Greed, Garbage and Grand Architecture – an (almost) free guided tour in Copenhagen

How did King Christian IV shape Copenhagen – and what stories lie behind the impressive buildings that still define the city today?

On this special CopenPay walking tour, we'll follow in the footsteps of Denmark's famous Renaissance king through the historic streets of Copenhagen. As part of the CopenPay initiative, the tour is free of charge in return for helping collect litter along the route – a simple way to contribute to a cleaner city while discovering its history. Museum of Copenhagen provides gloves and rubbish bags, so all you need to bring is your curiosity.

The city’s history – above and below the streets

The tour begins at the fountain on Gammeltorv, a gift from Christian IV to the city shortly after his coronation, and continues past charming old townhouses, the magnificent mayor's mansion on Amagertorv and, of course, the iconic Round Tower, built as both a church tower and an astronomical observatory.

Along the way, you'll hear stories of power, justice and public executions, deceitful sons-in-law, royal mistresses and ambitious business ventures that ended in failure – all part of the king's remarkable world.

We'll also explore a less glamorous side of the city: its rubbish. The waste that once filled Copenhagen's streets and backyards with dirt and unpleasant smells has become a treasure trove for archaeologists. These forgotten remains reveal fascinating insights into everyday life, consumption, health and disease – offering a unique glimpse behind the façades of Christian IV's Copenhagen.

The guided tour lasts approximately 1½ hours. It begins by the large fountain on Gammeltorv and ends by the Museum of Copenhagen in Stormgade.

When
Tuesday August 11th or wednesday August 19th at 2-5.30 PM.

Where (meeting place)
Gammeltorv by the fountain - the tour ends by the Museum of Copenhagen in Stormgade

Price
The tour is free of charge - you pay by collecting garbage on the way - but you need to book a ticket in advance. 

Language
The tour is in English