Fishwife

The Fishwife is a granite figure showing a woman holding a plaice in her right hand while wearing traditional garments including an apron, shawl, and head scarf. She stands at Gammel Strand, the former location of Copenhagen's main fish market.

Created by sculptor Charles Svejstrup Madsen in 1940, the statue honors the fish market at Gammel Strand that operated as Copenhagen's primary trading hub until 1958. It marks a time when fish commerce shaped the city's economic and social life.

The statue honors the Skovser women, fishmongers who sold fresh catches at Gammel Strand dressed in their traditional clothing, forming a vital part of Copenhagen's market life.

The statue stands in a public square at Gammel Strand in central Copenhagen and is accessible at all hours. The location is easily walkable and surrounded by other historic buildings, allowing a visit to be combined with exploring more of the old city center.

After spending several years at Sydhavn station during metro construction work at Gammel Strand, the statue returned to its original location in September 2018. This relocation is often overlooked but shows how Copenhagen's urban transformations affect even its public monuments.

Location: Copenhagen Municipality

Inception: 1940

Creator: Charles Svejstrup Madsen

Made from material: granite

GPS coordinates: 55.67772,12.57937

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:44