La Fontaine — Restaurant in Copenhagen Municipality

Many famous jazz artists have performed here during the clubs inauguration. And that is no coincidence. The club has a great atmosphere. It is relatively small (80-90 guests max) which adds to the feeling of intimacy you get during concerts where you will be close enough as to touch the musicians. It also means you should come early if you want a good chance of being able to sit down. Standing is not the worst either, though, as it allows you to mingle with the many jazz-loving guests that frequent La Fontaine. If this makes you imagine a crowd consisting only of long-bearded middle-aged men you'd be wrong. They certainly make up their fair share of the guests but one of the great things about La Fontaine is that it attracts people who love the music regardless of age and gender. In other words, expect a mix crowd with music as their common denominator.

Speaking of mixing (and shaking). Their menu consists of drinks and a few snacks. They have a decent selection of beer and a small number of high-quality cocktails and long drinks. Drinks are fairly priced (and well-made), especially considering the central location of the venue.

If you are looking for an authentic Copenhagen jazz experience, look no further, this is as...

La Fontaine is a hidden gem in the heart of Copenhagen, and it stands as one of the city’s oldest and most beloved jazz clubs. The venue exudes a warm and intimate charm, with its dim lighting, exposed brick walls, and cozy atmosphere that feels like stepping into a different era. Renowned for hosting some of the finest jazz musicians in Denmark and beyond, La Fontaine consistently delivers incredible live music that keeps both locals and tourists coming back.

One of the highlights of the week is the Sunday jam session, which offers free entrance—a rare treat in a city where entertainment can often be pricey. The jam session is a fantastic opportunity to witness talented musicians come together and improvise in a lively and relaxed setting. It’s an excellent choice for a casual night out, whether you’re a jazz enthusiast or just looking for something different.

However, La Fontaine’s popularity does come with a drawback—it can get very crowded, especially on weekends. While the bustling energy adds to the charm, it also means that finding a seat or moving around can be a challenge. Despite this, the incredible music and unique atmosphere make it well worth the visit for anyone seeking a memorable night of jazz...

During the 1970s I frequently went to Copenhagen on business. In those days La Fontaine usually didn't open until midnight, I often went there particularly to hear Finn Ziegler playing violin and vibraphone. It was a great place for listening to his music and dancing with pretty girls.

My favourite number was Hoagy Carmikel's 'Stardust' and I always asked Finn to play it but he usually said the bass player was not good enough. Then one night Niels Henning Orsted Pedersen was playing bass and they played it for me.

I'm going to Copenhagen next week, I'm delighted to read that La Fontaine is still operating, I intend to return to it more than 35 years since I was...