Places of Worship – Grundtvig’s Church
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Belief: Protestant Christianity
Era: 1927 CE
Grundtvig’s Church is an architectural gem located in the Bispebjerg area of the capital of Denmark, Copenhagen. Plans for the Church were launched in 1913 as a memorial to the great Danish philosopher, but were stalled by the First World War. The Church was designed by the architect Peder Vilhelm Klint. Eventually, the foundation stone was laid in 1921, and after 5 years of construction, the Church was inaugurated in 1927.
The architect had also designed the housing surrounding the Church to fit in with the master plan and to complement the Church’s style. The homes were designed to provide high-quality housing at a lower cost using the same yellow bricks and red tile roofs for the working-class people of the city.
Christianity arrived in Denmark in the 8th century during the era of the Vikings, when most of Europe had adopted various sects of Christianity. One of the first Christian missions to Denmark was in 710, led by Archbishop Willibrord from England. With the early exposure to the new faith, Vikings still held on to their old Norse deities such as Odin and Thor.
By the time of King Harald Bluetooth, most of the Viking community had accepted Christianity. After the Reformation in mainland Europe, Lutheranism became more popular and was established as the main religion of Denmark.
The Church is named after one of the most famous Danish Lutheran philosophers, Nikolaj Frederik Severin Grundtvig (1783 – 1872). Grundtvig was a philosopher, spiritual leader and also a prolific poet and writer who left a lasting impact on Danish culture. He believed that Christian theology and ancient Nordic mythology were complementary in the psyche of the people of Denmark. He also advocated for a separation between the Church and the secular realm of the state.
The Church is striking through its unique design. The West Façade looks like a traditional Church organ topped by a 49 metres high bell tower. The inside of the Church has a Gothic feel to it and seats over 1,400 worshippers. It has a very high vaulted ceiling.
References:
- Nationalmuseet, Christianity comes to Denmark, https://en.natmus.dk/historical-knowledge/denmark/prehistoric-period-until-1050-ad/the-viking-age/religion-magic-death-and-rituals/christianity-comes-to-denmark/ accessed on 15 January 2026
- Grundtvigs Kirke, https://www.grundtvigskirke.dk/kirken/about-the-church- accessed on 15 January 2026
