Canaltour in Copenhagen

  • Rent a boat
  • We recommend

Adult 9,00 €

Children 5,00 €.

3 - 14 year. Groups more than 15 persons get 10% discount. You can rent a boat for private tours all year. Read more: Rent a boat Meet 15 minutes before departure time.

Groups of more than 15 persons can for weekdays book seats for departures from Holmens Church.

Book at phone: +45 32 54 41 02 or send a request via: Booking .

canal tours copenhagen nyhavn

Sightseeing in Copenhagen

Take a 60 minutes harbour and canal tour onboard one of the blue netto-boats..

Sit down and make yourself comfortable. See Copenhagen from the water front and enjoy the scenery and the sights which we pass on the tour, while our guide tells you in Danish, English, and German about the sights.

Autumn/Winter (October-March): We sail with glass roofed heated boats.

Map of canaltour

The tour starts from Holmens Church. We pass the old Stock-Exchange and sail through a canal called "Børsgraven". We arrive at Nyhavn, a pictoresque canal with atmosphere, many old houses and sailships. Nyhavn is one of the oldest parts of the Copenhagen harbour and dates back to 1673. At the end of Nyhavn there is a large anchor, which is a monument for 1600 Danish sailors, who lost their lives during the second world war.

We now approach the area of Holmen which was the naval base of Copenhagen for more than 300 years. Holmen is situated on 4 islands. On Frediriksholm we have The Danish Film School, The Drama School, The Academy Of Rhythmic Music and The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts Architect School. To the left you can see "Dokøen" (the Dock Island) and "Frederiksholm" and to the right the Arsenal Island. We sail past some of the 250 years old bastions or powder magazines, one of which – Frederiks Bastion – has been restored and converted into a small art gallery. Leaving the area of Holmen you can see Nyholm, the fourth island of Holmen, where there is still a naval college. To the right you can see the old Mast Crane from 1748, which was previously a well known landmark at the entrance to the Copenhagen harbour. Finally you can see the Battery Sixtus built in 1736 – 1744.

We are on our way to The little Mermaid illustrating one of the fairy-tales written by the Danish fairy-tale writer Hans Christian Andersen. We pass the royal residence called the Amalienborg Palace and enter the picturesque Christianshavn’s Canal with Our Saviour’s Church with the famous, twisted spire. Leaving Christianshavn’s Canal we see the Royal Library on the water front, cross the inner harbour. We enter Frederiksholm´s Canal with the Royal Arsenal Museum and the National Museum. To the left after the bridge you can see the old Fishmarket and the Thorvaldsen Art Museum. On our way back to Holmen´s Church we sail past Christiansborg Palace, the seat of the Danish parliament.

Booking for groups and comeplete boats by telephone: +45 32 54 41 02 or [email protected] Office is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 2 pm Mail-adress: Netto-Bådene A/S, Grøndalsvej 67, 2000 Frederiksberg C, Denmark

Nyhavn

Routes North - Nordic travel guide

The best canal tours and boat trips in Copenhagen

With the word harbour (havn) incorporated into its Danish name (København) , Copenhagen naturally has a strong connection with its waterways. 

There are lots of different boat tours to try in Copenhagen

Many of these lead right past some of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, including postcard-perfect Nyhavn and the famous Little Mermaid statue.

There are loads of guided canal tours and boat trips to enjoy, and you can even rent your own boat for a bit of self-guided exploration.

Seeing the city from the water can help you find your bearings before diving into the maze of historic streets on foot.

Options for boat trips in Copenhagen range wildly, from solar-powered picnic boats and classic canal cruises to sailing ship adventures and solo kayak trips.

Use this guide to choose the one that will leave you in ‘oar’ of the Danish capital!

Quick take: our top three Copenhagen boat tours

If you’re short of time, we recommend the classic boat trip from Nyhaven that takes in all the main sites in a comfortable boat with large glass windows.

We also really like this smaller electric boat trip that seats just seven people for a more personal, intimate experience – and it’s eco-friendly too. 

And for a chilled, relaxing trip, you can’t beat this tour of scenic Furesøen Lake on a lovely antique wooden boat.

Where do the boat tours depart from?

Copenhagen’s most popular type of boat tour is a trip along the canals. Most of these tours leave from the touristy Nyhavn area and from Gammel Strand, near Christiansborg Castle.

Others run from Ofelia Plads near Amalienborg Palace (it’s just around the corner from Nyhavn).

Canal and boat tours in Copenhagen

Havnebussen boats, which are part of the city’s public transport system, can be boarded at several stops between Refshaleøen and Teglholmen, giving you a cheap alternative to the organised tours.

Just bear in mind that these are very much ‘local’ boat services – you won’t get any info on what you’re sailing past.

Do the boat trips run all year?

Boat trips are popular and get booked up quickly, so it’s wise to book tickets online in advance, though some tours can also be booked on the spot. 

The Havnebussen (Harbour bus) public boats don’t need to be booked in advance, but you will need to have a ticket, travel card  or a  Copenhagen Card: Discover  to use them. You can also buy tickets onboard, but only with cash.

Tips for taking a Copenhagen boat tour

  • Check the weather forecast and always bring an extra layer – it can get chilly here, even in the summer.
  • Add sunscreen and a hat if you’re hitting the water during the summer months.
  • Consider renting your own boat for a bit more freedom – you can safely rent certain types of boats in Copenhagen, even if you have no previous experience.
  • Don’t forget to book in advance – especially in high season.
  • Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch on the water. Several of the tours we’ve listed below allow you to bring your own drinks and food.

What’s new for 2024?

Increasingly small electric boats are gaining popularity, such as this one .

They provide a more intimate experience as well as personal interaction with the captain. So you can ask questions on the way and really enjoy what you’re seeing.

There will always be a place for the large glass-windowed tour boats, where you can walk around the boat – and they do you great views of the city.

But increasingly people are opting for smaller, more personal electric boat trips that limit their impact on the environment.

Guided canal and harbour tours

Touring Copenhagen’s canals is so popular that a whole industry has built up around it, with several different providers offering a multitude of tours, each aimed at taking visitors to see different parts of the city. These are some of the best.

The classic harbour tour

This budget-friendly one-hour tour  takes you around the canals and the harbour to see the city’s best bits.

Guides speak Danish and English (other languages are also available on specific departures) and provide a bit of background about the city as you sail past famous landmarks.

Tours start from Nyhavn, and will take you past highlights like Christiansborg Palace, the opera house, the Little Mermaid statue and majestic Amalienborg Palace.

The tours run all year round and ponchos are included, just in case it rains!

The extended harbour tour

If you want a longer trip that takes in a few lesser-known sites, such as the up-and-coming area of area of Nordhavn, this extended harbour is a good bet.

The trip leaves from Ved Stranden and takes in all the main sites too, plus some of the newer trendy regenerated areas to the north and south of the centre.

It lasts one hour, 45 minutes and runs from June to mid-September.

The eco-friendly harbour tour

This electric boat trip leaves from Ved Stranden and takes in the city’s main sights on a small boat.

The boat seats just seven people, so it’s a more personal experience – and has heated seats and blankets for colder days.

