Kongeskibet Dannebrog – The Danish Royal Yacht
A gleaming white royal yacht moored in Copenhagen, Kongeskibet Dannebrog is a living symbol of Danish monarchy, maritime tradition and graceful naval design.
Moored along Copenhagen’s historic waterfront, Kongeskibet Dannebrog is Denmark’s elegant royal yacht and a floating symbol of the monarchy. Launched in 1931–32, this slender white vessel serves as an official and private residence for the King and royal family during summer cruises and state visits. You cannot normally board, but seeing Dannebrog at the quay—its gold details gleaming, flags snapped taut in the sea breeze—offers a vivid glimpse into Danish maritime tradition and royal ceremony.
A brief summary to Kongeskibet Dannebrog
- Copenhagen, Indre By, 1259, DK
- +4533401010
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Check the Danish Royal House announcements in advance; the yacht is only in Copenhagen at certain times, often around the start or end of royal summer cruises.
- Bring a zoom lens or binoculars to appreciate details like the polished brass, royal standard and crew uniforms from the quay.
- Aim for morning or late afternoon light for the most atmospheric photos, when the white hull and gold details catch the sun without harsh glare.
- Combine a stop here with a stroll along the harborfront toward nearby royal sites and historic fortifications for a broader royal-themed walk.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Restrooms
Getting There
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Metro and short walk
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 Cityringen metro to Marmorkirken Station, a journey of around 5–10 minutes from hubs such as København H or Kongens Nytorv. A standard single-zone ticket costs roughly 20–25 DKK and metros run every few minutes throughout the day. From Marmorkirken it is an easy 10–15 minute walk on level pavements toward the waterfront, suitable for most visitors including those with strollers; allow extra time in wet or windy weather.
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City bus from the center
Several city buses connect the historic center with the harbor area near the royal residences in about 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic and starting point. A single bus ticket is typically in the 20–25 DKK range and can be bought via machines or mobile apps. Buses are frequent during the day but less so late at night, and they may be crowded during commuting hours, so plan additional time if you are on a tight schedule.
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Bicycle from inner Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make biking from areas like Vesterbro, Nørrebro or Østerbro to the royal harborfront straightforward, usually 10–20 minutes each way. You can rent a city bike or a standard bicycle from numerous rental shops, with typical rates around 100–150 DKK for a day. Surfaces are flat and well-marked, but be prepared for strong harbor winds and follow local cycling etiquette, especially at busy junctions.
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Harbor boat service in season
In season, public harbor boats and some canal tour boats stop near the royal waterfront, linking areas such as Nyhavn and other central quays in roughly 15–30 minutes. Public harbor ferries usually charge standard public transport fares, often around 20–30 DKK per trip, while sightseeing boats cost more but include commentary. Services are weather dependent and less frequent outside summer, so check current timetables and allow for possible queues on sunny days.
Kongeskibet Dannebrog 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
Discover more about Kongeskibet Dannebrog
A floating emblem of Denmark’s monarchy
Kongeskibet Dannebrog is far more than a handsome ship tied up in Copenhagen’s harbor; it is a working royal residence and a national symbol. Built at the Naval Dockyard in Copenhagen in 1931–32, it replaced an earlier paddle steamer of the same name and has served generations of Danish monarchs on summer cruises and official overseas visits. From the quayside you see a long, low silhouette in gleaming white, topped with buff-colored funnel and masts and a large Danish flag streaming from the stern. When the royal standard is raised, the yacht becomes the home and office of the King and royal family. On board are studies, bedrooms, a lounge and dining saloon that travel with the court from port to port. The vessel also carries a ceremonial role, arriving for state occasions, royal birthdays and jubilees, often escorted by navy craft and greeted with cannon salutes from coastal batteries.Graceful lines and naval craftsmanship
Dannebrog’s design blends classic yachting elegance with robust naval engineering. Its riveted steel hull, clipper bow and elliptical stern recall early 20th-century luxury yachts, while details like polished brass railings, teak decks and varnished woodwork showcase meticulous craftsmanship. Below the waterline, the ship has the proportions of a compact naval vessel; above, it presents the feel of a stately private yacht. Forward of the funnel lie the crew’s quarters, cargo spaces and engines. Aft, separated from the working part of the ship, is the royal section, where large windows overlook the quarterdeck. That covered aft deck doubles as a reception area during official calls in Danish and foreign ports, transforming the ship into a floating palace where guests are welcomed against a backdrop of harbor views and naval pageantry.Life and work aboard the royal yacht
Although Dannebrog is closely associated with ceremony, it is also a functioning naval command. The crew typically includes officers, sergeants and a contingent of specially selected conscripts, who undergo training before joining the ship. Their daily routines involve watchkeeping, maintenance and the endless polishing of brass and brightwork that keep the yacht shining for public appearances. During voyages, the yacht combines the routines of a small warship with the rhythms of a royal household. Formal dinners, staff meetings and private family time all take place within the compact royal apartment. When the yacht is underway, it can also contribute to surveillance and sea-rescue tasks, a reminder of its dual role as both symbol and asset of the Danish state.Harbor-side viewing and photo moments
For visitors, the experience of Kongeskibet Dannebrog is usually enjoyed from shore. The yacht is most often seen at Copenhagen’s central waterfront when the royal family is embarking or returning from a cruise, or between official engagements. Even when inactive, its crisp paintwork, graceful masts and carefully arranged flags make it a striking subject for photographs. If you happen to visit on a day of departure or arrival, the atmosphere can feel almost theatrical: sailors in uniform lining the rail, the royal standard rising, and salutes echoing over the water. Even at quieter times, standing nearby gives you a strong sense of Denmark’s maritime identity and the close link between the monarchy and the sea.Tradition carried across the seas
Since entering service in 1932, Dannebrog has logged hundreds of thousands of nautical miles, calling at ports throughout Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands, as well as in Europe, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Each voyage extends a long tradition of royal visits by sea, bringing the monarchy physically to coastal communities. In Copenhagen, seeing the yacht at its mooring is like catching a scene from an ongoing historical story. The same decks have welcomed heads of state, hosted jubilees and carried royal couples on their first official journeys. From the quay, you are looking at a living piece of Danish history, still in active use and still central to the rituals of the kingdom.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Nyholm Central Guardhouse
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Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
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Horn mine
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Our Fallen
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I am Queen Mary
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Maritime Monument
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Larsens Pl.
