Nyhavn — The Postcard Face of Copenhagen
Nyhavn (New Harbor) is the image everyone associates with Copenhagen: a narrow canal lined with colorful gabled houses from the 17th and 18th centuries, historic wooden sailing ships at the quay, restaurants, and bars with canal views. It's kitschy beautiful — and at the same time authentically lively.
History
Nyhavn was dug in 1671 as a trading port — Swedish prisoners of war did the work. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was a rough sailors' quarter: brothels, pubs, brawls. Hans Christian Andersen lived here at three different addresses (Nos. 20, 67, and 18) and wrote some of his most famous fairy tales in Nyhavn. Today, it is Copenhagen's most popular promenade — upscale, but not stiff.
The Experience
- Sunny Side: The northern side of the canal (odd house numbers) is in the sun — here the restaurant terraces line up. Expensive, but the atmosphere is unbeatable. A beer on the terrace: from 70 DKK (9€).
- Quay Wall: Free and at least as atmospheric: Sit on the quay wall, buy a beer in the supermarket (15 DKK / 2€), and enjoy the view. The Copenhageners do the same.
- The Ships: The historic wooden ships at the quay are restored trading and fishing vessels. Some are available for tours, others serve as floating bars.
- The Nyhavn Anchor: At the end of the canal stands a large anchor — the monument to the Danish sailors who fell in World War II.
💡 Tipp
Nyhavn is most beautiful in the afternoon light when the sun illuminates the colorful facades. Best: sit on the quay wall, grab a beer from the 7-Eleven or Netto at Kongens Nytorv (15–20 DKK instead of 70 DKK on the terrace), and enjoy the hustle and bustle. At 7–8 AM, Nyhavn is almost empty — perfect for photos without crowds.