The knowledgeable skipper gets top marks for the witty and fun commentary, plus the interesting facts about the sites you pass and their history.

Hey Captain boat trips

Putting the focus firmly on good-old Danish  hygge (you’ll get warm drinks and blankets to keep you cosy), this is a much more intimate boat tour with room for just 12 guests at a time.

It’s a sociable boat trip where you’re encourage to chat to fellow passengers and the captain, so ideal for solo travellers.

Running from mid-March to mid-December, this two-hour boat trip sets out from Ofelia Plads near Amalienborg Palace, sailing past all the harbour highlights, plus some hidden gems too.

It takes in all the harbour highlights, as well as some up-and-coming areas and a few hidden gems too.

Havnebussen

Havnebussen, or ‘the Harbour Bus’ is part of Copenhagen’s public transport system, just like the regular buses on land. This means you can travel with the same kind of tickets you’d use on ordinary buses.

Riding the harbour bus isn’t really the same as a guided tour, but it does offer a cheap, alternative way to get from A to B around the harbour, while still enjoying some of its attractions along the way.

The best routes for sightseers are #991 and #992. They run in opposite directions, but both pass the opera house and Nyhavn.

Boat tour of Bagsværd Lake

Escape the city for a trip on the wooden Baadfarten boats, which sail along the scenic Bagsværd Lake, just outside Copenhagen (May to August).

The hour-long tour of the lake takes in lush lakeside scenery, including parkland, woods and fields.

Your ticket also allows you to stop off en-route, so you can spend as long as you like at the art exhibitions at Sophienholm, and continue your trip on a later boat.

Wooden sailing ship tours

Looking to explore the harbour in style? Then be sure to visit Copenhagen in high season (late June to the beginning of August), when you can book a harbour tour aboard a real wooden sailing ship.

Harbour bridges will open to let the tall ship pass as you sail through the harbour.  Or you can opt for a full two-hour sailing cruise aboard the beautiful wooden ship.

These tours aren’t cheap (expect to pay around 420 DKK per adult) and you’ll need to book in advance – check the   United Sailing Ships website for exact sailing times.

Lake tours on a wooden boat

And if you fancy cruising some of the waterways out of the city, this lovely wooden boat dating from the 1890s tours round Denmark’s deepest lake. 

Take a boat trip on Denmark's deepest lake, just outside Copenhagen

The boat makes the two-hour journey round Furesøen Lake several times a day, stopping at the lake beach at Furesøbad, the castle of Næsseslottet and the Old Mill en route.

So you can hop-off when you want to explore the sights along the way, then catch the next boat onwards.

The boats leave from Holte Havn, 20 minutes outside of the city, and run from early may to mid-September.

Boats for rent in Copenhagen

If you don’t like the idea of setting sail with other tourists and would rather hit the water on your own, renting a boat is a great option.

Goboats can be rented in Copenhagen, even if you have no sailing experience

There are a few different low-powered boats that you can captain yourself, and although there are age limits in place, no prior experience is necessary.

You can also rent a private boat with a captain from Refshaleøen, or jump in a kayak instead.

Some of the most popular boat rentals in Copenhagen are GoBoats . These dinky, solar-powered boats, based at Islands Brygge, let you go wherever you fancy along Copenhagen’s system of canals, with no experience or special licence needed.

You’ll be shown how to drive the boats before you set off and provided with life jackets and blankets (in case it’s cold out on the water!)

There’s a little bench table in the middle of these boats, and you’re free to bring along your own food and drink. So, pack a picnic basket for an enjoyable day on the water.

The boats hold up to 8 people and cost the same whether there are two of you or 8 (from 549 DKK) – so the larger the group the cheaper the cost per person.

Duffy boats

If you’re travelling with a group of friends or your family, then you might want hire your own boat and captain to take you comfortably around the harbour.

The eco-friendly, electric Duffy boats take up to 11 guests at a time, and are a great option if you want a bit more space and the freedom to explore a little more.

They run year-round with heaters in the winter, plus comfy sofas and tables so you can relax and enjoy the view.

The boats cost from 190 DKK for a one-hour trip, including the captain.

FriendShips

A good alternative to GoBoats (see above), FriendShips electric boats can be rented from Christianshavn, so you’re just around the corner from Christiania and the opera house.

Renting for two hours (around 900 DKK) will give you enough time to take in a few of the capital’s big sights while sailing quietly through the water.

Kayak Republic

Wanna keep those biceps in shape during your city break? Then you should consider skipping the boats altogether and jumping in a kayak.

Kayak Republic has stable, easy-to-use kayaks to rent for 195 DKK an hour, or 295 DKK for a double kayak (May to September).

Alternatively, you can join a two-hour city tour around the canals of Copenhagen, or an evening tour to watch the sunset (around 395 DKK).

Top tips for saving money on boat trips in Copenhagen

  • Kayak for free. Green Kayak has double sit-on kayaks that you can use for free. All you need to do is to pick up litter from the harbour while you paddle, weigh it and share it on social media!
  • Buy a Copenhagen Card. The Copenhagen Card: Discover includes unlimited use of the harbour buses, a classic harbour tour and the Baadfarten boat tours. So if you’re planning a lot of watery trips, it could save you a fortune. Check our guide to see if a Copenhagen Card could save you money.
  • Go with a group of friends. With trips like GoBoats, you pay for the boat no matter how many people are on it. So if you can take 7 other people, you’ll pay as little as £8 each for an hour’s trip.

Are Copenhagen boat trips environment-friendly?

Most boat trips have a negative effect on the environment, however in recent years boat companies in Copenhagen have made big efforts to reduce their environmental impact.

The old diesel Havnebussen, for example, have been replaced with electric boats, and all the harbour buses are now nitrogen oxide- and particle-neutral.

Both FriendShips and the Duffy Boats are electric, while the silent GoBoats are solar-powered. However, the most environmentally-friendly way to take to the water is, of course, is by kayak!

Are Copenhagen boat trips safe?

Yes, boat trips round Copenhagen Harbour are safe. All boat trips provide life jackets for passengers, though there’s no obligation to wear them.

Make sure you stay seated while the boat is moving, and be aware of the safety procedures and where the emergency exits are.

Are Copenhagen boat trips accessible?

Most boat trips are problematic for those with limited mobility, and the boats that do the classic Copenhagen harbour tours are not suitable for wheelchair users. 

The harbour buses, however, are wheelchair-accessible, with flat landing stages and ramp access to the boat. They can get very crowded though, and there’s limited space on board for wheelchairs. 

Can I get food and drink on board the boats?

There are no facilities for buying food and drink on board the classic harbour boats, but there’s no problem with taking your own.

Many of the tours start and end at Nyhavn, where there’s no shortage of places to eat and drink before or after your tour. For ideas on where to eat in Copenhagen on a budget, click here .

See also:  Where to go swimming in Copenhagen 50 free things to do in Copenhagen The best guided tours in Copenhagen Is the Copenhagen card worth buying?

Brian Schæfer Dreyer

Visiting The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen

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9 Best Canal Tours in Copenhagen

By Jenna Scatena

Denmark Copenhagen Canal Tour GoBoat Copenhagen

There are many avenues for exploring the best of Copenhagen—by foot along the scenic promenades or bicycling through quaint neighborhoods—but almost nothing is as classic as cruising its historic and fascinating canals by boat. Whether you’re traveling by motorboat, schooner, or kayak , on your own or with a guide, these wide waterways are rich with beautiful sites and compelling stories.

