Peder Griffenfeld

CopenhagenDenmark 55° N · 12° E

Peder Griffenfeld stands as one of the most remarkable and complex figures in 17th-century Danish history.

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Peder Griffenfeld
Peder Griffenfeld statue in Bibliotekshaven, Copenhagen
Statue of Peder Griffenfeld by Carl-Martin Hansen, 1922, located in Bibliotekshaven, Rigsarkivet, Copenhagen.
Statue of Peder Griffenfeld in Copenhagen Denmark
Detailed view of the Peder Griffenfeld statue located in Copenhagen, Denmark, showcasing the historic monument.
Statue of Peder Griffenfeld in Biblioteksgården, Copenhagen
Image of the Peder Griffenfeld statue located in Biblioteksgården, Copenhagen, photographed by Peter Elfelt.

Peder Griffenfeld’s legacy is reflected in Copenhagen’s landmarks, institutions and streets. Rosenborg Castle, Christiansborg Palace, the National Museum of Denmark and the Griffenfeld statue in the Library Garden offer ways to explore the political reforms and intrigues of his era. Griffenfeldsgade in Nørrebro connects his name with the city’s contemporary urban life. These sites provide a window into the history associated with Griffenfeld and Denmark (danmarkshistorien.lex.dk; en.wikipedia.org; Visit Copenhagen).

History

Born Peder Schumacher in Copenhagen in 1635, Griffenfeld rose from a merchant family to become Chancellor under King Christian V. He was a principal architect of Denmark’s shift toward absolute monarchy and contributed to legal reforms, administrative modernization and foreign policy. His efforts to centralize power and his rapid ascent created enemies at court. After a politically motivated trial, he was imprisoned for over two decades. His life and legacy are closely tied to Copenhagen’s historical and cultural landscape (danmarkshistorien.lex.dk; en.wikipedia.org).

What to see

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Castle is closely tied to the royal court during Griffenfeld’s era. Visitors can see the Danish crown jewels and royal regalia, as well as exhibits illuminating the political environment of his time.

Christiansborg Palace

Christiansborg Palace stands on the historic site where Griffenfeld served as Chancellor and remains central to Danish political life. Guided tours feature the royal reception rooms, ruins and stables. Occasional exhibitions focus on Griffenfeld and Denmark’s political history.

National Museum of Denmark

The National Museum provides context on Denmark’s absolutist era and Griffenfeld’s reforms.

Griffenfeld’s statue in the Library Garden

The statue of Griffenfeld stands in the Library Garden (Bibliotekshaven), adjacent to the Danish National Archives, also known as Rigsarkivet. Many guided tours of Copenhagen’s historic core include the garden and statue (waymarking.com).

Griffenfeldsgade

Griffenfeldsgade in Nørrebro commemorates Griffenfeld’s legacy. Nørrebro is a dynamic, multicultural neighborhood that blends history with urban life (thereshegoesagain.org).

The Danish National Archives has collections that may require advance booking. Kastellet Fortress is another site listed among Griffenfeld-related places in Copenhagen.

Practical visiting information

Rosenborg Castle

  • Location Øster Voldgade 4A, 1350 Copenhagen K
  • Opening hours Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last admission at 4:30 PM; closed Mondays from November to March. Another listing gives hours as year-round, usually 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM in summer. Check the official site for seasonal updates.
  • Tickets Adults 120 DKK; children under 18 free. Tickets are available online or at the entrance; advance booking is recommended.
  • Tours Danish and English tours are available.
  • Accessibility Wheelchair accessible, with elevators and ramps. Assistance is available upon request.
  • Transport and parking Served by bus and metro; limited parking nearby.

Christiansborg Palace

  • Location Prins Jørgens Gård 1, 1218 Copenhagen K
  • Opening hours Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; closed Mondays. Another listing notes extended hours in summer.
  • Tickets Adults 160 DKK; children under 18 free. Tickets are available online and on-site. Combination tickets are available for various palace areas.
  • Tours English-language tours with a historical focus are available.
  • Accessibility Fully accessible, with lifts and ramps.
  • Transport and parking Metro (Christiansborg Station) and bus; limited parking.

National Museum of Denmark

  • Location Ny Vestergade 10, 1471 Copenhagen K
  • Opening hours Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; closed Mondays.
  • Tickets Adults 95 DKK; children and youth under 18 free.
  • Accessibility Fully accessible.
  • Transport Easily reached by public transport.

Library Garden and Griffenfeld statue

  • Location Library Garden (Bibliotekshaven), near Rigsarkivet in central Copenhagen.
  • Opening hours Typically 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM year-round; hours may fluctuate seasonally.
  • Tickets Free entry.
  • Accessibility Wheelchair-accessible paths; close to public transport.

Danish National Archives and Kastellet Fortress

  • Danish National Archives Open weekdays. Some collections require advance booking. Entry is free; fees may apply for exhibitions.
  • Kastellet Fortress Free access, open daily until dusk.

Griffenfeldsgade

The street is public, open 24/7, and requires no ticket. Sidewalks are paved and generally accessible, though some older shops may have steps.

Tips

  • Book specialized tours focused on Griffenfeld and 17th-century Danish history through Guideservice Danmark.
  • Local walking tours include Griffenfeldsgade in broader Nørrebro or political-history itineraries. Community events and festivals are frequent, especially in summer (visitcopenhagen.com).
  • The Copenhagen Card offers free or discounted entry to major attractions and free public transport; it can also simplify admission and transit.
  • Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are suggested for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Spring or summer is recommended for a visit to the Library Garden.
  • Spring and summer are suggested for outdoor activities in Nørrebro; cafés offer a setting in autumn and winter.
  • Photography is permitted in most locations; check individual site policies.
  • Copenhagen’s compact city center is walkable and bike-friendly, and public transport is fully accessible.
  • Download the Audiala app for self-guided tours and timely updates.

Nearby places

Near the Library Garden and Griffenfeld statue:

  • Danish National Archives
  • Rosenborg Castle
  • The Round Tower (Rundetårn)
  • Griffenfeldsgade in Nørrebro

Near Griffenfeldsgade:

  • Assistens Cemetery, where Hans Christian Andersen is buried
  • Blågårds Plads
  • Superkilen Park

Most Griffenfeld-related sites are centrally located and accessible on foot, by bike or by public transport.

Suggested Nørrebro itinerary

Time of day Activity Location Notes
Morning Royal Copenhagen City Center Rosenborg Castle, Botanical Gardens
Midday Transition and lunch Dronning Louises Bro, Nørrebro Food halls, cafés
Afternoon Griffenfeldsgade walk Nørrebro Street exploration, Assistens Cemetery, Superkilen
Evening Dining and nightlife Nørrebro Local restaurants, bars, live music

The nearest metro station to Griffenfeldsgade is Nørrebros Runddel (M3). Biking and walking are popular options. Nørrebro is generally more affordable than central Copenhagen.