As previously mentioned in the section on Iceland, although there aren’t many cinemas there, it’s astonishing how every corner seems to be a movie filming location. It feels as if the entire place is a surreal film set, making anyone who visits feel like they’ve stepped into a hidden paradise—an unreal cinematic world. After leaving Iceland and continuing to other Nordic cities, I noticed that not many local films are shot in Scandinavia. But when I arrived in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, the most famous film shot there is undoubtedly "The Danish Girl." Just as Iceland has themed tours for "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," "The Danish Girl" also offers such a themed route, guiding viewers to discover those classic, exquisitely atmospheric locations in that both romantic and poignant cinematic world.
1. Nyboder
It’s truly stunning—whether you’re here to pay homage to "The Danish Girl" or not, I personally think this is a must-visit place.
Before Einar fully "awakened" into Lili, he/she encountered someone who stirred his/her sexual confusion. Einar was torn between resistance and attraction—his/her inner Lili urging him/her to follow this person into the yellow house, where more intimate moments further ignited the desire to become Lili.
This is probably the spot that most readers will find most intriguing. After all, it’s not a traditional tourist site in Copenhagen, but it’s my top recommendation. Here, I must also thank "The Danish Girl" for leading me to such an off-the-beaten-path yet beautiful place. In truth, film and travel can truly blend together. Many times, it’s through searching for movie scenes that I’ve discovered attractions beyond the typical tourist paths.
This row of yellow houses lies between several well-known attractions like Rosenborg Castle and the iconic Little Mermaid statue, yet there wasn’t a single tourist in sight. It gave me a rare moment of tranquility in the otherwise overly bustling city of Copenhagen. Personally, I felt it had a bit of the charm of Venice’s colorful island, except it was completely undiscovered by tourists, allowing me to "play" there for quite a while.
The actual filming location is at Nyboder on Suensonsgade, but in fact, the four or five adjacent streets are also lined with these identical little yellow houses. On the day I visited, there wasn’t a soul around, and as far as the eye could see were seemingly endless rows of small houses, creating a highly visual aesthetic. Originally built for Danish navy sailors, these houses are now mostly residential homes, so the interiors are not open to the public. Even just walking around outside is a feast for the eyes.
How to get there: A roughly 15-minute walk from Kongens Nytorv metro station, or at
2. Fredriks Kirke (The Marble Church)
I personally think this is one of the most beautiful buildings in the area, but unfortunately it was not open on the day I visited.
Just a few minutes' walk from the Yellow House, you’ll come across this magnificent church. In the movie, after moving to Paris, the protagonist catches a glimpse of this beautiful church as they leave their residence—it turns out it wasn’t Paris, but still in Copenhagen. This is a building I personally find more majestic than any other church in the old town.
Built in the 14th century, it originally served as a foundry before being converted into a church dedicated to the Royal Navy. It was also once used for royal weddings. The church is located near the Amalienborg Palace. From the palace square, a central axis allows you to take in the entire ensemble of key buildings, creating a truly imposing sight. Unfortunately, it was not open for visits on the day I went, so I didn’t get a chance to go inside.
How to get there: About a 10-minute walk from Kongens Nytorv Metro Station.
3. Nyhavn
Not visiting Nyhavn would really be a waste when in Copenhagen—it’s beautiful at any time of day or night. I highly recommend taking a boat tour to see the area from different angles. The reflections of the colorful houses in the boat’s windows offer another stunning view.
Einar and Gerda were the kind of couple others envied—both painters with shared interests, they lived happily by this beautiful fishing harbor. When Einar first disguised himself as Lili and walked around, he looked quite awkward, even puzzling the guard downstairs. But little did they know, this picturesque fishing harbor would eventually become the place where their relationship began to fall apart.
A further ten-minute walk from the Yellow House and the cathedral will bring you to Nyhavn—a place you’ll definitely want to visit in Copenhagen, whether or not you’ve seen *The Danish Girl*. Director Tom Hooper transformed it into a fishing harbor of the last century, and it’s truly one of the most famous tourist spots in the city, even in all of Denmark. A row of docks and a line of colorful houses, along with their reflections shimmering on the water, form its most iconic scenery. You might want to join a boat tour here, and then find a café or restaurant (if you can handle the prices in this, the city’s most expensive area) to watch the passersby—you might just find your perfect (and only) life partner, someone as devoted as Gerda.