Denmark Copenhagen Tour United Sailing Ships  Harbor Cruises

United Sailing Ships Arrow

Explore the canals and the coast on a traditional Danish sailboat with United Sailing Ships’ Harbor Cruise, which takes place on a sleek turn-of-the-century wooden schooner. Ships depart from the Admiral Quay in front of the Copenhagen Admiral Hotel; the trip lasts about two hours. The main highlight is the ship itself, not to mention seeing famous landmarks like the Royal Palace, the Opera House, and the Royal Playhouse from a coveted vessel. You'll venture farther than most standard tours—all the way to South Harbour.

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Show Me Copenhagen Arrow

Show Me Copenhagen hosts high-end customizable canal tours for private groups that have a particular trip in mind. Providing a private sleek boat with a captain, guide, and food, the tour allows participants to customize the route within Copenhagen’s waterways. The crew caters to each guest’s needs, whether you’re looking for a sail down the main canal or a low-key cruise to quieter waterways.

Denmark Copenhagen Tours FriendShips

FriendShips Arrow

FriendShips' sleek black-and-white electric boats are an easy way to choose your own adventure on Copenhagen’s waterways. After a brief introduction, you'll receive a curated map—then you’re off on your own with a group of up to eight. If you’re unsure of where to go, the on-the-ground crew can help you plan your itinerary before you set sail. A steering wheel lets you navigate the city's scenic canals, and the company's own Christianshavn dock (pictured) is centrally located near a bunch of scenic attractions.

Gondoltur Arrow

Gondoltur, a boutique tour, channels Venetian romance—in Copenhagen. Riding Stephania , a single restored gondola imported from Italy, is a romantic way for couples to take in the charm of Copenhagen’s narrower, more intimate canals. The one-hour customizable excursion starts near Freetown Christiania; one of the most popular routes leads across the Christianshavns Canal, passing by the Black Diamond, into Frederiksholm Canal, and by the Royal Stables. A bottle of Prosecco and some salted almonds make the journey even better.

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Denmark Copenhagen Canal Tour GoBoat Copenhagen

GoBoat Copenhagen Arrow

Thirty small, simple pale-blue boats comprise GoBoat’s fleet, which is designed for a self-guided aquatic adventure. With a central table surrounded by bench seating, the vessels are ideal for a picnic on the water with friends. One, two, or three-hour rentals are available from morning until sunset; all boats depart from the Islands Brygge neighborhood. The company is run by a young, jovial crew that will help get you settled, but you'll need to appoint someone from your own crew to steer the boat—no experience required.

Hey Captain Canal Tour Copenhagen

Hey Captain Arrow

HeyCaptain's guides feel more like hosts, and they set a lively tone for the 12-person ride in sleek convertible boats, offering great info as well as insider recommendations for things to do and see after the cruise is over. On the 60-minute public tour, you’ll sail through the Old City while whizzing past 17th-century historic buildings, the Christianshavn canal, the Circle Bridge, and the stunning Black Diamond, a library made of black polished granite. If you opt for the two-hour private tour, you’ll see the Trekroner Sea Fortress, the city’s former fortification, and you can customize the route to your liking.

Denmark Copenhagen Tour Kayak Republic  Nordic Food Tour

Kayak Republic – Nordic Food Tour Arrow

Kicking back in a boat and letting someone else do all the work has its perks, but chartering a kayak means getting access to the narrowest of Copenhagen’s canals. Kayak Republic’s charming waterside station houses a trove of kayaks for guided tours and rentals, as well as a laid-back sailor-style bar with beer and local seafood for an après-cruise bite.

Netto-Bådene Arrow

Netto-Bådene runs a series of budget-friendly open-top tours in three languages. The large blue classic boats with plastic seats depart regularly from Holmens Church and Nyhavn and take about an hour, making this an easy activity to squeeze into a packed itinerary. The route balances stunning Danish architecture with historic sites and famous landmarks. You’ll catch a glimpse of Copenhagen’s military heritage while sailing through Holmen and Nyholm and passing by former naval bases, Amalienborg Palace, and Our Saviour’s Church.

Denmark Copenhagen Tour Strömma Danmark

Strömma Arrow

Travelers short on time will love Stromma’s tours, which offer a quick hit of Copenhagen’s top canal highlights. There are large open-top boats departing regularly from Nyhavn and Ved Stranden, and you can choose between the classic one-hour Grand Tour or opt for a 48-hour Hop-On, Hop-Off ticket that combines sightseeing and transportation. This fast and informative overview of the canals makes for an ideal orientation to the Danish capital—book it on your first day to familiarize yourself with the city’s layout and history.

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What to expect on a Canal Tour in Copenhagen

One of the best ways to explore Copenhagen is on a canal tour.

You’ll sail by the biggest landmarks of Copenhagen such as the iconic Little Mermaid Statue, Christiansborg Palace where the Danish Parliament is located, the impressive Opera House, Amalienborg Palace where the Queen of Denmark lives, Christianshavn’s cozy canals, and many more!

On top of that, you will have a live guide who shares funny anecdotes and historical facts about the different landmarks. Not to mention that you also get to see the city from a different angle.

Doing a canal tour in Copenhagen is honestly one of the best things you can do if it’s you first time in the city. Because going by the different landmarks gives you an idea of what you’d like to discover more in-depth.

In this blog post, we’ll go through all you need to know about the Stromma Canal Tour in Copenhagen: prices, opening hours, languages available, where the tours are leaving from, what to expect, and much more!

Please note:  Dear Reader, this blog post contains affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read more about it here:  Affiliate Disclaimer .

Practical information about the canal tour in Copenhagen

Ticket prices in 2023.

Below you’ll find the 2023 ticket prices of the Grand Canal Tour that we took from Nyhavn with the tour company named Stromma. You can either book your canal tour in advance or simply show up and get your tickets at the office.

Please notice: If you have the Copenhagen Card , then you can do the canal tour for free. But you have to embark at “Ved Stranden”, which is located right by Christiansborg Palace in the city center.

Opening hours in 2023

The canal tour has two embarkation points where it drops off and picks up passengers. Below you’ll find the first and last hours of the canal tours in 2023. Notice that there are 2 departures per hour, so you should never have to wait too long for the next boat.

  • From Nyhavn: First tour 9:30-10 AM/Last tour 3:30-6:30 PM
  • From Ved Stranden: First tour 10 AM/Last tour 3-5:30 PM

The canal tour’s opening hours depend on the season. If you want to get an overview of the daily canal tours during your visit to Copenhagen, then check out the available hours online . Just put in the date of your intended tour, and you can see the departure hours.

The tour leaving from “Nyhavn” is located at the end of Nyhavn’s Canal, just by the big square named Kongens Nytorv. The tour leaving from “Ved Stranden” is located in the canal close to the big shopping street and Christiansborg Palace.

