Also known as Vor Frue Kirke, this elegant cathedral stands in the heart of the old city centre and is a peaceful stop for visitors interested in Danish history, architecture, art and quiet sightseeing.
Visit the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen
The Church of Our Lady, or Vor Frue Kirke in Danish, is Copenhagen’s cathedral. It is located on Frue Plads, close to the University of Copenhagen, Strøget, the Round Tower and several of the city’s best-known historic streets.
If you are arriving at Copenhagen Airport, booking car rental through Terminal3.dk gives you a flexible way to reach your hotel, explore Copenhagen and continue to attractions outside the city centre. For the Church of Our Lady itself, the best approach is usually to park nearby and explore the old centre on foot.
A cathedral with deep Copenhagen history
There has been a church on this site since the early 13th century, but the building visitors see today is from the 19th century. Earlier churches on the site were damaged or destroyed by fires and war, including the bombardment of Copenhagen in 1807.
The present Church of Our Lady was designed by Danish architect C. F. Hansen in a calm Neo-Classical style. The foundation stone was laid in 1817, and the cathedral was consecrated in 1829. Its clean lines, pale interior and sense of symmetry make it very different from many older European cathedrals.
Thorvaldsen’s sculptures inside the cathedral
One of the main reasons to visit the Church of Our Lady is the interior decoration by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. The cathedral is especially known for Thorvaldsen’s statue of Christ and the statues of the apostles along the nave.
The interior is bright, balanced and restrained, which gives the sculptures a powerful presence. Even if you only have a short time in Copenhagen, the cathedral is worth visiting for this combination of architecture, silence and Danish Golden Age art.
What to see during your visit
When you enter the Church of Our Lady, take a few minutes to appreciate the scale and simplicity of the space. Unlike highly decorated Gothic churches, Copenhagen Cathedral feels open, light and ordered.
Highlights to look for include:
- Thorvaldsen’s Christ figure at the altar
- The twelve apostles placed along the nave
- The Neo-Classical architecture by C. F. Hansen
- The peaceful cathedral interior in the middle of the busy city
- Frue Plads, the historic square outside the church
An active church and cultural venue
The Church of Our Lady is not only a visitor attraction. It is an active place of worship and an important venue for church services, concerts, ceremonies and national events. Visitors are welcome at appropriate times, but access can change because of services, weddings, concerts or special events.
Before planning your visit, check the latest opening hours and visitor information directly with the cathedral. When inside, keep voices low, dress respectfully and remember that some visitors may be there for prayer or reflection.
Attractions near the Church of Our Lady
The Church of Our Lady is centrally located, making it easy to combine with a walking route through historic Copenhagen.
Strøget
Strøget, Copenhagen’s famous pedestrian shopping street, is only a short walk away. It is ideal for shopping, cafés, Danish design stores and city-centre atmosphere.
The Round Tower
The Round Tower is one of Copenhagen’s most popular historic viewpoints. Its spiral ramp leads to a rooftop platform with views over the old city.
City Hall Square
City Hall Square is close to the western end of Strøget and is a useful starting point for exploring central Copenhagen.
Nyhavn
Nyhavn is within walking distance for many visitors and offers colourful harbour houses, canal tours, restaurants and classic Copenhagen photo opportunities.
Christiansborg Palace
Christiansborg Palace is a short walk from the cathedral area and is home to the Danish Parliament, royal reception rooms and historic palace spaces.
Should you drive to the Church of Our Lady?
The Church of Our Lady is in central Copenhagen, where streets can be busy and parking may be limited, paid or restricted. The cathedral area is best explored on foot once you have parked.
If you are using a rental car, drive to a central parking area, check local parking signs carefully and then walk between nearby attractions such as Strøget, the Round Tower, Christiansborg Palace and Nyhavn. This gives you the flexibility of a car without needing to move it between short city-centre stops.
Why rent a car at Copenhagen Airport?
For the historic city centre, walking and public transport are often convenient once you are parked. However, renting a car at Copenhagen Airport can be a smart choice if you are travelling with luggage, children or a group, staying outside the city centre, visiting family or planning day trips around Denmark.
With a rental car from CPH Airport, you can combine Copenhagen’s central landmarks with destinations outside the capital, including coastal towns, castles, museums and other Danish cities.
Easy day trips after visiting the cathedral
After exploring the Church of Our Lady and central Copenhagen, 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 history and coastal scenery
- Roskilde for the cathedral, Viking Ship Museum and historic town centre
- Malmö in Sweden via the Øresund Bridge, if your rental agreement allows cross-border travel
Suggested Church of Our Lady itinerary from Copenhagen Airport
Morning: Arrive at Copenhagen Airport, collect your rental car and drive to your hotel or a central parking area.
Late morning: Visit the Church of Our Lady, then walk around Frue Plads and the old university area.
Lunch: Continue toward Strøget, the Latin Quarter or a nearby café for lunch, coffee or Danish pastries.
Afternoon: Visit the Round Tower, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn or Tivoli Gardens.
Evening: Return to your car and continue to your hotel, Dragør, a harbour restaurant or your next destination outside Copenhagen.
Practical tips for visiting the Church of Our Lady
- Check current opening hours before your visit.
- Remember that the cathedral may close for services, concerts or private events.
- Keep voices low and respect the church as an active place of worship.
- Allow time to see Thorvaldsen’s sculptures inside.
- Wear comfortable shoes if combining the cathedral with Strøget and the Round Tower.
- Use official parking areas and check Copenhagen parking rules carefully.
- Keep valuables secure in busy city-centre areas.
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 trip, 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, explore Copenhagen’s historic landmarks and plan day trips around Denmark at your own pace.
Book your CPH Airport car rental and explore historic Copenhagen
The Church of Our Lady is one of Copenhagen’s most meaningful cultural stops. With its Neo-Classical architecture, Thorvaldsen sculptures and central location near Strøget, the Round Tower and Christiansborg Palace, it is an excellent addition to any Copenhagen itinerary.
Book your Copenhagen Airport car rental with Terminal3.dk, park near the city centre and enjoy the freedom to explore the Church of Our Lady, historic Copenhagen and the best day trips around Denmark at your own pace.
