In a cul-de-sac off Istedgade is this imposing red-brick wall, its gate leading to the delightful Skydebanehaven (Shooting Range Gardens). While it might look medieval, the wall dates back to 1887. At the time, this was the site of the Royal Copenhagen Shooting Society and the wall was built to protect locals from stray bullets. The club's target was parrot shaped, leading to the popular Danish saying 'You've shot the parrot there', used to refer to someone's good fortune.

Today, the playground pays tribute to this past with a parrot-shaped slide.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. V1 Gallery

0.33 MILES

Part of the Kødbyen (Vesterbro's 'Meatpacking District'), V1 is one of Copenhagen's most progressive art galleries. Cast your eye on fresh work from…

2. Fotografisk Center

0.33 MILES

Hidden away in a warehouse in the 'brown-brick' section of the Meatpacking District, the Fotografisk Center serves up rotating exhibitions of contemporary…

3. Tycho Brahe Planetarium

0.37 MILES

Explore the heavens at Copenhagen's planetarium, with its state-of-the-art equipment capable of projecting more than 7500 stars, planets and galaxies in…

4. Tivoli Gardens

0.6 MILES

Dating from 1843, tasteful Tivoli wins fans with its dreamy whirl of amusement rides, twinkling pavilions, carnival games and open-air stage shows…

5. Rådhuspladsen

0.72 MILES

The square outside Copenhagen's Rådhus (City Hall) unites the busy thoroughfare of Vestrobrogade and the bustling Strøget pedestrian street. While the…

6. Rådhus

0.73 MILES

Completed in 1905, Copenhagen's national Romantic-style city hall is the work of architect Martin Nyrop. Inside is the curious Jens Olsen's World Clock,…

7. Rådhus Tower

0.73 MILES

You can climb the 105m city hall tower for a commanding view of Tivoli Gardens and the city centre.

8. Cykelslangen

0.73 MILES

Two of the Danes greatest passions – design and cycling – meet in spectacular fashion with Cykelslangen, or Cycle Snake. Designed by local architects…