Related blog post: What to See at Iconic Nyhavn in Copenhagen

Stromma canal tour from Nyhavn, Copenhagen

What languages do the guides speak

On the canal tour, you’ll find a live guide who’s speaking about Copenhagen. All of the guides speak Danish and English, but you’ll also find some who speaks a third language as well.

During our canal tour, we had a really nice and professional guide. He did the tour in 3 languages: Danish, English, and German. So, have a look at the big screen in front of the ticket office. Here you can see the languages available on each tour – maybe you’ll find yours?

Canal tour guide

What to wear on a canal tour in Copenhagen

We did our latest canal tour in November, and it was honestly freezing!

You can take a canal tour in Copenhagen all year round. But during the late fall, the whole winter, and the early spring, you should expect it to be cold. So wear thick layers and extra socks. My feet were freezing from sitting down for an hour in the cold weather.

During late spring, summer, and early fall, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about what you’re wearing since the temperature will be much warmer. But always bring an extra layer as it can get cold when you’re out on the open sea.

me on the canal tour

How many canal tours are available in Copenhagen

As mentioned earlier, this blog post is about the popular Grand Canal Tour of Copenhagen with the company named Stromma. However, you can do many other canal tours in the city.

At Nyhavn you’ll also find “Nettobådene”, which is the cheapest canal tour in Copenhagen. However, you can also easily go for a more private canal tour such as Hey Captain , which of course will be more expensive, but it’ll last longer and be more personal and informative.

On a canal tour with the opera house in the back, Copenhagen

What to expect on a canal tour in Copenhagen

All right, now that you hopefully have all the information to book your own tour, it’s time for us to share what you can expect on a canal tour in Copenhagen.

As mentioned earlier, our latest canal tour was in November. We were lucky to have good weather (meaning it didn’t rain), so Glenn and I decided to sit outside on the boat. You can either sit inside, behind glass windows and glass roofs in the middle of the boat, or you can sit outside in the front or in the back of the boat.

So you don’t have to skip out on the tour if it’s raining, but it’s definitely more fun to see the city in sunlight.

The tour took 60 minutes, and we were lucky to have a fun and nice guide, who was telling us anecdotes and short facts about the landmarks along the way. While it was obviously very rehearsed, we still felt like the guide did a very good job on the boat.

Here are some of the landmarks you can expect to sail by on the canal tour in Copenhagen:

  • Nyhavn: Historical place in Copenhagen with the iconic colourful buildings.
  • Royal Theater Playhouse: Our modern playhouse from 2008.
  • The Opera House: Denmark’s national opera house, which opened in 2005.
  • Holmen: An area in Copenhagen that was built for the navy.
  • The 2 Royal Pavillons: Where the Queen of Denmark boards the royal ship named Dannebrog.
  • Battery Sixtus: A fortification that protects Copenhagen’s harbor and the navy.
  • Little Mermaid Statue : One of the most iconic landmarks in Copenhagen.
  • Copenhill: A waste plant that’s also Copenhagen’s center of urban mountain sport.
  • Amalienborg Palace: The residence of the Queen of Denmark.
  • The Marble Church: One of the most beautiful churches in Copenhagen.
  • Cristianshavn’s Canal: Cozy canal in Copenhagen.
  • Our Saviour’s Church : Beautiful church with golden spire.
  • The Circle Bridge: Architectural bridge in Copenhagen that has a unique circular design.
  • The Royal Library: Denmark’s national library, also known as the Black Diamond.
  • The King’s Brewhouse: Built as a bastion, but quickly turned into a brewhouse.
  • Christiansborg Palace: Used to be a royal residence, but today it’s where the Danish parliament is.
  • Thorvaldsen’s Museum: Contains the artworks of Bertel Thorvaldsen.
  • Børsen: One of the oldest buildings in Copenhagen. It used to house the Danish stock market.

As you can see, the list is really long. And along the way, you’ll get a few facts about the specific landmark you sail by. That’s why the canal tour is a great place for first-timers in Copenhagen. Because it gives you an idea of which landmarks you would like to explore more in-depth.

While the canal tour is definitely one of the most touristic things you can do in Copenhagen . We still think that it’s a great starting point that’s totally worth doing.

We honestly love to jump on the cruise now and then, and we can’t wait to do a private tour some day. But that must be for another time.

Christianshavns canal

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Hey Captain

1 rated canal tour in Copenhagen

Canal Tours Copenhagen

The best way to see Copenhagen is by joining a canal tour.

Hey Captain is number 1 ranked Copenhagen canal tour based on guest reviews.

The canal tours we do are based on creating a friendly atmosphere with max 12 people in each boat. Our tours are guided but our style is not like the traditional canal tours in Copenhagen. It's a dialogue where guests are an interactive part of the tour. We call our style Social Sailing.

Joel and Casper founded Hey Captain in 2017 after cruising the canals of Copenhagen in their own boat Diana. The original feeling and vibe of being friends on a boat is the DNA of Hey Captain.

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Social Sailing by Hey Captain

Our concept is Social Sailing and we are on a mission to spread social interaction. Your captain will ask personal questions along the tour so we get to know each other and share experiences. This is the essence of what we do.

“Hidden gems”

Hidden gems is about showing our own favorite spots, which are off the beaten track from the standard path. Expect to get an introduction to areas we think are cool, local, and where you get a great a sense of what the life in Copenhagen is all about. We will either take a southern route or Northern route depending on what is going on in the harbor at your specific departure day. There will be a voluntary option during the route to stop and get out of the boat to explore.

The harbor in Copenhagen is undergoing rapid change, from an industrial harbor to recreational space open to everyone living in the city. During the summer months it acts as the main nerve binding the city together and attracting numerous water-based activities in the process. You will see how this is folds out with Kayaks passing by and happy Danes jumping into the water. We will point out our favorite places and hidden gems, whether you are looking a place for having an afternoon beer in the sun, a relaxed morning coffee, or simply and area to relax away from it all.

As we explore the upcoming areas away from the inner part of the city you will see how former industrial buildings are being transformed into new spaces, where new and old are mixed in new architectural structures. Some of these are designed by famous architects like Bjarke Ingels and some by new upcoming talents. You will get an understanding of how design and living play and essential role for the new development of Copenhagen and an essential part of the Danish lifestyle.

We adapt drinks to the season. Drinks can be purchased on the boat at an additional charge. For safety reasons there is a maximum of 2 drinks per person, and you cannot bring your own drinks.

Summer - until 1st of Oct

Water (incl.) | Lemonade DKK 30,- | Beer DKK 40,- | Glass of wine DKK 40,- | Bottle of wine is 200 DKK,-

Autumn/Winter - from 1st Oct

Tea, coffee, hot chocolate per cup DKK 20,- | Beer DKK 40,- | Glass of grog/mulled wine DKK 40,-

Public tour 400 DKK per person Private tour 4400 DKK – up to 12 pax

"Landmarks"

Our landmark experience shows off the beautiful inner part of the harbor, where many of the historical sites and buildings are located by the waterfront and along the beautiful canals.

We depart from the recently renovated Ofelia Plads next to the Royal Danish Playhouse. Most locals know this place as where the ferry departed to Oslo. From here we will pass by the Royal Palace, where you can be lucky to sneak a glimpse of the Queen and the Royal Family if the flags are flying.

