Royal Danish Naval Museum Copenhagen: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the historic maritime hub of Copenhagen, the Royal Danish Naval Museum (Orlogsmuseet) has long been a cornerstone for exploring Denmark’s seafaring past. Although the original museum at Søkvæsthuset closed in 2016, its treasured collections are now housed at the Royal Danish Arsenal Museum (Tøjhusmuseet), ensuring continued public access to Denmark’s naval legacy. Visitors today can explore everything from intricately detailed ship models and authentic artifacts to immersive tours aboard preserved Cold War-era vessels at Holmen. This comprehensive guide provides all the essential information you need—visiting hours, tickets, accessibility, highlights, and travel tips—to make the most of your maritime journey in Copenhagen. (Royal Danish Naval Museum Official Website; Skibene på Holmen; Royal Danish Arsenal Museum)

Contents

• Introduction
• Historical Background and Evolution
• Significance in Maritime History
• Key Exhibits and Collections
• Visiting Information
• Museum’s Historic Ships at Holmen
• Nearby Attractions
• Research and Scholarly Activities
• Partnerships and Societies
• Accessibility and Visitor Engagement
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Plan Your Visit

Historical Background and Evolution

The Royal Danish Naval Museum, originally founded to safeguard and interpret the nation’s naval past, stood at Søkvæsthuset until its closure in 2016. Its collections now enrich the Royal Danish Arsenal Museum, located in the historic Tøjhuset complex. Holmen, Copenhagen’s former naval base since the late 17th century, remains central to the museum’s story, providing an evocative backdrop for naval exhibits and the display of decommissioned ships. The museum traces the evolution of the Royal Danish Navy from its 16th-century origins through centuries of innovation, conflict, and maritime exploration (SpottingHistory; Danish War Museum).

Significance in Danish and European Maritime History

Denmark’s prosperity and security have always depended on mastery of the seas. The museum’s collections illuminate the critical role of the Danish Navy in Baltic and North Sea conflicts, from the wars against Sweden to the Napoleonic era and Cold War. Ship models, battle relics, and technological artifacts document not only the evolution of Danish naval power but also its impact on European and global maritime history.

Key Exhibits and Collections

Ship Models and Maritime Artifacts

The museum’s ship model collection is among the finest in Europe, with more than 300 examples dating from the 17th century. These models, originally crafted for dockyards and naval architects, provide detailed records of design and construction methods across centuries (navalhistory.dk).

Complementing the models are displays of uniforms, weapons, navigational instruments, and personal effects, revealing life at sea for sailors and officers.

Battle Dioramas and Visual Displays

Large-scale dioramas depict pivotal naval battles, providing an engaging window into historical tactics and maritime strategy. Interactive displays and multimedia resources bring Denmark’s seafaring exploits to life for visitors of all ages.

Photographic and Archival Resources

Extensive photographic archives and historical maps trace the development of the Royal Danish Navy and its role in shaping the country’s geopolitical landscape.

Maritime Art and Cartography

Paintings by renowned artists such as Christian Mølsted and Anthon Melbye capture the drama of naval encounters and the majesty of Denmark’s ships. Historic charts and maps deepen understanding of Denmark’s maritime exploration.

Children’s Area and Interactive Learning

The museum has always catered to families, offering hands-on exhibits and a dedicated children’s area to spark curiosity about life at sea.

Visiting Information

Danish War Museum (Krigsmuseet)—Home to Naval Collections

• Location: Tøjhusgade 3, Copenhagen
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; closed Mondays
• Tickets: Adults approx. 95 DKK; discounts for children, students, and seniors; children under 18 enter free
• Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators and adapted restrooms (Danish War Museum)
• Public Transport:
  • Metro: Kongens Nytorv station, 10-minute walk
  • Bus: Several lines stop nearby
  • Parking: Limited; public transport recommended

Visitor Tips

• Arrive early or visit on weekdays to avoid crowds.
• Guided tours are available and recommended for deeper insight.
• Combine your museum visit with a stroll around Slotsholmen or the canals for a full day of history.

Museum’s Historic Ships at Holmen

Explore Cold War Naval Heritage

Holmen’s Nyholm area, once the beating heart of the Royal Danish Navy, now hosts three preserved Cold War vessels:

• Frigate HDMS Peder Skram (F352): The world’s first major warship with combined diesel and gas turbine propulsion. Explore the combat center, engine room, bridge, and crew quarters (Joshi Milestoner).
• Submarine Sælen: Tour its cramped quarters and torpedo bays for a firsthand look at submarine life.
• Missile Boat Sehested: Fast and agile, this vessel exemplifies Denmark’s coastal defense strategies.

