Protestant church, Church, Tourist attraction
Grundtvigs Kirke
Named for theologian NFS Grundtvig, this 1920s church in Bispebjerg merges expressionism and Gothic architecture, with a western facade shaped like a church organ and an interior of unadorned yellow brick.
The story
Peder Vilhelm Jensen-Klint designed the church in the early 20th century, and his son Kaare Klint, later an icon of modern Danish furniture design, completed it. Built entirely of yellow brick, it appears suddenly and monumentally as you turn the corner, and some know it as the 'Shrek church'. Inside, clean, sinuous lines, tall arches and high ceilings fuse Gothic and minimalist aesthetics, with natural light shifting across the carefully arranged brickwork. Chairs woven from natural fibre soften the austere space, and the very large organ is often heard playing. Candles and postcards are offered on an honesty-box basis. Opposite lies a cemetery that doubles as a public park and is famous for its spring cherry blossoms.
Good to know
TAGGG AI- ✦Entry is free and there is no need to buy tickets in advance.
- ✦Weekday middays tend to be quieter, and you may catch the organ being played.
- ✦Take the DSB train toward Farum to Emdrup station, then walk about 13 minutes to the church.