 30 minutes for the garden itself.
- Check the weather, as Amaliehaven is an outdoor attraction.
- Bring a camera for views of the Opera House, harbour and nearby palace district.
- Use official parking areas if arriving by rental car.
- Respect the peaceful atmosphere and keep the garden clean.
- Combine the garden with Amalienborg Palace, the Marble Church and Nyhavn.
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 royal landmarks and plan day trips around Denmark at your own pace.
Book your CPH Airport car rental and explore royal Copenhagen
Amaliehaven is one of Copenhagen’s most pleasant small gardens, offering fountains, sculptures, harbour views and a peaceful pause beside Amalienborg Palace. Its central location makes it easy to combine with the Marble Church, Nyhavn, the Opera House views and the wider Frederiksstaden district.
Book your Copenhagen Airport car rental with Terminal3.dk, park near the city centre and enjoy the freedom to explore Amaliehaven, royal Copenhagen and the best day trips around Denmark at your own pace.
