Skipperkroen, Nyhavn’s Canal-Side Captain’s Inn

Historic Harbour House Turned Dining Room

Skipperkroen occupies the ground floor of Nyhavn 27, an 18th‑century, canal‑facing property in the very heart of Copenhagen’s old harbour. The building itself is protected for its heritage, with sturdy brick walls, traditional sash windows and a slightly time‑worn facade that fits seamlessly into Nyhavn’s famous run of colourful townhouses. What was once a merchant’s address and later a harbour hotel has gradually evolved into a bustling inn‑style restaurant. Step inside and you feel that mix of history and comfort. Timber details, maritime hints and warm lighting create an atmosphere that feels like a contemporary captain’s parlour, with tables arranged to make the most of the canal outlook. On colder days the interior becomes a cosy refuge, where the glass panes frame a moving picture of boats, bicycles and pedestrians sliding past outside.

Smørrebrød, Seafood and Classic Comforts

Skipperkroen is best known for its generous selection of Danish smørrebrød, those artfully layered open‑faced sandwiches that are a lunchtime ritual in Copenhagen. Expect classics such as herring in various marinades, prawns piled on buttered rye, and roast beef topped with horseradish and crispy onions, all presented with a sense of old‑school hospitality rather than fuss. Beyond smørrebrød, the menu leans confidently into seafood: platters of fish, mussels or shrimps, along with mains like pan‑fried fillets or richer, sauce‑based dishes. An international streak runs through the offerings as well, with steaks, salads and familiar bistro plates that make it easy for mixed groups to find something they enjoy. A solid drinks list covers Danish beers, snaps, wines and cocktails, giving you plenty of excuses to linger as the light changes over the harbour.

Courtyard Corners and Sunlit Terrace

One of Skipperkroen’s key pleasures is the way it spills outdoors. A sheltered inner courtyard offers a slightly more tucked‑away feel, with closely spaced tables and the hum of conversation bouncing off old walls. It is a good choice if you want the Nyhavn setting without being right on the main promenade. Facing the canal, the summer terrace is where the restaurant truly comes into its own. Here you sit shoulder to shoulder with the life of Nyhavn: sightseeing boats docking and departing, street musicians striking up a tune, and the reflection of gabled houses rippling across the water. Blankets and heaters often make the terrace usable well beyond high summer, turning early evenings into long, lingering affairs as the harbour lights flicker on.

From Sailors’ Quayside to City Showpiece

Nyhavn has travelled a long way from its days as a working harbour lined with sailors’ bars and warehouses. Today, the canal is one of Copenhagen’s postcard views, yet traces of its maritime roots remain in the old wooden ships moored along the quay and the narrow, slightly crooked houses that frame the water. Skipperkroen taps into that story with subtle nautical details and the informal ease you might expect from a traditional inn. You dine just steps from where cargo once landed and crews came ashore, in a building that has watched the area transform from rough‑edged port to polished city showcase. The sense of continuity is part of the charm: you are enjoying contemporary cuisine in a setting layered with centuries of harbour life.

Atmosphere for All Occasions

Because it opens early and serves through the day, Skipperkroen adapts easily to different moods. Mornings can feel gentle, with coffee cups and breakfasts sharing space with the first smørrebrød orders. Lunchtime brings a livelier energy as business diners, travellers and locals fill tables for open sandwiches and fish plates. By late afternoon and evening, the focus shifts towards drinks and unhurried dinners. Candles, reflections on the canal and the soft murmur of Nyhavn create a setting that is both relaxed and subtly romantic. Whether you drop in for a quick plate of herring, a celebratory meal, or simply a glass of wine while watching the boats, the restaurant’s blend of heritage building, waterfront setting and classic Danish flavours makes it a quintessential Nyhavn experience.