It would take 450 years before the little town Copenhagen expanded it’s borders. It happened in 1617, when Christianshavn was founded by King Christian the 4th. If we jump forward to 1671, Copenhagen is ready to commence the excavation of the “New Harbor” or “Den Nye Havn” as it is called in Danish. Today it is just called Nyhavn, but since it opened over 300 years ago, the artificial canal has been a popular meeting point in Copenhagen. The pulsating life around the harbor is never disappointing for each and every tourist, businessman or local Dane that come together to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
From industrial harbor to tourist attraction
Nyhavn was in the beginning an industrial harbor, that acted as a springboard to the rest of the world and as a destination for ships from all around the world. Today it is without a doubt, one of Copenhagen’s most popular tourist attractions. The picturesque buildings that are faced towards the water, has become an iconic object of photography, both for the experienced photographers and the everyday instagrammer. It is for example here that many of the scenes from the popular movie “The Danish Girl” was filmed. The houses have been home to many famous artists, H.C. Andersen amongst others, lived in number 67, as well as a handful of ballet dancers, poets and painters.
Nyhavn is today filled with plenty of sidewalk cafés and restaurants. The cozy alley ways cross away from Nyhavn and towards the waterfront, from where you in minutes can walk to Christiansborg Castle, The Opera and The Little Mermaid. At the end of Nyhavn, you will find the start point of the canal tours, where you will sail Copenhagen’s canals and be guided through the beautiful buildings and monuments that you pass.
Hotel in central Copenhagen
Are you visiting the iconic buildings that surround Nyhavn? Are you also planning on visiting the rest of Copenhagen when you are here? Our hotel in central Copenhagen is a great base for you, since it is located close to all the exciting sights and gives you easy access to public transport from Copenhagen central station. The walk through Copenhagen’s small streets and always lively shopping district to Nyhavn, is just a half hour away.
