Monstour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Danish Folk Legends

Exploring Copenhagen’s Hidden Folk Legends with Monstour

When visiting Copenhagen, most travelers focus on the well-trodden sights: Tivoli, Nyhavn, the Little Mermaid. But what if you could uncover a different layer of the city’s character—its folk legends, trolls, dragons, and mythical beasts that have quietly shaped local culture? That’s exactly what the Monstour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Danish Folk Legends offers. For just $7.99, you get a flexible, self-paced journey through some of Copenhagen’s lesser-known stories, all delivered via an easy-to-use app.

The tour kicks off near the Hernstorffsgade and meanders through highlights like the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, the Copenhagen Stock Exchange, and ends at the intriguing Agnete and the Merman sculpture by the Højbro Bridge. What stands out for us is how the narrator’s engaging storytelling makes these ancient tales come alive amidst city sights, and the ability to explore at your own speed means you can linger on the legends that catch your interest most.

One aspect you’ll love is the integration of GPS technology—it automatically triggers the narration when you arrive at each stop, so there’s no need to fumble with maps or hit pause. Plus, lifetime access lets you revisit for a deeper appreciation or share with friends later. A potential consideration is that the tour doesn’t include admission tickets to sites, so if you want to explore museums or landmarks more thoroughly, those costs are on you. This tour suits those who enjoy a lighthearted, myth-filled walk with a touch of local folklore—a perfect fit for history buffs, story lovers, or anyone curious about Copenhagen’s mythical side.

Key Points

• Self-guided flexibility allows exploring at your own pace.
• Engaging storytelling brings Danish folk legends vividly to life.
• GPS-triggered narration ensures smooth transitions between stops.
• Affordable price offers excellent value for a unique cultural experience.
• Includes lifetime access for revisiting and sharing.
• Ideal for those interested in myths and quirky city stories.

A Deep Dive into the Monstour Experience

Copenhagen’s charm isn’t just in its historic buildings or scenic canals. Sometimes, the most memorable stories are those that are quietly passed down through generations—tales of trolls hiding under bridges, dragons guarding treasures, and legendary figures shaping local identity. The Monstour offers a chance to uncover these stories amid the city’s familiar sights, turning a standard walk into a storytelling adventure.

Starting Point and Major Stops

The tour begins outside Hernstorffsgade, an accessible spot near public transportation—perfect for travelers arriving by train or metro. From there, it guides you through a series of carefully chosen stops, each tied into Denmark’s folk traditions.

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is the first notable point, a museum boasting ancient artifacts, but the tour focuses on exploring its garden rather than the exhibitions. Here, you can enjoy a peaceful moment, perhaps imagining the mythical creatures woven into local tales. The narrative, as one reviewer commented, is “interesting and entertaining,” with the GPS technology allowing the guide to start automatically—no fiddling or manual prompts needed. This technology creates a seamless transition from walking to listening, making the experience more immersive.

Just a short walk away, you’ll pass by the Copenhagen Stock Exchange—an impressive building that, while not part of the folklore, adds to the city’s architectural charm and provides a visual anchor for the stories. The narration cues you to look at the facade and imagine the mythical beings that might have inspired local legends.

The Mythical Highlights: Agnete and the Merman

The most iconic stop is Agnete and the Merman, located at a bridge adorned with sculptures. This tale of a mermaid who falls for a human man, only to be caught between two worlds, is a classic in Danish folklore. Standing here, you can imagine the secret conversations of sea creatures and the eternal pull of myth and reality. The guide’s description enhances the visual experience, making the sculpture more than just a piece of art.

Copenhagen’s Legends at Christiansborg Slot

The tour’s final stop is outside Christiansborg Slot, where your storyteller shares myths and legends linked to the palace and its history. As one reviewer noted, the narration is clear and delivered with a friendly tone, letting you absorb the stories during a brief pause in your sightseeing. Since no entry fee is included, you’re free to explore the castle’s yard afterward, perhaps imagining the legendary figures that might have once roamed these corridors.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

We loved the flexibility of the self-guided format—there’s no rush, and you can choose to linger or move on. The audio quality is generally praised, with clear narration and helpful instructions that make navigation straightforward. Many reviews emphasize how the tour’s narrator has a kind, calming voice that enhances the storytelling, creating a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a leisurely walk.