I know that if you’re not visiting in summer, it’s hard to spot blue skies in Copenhagen. I strongly suggest that if you look out your window and see blue sky, don’t think twice—run here immediately. Because under a blue sky, the reflections of the colorful houses on the water are absolutely gorgeous. If you’ve bought a Copenhagen Card (the local city pass), don’t miss out on a “boat tour” here—the card includes a free boat ride. Looking back at Nyhavn from the water offers yet another beautiful perspective.
How to get there: About a 5-minute walk from Kongens Nytorv Metro Station.
4. R
Although it's a landmark building, the City Hall doesn't really have much to see. If you want to go up a "tower," there are plenty of options in the old town.
The greatest love in this world is the willingness to let go, to allow the person you love most to choose their own path, even to leave you. Einar came to the hospital and was able to appear in public as Lili for the first time. She could finally face the world without fear, registering for surgery under her female name and identity. It was a huge step toward freeing herself from the constraints of her male identity. Eddie Redmayne’s confident, heartfelt, and subtly charming smile remains, in my eyes, the best male performance at this year’s Oscars.
This scene was filmed at Copenhagen’s City Hall, though Tom Hooper transformed it into a hospital. The interior of the Town Hall isn’t particularly remarkable, as it’s mainly used for various exhibitions. Walking around, however, the classical atrium feels quite exquisite. It makes for a decent first or final stop on a long day exploring the old town. Visitors can climb to the top of the City Hall tower, which is also included with the Copenhagen
Card, but after circling the building several times, I couldn’t find the entrance.
How to get there: A about 5-minute walk from Copenhagen Central Station.
5. B ?sen
I’m not sure if it’s still an exchange or serves another purpose, but it’s not open to the public.
According to locals, this place was also used as a filming location, though I’ve honestly forgotten which scene. This ultra-classical building, constructed in 1620, was the first Chamber of Commerce building in all of Europe. Its most eye-catching feature is the spire, wrapped by the tails of four dragons. It’s a local landmark, functioning as a stock exchange and not open to visitors. Located on the must-see “Church Island,” it’s worth a glance when passing by.
How to get there: A about 5-minute walk from Kongens Nytorv Metro Station.
I’m not sure if this is the train station from the movie, but you’re bound to pass by it when in Copenhagen. It’s full of classic Nordic charm.
Being *The Danish Girl*, it naturally had to be filmed in Denmark’s capital. In fact, shooting locations are scattered all over the city, and some of Gerda’s paintings are even exhibited in local museums. However, some scenes are a bit far from the city center or weren’t open on the days I visited, so I didn’t make a special trip to see them. Though Copenhagen isn’t a place that completely won me over, its classical atmosphere as a modern capital city is genuinely captivating. After watching the entire movie, it’s hard to imagine that it was all filmed on location in a contemporary urban setting. Lastly, I thought long and hard but couldn’t confirm whether the train station farewell scene was shot at Copenhagen
Central Station—it’s absolutely stunning as well.
After exploring the film locations, I also watched two movies here. Ironically, in one of the world’s most expensive countries, ticket prices are still cheaper than in Hong Kong. I wonder which year Hong Kong will become the world’s most expensive city—stay tuned.
Suggested itinerary: If you’re keen on visiting the above filming spots, you can start like I did, from the City Hall, and head through B
Snaregade is also a filming location for another movie, where the male and female leads went on their first "date" at the beginning of the film. It also houses the oldest building in all of Copenhagen. On the day I visited, I couldn’t find the exact spot, only to later learn that it’s tucked away among the pedestrian streets of the old town—I actually walked right past it without realizing. If you’re interested, try searching on Google Maps; it’s super close to “Church Island.”
Next time, we’ll talk about cinemas in Copenhagen and a small film museum in Oslo, the capital of Norway.
Of course, there are also other attractions in Denmark and Copenhagen apart from those featured in *The Danish Girl*!
[Extended Reading]: Immersed in Icelandic Film Locations (Southern Part)
[Extended Reading]: Immersed in Icelandic Film Locations (Southwestern Part)
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