Assistens Churchyard Copenhagen (2026): Famous Graves, Hours & Map

TLDR: Assistens Churchyard (Assistens Kirkegård) in Copenhagen's Nørrebro district is the final resting place of fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen and philosopher Søren Kierkegaard. It is 100% free to visit and famously doubles as a beloved public park where locals stroll, read, and sunbathe during the summer.

Located in the vibrant Nørrebro neighborhood, Assistens Churchyard is unlike any graveyard you have likely visited. Established in 1760 outside the old city walls, it has evolved into a lush, green oasis. Today, it serves a dual purpose: a resting place for Denmark's most notable historical figures and a popular recreational park for Copenhageners.

This guide covers the 2026 opening hours, local etiquette, and where the most fascinating and famous graves are.

Towards the bottom, you can also see opening hours for Assistens Cemetery.

What's the story behind Assistens Churchyard?

Assistens was established in 1760 and was initially set up to ease the congestion in the city's crowded cemeteries. Thus it was called "Assistens" meaning the assisting cemetery. At this point in time, the cemetery was outside the city walls. Today, it's part of vibrant Nørrebro thanks to the growth of Copenhagen.

Over time, Assistens Cemetery transformed into a peaceful area with grand trees and meandering paths.

The stories of Hans Christian Andersen, Søren Kierkegaard, Niels Bohr, and many more are interwoven into the very fabric of this historic cemetery, making it a must-visit destination for tourists seeking a tranquil escape and a glimpse into Denmark's illustrious past.

Who is buried at Assistens Cemetery?

Lots of notable Danish people are buried at Assistens. Look for the yellow signposts near the entrances, which point toward the most visited sites.

• Hans Christian Andersen (Plot P): The world-famous author of The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling. His tall, simple gravestone is the most visited in the cemetery.
• Søren Kierkegaard (Plot A): The father of existentialism. His family plot is located near the main path.
• Niels Bohr (Plot Q): The Nobel Prize-winning physicist who revolutionized atomic theory.
• Natasja Saad (Plot J): The iconic Danish reggae, rapper and dancehall singer who tragically passed away in 2007.
• Dan Turèll (Plot B): A beloved Danish author. You will often see his grave covered in pens and joints left by fans.

Where to find the famous graves at Assistens Cemetery?

Assistens Churchyeard is a large area to cover, so if you're seeking some specific grave sites, use the official map - you can find it here.  

What is the "cemetery park" etiquette?

One of the biggest surprises for tourists is seeing locals having picnics, reading, or even sunbathing among the tombstones. In Copenhagen, Assistens is treated as a public park.

• The Etiquette: It is perfectly acceptable to sit on the grass and enjoy the sun. However, you must stay away from the active burial plots (often marked by low, manicured hedges) and maintain a respectful, quiet volume.
• Bicycles: Cycling is allowed on designated paths, but you should stick to marked routes and be mindful of pedestrians.

How to get to Assistens Cemetery?

It is easy to get to Assistens Cemetery:

• Metro: Take the M3 (Cityring) to Nørrebros Runddel. The station is at the northeastern corner of the cemetery.
• Bus: Line 5C stops right outside the main gates on Nørrebrogade.
• Walking/Cycling: It is about a 10-15 minute bike ride or a 25-minute walk from the central lakes (Dronning Louises Bro)

Are there guided tour on Assistens Cemetery?

On Assistens Cemetery there are multiple options for guided tours, including:

• StoryHunt's self-guided tours: This is the most flexible option to go on a guided tour on Assistens Cemetery – multiple of these take place in and around Assistens.
• Free guided tours with physical guides: Several times a week there are guided tours on the cemetery at certain times – read more about it here.
• Guided tours for groups of up to 10 people: If you're a larger group you can book your own guide - read more about it here.

Is there an app for Assistens Cemetery?

There is no official app for the Assistens Cemetery. However, you can explore the cemetery and its surroundings with the StoryHunt app which features several guided tours in and around Assistens Cemetery – including the Official Assistens Guided Audio Tour.

You can also download the StoryHunt app here.

What else should I experience in Copenhagen?

Once you've visited Assistens, there's plenty more to explore around the city. Here are a few suggestions:

• Nørrebro: You're already in the neighborhood – take a stroll down Nørrebrogade and check out Superkilen, one of Copenhagen's most colorful parks.
• Christiania: The freetown is a truly unique experience with its own atmosphere, street art, and green surroundings – read more here.
• Nyhavn: The colorful houses along the canal are a must-see, and from here you can hop on a canal tour.
• Tivoli: The world's second-oldest amusement park is right in the heart of the city – see opening hours and prices here.
• The Little Mermaid: Now that you've visited H.C. Andersen's grave, why not see the statue of his most famous character at Langelinie?