Sankt Petri Kirke

The German church in the Latin Quarter

Sankt Petri Kirke is the oldest surviving church in central Copenhagen and has been home to the city's German-speaking Evangelical Lutheran congregation for more than 400 years. It stands in the heart of the Latin Quarter at the corner of Nørregade and Sankt Peders Stræde, just a few steps from the cathedral Copenhagen Cathedral (Vor Frue Kirke), the university, and the Round Tower. Unlike many sights here, this isn't a museum – it's an active parish church, and that shapes both the atmosphere and the limited viewing hours.

History

Copenhagen's German congregation grew in size during the 16th century under King Christian II, as many immigrants arrived in the country; King Frederick II eventually granted the congregation Sankt Petri Kirke as its place of worship. The building as it stands today grew over centuries: the nave, tower and choir date back to the 15th century, while the south and north aisles were added in the 17th century.

In the late 1990s the church underwent a major restoration under architect Hans Munk Hansen; it has been managed by the Danish Palaces and Properties Agency since 1994. No closures or renovations are announced for the current season.

What to expect

The main draw is the three-wing complex of burial chapels, begun in 1643 and completed between 1681 and 1683. This ensemble is considered unique in the Nordic region and is the real reason to visit the church. Between the chapels lies a well-tended herb garden (urtegården), lending the place a quiet, almost monastic feel.

The church interior itself houses a few paintings and the altarpiece; whether these are on permanent display or only shown on certain occasions isn't reliably documented – so plan your visit mainly around the architecture and the burial chapels.

Visiting & practical info

Sankt Petri Kirke can only be viewed seasonally: from 1 April to 30 September, Wednesday to Saturday from 11:00 to 15:00. Outside this period there are no regular viewing hours. The window is narrow, so arrive early in the day if you want to be sure of getting in. Allow 30 to 45 minutes for the church, the burial chapels and the herb garden.

• Admission: the church itself is free to enter. The burial chapels cost 30 DKK per person without a guided tour, 25 DKK concession.
• Guided tours: in Danish and German, lasting around an hour, by request only via the church's online form – there are no fixed public time slots. Base fee 500 DKK for up to 10 people, 50 DKK per extra person, plus a 350 DKK tour guide surcharge; school groups pay special rates.
• Service: German-language service every Sunday at 11:00, followed by a church café.
• Contact: parish office at Larslejsstræde 11; further details on the official website.

Getting there & combining your visit

The church sits centrally in Indre By, Copenhagen's city centre, and is an easy walk from most central hotels; the shopping street Strøget is just a short stroll away. Given the narrow viewing window, it's worth building the visit into a walk through the old town: start at the neighbouring cathedral Copenhagen Cathedral (Vor Frue Kirke), then Sankt Petri Kirke, continue to the Round Tower with its spiral ramp, and finish along Strøget. For more ideas, see the overview of Copenhagen's attractions.