The National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet) is Copenhagen’s “one-stop” place to understand Denmark fast—prehistoric treasures, Vikings, the Middle Ages, modern Danish life, and family-friendly hands-on areas under one roof. It sits centrally at Ny Vestergade 10 and is easy to combine with a city-center walking day.
Below is a practical guide: what to see first ✅, how tickets work 💳, seasonal opening hours ⏱️, transport/parking options 📍, and common mistakes ⚠️.
What makes the National Museum of Denmark special ✅
Unlike many “national museums” that feel overwhelming, the National Museum of Denmark is curated like a story you can follow—especially in its Denmark-focused exhibitions. VisitCopenhagen highlights iconic objects you can see here, including the Sun Chariot, Egtved Girl, Gundestrup Cauldron, and the Huldremose Woman.
It’s also a strong pick for families because the museum ticket includes a visit to the Children’s Museum, designed for “touch + play” learning.
National Museum of Denmark highlights (what to prioritize) 👀
1) Start with the “Denmark timeline” floors 🧭
If you only have 2–3 hours, focus on the museum’s Denmark narrative first (prehistoric → Viking → later history). This gives you the “Denmark in one afternoon” payoff before you branch into other collections.
Good strategy:
- Prehistoric Denmark first (big-ticket iconic finds)
- Viking-era sections next
- Then choose one “bonus” theme (money, Arctic, ethnography, etc.)
VisitCopenhagen specifically points to major prehistoric/Viking-era treasures and describes how the museum connects these to everyday life and Denmark’s historical identity.
2) Don’t skip the Children’s Museum (even if you’re traveling without kids) 🎠
Yes, it’s aimed at families—but it’s also one of the most memorable “interactive history” spaces in Copenhagen. The museum ticket explicitly includes it.
3) Use the free audio guide option 🎧
VisitCopenhagen notes you can pick up the museum’s free audio guide and explore at your own pace.
Tickets & prices for the National Museum of Denmark 💳
The museum keeps ticketing simple: one admission ticket covers all exhibitions and the Children’s Museum.
Ticket price table
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | 150 DKK |
| Adult (online) | 135 DKK (10% discount) |
| Under 18 | Free |
| Group (10+ people) | 135 DKK per person |
✅ Worth knowing: the museum states that an admission ticket must be used within 1 year (nice if you buy early while planning).
If you’ll visit twice: annual pass
If you expect to return (or you’re living nearby), the museum also sells annual passes (and lists discounts for shop + Restaurant Smör).
National Museum of Denmark opening hours ⏱️
The museum publishes seasonal hours:
- April to October: daily 10:00–17:00
- November to March: Monday closed; Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00
- Closed: 24 Dec, 25 Dec, 31 Dec
How to get there 🚇🚌🚶♂️📍
Address
Ny Vestergade 10, 1471 København K
Public transport (recommended) 🚇🚌
The museum recommends using Denmark’s travel planner Rejseplanen to route by bus/train/metro.
Parking (if you must drive) 🚗⚠️
The museum points visitors to nearby garages such as:
- BLOX Parking
- Q-Park Industriens Hus
Practical tips (save your time) ✅⚠️
Bags, lockers, umbrellas 🎒☔
- Backpacks and large bags are not allowed in the exhibitions.
- Free locked lockers are available for storage.
- Umbrellas can go in stands or lockers.
Strollers / prams 👶
- You can’t bring your own stroller into the exhibitions.
- You can leave it inside the entrance with a lock and borrow a museum stroller during your visit.
Accessibility ♿
The museum states that the entire museum is wheelchair accessible, and you can borrow a wheelchair or walker. Service dogs are welcome.
Food & breaks 🍽️
You’re allowed to bring your own food; there’s a lunch room where you can eat. The museum also highlights Restaurant Smör on-site.
Suggested visit plans (pick one) 🗺️
Option A: 90 minutes (fast but good)
✅ Prehistoric highlights → quick Viking section → one “modern” theme
Option B: 2–3 hours (best value)
✅ Prehistoric → Vikings → Middle Ages/modern Denmark → Children’s Museum or special exhibition
Option C: Family mode (2–4 hours)
✅ Children’s Museum early (energy!) → Denmark history floors → lunch break → “one last room” rule before leaving
Common mistakes at the National Museum of Denmark ⚠️
- Arriving with a big backpack and losing time to storage (use lockers immediately).
- Trying to see everything (you’ll burn out—choose a “Denmark core” + 1 bonus theme).
- Skipping the Children’s Museum because it sounds “only for kids” (it’s one of the museum’s strongest experiences).
- Not checking the seasonal Monday closure in winter (Nov–Mar).
FAQ ❓
How much are tickets to the National Museum of Denmark?
Adults are 150 DKK, or 135 DKK online (10% discount). Under 18 is free.
What are the National Museum of Denmark opening hours?
Apr–Oct: daily 10:00–17:00. Nov–Mar: closed Monday, Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00.
Where is the National Museum of Denmark located?
Ny Vestergade 10, 1471 København K.
Can I store luggage or large bags?
Large bags aren’t allowed in exhibitions; the museum provides free locked lockers.
Is the museum accessible?
The museum says the entire museum is wheelchair accessible, wheelchairs/walkers can be borrowed, and service dogs are welcome.
Conclusion
If you want one museum in Copenhagen that genuinely earns its time, the National Museum of Denmark is it: iconic Denmark treasures, strong Viking context, and an unusually good hands-on Children’s Museum—plus clear pricing and practical visitor facilities that make the day easy.
Comments