Christianshavns Kanal
A 17th‑century canal of cobbles, gables and sailboats, Christianshavns Kanal is Copenhagen’s quietly cinematic waterway at the heart of island life.
Christianshavns Kanal is the elegant spine of Copenhagen’s island district of Christianshavn, a 17th‑century canal flanked by cobbled quays, gabled warehouses and bobbing sailboats. Laid out under King Christian IV in a Dutch-inspired grid, it remains a working waterway and one of the city’s most atmospheric places for slow strolls, café stops and boat trips, with houseboats, small bridges and nearby sights like Church of Our Saviour and Freetown Christiania adding character.
A brief summary to Christianshavns Kanal
- Copenhagen Municipality, Indre By, DK
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Walk both sides of the canal—Overgaden oven Vandet and Overgaden neden Vandet—to appreciate how views, light and building styles change along the water.
- Combine a canal‑side stroll with a harbour or canal boat tour to see Christianshavns Kanal both from the quays and from water level.
- Aim for early morning or golden‑hour light if you are interested in photography; reflections and colours on the water are most striking then.
- Be mindful around moored boats and residential houseboats—keep noise low and avoid stepping onto private decks or gangways.
- In cooler months, bring a windproof layer; the canal corridor can feel noticeably chillier due to breezes funnelling along the water.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro
From central Copenhagen, take the M1 or M2 metro line to Christianshavn Station, which typically takes 3–5 minutes from Kongens Nytorv and 8–10 minutes from Nørreport. Standard single tickets within the city centre cost roughly 20–30 DKK depending on zones. Trains run every few minutes throughout the day. From the station, it is a short, level urban walk to reach different points along Christianshavns Kanal, suitable for most mobility levels.
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Bus
Several city bus routes serve the Christianshavn area from central districts, with typical journey times of 10–20 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. A single bus ticket in the inner zones generally costs around 20–30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or travel apps. Buses run frequently during the day and evening, though late‑night services are less regular, so check schedules if returning late.
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Bicycle
Cycling from central Copenhagen to Christianshavns Kanal usually takes 5–15 minutes via the city’s extensive bike‑lane network. Many hotels offer bikes, and city bike‑share schemes and rentals typically cost from about 75–150 DKK per day. The route is flat and straightforward, but quayside paths can be narrow and shared with pedestrians, so ride slowly and be cautious near the water, especially in wet or icy conditions.
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Harbour or canal boat
Guided canal and harbour boat tours depart from central piers near Nyhavn and other inner‑harbour locations, often lasting 60–90 minutes and costing roughly 80–120 DKK per adult. Many of these routes include sections passing through or alongside Christianshavns Kanal, giving a water‑level view of the district. Services are more frequent in spring and summer; in colder months, reduced timetables and enclosed boats are common, so check seasonal availability.
Christianshavns Kanal location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Christianshavns Kanal
A seventeenth‑century waterway at the heart of Christianshavn
Christianshavns Kanal slices through the Christianshavn district, an island quarter created in the early 1600s when King Christian IV expanded Copenhagen with a Dutch‑style canal system and fortified grid. The canal runs diagonally across the neighbourhood, connecting smaller side canals in the north to the main harbour in the south, and still follows its original course laid out more than four centuries ago. From the beginning, this was a working canal, engineered wide and deep enough for tall‑masted merchant ships that once lined the quays. Today the heavy cargo has disappeared, but the canal retains its maritime role. You still see boats moving steadily along the water, tying present‑day life to the city’s trading past.Quays, warehouses and streets shaped by the water
On either side of the canal run two long streets: Overgaden oven Vandet and Overgaden neden Vandet, their names reflecting the two halves of the neighbourhood split by the water. Many buildings here started life as merchants’ houses and warehouses. Several 18th‑century gabled façades remain, their brick walls and timber details hinting at the wealth once generated by Baltic and overseas trade. Among the historic structures are former industrial buildings and institutions such as old foundries and maritime facilities, some now converted into cultural venues or apartments. This layering of functions means the canal is not a museum piece but a lived‑in streetscape, where laundry hangs from windows above moored boats and cyclists share the quays with locals walking dogs.Life on the water: houseboats, sailors and bridges
Christianshavns Kanal is particularly known for its dense sailing community, especially along its northern stretches. Classic wooden yachts, modern sailboats and characterful houseboats cluster along the banks, creating a constantly changing foreground to the brick and plaster buildings behind. Their masts, rigging and reflections give the canal a distinctly nautical silhouette. Only a couple of road bridges cross the canal itself, preserving a sense of enclosure on the water. Farther along the harbourfront, contemporary pedestrian crossings such as the sculptural Circle Bridge introduce a more experimental design language, with circular decks and mast‑like poles echoing the boats moored nearby. Together, the vessels and bridges keep the focus firmly on the relationship between city and sea.Atmosphere from morning light to evening glow
At different times of day the canal offers very different moods. In the early morning, soft light glances off calm water and the only sounds may be a cyclist passing or a boat engine starting up. By afternoon, cafés and small restaurants nearby fill with conversation as people linger by the quays, and tour boats glide past on their way through the inner harbour. As daylight fades, warm light pours from windows and cabin portholes, and the water becomes a dark mirror for the city’s glow. On mild evenings, people sit on the edge of the quay or on their boat decks, giving the canal the feel of a shared outdoor living room for the neighbourhood.Exploring on foot and by boat
Experiencing Christianshavns Kanal is as much about your pace as your route. Walking along one side and then the other lets you appreciate how the canal subtly changes character between stretches of 18th‑century housing, converted warehouses and more modern infill. Benches and low walls offer informal places to pause and watch the water traffic. Seeing the canal from the water offers a different perspective. Boat tours of Copenhagen’s harbour often include sections of Christianshavn, slipping close to the quays and under low bridges so you can look directly into courtyards and along narrow side canals. Kayaks and small rental boats add another layer of activity, underlining how central the water still is to everyday life.A canal woven into Copenhagen’s cultural fabric
Over time, Christianshavns Kanal has become more than infrastructure; it features in songs, films and local stories, symbolising a slightly bohemian, maritime Copenhagen. Nearby churches, alternative communities and cultural institutions form a rich backdrop, but the canal itself remains the quiet constant. Its long, gently curving line, working boats and historic buildings together convey the city’s evolution from fortified port to relaxed waterside capital, with the canal as a serene, enduring thread.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
0.4 km
Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.4 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.6 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Holmens Bro
0.6 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
Circle Bridge
0.7 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Black Diamond
0.7 km
A gleaming granite monument where cutting-edge architecture meets cultural heritage on Copenhagen's waterfront.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.7 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Frederik VII
0.7 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.7 km
Discover Nordic art, culture, and cuisine from Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands at North Atlantic House, a historic waterfront warehouse in Copenhagen.
