Copenhagen Marathon 2026 is approaching on the horizon. And if you can’t quite feel the butterflies in your stomach yet, we’re happy to help awaken them by revealing this year’s course.

A fantastic journey awaits you. This year’s course takes you through many different neighbourhoods in Copenhagen and shows the city from its very best side. Along the way you will pass historic castles, modern architecture and beautiful parks. You will cross some of the city’s most stunning bridges and run past many of the amazing sights the city has to offer.

Here are nine selected spots along the course that you can look forward to.

1. Runners Area (0 km)
As always, the race starts on Østre Allé next to Fælledparken. This is where the heart of Copenhagen Marathon is located: the Runners Area. The Runners Area is like a small festival for runners, filled with music and great atmosphere. It is also where you can store your bag, use the toilets, and relax with friends and family before and after the race.

3. Christianshavn and Amager (approx. 10 km)
Water is a natural part of Copenhagen. The city is built around the harbour, and everywhere you go you will find canals, lakes and waterfront areas. That’s why you can’t walk far in Copenhagen without coming across a bridge.

One of the larger ones awaits you after about 10 kilometres. Here you will cross Knippelsbro and continue through the district of Christianshavn. Founded as a fortified town in 1618, Christianshavn is known for its historic houses, charming canals and colourful boats.

From here, the course follows the old moat, Stadsgraven, in a gentle curve onto the island of Amager before heading back across the bridge Langebro.

Make sure to enjoy the view over Copenhagen Harbour from the two bridges – it’s a beautiful sight.

3. Queen Louise’s Bridge (approx. 14 km)
Shortly after passing Copenhagen City Hall and Strøget, get ready for the party at Queen Louise’s Bridge. Here, the spectators and the running club NBRO always create a tunnel of noise, music and smoke, making it almost impossible not to get carried away.

On the other side of the bridge, enjoy the run through the district of Nørrebro. This is where the whole world seems to live side by side in a single neighbourhood – a vibrant mix of colours, music and flavours from all corners of the globe.

4. Frederiksberg Allé (approx. 24 km)
One of our favourite spots to return to on the marathon route is the beautiful Frederiksberg Allé. Not only because it’s a slight downhill, but also because the street is always decorated with danish flags to cheer on the brave Copenhagen Marathon participants.

5. Istedgade (approx. 28 km)
After passing the Planetarium and Tivoli, the course takes you along Istedgade through the heart of Vesterbro. Once famous for its many adult shops and street life, today the street is dominated by hip cafés and trendy stores – though a few shops may still make you blush if you linger too long at the window.

6. Kaktus Towers (approx. 31 km)
From Vesterbro, the route passes the two Kaktus Towers. These 80-metre-tall buildings, designed by the world-renowned architects at BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), house apartments, a café, and a fitness centre.

From here, you head back into the city – under BLOX, home to the Danish Architecture Centre and Danish Design Centre – and continue past the Black Diamond, part of the Royal Library.

7. City (approx. 33 km)
After taking in some of Copenhagen’s newest architecture, it’s time to pass by some of the oldest. Enjoy the stretch over Kongens Nytorv, past the Royal Danish Theatre, and of course Nyhavn, famous for its cold beers and colourful buildings.

Just a few minutes later, you’ll pass Amalienborg, the main residence of the Danish royal family. The course also takes you by the Marble Church, with its magnificent dome that has graced the skyline since 1894.

8. Nyboder (approx. 36 km)
Now the compass points home – toward the finish line and your well-earned medal. First, though, you’ll run through Nyboder. The beautiful yellow houses were built in 1631 to house the navy’s skilled personnel, and today many members of the Danish Armed Forces still live there.

9. Finish Line (42.195 km)
Every great adventure comes to an end – and the same goes for your marathon. But we promise, the finish will be spectacular and memorable. You’ll run up the beautiful Østre Allé while the crowd hammers on barriers and cheers your name.

If you haven’t already decided how you’ll celebrate crossing the finish line, it’s time to start thinking. Our photographers will be waiting to capture the moment, so you’ll have a lasting memory of your incredible achievement.

Explore the course
We could have highlighted even more highlights along the way, but we know you also have training to focus on.

You can explore all 42.195 kilometers yourself on our interactive map below. We can’t wait to see you at this huge running celebration on May 10.