Landmark · Indre By (Inner City)
Frihedsstotten
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Frihedsstotten (The Liberty Monument) is a prominent obelisk located at the intersection of Vesterbrogade and Gothersgade in Copenhagen's Indre By district. Erected in 1797, the monument celebrates the abolition of serfdom (stavnsbåndet) in Denmark in 1788. The obelisk is made of sandstone and stands about 20 meters tall, adorned with reliefs and inscriptions. At its base, four female figures represent virtues like Justice and Freedom, while the monument is surrounded by a small park with benches. The area is a busy traffic junction, but the monument itself offers a quiet spot for reflection. Visitors often pause to read the Danish inscriptions or take photos against the backdrop of the city. It's a lesser-known landmark compared to nearby attractions like Tivoli Gardens, but historically significant.
Don't miss
- Obelisk with carved reliefs and inscriptions
- Four allegorical female statues at the base
- Historical plaques explaining the monument's significance
- Nearby Vesterbrogade shopping street
- Close to Tivoli Gardens and Copenhagen Central Station
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Frihedsstotten
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Frihedsstotten with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inCopenhagen Christiania: Hidden Stories Self-Guided Adventure4.5★ · 10 travelers~1 hoursFree cancellationFrom$7 per personSee dates →
Best full dayGrand Day Trip around Copenhagen4.9★ · 2,205 travelers~9 hoursFree cancellationFrom$172 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleCopenhagen Private Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour)4.9★ · 180 travelers2–8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$81 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- Read about the history of serfdom in Denmark to appreciate the monument's significance.
- Combine with a walk along Vesterbrogade or a visit to Tivoli Gardens, just a few minutes away.
- Best photos taken from the side facing away from the sun.
- Watch for bicycles; the area is a busy bike route.
A bit of history
Commissioned by Crown Prince Frederik (later King Frederik VI) and designed by architect Andreas Kirkerup, the monument was unveiled on September 30, 1797, to commemorate the end of stavnsbåndet, a form of serfdom that tied peasants to the land. The reliefs depict scenes of agricultural life and liberation.
Common questions
What does Frihedsstotten mean?
It means 'The Liberty Monument' in Danish.
When was it built?
It was completed in 1797.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, it's an outdoor monument free to view.
How long should I spend here?
About 15-20 minutes is sufficient.
Can I climb the monument?
No, it's not accessible to climb; viewing is from ground level.
Is it near other attractions?
Yes, it's close to Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen Central Station, and the City Hall Square.
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