When we enter through the historic canals of the old city center you will get a glimpse of how it is to live on a house boat, and see the numerous historical buildings, many of them constructed by King Christian the 4th in the early 17th century. At the end of Christianshavn's canal we will pass Olafur Eliasson's beautiful Circle Bridge, designed to make the rushing bicyclist slow down and enjoy the beautiful view of the Black Diamond - the Royal Library.

Cruising around Holmen, the old military area, we will pass by the much debated free town Christiania, which homes its own hippie community, other generally free spirited souls, and the location for the new NOMA restaurant. Right opposite, on the way back, you will get a good view of the new (and very expensive) Copenhagen Opera.

Prices Public tour 200 DKK per person Private tour 2200 DKK – up to 12 pax

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The 5 Best Copenhagen Canal Tours [2024 Reviews]

Copenhagen sits on two islands and is served by an extensive canal network. This means that a canal tour is a great way of seeing most of the main attractions around the city.

Also, many of the iconic buildings are designed to be viewed from the water, making a canal tour the best way to see these impressive structures.

There are many canal cruises in Copenhagen, but I’ve selected out 5 top-rated tours I think you’ll love. Think about what you want to see and do in this fascinating city and then decide which of these 5 feature-packed tours would be best for you.

Best Canal Tours In Copenhagen

Quick answer: the 5 best rated canal tours in copenhagen for 2024.

  • Best Sightseeing Tour: 2-Hour “Hidden Gems” Copenhagen Canal Tour
  • Best Combination Tour: Copenhagen City Highlights & Canal Cruise Private Tour
  • Best Budget Tour: 1-Hour Copenhagen Canal Cruise From Ved Stranden or Nyhaven
  • Best Guided Tour: Shore Excursion: Panorama Sightseeing By Land and Canal Cruise
  • Best Family Tour: Copenhagen Canal Tour & Skip-The-Line Tivoli Ticket

We have reviewed the top Copenhagen canal cruises providing overviews and highlighting the details of each.

Copenhagen Canal Tour Reviews

1. best sightseeing tour: copenhagen 2-hour “hidden gems” canal tour.

  • Departure Point : Kvæsthusbroen 1, Copenhagen
  • Departure Time: 12:50 PM
  • Duration : 2 hours
  • Includes : Experienced tour guide, 2-hour canal cruise, and a complimentary drink

Are you an inquisitive person who likes to explore the hidden corners of your holiday destination and discover how the local people live away from the airbrushed tourist areas?

This voyage of discovery explores some of Copenhagen’s less-visited locations.

Enjoy your complimentary drink and chat with your neighbors on this intimate canal tour. The boat will transport you away from the city center and into the North or South Harbor.

Sailing past developing areas, your knowledgeable guide will explain the rich history of the city and how ecological and economic concerns are shaping the buildings of the future.

See how former industrial buildings are being transformed into modern homes and offices. Don’t worry if it rains. This little, cozy boat has a rain hood that can be pulled up to protect you from the elements.

And if it’s sunny, the hood is tucked away so that you can enjoy uninterrupted, panoramic views.

This is a great opportunity to see the real Copenhagen. Don’t miss the opportunity to ask your guide all the questions you want about everyday life in modern Denmark.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. best combination tour: copenhagen city highlights & canal cruise private tour.

  • Departure Point : City Hall Square
  • Departure Time: 10:00 AM
  • Duration : 4 hours
  • Includes : Experienced guide, 3-hour guided walking tour, 1-hour canal cruise, and a complimentary drink

To truly understand the character of a city, it’s best to walk its streets yourself. If you want to benefit from in-depth cultural and historical commentary, this combined walking tour and cruise is best for you.

After meeting your guide in City Hall Square, you’ll set out to explore the city by foot. Because most of the attractions are so close together, you won’t find this comprehensive walking tour too demanding.

Your guide will guide you to many cultural and historical attractions, such as Christiansborg Castle, the Amalienborg Palace, and the square of Kongens Nytov.

On foot, you’ll be so close to the history that you can touch it as your knowledgeable guide brings it to life with facts, figures, and stories.

After admiring the colorful buildings of Nyhavn, you’ll transfer into an open-top boat for a 1-hour canal cruise. Now you’ll view the city from a fresh perspective.

One highlight is the new Circle Bridge, a unique structure completed in 2015 and designed to resemble a series of yachts floating across the canal.

The Royal Theater looks wonderful from the water. As you’re passing The Little Mermaid , enjoy your complimentary drink.

Once you’ve completed this tour, you’ll be an expert on the history of the world’s oldest royal family. Take along a good camera, because you’ll see many interesting structures that you’ll want to share with friends back home.

3. Best Budget Tour: Copenhagen 1-Hour Canal Cruise From Ved Stranden or Nyhaven

  • Departure Point : Nyhavn or Ved Stranden
  • Departure Times : 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Duration : 1 hour
  • Includes : Expert guide, 1-hour cruise, route map, and use of poncho in the event of rain

This is a great tour if you just want to see the main sights visible from the water. The cruise takes you around the main harbor and adjoining canals.

You’ll want to keep your camera ready as you cruise past Nyhavn waterfront.  The colorful houses you’ll recognize from postcards will put a smile on your face.

You’ll love the Amalienborg Palace, home to the royal family, and Christiansborg Palace, where the Danish parliament meets.

You may recognize the neighboring Børsen building—the former stock exchange which is admired by visitors for its distinctive dragon-tail spire.

However, the true highlight of the tour must be The Little Mermaid statue you’ll see in Langelinie.

Don’t worry if it rains because a poncho will be provided to protect you from the elements. You’ll be handed a handy map to help you keep track during the tour and to take away as a souvenir.

4. Best Guided Tour: Shore Excursion Panorama Sightseeing By Land and Canal Cruise

  • Departure Point : Oceankaj Cruise Terminal, Oceankaj, København
  • Departure Time: Contact tour operator
  • Duration : 3½ hours
  • Includes : Experienced tour guide, 2½-hour bus tour, and 1-hour canal cruise

If you want a comprehensive tour that enables you to view all the main attractions of Copenhagen from land and water, you’ll love this one.

First, you’ll be driven around the city for 2½ hours in a modern, air-conditioned bus specially designed to provide you with a panoramic view. The tour is timed so that you arrive at the palace in time to see the Changing of the Royal Guards.

During the bus tour, you’ll also see the Tivoli Gardens, Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace, the Copenhagen Opera House, and, most importantly, The Little Mermaid statue.

There will be two planned stops to take photographs at key locations: The Little Mermaid , and The Copenhagen Opera House.

Then you’ll transfer into a luxury boat for a 1-hour canal cruise. During the cruise, you’ll see some of the same attractions from a different perspective.

It’s fascinating how the Danish architects designed many of their iconic buildings to present a specific image when viewed from the water.

5. Best Family Tour:  Copenhagen Canal Tour & Skip-The-Line Tivoli Ticket

  • Departure Times: 9:30 AM – 3 PM
  • Includes : Experienced guide, 1-hour cruise, and skip-the-line entrance ticket to Tivoli Gardens

If you’re planning to visit Tivoli Gardens while visiting Copenhagen, you’ll love this deal. Not only do you get a guided cruise around the harbor, but you also get a skip-the-line entrance ticket to Tivoli Gardens.

