Nyhavn

Nyhavn, in Copenhagen

Nyhavn is the most picturesque district of Copenhagen, a former port lined with colourful houses along a peaceful canal. The Copenhagen audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this "new port" dug in the seventeenth century by King Christian V, once frequented by sailors, today punctuated with cafés and restaurants, where the writer Hans Christian Andersen lived.

History

Here is the picturesque district par excellence of Copenhagen, that of the postcards: with its fine colourful houses, its calm canal and its wooden boats running along the quays, Nyhavn does not lack charm. This district, crossed by the canal of the same name, was shaped by King Christian V in the seventeenth century, who wanted to make it the main access to the sea to convey the goods to the centre of the city. The term Nyhavn means moreover "new port". Much frequented by sailors at the time, it was renowned for its taverns and its brothels. Today, its cafés and restaurants are aligned all along the canal, to the great happiness of the visitors come to stroll there. Some houses are very old, like that of number 9, that dates from 1661: the inhabitants had indeed the right to build their dwellings along the canal after its digging. It is here also that the famous writer Hans Christian Andersen lived part of his life, to whom is owed the tale of The Little Mermaid, become one of the symbols of Copenhagen.

What to see

Here you stroll in the most picturesque district of Copenhagen, this "new port" dug in the seventeenth century by Christian V, lined with colourful houses and old wooden boats; once a haunt of sailors, it today aligns cafés and restaurants along the canal, and sheltered the writer Hans Christian Andersen, father of The Little Mermaid. Nyhavn is the colourful soul of the city. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

Nyhavn lies in the heart of Copenhagen, near the Kongens Nytorv square, reachable on foot. It is a district in free access, lined with cafés and restaurants with variable hours, and the departure point of cruises on the canals. You discover it during a walk along the quay.

What does the name Nyhavn mean in Copenhagen?

It means "new port" in Danish: this canal was dug in the seventeenth century by King Christian V to serve as the main access to the sea and convey the goods to the centre of the city; once frequented by sailors, the district today aligns colourful houses, cafés and restaurants, and sheltered the writer Hans Christian Andersen.

Where is Nyhavn in Copenhagen?

In the heart of Copenhagen, near the Kongens Nytorv square, in Denmark.