Christianshavns Kanal
Historic waterway where 400 years of maritime heritage meets contemporary creativity in Copenhagen's most cinematic district.
A picturesque 17th-century canal running through Copenhagen's historic Christianshavn district, lined with pastel-colored warehouses, houseboats, and the striking Circle Bridge. Founded by King Christian IV as a Dutch-inspired merchant quarter, the canal remains a living waterway where centuries of maritime heritage blend seamlessly with contemporary urban life, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into Copenhagen's creative soul.
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
- Visit during golden hour at sunset when lanterns begin to flicker on houseboat decks and the light reflects beautifully off the water, creating the most photogenic conditions.
- Walk slowly across Cirkelbroen (Circle Bridge) and pause on each circular platform to observe the surrounding architecture and water—the bridge is designed to encourage contemplation rather than speed.
- Explore the canal-side streets Overgaden oven Vandet and Overgaden neden Vandet on foot to discover local galleries, cafés, and shops housed in historic warehouses.
- Consider a guided boat tour to experience the canal from the water and learn about its maritime history while observing the houseboats and ecosystem up close.
- Visit the Royal Danish Naval Museum in Søkvæsthuset to deepen your understanding of Copenhagen's naval heritage and the canal's role in the city's maritime past.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Restrooms
Getting There
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Metro
Take the Copenhagen Metro Line M1 or M2 toward Vestamager or Lufthavnen. Exit at Christianshavn Station. From the station, walk approximately 5–8 minutes northwest to reach the canal. Travel time from central Copenhagen is typically 5–10 minutes depending on your starting point. Metro operates 24 hours daily with frequent service (every 3–6 minutes during peak hours, every 15 minutes late night). Single ticket costs approximately 24 DKK (3.20 EUR) for zones 1–2.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen's extensive cycling infrastructure makes this an ideal option. Rent a bike from one of many rental stations throughout the city (approximately 80 DKK or 11 EUR per day). Cycle to Christianshavn via the dedicated bike lanes; the route is flat and well-marked. Travel time from Nyhavn or the city center is approximately 10–15 minutes. Bike parking is abundant along the canal.
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Walking
If staying in central Copenhagen (Nyhavn, Strøget, or Kongens Nytorv), walk across Knippelsbro bridge, which connects directly to Christianshavn. The walk takes approximately 15–20 minutes and offers scenic views of the harbor. The route is flat and pedestrian-friendly with clear signage.
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Harbor Tour Boat
Several companies operate canal and harbor tours departing from Nyhavn and other central locations. These boats navigate directly into Christianshavns Kanal, allowing you to experience the waterway from the water itself. Tours typically last 45–60 minutes and cost approximately 80–120 DKK (11–16 EUR). Departures run hourly during peak season and every 2–3 hours in winter.
Christianshavns Kanal location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Christianshavns Kanal
A Dutch Dream Realized in Copenhagen
Christianshavns Kanal emerged from the vision of King Christian IV in the early 1600s, who sought to establish a Dutch-style merchant quarter modeled after Amsterdam's celebrated canals. Built by Dutch engineers, the canal was designed to accommodate the tall sailing ships that once arrived from the Baltic, their masts rising majestically above the gabled rooftops. This ambitious project transformed a fortified outpost into a thriving commercial hub, where merchants, soldiers, and traders moved goods across the waters that connected Copenhagen to the wider world. The canal's name reflects its geographical position: "Overgaden oven Vandet" (upper bank) and "Overgaden neden Vandet" (lower bank) run along each side, their names deriving from the German word "Ufer," meaning shore. These streets date back to the original foundation and remain integral to the neighborhood's character today.Four Centuries of Continuous Life
Unlike many historic canals that have become static monuments, Christianshavns Kanal functions as a living waterway in continuous use for over 400 years. The same waters that once carried merchant vessels and military ships now cradle houseboats, kayaks, and tour boats, creating a rare example of urban heritage that evolves without losing its essence. The canal's northern half is particularly noted for its bustling sailing community, where numerous houseboats and sailboats create a dynamic, residential landscape. Beneath the surface, the canal supports a surprising ecosystem of swans, fish, and occasionally harbor seals that wander in from the Øresund Strait—a testament to Copenhagen's successful revitalization of its urban waterways. As twilight falls, lanterns flicker on houseboat decks, and the sounds of clinking glasses and guitar music drift across the water, transforming the canal into an intimate social space where locals and visitors alike gather.Architecture and Bridges Spanning Tradition and Innovation
The canal is crossed by two primary bridges: Børnehusbroen at its midpoint, which forms part of Torvegade, the main thoroughfare connecting the city center to Amager, and Snorrebroen further north. Most notably, the Circle Bridge (Cirkelbroen), designed by renowned artist Olafur Eliasson and completed in 2015, has become an iconic symbol of the canal's blend of heritage and contemporary creativity. Circkelbroen consists of five staggered circular platforms of varying sizes, each topped with a steel mast rising up to twenty-five meters. Thin steel cables extend from these masts to the platform railings, creating a striking visual composition inspired by Eliasson's childhood memories of fishing boats in Iceland. The bridge's zigzag path encourages pedestrians and cyclists to slow their pace, pause, and engage with the space rather than simply traverse it. One section functions as a swing bridge, rotating to allow larger vessels to pass. Lit at night, the bridge attracts approximately 5,000 daily crossings and serves as a meeting place that contributes to a larger pedestrian circle around Copenhagen Harbour.Heritage Buildings and Cultural Institutions
The canal's waterfront is lined with 17th-century warehouses that have been thoughtfully repurposed as galleries, studios, and cultural spaces. Notable buildings include Brøstes Samling, housed in Potter's House (Potters Gård), a building from 1785 that displays local history of Christianshavn. The building's namesake, Thomas Potter, was a Scottish-born entrepreneur who pioneered iron production in Copenhagen, manufacturing pots, nails, anchors, and bullets that were exported to the East and West Indies. Søkvæsthuset, built in 1754 as an orphanage for boys and later converted into a naval hospital, now houses the Royal Danish Naval Museum in its side wing since 1989. These structures embody the canal's transformation from a purely commercial waterway into a cultural and educational destination.The Essence of Copenhagen's Character
Walking along the canal's cobbled edges or drifting through by boat reveals Copenhagen's maritime soul reflected in rippling water. The pastel façades leaning over the canal, the gentle sway of houseboats, and the creative energy of the neighborhood create an unmistakable sense of balance where old Copenhagen meets the modern pulse of contemporary life. The canal doesn't demand attention; it simply exists with quiet confidence, embodying the city's character: calm, reflective, creative, and forever entwined with the sea. Visitors often pair their canal experience with nearby attractions such as Freetown Christiania or the Church of Our Saviour, whose spiral tower offers panoramic views of the canal's elegant geometry.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
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Creative
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Waterfront
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
