Explore some of the most significant footprints Carlsberg has set on the flourishing Carlsberg City District
1. J.C. Jacobsen's beautiful garden
The garden, designed and laid out by Carlsberg's founder J.C. Jacobsen, was initially created for private use by his family, then for the residents of the Carlsberg Academy who, among other, physicist Niels Bohr counts, and today it is used as a public urban space. The brewer travelled a lot in Europe and brought home many rare plants, trees, and growths, which were planted in the garden. In the garden, you will also find the draught horses' paddock.
Where? Find the entrances here: Google Maps
2. See the iconic Elephant Gate
In 1901, Carl Jacobsen, son of Carlsberg's founder, built the Elephant Gate, intended as an access gate to New Carlsberg Brewery from the Valby side. The elephants symbolise Carl and Otilia's four surviving children: Theodora, Vagn, Helge, and Paula, whose initials are written on each of the elephants' blankets. Carl chose the elephant as a symbol of faithfulness and strength. It is the architect Vilhelm Dahlerup who is behind the Elephant Gate, which is also known for other iconic buildings in Carlsberg Byen.
3. The Dipylon Gate
The Dipylon Gate was built in 1892 by architect Vilhelm Dahlerup, which you have already read about a few times. The gate, whose name in ancient Greek means double gate, was the entrance portal to Ny Carlsberg Brewery from the Vesterbro side. Initially, the gate housed two malt chambers and functioned as a bell tower. On the gate's facade, J.C.'s "golden words" decorate, which originates from the brewer's will. On the opposite side, nine people from the Carlsberg family and the close circle are depicted in tile paintings.
Where? Ny Carlsberg vej
4. The Star Gate – the border between new and old
Standing at Kridttårnet (The Chalk Tower), don't look far for the Star Gate. The Star Gate, together with Kridttårnet, marks the original entrance to the Old Carlsberg, which J.C. Jacobsen built in 1847. His son Carl founded New Carlsberg Brewery in 1881, located side by side with the old brewery. The Star Gate carries the 12-pointed star – a symbol of Old Carlsberg.
5. The lighthouse that glowed in the dark
Kridttårnet (The Chalk Tower) is a lighthouse from 1883, located in the middle of the Carlsberg City District. The lighthouse was strategically located on top of Valby Bakke and was one of the first places in Copenhagen to be equipped with electric light at the same time as the brewery. From here, it could light up the darkness. The architect P.C. Bønecke is the master behind the lighthouse or the so-called Chalk Tower, which, despite its name, is built of limestone.
6. Play your way through Carlsberg's story
Home of Carlsberg, among other things, consists of a large, interactive exhibition in the old grain store. Through a 3000 m² digital exhibition, you can play your way through the history of Carlsberg, interact with screens, and save memories along the way on a personal, digital wristband. Here, you can e.g., learn more about the visionary brewer family and the science behind beer. You will also find one of the world's largest bottle collections in the cellar, with over 22,000 unopened bottles.
Where? Home of Carlsberg
7. Meet the Little Mermaid's sister in the Sculpture Garden
In the old brewery area, where Home of Carlsberg is now located, you will find the beautiful Sculpture Garden. There is free entry for anyone who wants to see a small section of the Carlsberg family's art collection. The Little Mermaid's sister sits at the end of the quiet oasis and looks at the garden so innocently. Did you know that the Little Mermaid was a gift to Copenhagen from Carl Jacobsen? It is just one of many artistic footprints he has left behind in Copenhagen.
Where? Home of Carlsberg
8. Visit the majestic draught horses
You can't say Carlsberg without mentioning the iconic draught horses. Everyone can visit the stable and meet our four-legged friends for free. The draught horses are an essential part of Carlsberg's history. It started in 1847 with 14 horses, who transported beer around to the pubs in Copenhagen. At its peak, there were up to 250. Today, there are 5 draught horses and three ponies in the stable. Since they have to be trained and exercised daily, they are out pulling the horse carriage every day around the city.
Where? Home of Carlsberg, in the stable.
9. The tiny Yeast Tower
The small Yeast Tower, just outside Carl's Villa, was built in 1905. Here, the gate guard controlled traffic on Ny Carlsberg Vej and the entrance to the villa. The tower was nicknamed the Yeast Tower when the guard sold surplus yeast from production to private customers, which ceased in 1988. The tower is built in red and glazed bricks, and the roof is covered with copper.
Where? Valby Langgade 1, 1799 København V
10. The remarkable Winding Chimney
Can a chimney of an industrial brewery be beautiful? Yes! Carl Jacobsen wanted to prove that when he built the Winding Chimney at his factory brewery. The utterly unique chimney remains enthroned in Carlsberg Byen. The chimney was built in 1900 and is 56 meters high. Gargoyles are placed around the chimney, inspired by those sitting in the Notre Dame Church in Paris. You can keep finding new details on the chimney, a listed building today.