Copenhagen’s Historic Old Stock Exchange Devastated by Fire

A tragic fire has severely damaged one of Copenhagen’s most treasured landmarks, the Old Stock Exchange, known locally as Børsen. The blaze, which erupted on April 16, destroyed significant parts of the building, including its distinctive spire featuring four intertwined dragon tails—a symbol deeply rooted in Danish heritage.

The fire, which no one was injured in, started in the early morning hours and continued to burn for over 24 hours. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with early reports suggesting it might have started in an area undergoing renovations. Police have launched a formal inquiry to determine the specifics of the incident.

Constructed in 1625 under the reign of King Christian IV in the Dutch Renaissance style, Børsen is not only a historic site but was also a symbol of the Scandinavian empire, which once included Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The building has served various roles, from housing Denmark’s stock exchange until the 1970s to becoming the headquarters for the Danish Chamber of Commerce and a notable tourist attraction.

The local community and leaders expressed profound shock and sadness over the destruction. Brian Mikkelsen, the director of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, lamented the loss on social media, sharing images of the building covered in ash and water and vowing to rebuild the landmark.

In a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation, emergency responders and bystanders managed to save some of the building’s historic paintings and other artworks from the flames. This act of preservation was highlighted by Denmark’s Culture Minister, Jakob Engel-Schmidt, as a touching example of the community coming together during a crisis.

Comparisons have been drawn between this fire and the 2019 Notre-Dame cathedral fire in Paris, as both iconic buildings were under renovation when they caught fire, and both had their spires collapse. Denmark’s Deputy Prime Minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, referred to the Børsen blaze as “our own Notre-Dame moment.”

Despite the damage, there is a strong commitment from city officials and the community to restore the Old Stock Exchange. According to local legend, the dragon-tailed spire was believed to protect the building against fires and enemy attacks—a belief that will surely be remembered as Copenhagen vows to rebuild and restore this iconic part of its skyline.