Beautiful view of National Museum of Denmark

National Museum of Denmark

Copenhagen, Denmark
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Beautiful view of National Museum of Denmark

Among Denmark’s grandest treasures stands the National Museum of Denmark, a place where thousands of years of human history gather beneath one ornate roof. The grand halls and quiet corners echo with stories of Vikings, medieval kings, and everyday Danish life, drawing travelers who crave both awe-inspiring highlights and unexpected discoveries. Whether seeking a deeper understanding of Denmark’s rich heritage or simply looking for a dazzling afternoon indoors, the museum serves as a doorway into the Danish soul.

Visiting Info

Currency
Entrance fee
130 DKK
Hours
Opening hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Contact Information

Location
Address
Ny Vestergade 10, 1471 København K, Denmark

Planning your visit

Before stepping into the world of the National Museum of Denmark, a bit of planning goes a long way. Located conveniently in central Copenhagen, the museum is easily reachable by all forms of city transport. Mornings midweek promise fewer crowds, while summer brings bustling rooms and energetic tours. Advance online tickets can save time at the door, especially during school vacations when families flock to the kid-friendly exhibits. The vast collection spans more than twenty millennia, so comfortable shoes and a flexible schedule reward any visitor.

  • Best time to visit: Weekday mornings, especially in spring or fall, offer quieter galleries and easier photo opportunities.
  • How to get there: The museum sits close to the Nationalmuseet bus stop and is a ten-minute stroll from Copenhagen Central Station. Cycling is popular, and bike racks line the entrance.
  • Accessibility: Ramps, elevators, and family-friendly restrooms make access smooth for strollers, wheelchairs, and those with limited mobility.
  • Average visit duration: Most visitors spend two to three hours, though true history buffs may linger half a day or longer.

Must see stuff

Within the museum’s grand design, a blend of sweeping galleries and intimate rooms reveals Denmark’s journey from ice age hunters to modern nation. The rich Viking collection pulls many visitors straight in, but gems from the Middle Ages, centuries-old rune stones, and reconstructed living rooms from the 1950s deserve equal attention. For those who wander beyond the main halls, family workshops and interactive children’s exhibits await, proving the museum’s appeal stretches well beyond history buffs.

  • Key sights or features: The Viking Age exhibit, with its twisted swords and legendary warships; The Sun Chariot, a 3,500-year-old masterpiece; and the ethnographic treasures from Greenland and Asia.
  • Unique experiences: Guided tours that reveal secret side-stories, hands-on children’s zones for costumed play, and quiet reading nooks filled with Danish fairy tales.
  • Photo-worthy locations: The ornate main staircase, grand banquet rooms, and rune stones bathed in natural light.
  • Cultural or historical facts: The museum’s royal halls once served as the Prince’s Palace, and several exhibits highlight Denmark’s early democratic roots, colonial history, and resistance in World War II.

Tips for your visit

The National Museum holds surprises around every corner, so a few simple strategies can help make the experience both enjoyable and memorable. Arriving right at open helps avoid the busiest school groups; a map (free at the entrance) prevents backtracking and missed gems. Many rooms feature low light to protect ancient artifacts, so patience rewards shutterbugs hoping for perfect photos. Café food is fresh but pricey—savvy visitors may find a quick meal in one of Copenhagen’s nearby bakeries. Finally, some areas close for restoration without much warning; checking the museum’s website before a visit helps avoid disappointment.

  • Best times to avoid crowds: Early weekday mornings and late afternoons, especially outside July and August.
  • What to bring: A refillable water bottle (there are fountains), a camera (no flash allowed), and good walking shoes are musts.
  • Local etiquette or rules: Backpacks must be stored in free lockers; photography is allowed but always check for signs. Quiet voices are encouraged in historical rooms.
  • Safety or comfort advice: Air conditioning keeps galleries cool, so a light sweater comes in handy. Rest benches are scattered throughout for a quick break.