Bredgade 18
0.7 km
Explore the architectural elegance of Bredgade 18 in Copenhagen's historic Frederiksstaden district.
The Danish Parliament
0.8 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Christiansborg Palace
0.8 km
Explore the majestic Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that captivates all who visit.
The War Museum
0.8 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.8 km
A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
Indre By
0.8 km
Medieval streets, royal palaces, and European shopping converge in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Unmissable attractions to see
Havnepromenade
0.2 km
Discover Copenhagen’s Garden of the Royal Library: an elegant and tranquil retreat bridging royal heritage and modern design in the heart of the Danish capital.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.2 km
Slottsträdgården is Malmö’s central organic garden retreat, blending vibrant themed gardens, historic castle views, and lively year-round events in a lush urban oasis.
Sankt Annæ Gade
0.3 km
A narrow Christianshavn street where warehouses became homes, church bells echo over cobblestones, and Copenhagen’s maritime past meets everyday neighborhood life.
Christianshavn
0.3 km
Experience the lively heart of Helsingborg at Sundstorget, a vibrant square near the Northern Harbour.
Church of Our Saviour
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s iconic spiral‑tower church, where Baroque art, ringing carillon bells, and a vertiginous 400‑step climb reveal sweeping views over canals and harbor.
Knippelsbro
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s copper-towered bascule bridge, where four centuries of harbour crossings, functionalist design and everyday city life meet above the Inner Harbour.
North Atlantic House
0.3 km
A 1767 waterfront warehouse transformed into Copenhagen’s vibrant gateway to the art, stories and flavors of Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Christiania
0.4 km
A self-governing “freetown” of murals, lakeside paths and experimental living, tucked behind Copenhagen’s old ramparts in the heart of Christianshavn.
Culture Tower on Knippels Bridge
0.4 km
Innovative cocktails and cozy ambiance in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Inderhavnsbroen
0.4 km
Explore the evolution of Danish design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Green George af Thomas Dambo - Trold nr. 50
0.4 km
A towering recycled-wood troll at Christiania’s entrance, Green George blends street art, sustainability and playful storytelling in the heart of Copenhagen.
Operaen
0.5 km
Innovative cocktails in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Nyhavn
0.5 km
Copenhagen’s storybook harbour, where colourful 17th‑century houses, wooden ships and waterside cafés bring the city’s maritime history to life in one vivid canal.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.5 km
A modest canal bridge with a grand view, Nyhavnsbroen is the perfect perch above Copenhagen’s most colourful harbour and its centuries of maritime stories.
Lille Mølle
0.5 km
A compact windmill on Christianshavn’s ramparts, Lille Mølle blends defensive history, domestic interiors and gentle canal‑side views in one atmospheric museum.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Kanalen
0.0 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
Cafe Wilder
0.2 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Restaurant Barr
0.3 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
Kadeau
0.4 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Khun Juk
0.5 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
à terre
0.5 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.
Restaurant Lola
0.5 km
Bold, travel-inspired cooking and inventive smørrebrød served in a sunny 17th‑century house with a leafy garden hideaway on Christianshavn’s historic ramparts.
Skipperkroen
0.6 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Cap Horn
0.6 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
No. 2
0.6 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.6 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
King Hans Cellar
0.6 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Llama
0.7 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
Marchal
0.7 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Goldfinch
0.8 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagenglass
0.5 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Maritime Antiques &
0.6 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
Magasin du Nord
0.6 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.7 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Zane
0.7 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Viking Souvenirs
0.7 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.7 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.7 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Urban Outfitters
0.8 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Danish Souvenirs
0.8 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
The Wilde Shop
0.8 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
ILLUM
0.9 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.9 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Magnolias
0.9 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
Læderstræde
0.9 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Eiffel bar
0.2 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Brønnum
0.6 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Ved Stranden
0.8 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
K-Bar
0.8 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Balthazar
0.8 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
Bar Deco
0.8 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
1105
0.8 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.9 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
The Dubliner
0.9 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Charlie's Bar
1.0 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
The Moose
1.0 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Ruby
1.0 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Lord Nelson Bar
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
0.8 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
The Zoo
1.0 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Mini Bar
1.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Chateau Motel
1.2 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
1.3 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Club Mambo
1.3 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Culture Box
1.3 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mirror
1.3 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
1.3 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Miami Bar
1.3 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
1.4 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
La Terraza
1.4 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Arch
1.5 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
1.5 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Cosy Bar
1.5 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
