Assistens Kirkegården

As someone who has lived in America for a big portion of my life, I was brought up to think of cemeteries as a place you only went to visit a grave.
When I moved back to Denmark I realized that that was not the case here! Cemeteries are used a lot as a park here. Assistens Cemetery is a beautiful place though, so I can see why it’s used so much as a park!
Whenever I’m in the area I absolutely love to come here for a little stroll and sometimes if the weather is good, sit on the grass with some friends enjoying the weather.
The famous Hans Christian Andersen is buried here as well and they have signs directing you to his grave.

I started reading Kierkegaard in high school, read him again in college, read more of him in grad school, and even taught his «Fear and Trembling» (1843) in an Introduction to Ethics course. Finding his tombstone was high on my list of Copenhagen to-do’s.
The cemetery is easy for tourists like me to find: it’s just off of Nørrebrogade. Posted throughout the cemetery are signs that list the «notable people» buried there and maps on which their plots are marked. Thus it was not difficult at all to find Kierkegaard’s grave. Thank goodness I didn’t have to ask someone for help and try to remember to pronounce «Kierkegaard» the way that Danish people do (that is, NOT «Kierke — guard.») Had I thought ahead I would have also tried to find Regine Olsen’s grave, too. Her married name turned out to be Regine Schlegel, so that is what it would be listed under. A Google search reveals that her tombstone was stolen in 2002 (!) and I am not sure whether it has been returned or replaced.
The cemetery is very attractive and park-​like, though no more or less so than the other Copenhagen cemeteries through which I have walked. Running through cemeteries and walking dogs in cemeteries are no-no’s in the United States, but apparently it is acceptable to do so here. The map marks which of the paths are also friendly for cyclists.
I understand that there are also guided tours (in Danish) through the cemetery on some Sundays for DKK 50. There were also signs for a production of Dostoevsky’s short story «Krotkaja» (adult tickets DKK 195, $ 27) that takes place in the cemetery chapel. The show is running now through June. I can’t imagine a better place to see a Dostoevsky short story in which suicide features prominently!

It’s a cemetery, but it’s also a park and I promise you it won’t be creepy to hang out and lay on the grass.
The place is gorgeous. I know the long yellow brick walls around it don’t really leave you curious to go in, but you should.
Walking around the graves you may see a bunch of famous Danish personalities, from writers to architects, but they are all long gone, so you won’t have any souls haunting your Copenhagen time, don’t worry!
Come walk around, sit down and enjoy a nice afternoon. Could be an interesting choice for a first date, or to bring the kids.

Probably the nicest cemetery and most welcoming one I’ve ever been to. Great spot for picnics, bike rides, strolls and jogs. On the weekends they have flea markets which is fun to rummage through.

A delightful walk through the gravestones. Good for either a contemplative stroll, or a romantic wander.
There’s some recognizable names — Søren Kierkegaard is probably the top of that list — but it’s less of a pilgrimage location than some other graveyards I’ve visited.
For those visiting a particular plot — or just with a green thumb — there are watering cans and a spigot. Bring a coin for the grocery-​cart-​style deposit system.
There are a few people on bikes, but they weren’t a problem; it really is too nice a place to rush.
Definitely worth spring, summer, fall, and winter visits if you’re around for the turn of seasons — this place is timeless without feeling old.