Background

Quintessential Copenhagen: The Iconic Nyhavn Harbour

Lively, colourful canal harbour in central Copenhagen known for vibrant houses, historic ships, waterside cafés, and rich maritime heritage.

4.5

Nyhavn, located in the heart of Copenhagen’s Indre By, is a vibrant 17th-century harbour famed for its colourful merchant houses, historic wooden ships, and lively atmosphere. Once a bustling trade port, today Nyhavn draws visitors for its picturesque canalside promenade, offering quintessential Danish charm, waterfront dining, and a window into Copenhagen’s maritime past.

A brief summary to Church of Our Lady

  • Monday 8 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early in the morning to enjoy quieter moments and unobstructed canal views before the crowds gather.
  • Try a traditional Danish open-faced sandwich (smørrebrød) at one of the harbourside cafés for an authentic local experience.
  • Photography is best in late afternoon when soft sunlight makes the painted façades glow and reflections dance on the water.
  • Consider taking a canal tour departing from Nyhavn for a scenic journey through Copenhagen’s waterways.
  • During the Christmas season, Nyhavn transforms into a festive market with stalls selling crafts, mulled wine, and seasonal treats.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Travelers arriving from Helsingør will typically reach Copenhagen Central Station via frequent Danish State Railways trains (approx. 40–50 minutes, adult tickets around 94–108 DKK). From the station, Nyhavn is easily accessible by metro, with Kongens Nytorv station a brief walk from the canal. Metro fares within central Copenhagen are about 24 DKK for a single ride. Taxis are readily available at the station and can drop you at the harbour’s edge in about 10–20 minutes, fare generally ranging between 120–180 DKK depending on traffic.

  • Walking

    Once in central Copenhagen, Nyhavn is a pleasant walk from key city landmarks such as the Royal Danish Theatre and Kongens Nytorv square. The route is flat and well-signposted, passing through lively shopping and historic districts. Expect a 5–15 minute walk, depending on starting point.

  • Driving

    Drivers from Helsingør follow main routes into central Copenhagen, with paid parking garages available within a short walk of Nyhavn. Parking rates in the city center generally run 34–50 DKK per hour, and spaces can be limited, especially on weekends and holidays. Be aware that traffic can be congested during peak hours.

Unlock the Best of Church of Our Lady

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Church of Our Lady

With its cheerful row of brightly painted townhouses lining a glimmering canal, Nyhavn stands as one of Copenhagen’s most emblematic landmarks and a magnet for travelers from around the world. Established in the 1670s as a gateway for merchant ships from across the globe, Nyhavn has transformed from a gritty commercial port into a charismatic cultural heart of the city. Legendary as the haunt of writers and artists – Hans Christian Andersen lived here for years, penning his iconic fairy tales in the upper rooms – the quayside pulses with the energy of outdoor cafés, jazz musicians, and historic schooners bobbing on the water. Stroll along the eastern waterfront, where vibrant façades reflect in the canal and centuries-old masts sway gently, or pause beneath the rainbow flags that signal Denmark’s famed openness and inclusivity. In spring and summer, the area is alive with street performers, hearty laughter from bustling terraces, cyclists weaving along the cobbles, and the aroma of Danish open-faced sandwiches. In winter, festive lights and Christmas markets add a cozy magic to the scene. While admiring Nyhavn’s architectural charm, visitors also encounter echoes of its working-class roots: the harbour once teemed with sailors, pubs, and an air of rough trade. Today, shops, restaurants, and historic vessels invite exploration; the wooden lightship stationed at the entrance to the canal serves both as a picturesque photo stop and a living piece of nautical history. While prices at harbourside eateries can be steep, the ambiance is unrivalled. A glance down the canal reveals grand bridges, the distant spires of Copenhagen, and boats ready for canal cruises, offering a unique perspective on the city’s waterways. Nyhavn isn’t just a postcard scene – it’s an ever-evolving, living piece of Copenhagen’s identity.

Popular Experiences near Church of Our Lady

Popular Hotels near Church of Our Lady

Select Currency