Kongens Nytorv was established by King Christian V (1646-1699 - ruled Denmark and Norway 1670–99) in 1670 - after the area was used as a dumping ground and landing place for cargo from ships that embarked at Nyhavn nearby.

First equestrian statue
In 1688 - a baroque garden complex with trees around it was inaugurated together with an equestrian statue of King Christian V - in gilded gold - placed in the middle. The monument was the first equestrian statue in Scandinavia. In 1946 - a new statue in bronze replaced the former one in gold. The King also allowed building of noble houses around the square.

Military drill and ceremony grounds
In 1749 - the entire square was rebuilt by King Frederik V (1723-1766 - ruled Denmark and Norway 1746–1766) - as a military drill and ceremony ground for the Kings troops - and was used for this function until 1908 - where the square then was re-established to the form and architecture it has at the present.

Historic buildings and mansions
Today the square is a busy site with many historic buildings around it - and every year for centuries - students have celebrated their graduation here - by dancing together in a ring around the royal equestrian statue.

The historic buildings around the square comprise:

- The "Charlottenborg Mansion" from 1672 - and the oldest building on the square - built in Baroque style. At the back of the mansion was the first Botanic Gardens from 1778 located.

- The "Thotts Palace" built in Baroque style - and the next eldest building from 1683. Today housing the French Embassy.

- The "Harsdoffske Mansion" (Det Harsdoffske Palæ) from 1748 - and once Eigtveds Mansion (leading court architect Nicolai Eigtved) - was in 1898 - the headquarters for the Foreign Ministry until 1923.

- "Hotel D'Angleterre" from 1795 - and best known by the Copenhageners for its admirable Christmas decoration of the hotel building. (Top photo showing the Christmas decoration)

- "Magasin du Nord" – Denmark’s first department store from 1893 - and built in French Renaissance style.

- "Hvids Vinstue" from 1773 - and the oldest Wine bar in Copenhagen. The Wine bar serves more than 30 different types of beer - and the interior is from 1880. World famous writer H. C. Andersen was a frequent guest here - while living at Nyhavn.

Students and their tradition
An old tradition every year at Kongens Nytorv is - when students graduate in June and come to the square in busses to dance and run around “Krinsen” in the middle of Kongens Nytorv - celebrating their graduation - while throwing their students caps in the air.

Kongens Nytorv


Address
Kongens Nytorv - The Kings square
Copenhagen

Trains - Metro Station at Kongens Nytorv

Distance from Town Hall Square 6 km. and expect 25-30 min. by walk.