Denmark’s oldest bakery calls. Founded in 1652, Sankt Peder still delights Copenhagen locals today. It sits nestled in the heart of the city. Sankt Peder boasts a history as rich and layered as its pastries.
Most buildings around Sankt Peder date back to after the Copenhagen Fire of 1795. Sankt Peder’s strategic location places it within Copenhagen’s vibrant Latin Quarter. This area is known for restaurants and shops.
St. Peter’s Church first appears in records from 1304. Sankt Peder Stræde derives its name from this church. In 1497, the Carmelite priory from Helsingør acquired property here. They intended to use it as a college for brothers to live and lecture. The college had ties to the University of Copenhagen. The university was then located at the corner of Studiestræde and Nørregade. After the Reformation, the Carmelite college closed.
The Copenhagen Fire of 1795 almost completely destroyed Sankt Peder Stræde. Houses were rebuilt. Minor merchants and craftsmen primarily resided here. Until the second half of the 19th century, Copenhagen’s Western Rampart stood at the street’s far end. In 1855, the Teglgårdsbroen pedestrian bridge crossed the City Moat. However, it disappeared in 1874.
One notable survivor of the 1795 fire stands at number 3 Sankt Peder. Built in 1732 by coppersmith Povl Badstuber, Povl Badstuber’s House remains a testament to the past. Valkendorfs Kollegium, the oldest dormitory associated with the University of Copenhagen, also calls Sankt Peder home. Christopher Valkendorf founded it in 1589. He acquired the former Carmelite priory. The current building dates to 1866. Christian Hansen designed it.
The Studiegården complex incorporates numbers 5, 13, and 15 Sankt Peder. The University of Copenhagen uses this complex. Number 13 dates back to 1753. A former girls’ school stands at number 4. It overlooks St. Peter’s garden. Jens Juel Eckersberg designed the building in 1858. He was the son of painter Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg.
At number 34 Sankt Peder, you will find the boutique hotel SP34. Fantask, Copenhagen’s largest cartoon shop, is a two-story building at number 18. Restaurant Bror, opened by two former Noma chefs, was located at 24A in 2013.
Sankt Peder’s true star shines every Wednesday. This bakery is famous for its “Wednesday snail”. These cinnamon-scented, sugar-crystal-topped coils of dough draw lines. Introduced in 1988, the Wednesday snail is roughly twice the size of a normal kanelsnegle. Sankt Peder now offers them throughout the week. But the Wednesday discount remains a beloved tradition. Arrive early. These treats sell out fast.
So, come and taste the history. Let the aroma of cinnamon and sugar transport you back in time at Sankt Peder.