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Frederik's Church
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St. Paul's Church
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Hans Christian Andersen plaque
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The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard
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The Kissing Stairs
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Ofelia Plads
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Langelinie
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Sankt Annæ Pl.
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Unmissable attractions to see
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
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Langelinie Park
0.3 km
Explore Denmark's first public museum, showcasing the neoclassical masterpieces of Bertel Thorvaldsen in the heart of Copenhagen.
Langelinieparken
0.3 km
Leafy waterfront lawns, sculptures and sea views where cruise ships, mythic fountains and Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid all meet along a single harbourfront walk.
Gefion Fountain
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s creation myth cast in bronze, the Gefion Fountain hurls goddess, oxen and water into a powerful tableau beside the harbour and Churchillparken.
Langelinie Pavillonen
0.4 km
Experience modernist elegance and panoramic harbor views at Copenhagen's iconic Langelinie Pavillonen.
St Alban's Church
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Step into history and legend at Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed as Hamlet’s ‘Elsinore,’ overlooking the spectacular Øresund Strait.
The Little Mermaid
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Historic harbor district ablaze with color, culture, and canals—Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s most iconic and photogenic waterfront destination.
Museum of Danish Resistance
0.5 km
Go underground beneath Churchill Park to follow five real lives through Denmark’s World War II occupation, in an immersive museum of resistance, choices and courage.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
0.5 km
A quiet, contemporary memorial within Copenhagen’s star-shaped fortress, honoring Denmark’s post‑1948 international missions with flame, stone and thoughtful space.
Holmen
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Historic naval islands turned calm harbour quarter, where dockyards, academies and the Copenhagen Opera House share wide quays and sweeping city views.
Kastellet
0.6 km
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Reffen - Skøjteøen
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Inugsuk
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Designmuseum Danmark
0.7 km
Copenhagen’s temple of design, where rococo halls, iconic Danish chairs and a tranquil garden reveal how beautifully made objects shape everyday life.
Bredgade Kunsthandel
0.7 km
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Essential places to dine
La Banchina
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Alchemist
0.9 km
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Noma
0.9 km
Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.
Veve
1.0 km
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Aoc
1.1 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Kokkeriet
1.1 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Restaurant Rebel
1.2 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Khun Juk
1.3 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.
Restaurant Vita
1.3 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Skipperkroen
1.3 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.
Restaurant Koefoed
1.3 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Cap Horn
1.3 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Nyhavns Færgekro
1.3 km
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Den Lille Fede
1.3 km
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Restaurant Barr
1.3 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Crown souvenir
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Royal Souvenir Shop
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Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
Maritime Antiques &
1.2 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.
Copenhagenglass
1.2 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Zane
1.3 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
The Wilde Shop
1.3 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Viking Souvenirs
1.5 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
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Danish Souvenirs & luggages
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Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
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Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
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Magasin du Nord
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Storm - design art fashion
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Henrik Vibskov Boutique
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Urban Outfitters
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
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Aloha Beach Bar
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Brønnum
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An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Bar Deco
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TATA Cocktail Bar
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A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Balthazar
1.6 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.
Trykbar
1.6 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
1105
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The Moose
1.7 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.
Charlie's Bar
1.7 km
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Bo-Bi Bar
1.8 km
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Chevy's
1.8 km
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ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik - Østerbro
1.8 km
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Gejser Bar
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Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
Eiffel bar
1.8 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
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Mini Bar
1.5 km
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Lusso
1.6 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
1.7 km
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Operaen
1.8 km
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Mirage
2.2 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
2.2 km
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Chateau Motel
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Hive
2.2 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
2.3 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
2.3 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
2.3 km
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La Terraza
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Dorsia
2.4 km
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Cosy Bar
2.5 km
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
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
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
