Discover Nyhavn: Top Attractions in Copenhagen’s Iconic Canal

Nyhavn is an instantly recognizable canal in Copenhagen that is lined with brightly colored townhouses. Sailors, travelers, and Danish citizens have been captivated by Nyhavn since it was first constructed in the 1600s. Denmark‘s most famous canal certainly had rough-and-tumble beginnings, as it was once populated by rowdy sailors who were famous for drinking heavily and disturbing the peace. Today, Nyhavn is home to charming cafes, historic buildings, and stately wooden ships.

In addition to attracting drunk sailors, Nyhavn is also a magnet for artists. Danish fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen—who penned enduring classics such as “The Little Mermaid”—lived in three different townhouses in Nyhavn. A plaque on Nyhavn 20 commemorates the spot where Hans Christian Andersen wrote his first published collection of fairy tales, including the ever-popular “Princess and the Pea.” Fairy Tale lovers can purchase Hans Christian Andersen-themed magnets, books, and ornaments at a gift shop in Nyhavn 18.

Nyhavn 17 is home to a charming restaurant with a bright yellow facade that has been family-owned since 1936. Nyhavn 17 serves a scrumptious assortment of seafood, including a codfish burger served on a brioche bun that is drenched in tartare sauce. Visitors can also sample Danish beer, hot nuts covered in truffles, and vanilla ice cream with an espresso shot on top.

Every July, the Copenhagen Jazz Festival causes the outdoor cafes of Nyhavn to hum with live music. With over 100 venues, visitors can expect to hear magnificent melodies filling Nyhavn at one of the largest music festivals in Europe. Headliners tend to charge a fee, but otherwise the Copenhagen Jazz Festival is free. Many musical performances take place in public parks and even on boats.

Speaking of boats, numerous historic boats are moored in Nyhavn including the Lightship Gedser Rev—which is over a century old. After being retired in 1972, the Lightship Gedser Rev was lovingly tended to by a pair of elderly engineers who didn’t want to see the ship corrode due to sitting idle for too long. After a series of renovations, the Lightship Gedser Rev was returned to Nyhavn where boating enthusiasts can view the lightship in all of its historic glory.

The vibrant colors and placid water of Nyhavn ensures that it is one of the most picture-perfect places in all of Europe. It is no wonder that Hans Christian Andersen wrote so many memorable fairy tales after gazing upon such idyllic scenery.

Location on Google Maps.