The boat passes many of Copenhagen’s tourist hotspots, such as the Copenhagen Opera House.

Live commentary is provided by the knowledgeable guide, who will teach you about the beautiful houses, castles, and other important public buildings visible from the harbor and canals.

Once you’ve completed your 1-hour tour around the capital, you’re free to skip the queue to enter Tivoli Gardens for an enjoyable afternoon of fun.

Copenhagen Travel Guide

There are many reasons why Copenhagen was ranked 1 st among Lonely Planet ’s top 10 cities to visit in 2019. It’s a city filled with historic and cultural attractions as well as gastronomic delights. You can visit the home of the Danish royal family, spend a day in one of the world’s best-loved amusement parks, or take part in one of their popular organized festivals.

What you decide to do in this fascinating city is entirely your choice. However, because I want you to have a wonderful time, I’ve put together this brief travel guide to help you prepare for your visit.

Airports & Entry

Traveling to Copenhagen is simple because Denmark has a well-developed transport infrastructure. You can take a train from cities in Central Europe and Sweden or a ferry from Oslo. But most visitors arrive by airplane. Copenhagen Kastrup Airport is the largest airport in Scandinavia, handling 30 million passengers a year.

Copenhagen Kastrup has 2 terminals: Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. The 2 terminals share a single airside passenger concourse. Note that most of the many stores and food outlets inside the airport are located airside. If you must spend some time in the airport, there are 4 first-class lounges airside and 1 landside, which you may pay to use. If you want to be really pampered, there’s even a spa at the Hilton Hotel, connected to Terminal 3.

You’ll find all the usual facilities at Copenhagen Kastrup , including multiple fast food outlets, duty frees stores, ATMs, currency exchange, mobile charging, and free Wi-Fi throughout the airport. The information desk is near the Transfer Center in the center hall. The food outlets open long hours, with Burger King landside and Mikkeller airside both open 24 hours.

If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll be pleased to discover Copenhagen Kastrup is child-friendly. Stroller rentals can be found in the International Departures Hall. There’s a Children’s Play Area for children up to 10-years-old in Terminal 2 airside. And the restrooms in the same area provide baby care facilities, like a changing table and microwave for heating Baby’s bottle.

As I said, Denmark has a fantastic transport infrastructure, so getting into the city from the airport is simple. The railway station in Terminal 3 runs services to the city center every 10 minutes. Just outside level 2 of the same terminal, the Metro runs services every 4-6 minutes. Taxis are found at ranks outside the Arrivals area of both terminals.

If you prefer your independence, you’ll find 6 car rental companies in Terminal 3. But, given the great public transport system within the capital, I’d recommend you make use of the city’s buses and Metro.

Planning Tips

Although Copenhagen is relatively small for a capital city, there’s lots to see and do. To ensure you have a great time, here are 5 tips to help you plan your visit.

Tip #1: Think about what you want to see and do in Copenhagen before deciding when to visit

The best time to visit Copenhagen depends upon what you want to do when you get there. If you love music festivals and street carnivals, you’ll find lots to do between June and August. However, the rain is heavier in the summer, too. If you prefer fewer crowds and more affordable hotel rooms, then March through May is a great time to visit. October through February, except for December, you’ll find the city extremely quiet.

Tip #2: Get yourself a Copenhagen Card

A great budget choice is the Copenhagen Card. This card not only provides free and unlimited use of the bus, Metro, and S-tog services, but it also grants free entry to 73 city attractions as well as significant discounts on others. Copenhagen Cards come in 24, 48, 72, and 120-hour varieties.

Tip #3: Take your time to enjoy all the attractions of Copenhagen

You may be planning to visit Copenhagen specifically to see the historical sites or admire the architecture, but there are many more interesting things to do and see in this beautiful city. Check out the information provided below for ideas.

Tip #4: Book in advance

Copenhagen is an increasingly popular tourist destination, so hotel rooms and tours can get fully booked early. You’ll find most things fully-booked from June through August and during the month of December. Many tours offer free refunds within a reasonable time frame, so you’re not taking a risk when you book.

Tip #5: Take comfortable walking shoes

Don’t be tempted to buy new, smart shoes for your visit to Copenhagen. The chances are you’ll do a lot of walking because it’s the easiest way to get around the city center and main attractions. You can’t drive around Tivoli Gardens! What you need are comfortable walking shoes, preferably ones you’ve worn-in and that won’t chafe your feet.

Restaurants & Eating Out

Copenhagen has more restaurants per capita than most other cities in the world, so eating out won’t prove a problem. Not only does this city host many prestigious restaurants that boast Michelin Stars, but the rich ethnic diversity has led to a wealth of international food outlets.

In Copenhagen, you can eat any kind of food you want, from Italian pizza to Indian cuisine. But if you want a taste of traditional Danish food, there are several local dishes you should watch for.

Since Denmark has a vast coastline and a rich maritime history, of course, seafood is on the menu. Pickled and marinated herring have served as the Danes’ most popular meal since the Vikings. Often served with rye bread, you can find pickled herring in many traditional restaurants. But if you prefer fish that isn’t pickled, fiskefrikadeller are fish balls made from mixed white fish and onion.

If you want something that isn’t seafood-based, then frikadeller are meatballs fried in butter and served with boiled potatoes. And around the holiday season, Fl æskesteg is Danish roast pork prepared with cloves, bay leaves, and spices that’s especially popular during Christmas dinner.

For food on the go, the Danes have their own version of the sandwich using a single slice of rye bread with toppings. Sm ørrebr ød are found everywhere, with toppings like smoked salmon and boiled eggs. Restaurant Schønnemann has offered 110 different varieties of smørrebrød since 1877, including 21 with herring!

If you prefer the white variety of bread more popular outside of Scandinavia, you can always buy a hotdog. Hotdogs made using r ød p ølse (local recipe red sausages) are especially popular.

If you hunger for dessert, try hindbærsnitte. They look like a Pop-Tart—flat, short-crust pastries with a jam center—but taste so much better. And most bakeries sell this delicious treat freshly baked. And if you’re a dedicated foodie, you might like to know the last week in August every year features the Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival.

Nightlife & Entertainment

With so much of the wealth and culture in Copenhagen associated with the brewing industry, it’s little surprise to discover Danes love to drink. These modern-day Vikings know how to party, and the nightlife is lively. You’ll find that many bars stay open until 6 am or later.

You’ll find nightclubs all around the city, especially in Vesterbro, Nørrebro, Frederiksberg, and Indre By. Well-known clubs include Chateau Motel, At Delores, and ARCH. But for lively streets with live music venues, chilled out bars, and a buzzing atmosphere, check out Blågårdsgade, a street in the Nørrebro district.

Something Danes excel at is community festivals. Copenhagen hosts many popular festivals during the summer, including the Copenhagen Carnival , Copenhagen Distortion, Copenhell, and Copenhagen Pride.

The carnival takes place around the beginning of June and draws crowds of over 100,000. Copenhagen Distortion is similarly popular and celebrates dance music while Copenhall focuses on heavy metal music. Copenhagen Pride celebrates the LGBT community and human rights in August.

