Copenhagen MonsTour

Denmark's rich folklore is filled with strange creatures that once terrified the pre-industrial population. On this walking tour of central Copenhagen, you'll discover the mythological beasts and legendary monsters that lurk behind the city's picturesque façades. From sturgeon-like dragons to vengeful trolls and mysterious merfolk, you'll experience the capital's most famous landmarks through the lens of their supernatural connections.

The tour starts at Copenhagen Central Station, where you'll cross to Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's oldest amusement parks. You'll weave through the historic Glyptotek gardens to encounter a fearsome troll statue, then continue past the Town Hall with its famous Dragon Fountain depicting a Lindorm—Denmark's unique serpent-like dragon. Along the way, you'll discover how ancient beliefs merged with Christianity as trolls began throwing boulders at churches and dragons coiled around sacred buildings.

You'll explore Slotsholmen (Castle Island), where Copenhagen's first fortress was built, and learn about the notorious prison where accused witches confessed to conversing with the devil. The tour continues along the waterfront past the Royal Library's Black Diamond building, which houses Denmark's largest collection of folk legends. You'll see a unique mermaid statue marking the former location of Mermaid Island and hear tales of sea monks captured in nearby waters. The tour ends at an underwater sculpture inspired by the ballad of Agnethe and the Merman, which provided inspiration for H.C. Andersen's famous stories.

Highlights of this 90-minute tour:

• View the 19th-century Troll Scenting Christian Blood statue and learn why trolls were said to hurl boulders at Danish churches
• Examine the Dragon Fountain in Town Hall Square and discover the unique lifecycle and characteristics of the Lindorm, Denmark's serpentine dragon
• See the original Royal Coat of Arms featuring wild men believed to be related to Norse giants and medieval trolls
• Walk through the courtyard where King Christian III once kept a captured Sea Monk in the castle moat
• Explore the former site of Havfrueholmen (Mermaid Island) where mermaids—or possibly seals—were once spotted basking in the sun
• Learn about the notorious Blåtårn (Blue Tower) prison and its dreaded Troll Hole where prisoners were lowered to live out their final days
• Discover how H.C. Andersen's fairy tales were influenced by Danish folklore and his own shocking experiences
• View the underwater sculpture of Agnethe and the Merman, illuminated by green lights beneath the canal's surface

Follow in the footsteps of trolls, lindorms, and merfolk as you uncover the supernatural side of Copenhagen that most tourists never see. This tour combines must-see landmarks with fascinating folklore for a uniquely Danish experience.