The fact that it’s offline-accessible is a big plus—it means no worries about poor cell service, which can sometimes spoil digital tours. And at only $7.99, the tour offers good value, especially since you can repeat it as many times as you like.

A Few Considerations

While most reviews are enthusiastic, one traveler mentioned that English clarity could sometimes be improved—meaning that non-native speakers might find some parts a bit challenging. Also, since tickets for attractions like museums are not included, you might need to budget extra for entrance fees if you wish to go inside.

Who Will Love Monstour?

This tour is a fantastic pick for story lovers, mythology enthusiasts, and curious travelers who want to see Copenhagen through a different lens. Those who enjoy self-guided experiences will appreciate the freedom to explore at their own pace, while anyone interested in local legends will find it a charming way to connect with Danish culture. It’s especially suitable for visitors who already have a sense of the city’s main sights but want a playful, myth-filled twist.

It also works well for families and older children, who can listen to the stories while wandering through the city, as several reviews mention that the narration is clear and engaging for a broad age range.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek: While the museum itself isn’t part of the tour fee, the garden outside serves as a quiet retreat where legends of trolls and mythical beasts might be imagined amid the sculptures and greenery. This stop is ideal for those who enjoy a peaceful moment and a bit of storytelling amid nature.

Copenhagen Stock Exchange: Standing in front of the impressive building, you can appreciate the architecture’s details and think about the stories that might have inspired local legends of cunning traders or mythical guardians of wealth.

Agnete and the Merman: As the sculpture appears before you, the guide’s narration brings the myth to life, describing a story of love and longing that resonates with Danish folklore’s themes of enchantment and the supernatural.

Christiansborg Slot: The external views and the legends associated with the palace offer an intriguing mix of history and myth, perfect for those who love stories intertwined with real-world landmarks.

Practical Tips to Maximize Your Experience

• Bring headphones: The audio tour is best enjoyed with good headphones to block out city noise and better appreciate the narration.
• Download before you go: Since the app works offline, ensure you download the tour at home or Wi-Fi before heading out.
• Plan for 40 minutes to 3 hours: Depending on your pace and how much time you spend at each stop, you can tailor the tour to fit your day.
• Carry some Danish Kroner: If you plan to visit museums or cafes, extra cash is always handy.
• Combine with other sightseeing: Use this tour to add a mythological twist to your regular Copenhagen itinerary.

The Sum Up

The Monstour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Danish Folk Legends offers a delightful way to experience Copenhagen beyond the typical tourist fare. For a modest fee, it transforms a walk around the city into a captivating storytime, rich with legends that breathe new life into familiar sights. The ability to explore at your own pace, combined with the engaging narration and offline access, makes it a practical choice for curious travelers wanting a memorable, myth-filled adventure.

Whether you’re a folklore fan, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique way to see Copenhagen, this tour provides a charming, educational, and fun experience. It’s especially perfect for those who prefer flexible, self-tour options that don’t skimp on storytelling or local flavor.

FAQ

What are the main locations visited on this tour?
You’ll start outside Hernstorffsgade, pass by the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (exploring its garden), see the Copenhagen Stock Exchange, end at the Agnete and the Merman sculpture, and conclude outside Christiansborg Slot.

How long does the tour last?
The duration varies from about 40 minutes to 3 hours, depending on how long you choose to linger at each stop or explore additional nearby sights.

Do I need to buy tickets for attractions?
No, admission tickets are not included, so if you want to visit inside museums or landmarks, you’ll need to purchase those separately.

Is the app easy to use?
Most reviewers find the GPS-triggered narration straightforward and the directions clear. It’s designed for self-guided exploration, making it accessible even for first-time users.

Can I do this tour more than once?
Yes, it includes lifetime access, so you can revisit the stories whenever you like, or share the link with friends.

What do I need to bring?
A smartphone with the VoiceMap app installed, headphones for better audio clarity, and extra cash if you plan to visit inside any attractions.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, several reviews highlight that the narration is engaging for older children, especially those interested in stories and legends.

Can I do this tour in the rain?
Since it’s an outdoor walking tour, it’s best to check the weather. The app works offline, but be prepared with an umbrella or raincoat if needed.

Choosing the Monstour means choosing to see Copenhagen through a mythic lens—an engaging, flexible, and affordable way to uncover the city’s lesser-known stories. Perfect for curious visitors looking for a charming, story-driven experience that compliments the city’s historic sights.