Vor Frelsers Kirkegård

Established in 1790, Vor Frelsers Kirkegård stands as a unique testament to Copenhagen’s history. The cemetery’s creation was a direct response to a growing problem. The existing cemeteries in Christianshavn were overflowing, unable to accommodate the rising number of burials. Vor Frelsers Kirkegård offered a solution, a new space for the departed. Vor Frelsers Kirkegård’s history is interwoven with the city’s own struggles against disease. The cholera outbreak of 1853 tragically underscored the need for change. Inner-city burials were subsequently banned, further solidifying Vor Frelsers Kirkegård’s importance. Vor Frelsers Kirkegård isn’t merely a place of rest. It’s a living chronicle, reflecting the evolution of Copenhagen’s urban landscape. The cemetery itself has undergone transformations over time. The brick wall encircling Vor Frelsers Kirkegård, for instance, wasn’t added until 1927. A more recent addition is the administration building, inaugurated in 2011. The cemetery also underwent a refurbishment in 2015. A central cobbled area now provides a peaceful space for reflection, surrounded by benches. Here, at the intersection of the cemetery’s two main avenues, visitors can pause and contemplate the stories held within these grounds. Vor Frelsers Kirkegård is the final resting place for a diverse range of individuals. Among them are notable figures like photographer Ole Brask, painter Edel Bærskog, jazz musician Ole Dixon, and film actress Else Frølich. These individuals, along with many others, contribute to the rich tapestry of lives commemorated within Vor Frelsers Kirkegård. Their presence underscores the cemetery’s role not just as a burial ground, but as a repository of Copenhagen’s vibrant cultural heritage. Vor Frelsers Kirkegård continues to serve the community, a quiet sanctuary amid the bustling city. It stands as a poignant reminder of Copenhagen’s past, a place where history and remembrance intertwine.