Hojbro Plads

The Højbro Plads, in Copenhagen

The Højbro Plads is one of the central squares of Copenhagen, laid out after the fire of 1795 to serve as a firebreak. The Copenhagen audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this vast esplanade thought to air the city centre and offer the inhabitants a gathering place, surrounded by neoclassical buildings and dominated by the equestrian statue of Absalon, the bishop founder of the city.

History

The Højbro Plads is one of the central squares of Copenhagen. Laid out after the fire of 1795, it was conceived to serve as a firebreak and thus avoid new fires spreading: it must be said that the city was often ravaged by fire over its history. But it was also thought to air the centre, offer the inhabitants a vast square where to meet and gather, and create a great open space contrasting with the narrow alleys inherited from the Middle Ages. Surrounded by numerous buildings of neoclassical architecture, it counts among the most frequented squares of the city. In its centre stands an equestrian statue of Absalon, the Danish bishop founder of Copenhagen, then known under the name of the citadel of Hafnia. Linking the canal of Amagertorv to the islet of Slotsholmen, this open and luminous square offers a welcome breath in the heart of the historic centre, and a meeting point appreciated by the Copenhageners as by the visitors.

What to see

Here you discover one of the central squares of Copenhagen, laid out after the fire of 1795 as a firebreak and breathing space; surrounded by neoclassical buildings, it is dominated by the equestrian statue of Absalon, the bishop founder of the city, and links the canal of Amagertorv to Slotsholmen. The Højbro Plads is an appreciated gathering place. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Højbro Plads lies in the heart of the historic centre of Copenhagen, between Amagertorv and the islet of Slotsholmen, reachable on foot. It is a square in free access, that you discover during a walk in the centre.

Why was the Højbro Plads of Copenhagen laid out?

It was laid out after the fire of 1795 to serve as a firebreak and prevent the spread of new fires, but also to air the city centre and offer the inhabitants a vast gathering space; surrounded by neoclassical buildings, it bears in its centre the equestrian statue of Absalon, the bishop founder of Copenhagen.

Where is the Højbro Plads in Copenhagen?

In the heart of the historic centre of Copenhagen, between Amagertorv and Slotsholmen, in Denmark.