Mogwai – 30 Years Anniversary Tour
Scottish post-rock pioneers celebrate three decades of atmospheric soundscapes at the Copenhagen Opera House.
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Copenhagen Opera House
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Highlights of 2026
5
London Symphonic Rock Orchestra
Rock classics meet orchestral power in the stunning atmosphere of Operaen, Holmen.
Alison Moyet: 2026 Tour
The legendary voice of Yazoo returns, performing her greatest hits live at the Opera House.
ASKEPOT – The Musical
Experience a magical reimagining of Cinderella as a grand musical at the Copenhagen Opera House.
Copenhell Camping – Own Tent Space
Secure your camping spot for the Copenhell festival at Kløverparken. Perfect for rock fans with their own tent.
The Copenhagen Opera House, known as Operaen, is Denmark's national opera house and one of the most modern and expensive opera houses in the world. Located on the island of Holmen in Copenhagen's harbor, it sits directly across the water from Amalienborg Palace. The building was designed by architect Henning Larsen and was donated to the Danish state by the A.P. Møller and Chastine Mc-Kinney Møller Foundation. It was officially inaugurated on January 15, 2005, in the presence of Queen Margrethe II. The architecture is characterized by its massive overhanging roof and a facade made of German Jura limestone. Inside, the auditorium is decorated with real gold leaf and can accommodate approximately 1,500 guests. The structure consists of 14 floors, five of which are located below sea level, and contains more than 1,000 rooms. The house's acoustics are regarded as excellent, having been developed using cutting-edge technology, making it a world-class venue for premier international opera and ballet performances.
- Location: Denmark
- Nearby: Carlsberg Byen (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 61 | 48 | 43 | 34 | 47 | 64 | 69 | 83 | 54 | 70 | 62 | 63 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The opera house is open for performances, and guided behind-the-scenes tours are usually offered when no rehearsals are taking place. From outside, you can admire the distinctive glass and steel roof anytime from the harbor.
Typical hours
Tours typically run multiple times a day, while performances usually start in the evening. Exact times should be checked on the opera house's official website.
Photography
Photography is usually allowed without flash in the public areas of the opera house, while it is often prohibited in the auditoriums during performances. Outside, the harbor promenade provides excellent angles for photos of the building.
Time needed
A guided tour lasts about an hour, while attending an opera performance including intermission takes around three hours. If you only admire the exterior, 20 minutes suffice.
Combine with
The opera house is situated on Copenhagen's harbor and can be combined with a walk to nearby Nyhavn or the Royal Library. Visiting the adjacent Royal Theatre is also a good option.
Getting there
The opera house is accessible by bus or on foot from Østerport station. Parking is limited, so using public transport is recommended.
Insider tip
Book tours in advance online as they often sell out, especially during peak season. For the best photos, arrive in the late afternoon when the sun lights the glass roof golden.
Geography
Facts
- Opened on January 15, 2005, by the Danish Queen
- Total construction cost was 2.5 billion Danish Krones
- Contains 14 floors in total (5 levels below ground)
- The main auditorium seats approximately 1,500 people
- The ceiling is adorned with 105,000 sheets of gold leaf
- The total floor area of the building is 41,000 square meters
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Copenhagen Opera House (1)
Christiania Beach🎡 recreation
Located not far from the Copenhagen Opera House, Christiania Beach provides a fascinating urban beach experience right in Denmark. At this waterfront area, visitors can easily enjoy the water and fully absorb the spirited Copenhagen flair. The atmosphere is notably unconventional and highly relaxed, making the beach an interesting excursion destination. On warm days, this is the absolute great spot to sit and watch the bustling activity by the water.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Opera House located?
On the island of Holmen, directly opposite Amalienborg Palace.
Who designed the building?
Architect Henning Larsen designed this modern masterpiece.
Can you visit the Opera House without a ticket?
You can visit the foyer or book a guided tour of the building.
What is the best way to get there?
The best way is by harbour bus (Havnebus) which stops right outside.
Was the Opera House expensive?
Yes, it is one of the most expensive opera houses in the world.
Copenhagen Opera House: where is it located?
Copenhagen Opera House is located in Denmark.
Copenhagen Opera House: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Copenhagen Opera House: why is it worth visiting?
The Copenhagen Opera House, known as Operaen, is Denmark's national opera house and one of the most modern and expensive opera houses in the world.
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