Copenhagen is celebrated for its design, history, and vibrant culture. While there are iconic spots that often top travel lists, a lesser-known yet profoundly impressive structure awaits discovery in the Bispebjerg district: Grundtvig’s Church, known in Danish as Grundtvigs Kirke.
This stunning building is more than just a place of worship; it is an architectural marvel and a rare example of Expressionist design. Since I travel with a focus on architecture, I had to find my y thereway. If you’re looking for a truly unique experience in the Danish capital, a visit to Grundtvig’s Church is a must.
When I cycled from Berlin to Copenhagen in September 2024, I had time to explore the city before returning home.
One of the places that I was more eager to visit was Grundtvig’s Church. This place has been on my list of places to visit since I first learned about it on Instagram. And when I finally got there, it was all worth it.
Erected to commemorate the influential Danish pastor, poet, philosopher, historian, and reformer Nikolaj Frederik Severin Grundtvig (1783-1882), Grundtvig’s Church stands as a mighty homage. Grundtvig’s ideas on education, religion, the church, and national identity profoundly shaped Danish society, and the desire to honor his legacy led to a design competition in 1913. The winning vision came from architect Peder Vilhelm Jensen-Klint.
Exploring Grundtvig’s Church: Copenhagen’s Awe-Inspiring Architectural Icon
P.V. Jensen-Klint undertook an ambitious journey to create a design for Grundtvig’s Church that was both modern and deeply rooted in Danish tradition. He meticulously studied Danish village churches, particularly those on the island of Zealand, with their characteristic stepped gables.
These traditional building techniques, materials, and decorative elements became foundational to his design. He merged the clean, geometric forms of Brick Expressionism with the soaring verticality of Gothic architecture. The result of this visual experiment is a structure often referred to in modern terms as a Gothic cathedral, yet it defies simple categorization.
The construction of Grundtvig’s Church began after World War I, with the foundation stone laid on Grundtvig’s birthday, September 8, 1921. The main building phase lasted until 1926, with the tower section completed first, leading to an initial inauguration of the “Tower Church” in 1927.
Sadly, P.V. Jensen-Klint passed away in 1930 before the entire structure was finished. The immense task was entrusted to his son, Kaare Klint, a renowned architect and designer, who saw the project through to its completion in 1940.
The most visually interesting feature of Grundtvig’s Church is undoubtedly its west facade. From the pictures I took during my visit, you can see that it looks like the exterior of a church organ. It rises dramatically, guiding the eye skyward. This imposing facade incorporates the 49-meter-tall bell tower. The tower’s lower half is constructed from simple brickwork that makes the top shine even more. At the same time, the upper reaches present a remarkable, rippling surface that seems almost fluid despite its solid construction.
The sheer scale is impressive, but what truly sets Grundtvig’s Church apart is its construction material: approximately six million pale yellow bricks. This traditional Danish building material was used almost exclusively, giving the church a monolithic appearance. The choice of yellow brick bathes the structure in a soft glow, particularly when touched by sunlight, and was intended to represent ascension, literally and spiritually. The church’s pale color is a bit unusual, and it makes the entire building look like an ice palace.
An Interior of Calm Grandeur
Stepping inside Grundtvig’s Church is an experience of serene monumentality. The nave was designed with generous dimensions, and there weren’t many people there during my visit, so it was clear to me that this church was put together with an atmosphere of profound calm and contentment in mind. Despite its immense size, it is capable of holding a congregation similar in number to Copenhagen Cathedral.
This tranquility is largely due to the consistent use of the same brickwork seen on the exterior, forming the sole decoration. The clean lines and lack of ornate embellishments allow the architectural forms and the quality of light to speak for themselves. In completing the interior, Kaare Klint also designed the distinctive chairs for Grundtvig’s Church – elegant, simple chairs made of beech wood with wickerwork seats, which have since become Danish furniture design classics.
Every time I visit a historic church, I watch for the organs they might have. And the Grundtvig’s Church has something important to show since the church houses two notable organs. The first organ I saw was the one located on the north side of the nave. It was built in 1940 by Marcussen & Søn, with its facade designed by Kaare Klint.
On the western end of the nave, a much larger Marcussen instrument was added in 1965, and its facade was designed by Kaare Klint’s son, Esben Klint. This one is a more impressive organ, and it boasts 55 stops. Also, I learned about this later; its longest pipe, at 11 meters, is the longest in Scandinavia, weighing 425 kg.
The vision for Grundtvig’s Church extended beyond the church building itself. The architectural scheme included constructing a series of buildings flanking the church, collectively known as “På Bjerget” (On the Hill). These structures house the parish hall and apartments and were built between 1924 and 1926.
Built from the same colored brick, these architects created a symmetrical and harmonious context, enhancing the church’s visual impact with a collection of buildings that surround it in a gorgeous way. I cycled around the area for a few moments before stopping by the church, and I loved how the entire neighborhood looked.
Why Grundtvig’s Church in Copenhagen Demands a Visit
Even though it’s a little outside the city center, Grundtvig’s Church in the Bispebjerg district is easily accessible by public transport, so arriving there is not a problem. Or you can do what I did and cycle from the city center!
Its unique architecture, the story of its creation, and the peaceful atmosphere make it a rewarding destination for anyone interested in architecture and history or simply looking to see something outside of the main tourist spots in Copenhagen. If this is you, don’t forget to also check out what I wrote about the Copenhill and the Second World War graffiti!
The interplay of light on the millions of pale bricks, the soaring interior, and the sheer originality of its design ensure that Grundtvig’s Church will be a memorable highlight of any Copenhagen visit. It’s more than just a building; it’s an experience that resonates long after you’ve left. You shouldn’t miss it!
Discover Grundtvig’s Church: A Unique Expressionist Gem in Copenhagen
På Bjerget 14B, 2400
Copenhagen, Denmark
