Christianshavn — Canals & Bohemia
Christianshavn is located on an artificial island east of the old town and is Copenhagen's Amsterdam corner: canals, houseboats, colorful houses, and a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere. The district was established in the 17th century by Christian IV as a trading and military port and has retained its character as an independent, somewhat rebellious quarter.
The Canals
The Christianshavn Canal is one of the most picturesque places in Copenhagen: houseboats, willows on the banks, duck families, cafes by the water. The canal is surrounded by a walking path that invites you to linger on a sunny afternoon. The canal tours (from 80 DKK / 11€) start in Nyhavn and lead through the canals of Christianshavn — one of the most beautiful ways to see Copenhagen.
Vor Frelsers Kirke — The Spiral Tower
The Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke) has Scandinavia's most famous church tower: an external spiral staircase that spirals 90 meters into the sky — 400 steps, the last outside at the top of the tower, getting narrower until you stand on a tiny platform with a view over all of Copenhagen, the Øresund, and as far as Sweden. Not for the faint-hearted! Admission: 65 DKK (9€). Long queues in summer — come early or book online.
Harbor Baths
Copenhagen's harbor is so clean that you can swim in it — and the Danes do so enthusiastically. The main harbor baths:
- Islands Brygge Havnebad: The most popular harbor bath with five pools (including a diving pool with a 5-meter tower). Free. Crowded in summer — atmosphere like at the beach.
- Kalvebod Bølge: Architectural wave formation (Bølge = wave) with diving boards, kayak rental, and sun terraces. Free.
- Sandkaj Havnebad: In the new district of Nordhavn, modern design, less crowded.
