The Memorial Anchor at Nyhavn: Copenhagen’s Maritime Remembrance
A historic anchor monument honoring Danish WWII sailors, set at the heart of scenic Nyhavn, blending maritime history with Copenhagen’s lively canal atmosphere.
The Memorial Anchor stands at the picturesque entrance to Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s iconic canal district. This imposing anchor monument honors Danish sailors who lost their lives during World War II. Set against vibrant waterside façades and bustling outdoor cafés, it’s both a poignant historic site and a scenic gathering point for locals and visitors alike.
A brief summary to Memorial Anchor
- Nyhavn 1F, Copenhagen, København K, 1051, DK
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for the best photos, before the crowds fill Nyhavn’s cafés and walkways.
- The Memorial Anchor is the focal point for Denmark’s Liberation Day on May 5 – expect commemorative events and beautiful floral tributes.
- Combine your visit with a stroll along Nyhavn’s canal side or a canal tour—all start just meters from the anchor.
- If you’re interested in maritime history, note the nearby signs in Danish and English that provide further context about the monument.
- Accessibility is excellent; the plaza is flat and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Getting There
-
Walking
From the heart of Indre By, the Memorial Anchor is easily reached with a pleasant 5–10 minute walk through Copenhagen’s historic inner city. As you approach Nyhavn, the canal’s colorful houses and the sound of lively cafés mark your arrival—the anchor itself stands prominently at the canal’s entrance. Walking is free and offers engaging city views along the route.
-
Public Transport
The nearest metro stop is Kongens Nytorv, from which Nyhavn is a short 2–5 minute walk. Single tickets within the city zone cost around DKK 24. Public transport is wheelchair accessible, and from the station the route is clearly marked by signs toward the canal and harbor.
-
Taxi
A taxi from central Indre By generally takes less than 5 minutes and drops you near the edge of Nyhavn. Expect to pay around DKK 65–110 depending on traffic and time of day. Note that vehicle access is limited at Nyhavn, so you may need to walk the final stretch.
-
Driving
Driving directly to Nyhavn is possible, but parking in the area is limited and typically paid, with municipal lots averaging DKK 37 per hour. Be prepared for a short walk from the nearest parking facilities, especially during busy periods.
Discover more about Memorial Anchor
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.0 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Kongens Nytorv
0.1 km
Discover the charm of Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen's historic square, surrounded by stunning architecture and vibrant cultural attractions.
The King's New Square
0.1 km
Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen’s grandest square, blends royal history, iconic architecture, and bustling urban energy in the very heart of Denmark’s capital.
Bredgade 18
0.1 km
Explore the architectural wonder of Bredgade 18 in Copenhagen, a stunning example of classic Danish design and rich historical significance.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Copenhagen at Nyhavn, where colorful history meets modern charm along the picturesque canal.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.3 km
Discover North Atlantic House in Copenhagen, a vibrant cultural hub and art gallery spotlighting the heritage and creativity of Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.4 km
Christiansborg Palace blends Danish royal heritage with contemporary political power at the heart of Copenhagen, offering grand halls, historic ruins, and sweeping city views.
Højbro Pl.
0.5 km
Step inside the Ole Rømer Observatory in Aarhus for immersive astronomy, captivating night sky sessions, and an Art Nouveau landmark with Danish scientific heritage.
Holmens Bro
0.6 km
Historic cobblestone lanes, colorful houses, indie boutiques, and a bohemian café scene—Aarhus’s Latin Quarter is the city’s creative, cultural soul.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.6 km
Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
Højbro
0.6 km
Aarhus University Park: Where world-renowned academic heritage, Danish modernism, and lush green landscapes meet in the heart of Aarhus for a uniquely peaceful escape.
Frederik VII
0.6 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Amaliegade
0.6 km
Aarhus’ Latin Quarter is a colorful, bohemian neighborhood filled with cobbled streets, indie shops, lively cafés, and centuries-old Danish history in the city center.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.6 km
Explore C.F. Tietgens Hus, a stunning historical landmark in the heart of Copenhagen, showcasing the city's architectural and cultural heritage and reflecting the grandeur of the Neoclassical era.
Amagertorv
0.6 km
Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
Unmissable attractions to see
Copenhagen Amber Museum
0.0 km
Discover Denmark’s Baltic amber legacy at the Copenhagen Amber Museum in lively Nyhavn, featuring rare artifacts, jewelry, and Nordic legends in a centuries-old setting.
