Atmospheric dry and wet deposition (bulk precipitation) of the heavy metals Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, V and Fe over the Copenhagen area was measured by sampling in plastic funnels from 17 stations during a twelve-month period. Epigeic bryophytes from 100 stations in the area were analysed for the heavy metals Cu, Pb, Cd, Zn, Ni, V, Cr and Fe. Samples of the epiphytic lichen Lecanora conizaeodees Nyl. ex Cromb. from 25 stations were analysed for Pb, Cd, Zn and V. In addition, 18 samples of topsoil were analysed for Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr and Fe. There was a linear correlation between bulk precipitation and heavy metal concentration in lichens and bryophytes. An exponential correlation was found between bulk precipitation and heavy metal concentration in soil. Regional variation of the heavy metal levels in the Copenhagen area was described and three sub-areas with high metal burdens were distinguished. The heavy metal gradients from a secondary smelter in one of these sub-areas were steepest in soil compared with lichens and bryophytes.