Copenhagen Canal Tours offers a great way to see the city from an unusual perspective: the harbour and many waterways that form an integral part of the former trading port. It’s also perfect for tourists on a tight schedule, as the route passes by many of the city’s main attractions including churches, palaces, new architectural marvels, and the world famous Little Mermaid.
Starting point of the tour at the 17th century harbour front, canal, and entertainment district of Nyhavn.
Departing from two convenient locations three times an hour, with a duration of about an hour, the tours are popular even with the locals. Along the way, the guided tour covers the open waters of the main harbour as well as the picturesque canals lined with sailboats and quiet residential areas. Passing through the narrow and low bridges adds a bit of excitement, too.
The dynamic nature of Copenhagen’s architecture is very much on display throughout the tour, ranging from the repurposed former warehouses to sparkling new landmarks like the Opera House and the Black Diamond, an extension to the Royal Danish Library. The most charming, though, are probably the quiet residential neighbourhoods of Christianshavn where locals relax along the canal banks, enjoying the sunny Danish summer.
The Royal Danish Playhouse.
The Royal Cast Collection, part of the National Gallery of Denmark.
The Royal Pavillions and former Copenhagen customs house.
The Opera House.
Shipping giant A.P. Møller-Maersk global headquarters.
The Little Mermaid and a huge fanbase.
The royal residence Amalienborg Palace and Frederiks Church.
Entering Chistianshavn harbour.
Vor Frelsers Kirke (Our Saviour’s Church) and its characteristic spiral staircase.
Enjoying a nice day canalside.
One of the many low-clearance canal bridges.
Tree-lined residential neighbourhoods of Christianshavn harbour.
Lot of sailboats moored along the route.
The Circle Bridge built for bicycles and pedestrians.
Christian’s Church.
The Black Diamond of the Royal Danish Library.
King Christian IV’s Brewhouse.
The Danish Architecture Centre.
Passing under the Marble Bridge.
Entering the canals of Gammel Strand with St. Nicholas Church.
Canal tour departures at Gammel Strand.
Another very low bridge and some tight navigation!
Christianborg Palace, seat of the Danish Parliament and government.
The Old Stock Exchange, Børsen, and its unique dragontail spire.
The iconic watchtowers on Knippelsbro Bridge.
Grand apartment buildings at Nyhavn harbour.
Peter Lam Photography 