Nyhavn: Explore the Vibrant Canal District

To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, To gain all while you give, To roam the roads of lands remote, To travel is to live.

hans Christina anderson

Historical Nyhavn is one of those destinations that you wonder if it would live up to the hype. Located in Copenhagen, Denmark, this iconic district was everything it promised to be. It perfectly blends history, culture, entertainment, and beautiful scenery. Nyhavn is colorful and captivating, with a vibrant energy that makes you happy just strolling through. Additionally, there are many fantastic places to grab a cold beer, enjoy great food, listen to music, or people-watch. Nyhavn translates to “New Port.”  In English it is commonly pronounced “knee-houm” in but in Danish the first half is more like “nu.”

First, Some History on Nyhavn

Originally, Nyhavn was a commercial port where ships from all over the world docked. The 1400-foot canal was dug out by Swedish prisoners of the Dano-Swedish war between 1671 and 1673. The canal was created to make Denmark more competitive in the trade business and to create a waterway from the sea that led straight to Kings Square – Copenhagen’s new upcoming city center. This sped up cargo transportation and helped fishermen get their catch of the day to the local markets. Those markets, four centuries later, exist to this day.

In its heyday, Nyhavn was packed with sailors and merchants visiting pubs, alehouses, and ladies of the night. As the canal brought business, colorful homes were built, and the canal added to its popularity. The oldest home dates back to 1681. Those old homes are now beautifully renovated, and many are commercial spaces full of restaurants, cafes, bars, specialty stores, etc.

Nyhavn’s Most Famous Resident

The famous Danish fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen lived in Nyhavn for 22 years. His most famous fairy tales include “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” “The Little Mermaid, “The Princess and the Pea,” “The Ugly Duckling,” and “Thumbelina.” His love for the Nyhavn community was well known. He lived in three houses: Numbers 18, 20, and 67.

How do I Get to Nyhavn?

Nyhavn is a neighborhood within Copenhagen. Due to the city’s compact size, it is relatively easy to get around.

Copenhagen has an excellent public transport system. You can take the metro, bus, or train to the nearest station to Nyhavn. Once you reach the Nyhavn station, you can walk a few minutes to the canal.

We drove a car and found street parking quickly, but it was the off-season. Biking is a popular way to get around the city, too.

Copenhagen, Denmark Map

Planning a visit to Denmark? Check out our Denmark Country Guide

Our Suggestions for Your Visit to Nyhavn

1. Take the 1-hour boat tour of the Grand Canal. It will take you to the most prominent landmarks in Copenhagen: the Little Mermaid Statue, Amalienborg Palace, Christianshavn’s Canal, the Church of Our Saviour, and Christiansborg Palace.

2. Seek out some of the most famous homes in Nyhavn. Number 9 is the older building in Nyhavn, dating back to 1681. Look for the three homes that Hans Christian Anderson lived in: Numbers 18, 20, and 67.

3. Walk to “Nyhavnsbroen,” the only bridge crossing the canal. This is the perfect spot for photos.

4. Stop by the Memorial Anchor in Kongens Nytorv at the end of Nyhavn. This memorial commemorates the 1,700 Danish Navy officers and sailors who were killed in WW II. The Anchor has been there since 1951 and is an excellent place to pay tribute to anyone who has served their country.

5. Visit the National Museum of Denmark, which has preserved local artifacts in a museum since 1977. You can view several moored boats, many still at sea.

6. In Denmark, there are more bikes than cars. Explore the area and its surroundings by renting a bicycle. There are plenty of locations to rent from but check your hotel first, as many hotels offer bicycles to their guests.

What would a visit to Nyhavn be without some food and drink?

7. Grab a Smørrebrød, a traditional Danish dish. Smørrebrød is a piece of Danish rye bread topped with butter, cold cuts, fish, veggies, eggs, cheese, fresh herbs, and pickles. The famous Danish dish has many variations.

8. Need a dessert? Hit up “Vaffelbageren,” known as “the waffle baker.” Choose a homemade Danish ice cream cone, also named a “vaffel” in Denmark, with your choice of ice cream or a homemade Belgian waffle with ice cream on top. We ordered the waffle, and it was delicious.

9. Visit pubs, wine rooms, or bars to enjoy a lovely glass of wine or a cocktail. Chat with the locals and learn more about their culture and traditions.