Practical Information

• Location: Elefanten 2, DK-1439 Copenhagen K

• Opening Hours:

  • May 3 – June 28, 2025: Weekends
  • June 28 – August 24, 2025: Daily
  • August 30 – October 5, 2025: Weekends
  • October 11 – 19, 2025: Autumn holidays
  • Hours: 11:00 – 17:00

• Tickets: Purchase online (Buy Tickets) or onsite

• Audio Guides: Free onboard

• Accessibility: Ships have steep stairs and narrow passageways; contact in advance for special needs

• Transport:

  • Bus 9A: “Fabriksmestervej” stop
  • Harbour Bus 991/992: “Holmen Nord”
  • Canal Tours: Summer stops at “Elefanten”

• Parking: Limited; public transport preferred (Skibene på Holmen)

Research and Scholarly Activities

The museum fosters scholarship through ongoing research, a scholarly publication series (“MARINEHISTORISKE SKRIFTER”), and the quarterly “MARINEHISTORISK TIDSSKRIFT.” It collaborates with societies and organizes conferences to advance maritime studies (navalhistory.dk).

Partnerships and Societies

The Naval Historical Society and Friends of the Museum support research, lectures, and public programming, with membership benefits including free admission to several maritime museums and journals (navalhistory.dk).

Accessibility and Visitor Engagement

Both the Arsenal Museum and Holmen ships offer resources and programming for families, school groups, and scholars. Interactive and multimedia exhibits ensure an engaging experience, while events and collaborations with other cultural institutions further enrich Copenhagen’s historical landscape (MyCarMakesNoise).

Nearby Attractions

• Christiansborg Palace: Danish Parliament and royal reception rooms
• Copenhagen Canals: Scenic boat tours
• Nyhavn and Christianshavn: Picturesque harbors
• National Museum of Denmark: Broader historical context
• Viking Ship Museum (Roskilde) & Danish Maritime Museum (Elsinore): Complementary maritime experiences

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the original Royal Danish Naval Museum open?
A: No, it closed in 2016. Collections are now at the Royal Danish Arsenal Museum and on ships at Holmen.

Q: What are the current opening hours?
A: Danish War Museum: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 am–5:00 pm. Holmen ships: see seasonal schedule above.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: At the museum entrance or online. Holmen ship tickets can be booked in advance (Buy Tickets).

Q: Are the ships wheelchair accessible?
A: Accessibility is limited due to original ship design—contact staff for guidance.

Q: Is the museum family-friendly?
A: Yes—interactive exhibits, children’s areas, and hands-on activities.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, photography is allowed in most areas.

Plan Your Visit

Embark on an unforgettable maritime adventure in Copenhagen! Plan your journey using public transport, check seasonal hours for Holmen’s ships, and enhance your experience with audio guides and interactive content via the Audiala app.

For the most current information on tickets, hours, and exhibits, always consult the official museum websites:

• Royal Danish Naval Museum Official Website
• Skibene på Holmen
• Royal Danish Arsenal Museum

Visuals and Online Resources

For a preview of your visit, explore virtual tours and high-quality images of ship models, modern exhibits, and the iconic Mast Crane at Holmen. Use descriptive alt text such as “HDMS Peder Skram at Holmen” or “Copenhagen naval museum ship model.”

Final Tips

• Visit early or on weekdays for a quieter experience.
• Combine your museum visit with nearby historical attractions for a full day.
• Download the Audiala app for audio guides and augmented reality experiences.
• Follow museum social media for the latest news and special events.

Sources

• Visiting the Royal Danish Naval Museum: History, Tickets, Hours & Copenhagen’s Top Maritime Attraction, 2025, (Royal Danish Naval Museum Official Website)
• Royal Danish Naval Museum: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Exploring Copenhagen’s Historic Naval Heritage, 2025, (SpottingHistory)
• The Royal Danish Naval Museum: A Comprehensive Visitor’s Guide to Copenhagen’s Historic Maritime Treasure, 2025, (Royal Danish Arsenal Museum)
• Visiting the Museum’s Historic Ships at Holmen: Tickets, Hours & Copenhagen’s Naval Heritage, 2025, (Skibene på Holmen)
• Must-Visit Naval Museums Featuring Historic Ships and Submarines, 2025, (MyCarMakesNoise)
• About Frigate Peder Skram Copenhagen, 2025, (Joshi Milestoner)
• Danish War Museum, 2025, (Danish War Museum)
• Copenhagen Card Attractions, 2025, (Copenhagen Card)