Getting Around

Copenhagen is not a huge city, and most of the popular attractions are within walking distance of one another. For that reason, it’s easy to walk wherever you want to go. But plan your sightseeing routes carefully so you go from place to place in a logical order, minimizing the overall distance walked.

In my opinion, the best way to get around Copenhagen is by bicycle. It is one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the world, with 250 miles of exclusive cycle paths. In fact, 36% of residents opt to cycle to work or school rather than use other forms of transportation.

If you’re comfortable cycling, you’ll love to hear there’s an affordable citywide bicycle sharing program called Bycyklen . This scheme provides access to over 2,000 bikes with built-in GPS systems for around $5 per hour. There are Bycyklen docking stations near all the attractions, main public buildings, and transport hubs.

Do note there are very strict laws that apply to cyclists within the capital, and fines will be issued for unsafe cycling. Most of the rules are common sense, like signaling when you turn, and include things like not cycling on pavements, not going through a red light, and not cycling the wrong way along a one-way street.

If you prefer to be driven around, Copenhagen has a great public transport system. There are comprehensive bus routes and two rapid transit systems—the S-tog and the Metro.

You can, of course, hire a car. However, I would strongly recommend that you don’t unless you plan to spend a lot of time exploring the countryside or visiting other cities. It is difficult to use a car within the main tourist areas of Copenhagen because many areas are pedestrianized, it’s difficult to park, and there are so many bicycles sharing the road. You’ll find public transport much more convenient.

The most expensive option is to take a taxi. They may get caught up in the city congestion, and be unable to enter pedestrianized areas, but at least they deliver you to the door.

And finally, the city is built on two islands riddled with canals. That means a great way to see the city is to take a canal cruise. This not only provides you with a different perspective on all the stunning buildings around Copenhagen but also allows you to look around without hurting your feet so much.

Accommodations

Over the past decade, Copenhagen has seen a huge increase in tourism. This means you’ll find a wide range of hotels and hostels that meet every budget, but you’ll have to book early to ensure a room.

Generally speaking, it doesn’t matter where in the city you base yourself because the transportation system is efficient and the attractions close together. However, each district of the city has its own flavor, which may influence where you prefer to stay.

The heart of Copenhagen is Indre By. Most of the historical attractions and the old city are found here, like Christiansborg Palace , Rosenborg Castle, and The Little Mermaid . If you want to step out of your hotel and be surrounded by history, this is where you need to be.

Indre By also boasts the main shopping street, the central railway station, and many of the top nightclubs. However, if you want to stay close to the center of everything, you must pay for the privilege.

If you prefer somewhere a little quieter and away from the city center, Nørrebro is a great place to stay. You’ll find high-end restaurants, antique stores, and theatres. And if you’re looking for the picture-postcard location, Nyhavn is the neighborhood with all those pastel-colored houses along a waterfront you see in many tourist brochures. Nyhaven has a reputation for being very family-friendly.

Vesterbro is historically Copenhagen’s meatpacking and red-light district. Strangely, it’s now more like the Village in Manhattan—a magnet for creative people, like photographers, filmmakers, artists, and designers. Here you’ll find the avant-garde restaurants and bars such a Bohemian crowd attracts.

If you’re counting your pennies, you’ll find affordable accommodation in the Latin Quarter. This is the original university area, so there are plenty of affordable options for students and budget travelers. You’ll also find the trendy bars and food outlets you’d expect where young people congregate.

Copenhagen experiences a considerable difference in day length from summer to winter, with a whole 17½ hours of daylight on midsummer’s day but a short 7 hours during the winter solstice. This is reflected in the temperature range, from an average daily high of 38 0 F and low of 30½ 0 F in January to a high of 72 0 F and low of 57½ 0 F in July.

Thankfully, due to its Oceanic climate, Copenhagen doesn’t experience especially extreme high and low temperatures. The city also benefits from moderate rainfall, though it receives markedly higher rainfall during the warmer months of July through September.

The sunniest month is June, which may be why so many of the major citywide festivals fall around that month. Conversely, February sees the least sunshine, but at least it’s also the driest month.

Whenever you go to Copenhagen, pack some warm clothes to protect you from the cold winds that occasionally sweep across from the Baltic. In winter, you’ll need a thick coat, hat, and gloves. In spite of the relatively mild temperatures compared to some countries, you’re still in Scandinavia. And in summer, bring an umbrella!

Attractions

Copenhagen boasts a rich history dating back to 1043, and there are many fascinating attractions around the city. You’ll be happy to know that most of these are within walking distance of one another.

The most visited, photographed, and loved attraction is The Little Mermaid . Edvard Eriksen’s 4-feet high bronze statue is displayed upon a granite boulder beside the water at Langelinje Pier. You can’t visit Copenhagen and not see this iconic statue.

Once visitors have paid their respects to the mermaid, there’s somewhere else most go to let their hair down. Ever wonder where Walt Disney found the inspiration to build Disney World? He visited Tivoli Gardens, the amusement park in the heart of Copenhagen.

Tivoli Gardens was founded in 1843, but it hasn’t fallen behind the times. In fact, it’s modern adrenaline seeker’s ride The Vertigo was voted Europe’s Best Ride in 2014. The park boasts an eclectic mix of entertainments, from one of the world’s oldest rollercoasters, built in 1914, to the Tik Tak, a high-gravity spinner ride built in 2018.

But Tivoli Gardens isn’t only about high adrenaline rides. There are children’s rides and activities, theaters, cultural events, and beautiful gardens. Within the gardens, you’ll find lots of interesting buildings, like the Chinese Tower and the Glass Hall Theater. And when the sun goes down, thousands of fairy lights transform the gardens into a magical realm.

If history ticks your boxes, then you’ll love Copenhagen’s two palaces. Amalienborg Palace is the current royal residence in Copenhagen. Not only is this historical building easy on the eyes, but outside you can watch a Changing the Guards ceremony.

Christiansborg Palace is the older royal residence and currently houses the Danish parliament. The present building is relatively new due to repeated fires at this location that burned down the previous structures. History lovers can visit the excavated ruins of the older palaces beneath Christiansborg, dating back to Absalon’s Castle built in 1167.

If you’re a huge fan of literature, you must take the time to travel 30 miles north to Kronborg Castle. Not only is Kronborg a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the reputation of being one of Europe’s best Renaissance castles, but it is also the setting for Shakespeare’s longest play, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark .

If you visit Copenhagen in June, July, and August, you can Hamlet performed live in the castle. Every August, a Shakespeare Festival is held inside the castle.

Tour Guides

The 2-hour “Hidden Gems” is our Editor's Choice for the best Copenhagen canal tour with its sites seen, tour guide and value.

Robert Baker

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best wine tours from florence [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

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Destination Daydreamer

canal tours copenhagen nyhavn

8 Unique Canal Tours in Copenhagen You Need to Book

Since my family and I live just three hours from Copenhagen, we’ve made our fair share of trips to the city. We live in a small town called Billund (aka the home of LEGO) where we spend a lot of time exploring The LEGO House and LEGOland with all of the tourists visiting our town.