10. Enjoy a delicious meal from the many cuisines offered on the canal. The prices can be as high as expected in such a popular area. If the weather is nice, grab a table along the waterfront and take it all in.

11. Our favorite part was strolling the canal and the side streets, gazing at the colorful houses and the ship traffic on the canal. We could not get enough of Nyhavn. It was a blast to photograph.

Festivals and Events Year-Round in Nyhavn

Nyhavn hosts various festivals and events throughout the year. One of the most famous is the Nyhavn Jazz Festival, where jazz bands perform on floating stages along the canal.

The district comes alive in the summer with live music, street performances, and a lively atmosphere. During Christmas, the air in Nyhavn is scented with gløgg as the annual Christmas market fills the streets with elaborate stalls and twinkling lights. The cafés and restaurants offer Danish Christmas delicacies, including æbeskiver and roast pork. It’s a classic Danish experience. 

Where to go on your next overseas adventures? Check out our Country Travel Guides

Other Attractions Nearby

Copenhagen is a marvelous city with so much to do and see. The town is very safe during the day and evening. Public transportation is excellent, and it is also easy to drive if you have a rental car. Here are some of the top things to do away from Nyhavn.

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Castle is one of the city’s most recognizable buildings and a must-visit. This ornate Dutch Renaissance castle oozes style and charm. It was initially built as a country summerhouse in 1606 and is an example of Christian IV’s many architectural projects. It was expanded several times until 1624 when it became the castle you see today.

Helsingor Castle

As our readers know, we are passionate about castles, and Denmark has a fair share of magnificent castles in or near Copenhagen. Helsingor Castle draws fans of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. This is the castle from his famous play. It’s a train ride north of the city, and you can pick up the train at Copenhagen Central, a short distance from Nyhavn. The castle is lovely, so allow extra time to walk around Helsingor.

Little Mermaid Statue

Since we are in Nyhavn, the home of Hans Christian Andersen, it only makes sense to head to the Little Mermaid Statue. This statue, built after the author’s death, depicts a woman sitting on a rock and longingly looking out to do. It is one of the most popular tourist sites, and people always surround it, but still well worth a visit. It is along the water and a 23-minute walk from Nyhavn.

Tivoli Garden

Within walking distance of Nyhav, Tivoli Gardens is one of the first theme parks in the world. The Danish love their theme parks and have some of the best in the world. This iconic park inspired Walt Disney to build Disneyland, which should tell you everything. Tivoli Gardens Park still has thrilling rides and fascinating architectural features.

This is one of the most popular sites in Copenhagen. And while I think it is worth visiting, I don’t see what all the fuss is about.

Christiansborg Palace

In the central part of Copenhagen, you will find Christiansborg Palace. Once the principal residence of Danish monarchs, Christiansborg Palace is now the heart of Denmark’s governmental home to the country’s parliament and supreme court. Christiansborg is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic landmarks, holding over 800 years of Danish history. There is plenty to see at the Palace, including The Royal Reception Rooms with The Great Hall and The Tapestries, The Royal Stables, The Royal Kitchen, Christiansborg Palace Chapel, and The Ruins under Christianborg Palace. It is a popular destination, so buying tickets in advance is ideal. Visit our Viator link to see what great tours they offer at the Palace and around the city.

Where to Stay in Nyhavn

Many travelers fall in love with the beauty of Nyhavn. Staying here overnight, you can truly take in the setting when it gets later in the evening, and the crowds are gone. The area has several accommodations, but as expected, they can be pricey, especially during peak seasons. Check, though, as there can be some well-priced options. It is essential always to check recent reviews. Just put Nyhavn in either of the two booking sites below to see what they offer.

It is important to price out accommodations on various sites. Expedia is a US-based company, whereas Booking.com is Europe-based. Not all properties appear on both, so it is ideal to check both out. Our personal first choice is Booking.com. If the establishment has a website, check the price there as well. Click the link below to check out hotels and vacation homes in the area. It may be just the motivation you need to start planning that next grand adventure.

Final Thoughts

Nyhavn is a unique neighborhood in an incredible city and a beautiful country. Plan a few hours here, and you will undoubtedly leave with wonderful memories, as we did. Though it can be touristy, Nyhavn still rises above that to capture your imagination. It still makes us smile years later when we think of our visit. If you are in Copenhagen, Nyhavn is an absolute must.

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Nyhavn Photo Gallery

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