Kunsthal Charlottenborg
0.1 km
Amalienborg Palace is Copenhagen’s royal residence and a living symbol of Denmark’s monarchy, known for its rococo facades, historic museum, and daily Royal Guard ceremony.
The Royal Playhouse and The Old Stage
0.1 km
Explore the legacy of Danish and international design in Copenhagen’s iconic 18th-century Designmuseum Danmark, featuring world-famous chairs, crafts, and creative innovation.
Indre By
0.2 km
A creative, bohemian street in Nørrebro filled with indie shops, top-tier bakery delights, and cafés—Copenhagen’s authentic neighborhood for modern urban explorers.
Nyhavn
0.2 km
Heather Hill in Vejby offers panoramic views, swathes of wild heather, and a taste of North Zealand’s glacial past in a peaceful, windswept nature reserve.
Guinness World Records Museum
0.2 km
Historic waterfront promenade in Copenhagen featuring the iconic Little Mermaid, scenic harbor views, art, and inviting green spaces ideal for strolling year-round.
The Kissing Stairs
0.4 km
Stroll along Langelinie, Copenhagen’s bustling waterfront, where iconic statues, historic parkland, and sweeping harbor views create a quintessential maritime escape.
Nikolaj Art Gallery
0.4 km
Iconic Copenhagen landmark featuring striking mythological bronze sculptures, vibrant waters, and serene parkland—Gefion Fountain embodies legend and city life.
Havnepromenade
0.4 km
Explore Copenhagen’s vibrant Nordic art scene at Bredgade Kunsthandel, a distinguished gallery bridging Danish classics and contemporary masters in the heart of Frederiksstaden.
Pub Crawl Copenhagen
0.4 km
Jægersborggade: Copenhagen’s creative boulevard, with indie cafés, street art, and world-class cuisine in vibrant Nørrebro—essential for lovers of unique urban experiences.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.4 km
Family-friendly playground in Roskilde’s green Byparken, offering safe, modern play spaces and a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
The Playhouse
0.5 km
UNESCO-listed Kronborg Castle in Helsingør: legendary home of Hamlet, Renaissance grandeur, sweeping sea views, regal halls, and atmospheric casemates.
Hey Captain
0.5 km
DR Koncerthuset is a striking, architect-designed concert hall in Copenhagen, famed for world-class acoustics and its diverse lineup from symphonies to pop acts.
Ofelia Plads
0.5 km
A UNESCO-listed Renaissance fortress where royal history, sea vistas, and Hamlet legends converge at the gateway between Denmark and Sweden.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
0.5 km
Architectural marvel and premier concert venue in Copenhagen, offering world-class performances, exceptional acoustics, and unforgettable cultural experiences.
Essential places to dine
Cap Horn
0.1 km
Experience authentic Danish and Scandinavian cuisine at Cap Horn in Copenhagen's iconic Nyhavn district, where tradition meets culinary artistry.
Bistro Royal
0.2 km
Stylish Parisian-inspired bistro on Kongens Nytorv, serving classic and contemporary dishes in a vibrant, central Copenhagen setting with charming views.
Marchal
0.2 km
Experience modern French cuisine at Marchal in Copenhagen's Hotel d'Angleterre - where elegance meets culinary artistry.
Den Lille Fede
0.2 km
Den Lille Fede is a top-rated Copenhagen restaurant renowned for inventive Nordic tasting menus, cozy ambiance, and a playful yet elegant approach to Danish gastronomy.
à terre
0.2 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Frank
0.2 km
Chic Nordic dining with creative tasting menus, an acclaimed wine selection, and stylish ambiance in central Copenhagen’s vibrant cultural district.
Restaurant Vita
0.2 km
A legendary Danish restaurant in Copenhagen's royal heart known for classic cuisine, elegant interiors, and decades of local history near Kongens Nytorv.
Llama
0.2 km
Experience authentic Latin American flavors at Llama in Copenhagen – where vibrant cuisine meets warm hospitality.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.3 km
Elegant Danish fine dining in an atmospheric 17th-century townhouse, showcasing seasonal Nordic flavors and historic charm in the heart of old Copenhagen.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.3 km
Bornholm-inspired fine dining in the heart of Copenhagen, serving inventive Danish cuisine spotlighting local ingredients and the culinary spirit of the Baltic island.
l’Alsace
0.3 km
Discover authentic Alsatian cuisine at l’Alsace in Copenhagen, where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.
