The Gefion Fountain is a large fountain on the harbour front in Copenhagen, Denmark. It features a large-scale group of oxen pulling a plow and being driven by the Norse goddess Gefjon. It is located in Nordre Toldbod area next to Kastellet and immediately south of Langelinie.
The fountain was donated to the city of Copenhagen by the Carlsberg Foundation on the occasion of the brewery's 50-year anniversary. It was originally supposed to be located in the main town square outside city hall, but it was decided instead to build it near the Øresund in its current location near Kastellet ("The Citadel").
It was designed by Danish artist Anders Bundgaard, who sculpted the naturalistic figures 1897–99. The basins and decorations were completed in 1908. The fountain was first activated on July 14, 1908.
The fountain underwent extensive renovations starting in 1999. The fountain was out of commission for many years, and was re-inaugurated in September 2004.
The fountain depicts the mythical story of the creation of the island of Zealand on which Copenhagen is located. The legend appears in Ragnarsdrápa, a 9th-century Skaldic poem recorded in the 13th century Prose Edda, and in Ynglinga saga as recorded in Snorri Sturluson's 13th century...
Read moreIf you like fine arts and sculptures don’t miss this incredible fountain in northern Copenhagen. ⛲️Gefjon was a goddess credited with ploughing Denmark, sounds a bit weird but that’s the legend anyway. Then again Denmark is the country in the world with the highest percentage of agricultural land area and the produce could feed 15 mio 🐄 people or 3 times the population so a statue celebrating farming is quite suitable after all.🐷
The Gefion Fountain is located on the harbour front in Copenhagen, Denmark. It features a large-scale group of oxen pulling a plow and being driven by the Norse goddess Gefjon. It is located in Nordre Toldbod area next to Kastellet and immediately south of Langelinie. The fountain was donated to the city of Copenhagen by the Carlsberg Foundation on the occasion of the brewery's 50-year anniversary. It was originally supposed to be located in the main town square outside city hall, but it was decided instead to build it near the Øresund in its current location near Kastellet ("The Citadel"). It was designed by Danish artist Anders Bundgaard, who sculpted the naturalistic figures 1897–99. The basins and decorations were completed in 1908. The fountain was first activated on...
Read moreThe Gefion Fountain (Gefionspringvandet) in Copenhagen is one of the most impressive and majestic fountains I’ve seen in Europe. Located near Kastellet and the harbor, it’s not only a beautiful work of art but also deeply rooted in Nordic mythology, which makes the visit even more meaningful.
The sculpture itself is powerful and dramatic — it depicts the Norse goddess Gefion driving a group of strong oxen, said to represent her sons, as they plow the land that formed Zealand, the island on which Copenhagen sits. The attention to detail in the stone and bronze work is truly remarkable. It’s dynamic, expressive, and full of motion, as if the scene is coming to life right in front of you.
What makes the experience even better is the setting. Surrounded by greenery, close to the Langelinie promenade and St. Alban’s Church, the area is calm and picturesque. It’s a great place to take a break, snap some photos, and enjoy the sound of the flowing water.
Whether you're interested in mythology, art, or just exploring beautiful spots in Copenhagen, the Gefion Fountain is definitely worth a visit. It’s free, easy to reach, and offers both cultural depth and scenic beauty. A hidden gem with a...
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