King Hans Cellar
0.3 km
Dine in historic vaulted cellars at Copenhagen’s King Hans Cellar, where centuries-old ambiance and Michelin-level Danish cuisine create an unforgettable fine dining experience.
Aoc
0.3 km
Discover AOC: An exquisite fine dining experience in Copenhagen featuring seasonal Nordic cuisine and exceptional wine pairings.
Restaurant Rebel
0.3 km
Experience the culinary fusion of local ingredients and innovative flavors at Restaurant Rebel, Copenhagen's top bistro destination.
Khun Juk
0.3 km
Upmarket Thai cuisine meets classic Copenhagen charm at Khun Juk, offering authentic flavors and canal-side elegance in the heart of historic Nyhavn.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Wilde Shop
0.2 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.2 km
Discover authentic Danish gifts, charming souvenirs, and practical luggage essentials at this longstanding shop on bustling Østergade in the heart of Copenhagen.
Magasin du Nord
0.3 km
Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
Storm - design art fashion
0.4 km
Avant-garde design, progressive fashion, niche perfume, and rare art books unite at Copenhagen’s Storm—an iconic concept store in the city’s creative core.
ILLUM
0.5 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.5 km
Henrik Vibskov Boutique: Explore boundary-pushing Danish design and avant-garde fashion in a gallery-inspired setting in central Copenhagen.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.6 km
Explore Danish history and craftsmanship at Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store, an iconic destination for hand-painted porcelain, elegant collectibles, and Nordic design.
Læderstræde
0.6 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Strøget
0.7 km
Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
Studio Arhoj
0.7 km
Studio Arhoj fuses Scandinavian and Japanese influences into vibrant, hand-crafted ceramics, making it a unique design destination in central Copenhagen.
Time's Up Vintage
0.8 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.9 km
Nestled on a lively Copenhagen shopping street, Det Gamle Apotek enchants visitors with nostalgic Danish gifts, festive decor, and whimsical home accessories year-round.
Quirky Lane
1.1 km
Discover unique vintage treasures at Quirky Lane, Copenhagen's eclectic boutique for sustainable fashion enthusiasts.
Wasteland
1.1 km
Discover unique vintage fashion treasures at Wasteland in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter.
Viking Souvenirs
1.1 km
Discover authentic Viking keepsakes and Danish-designed gifts at Viking Souvenirs, perfectly placed on Copenhagen’s historic shopping street for a unique Nordic shopping adventure.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
1105
0.3 km
Award-winning cocktail bar in central Copenhagen offering inventive signature drinks, a stylish Nordic-chic atmosphere, and a top-tier nightlife experience.
Charlie's Bar
0.5 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
K-Bar
0.5 km
Leading Copenhagen’s cocktail revolution, K-Bar blends innovative mixology, Scandinavian style, and canal-side ambiance for an unforgettable urban bar experience.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
The Dubliner
0.6 km
Classic Irish pub atmosphere with live music, hearty food, sports broadcasts, and local camaraderie on lively Amagertorv square in central Copenhagen.
Black Swan
0.7 km
Experience a cozy fusion of traditional pub spirit and innovative Scandinavian craft beverages in Copenhagen’s Indre By at Black Swan cider and beer bar.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Bar'Vin
0.7 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
Strøm
0.7 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Eiffel bar
0.8 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
Ruby
0.8 km
Ruby is Copenhagen’s iconic cocktail bar, where historic townhouse charm meets world-class mixology in a uniquely atmospheric setting near the city’s heart.
Luke's Bar
0.8 km
Luke’s Bar is a beloved vintage-inspired haunt in Copenhagen’s Indre By, celebrated for creative cocktails, retro ambience, and welcoming, quirky bartenders.
Godt Øl
0.8 km
Discover a welcoming cellar sanctuary for craft beer enthusiasts in Copenhagen, offering expertly curated Danish and international selections in a cozy, sociable atmosphere.
No Stress Bar
1.0 km
Relaxed cocktail bar in central Copenhagen with creative drinks, cozy ambiance, and a blend of retro and modern Danish design—perfect for a unique evening out.