But when we are looking for a weekend getaway and want to eat some yummy food in Copenhagen , we head to the city, spend the night in one of our favorite Copenhagen hotels and explore for a day or two.

RELATED POST: The Only Itinerary You Need for One Day in Copenhagen

*There may be affiliate links in this post. Read my  privacy/disclosure policy  to learn more.

One of our favorite experiences is to book one of the awesome canal tours in Copenhagen that wind through the colorful canals, tuck under ornate bridges, and cruise in the large open harbor. Whenever we have visitors, we are sure to take them on a canal tour in Copenhagen and it’s often one of their favorite experiences!

This post is to help you learn about each canal cruise in Copenhagen and hopefully help you choose the best one for you and your group! If you plan on purchasing a Copenhagen Card , you’ll be able to get free tickets to two of these canal cruises (more on that later).

Ariel view of colorful buildings in Copenhagen and boat lined canals you can see one of the canal tours in Copenhagen.

Map of Copenhagens Canal Tours

*Use this interactive map to see the starting point of these 8 Copenhagen canal tours to help choose which one is best for you!*

This map will help you get acquainted with where you can board each of these Copenhagen boat tours. You will find two of the tours right next to each other in the colorful Nyhavn harbor and the six other tours dotted throughout the city along the harbor and canals.

One nice thing about Copenhagen is that while it’s a large city, it’s still quite manageable to walk, bike or take short trips on public transit to reach where you want to go. This means you will never be too far away from hopping onto a boat to cruise in the adorable canals of Copenhagen.

How to choose the best Copenhagen canal tour for you:

As you’ll see, there are many different types of boat tours in Copenhagen to choose from. However, one common denominator is they all pretty much cruise/can cruise in the same general areas. Since they all follow similar routes, this means that you won’t miss out on any cute, colorful canals or top sights just by choosing the wrong canal boat tour in Copenhagen😆.

I’m sure you heard of the Little Mermaid statue along the harbor in Copenhagen. Honestly, it’s just a small statue that probably no one would notice if it wasn’t so crazy popular for some reason. But, all of these tours do ride past the Little Mermaid so it’s a good way to see it and realize it may not be worth the hype 😅 (or maybe you’ll love it).

The main differences between each canal tour will be the size of the boat, the number of passengers, whether it is a guided tour with a narrator vs a self-guided tour, or if it’s a tour with a unique twist like it has a picnic table, is on a kayak (or get this… is a floating hot tub!).

We have personally taken three of these canal tours in Copenhagen: the Stromma canal tour , the Netto Bådene canal tour, and a GoBoat rental where you get to captain your own boat through the canals. I have great things to say about each of them (really, they were all awesome) and I look forward to taking a ride on the other boat tours in Copenhagen that we haven’t been able to yet (I’m looking at you floating hot tub).

1. Stromma canal tours in Copenhagen

  • Live narration on most tours
  • $15 per person
  • Included in the Copenhagen Card

I would say the Stromma canal tour is probably the most well-known canal tour in Copenhagen as it’s located at the end of Nyhavn (pronounced ‘new-hown’) which is a very popular area to visit. This makes it the boat tour you’re most likely to stumble upon without doing any advance planning (which is neither a good or bad thing).

Large tour boat driving down canal in Copenhagen

The Stromma canal tour is 1-hour boat ride on a large boat with multiple sailings every day. The Stromma boat tour usually includes a guided tour with a live narrator, but this does change depending on the season. If this is important to you, you’ll want to check in advance.

View from a boat on a canal cruise

Stromma is also a very budget-friendly canal tour in Copenhagen with tickets only about $15 per person! The only less expensive option is the Stromma Canal Tours neighbor, Netto Bådene (more on them in the next point).

Our Stromma tour in June included a live narrator pointing out important landmarks along the route and we definitely learned a bit about Copenhagen. We saw Nyhavn along with colorful Christianshavn, modern landmarks, and even learned some history along the way.

Man and child look at ornate building on a canal cruise in Copenhagen

We’ve taken both a Stromma Tour and a Netto Badene tour which are both very similar tour experiences. Stromma does cost slightly more than Netto and even though they were very similar, we did like our experience with Stromma slightly more and I’d say it was worth the little bit extra we paid.

However, if narration is important to you, be sure to check if they will have live narration on your tour with Stromma as it can differ. And remember, this boat tour is included for free with the Copenhagen Card !

2. Netto Badene Boat Tour

  • Live narration
  • $8 per person

The Netto Bådene tour is very similar to the above-mentioned Stromma tour but if you are on a tight budget it’s an even better option because it’s half the price at only $8 per person! Plus, don’t forget, both of these cruises are included for free with the Copenhagen Card .

Canal cruise goes down boat lined canal in Copenhagen

The Netto cruises always include live narration which the Stromma tours don’t always offer on every cruise. The Netto Bådene tour was the first boat ride in Copenhagen that we took and we had a great time.

Again, we saw Nyhavn along with colorful Christianshavn, and modern buildings, plus learned a bit about everything along the way.

Red, black and orange building along canal with red and white Danish flags flying

It’s crazy to me that tickets only cost $8 per person and kids are even cheaper at $3 per person (or free with the Copenhagen Card )! In my opinion, the experience is worth way more than that.

Man and child sit on boat overlooking Copenhagen

3. GoBoat Boat Rental

  • 1-6 hour boat rentals
  • $67 per boat/one hour
  • Be your own captain with a map of the harbor and canals
  • Picnic table on board

If you’re looking for a unique experience and want to join in on an activity full of hygge that the locals enjoy then check out GoBoat . GoBoat is a boat rental company where you rent a small boat and get to captain yourself through Copenhagen’s beautiful canals! We’ve personally booked a GoBoat and it’s one of our favorite memories in Copenhagen.

Sign reading 'GoBoat' on a wooden building near a dock

GoBoats are small, electric boats that can hold up to 8 passengers and you get to be the captain. Not only do you get to take the boat where you want to go, but the boat also has a picnic table in the middle so you can bring food and drinks and picnic on the water! How cool is that?

We saw locals with GoBoat rentals watching a Danish soccer match projected on a big screen near the water’s edge and I totally wanted in on the experience.

Woman captains a small blue boat under an ornate bridge

You can book a GoBoat for anywhere from one to six hours depending on how much water you want to explore and how long you want to sit on the water and relax.

My husband, toddler, and I booked a GoBoat one evening right around dusk and it was the perfect way to end the day. It was awesome to see the sun going down over the city lighting up the buildings and making everything golden.

Small child sits in blue boat riding down boat lined canal

One hour was the perfect amount of time for our toddler to enjoy the ride without getting fussy. Plus, it’s the perfect amount of time to hit the main highlights of the Copenhagen canals and harbor (like Nyhavn, Christianhavn, and the modern buildings along the harbor).

Orange and yellow buildings lining canal

We were given a map of the harbor including where we were allowed to go and not go and the employee gave us a suggested route for how much time we had (which really was the perfect route).

4 blue boats docked at sunset

4. FriendShips Boat Rental

  • $65 per boat/one hour

If you are thinking that FriendShips sounds a lot like the above-mentioned GoBoat rentals then you’d be right. We have not experienced booking a FriendShips boat rental, but that’s only because we went with a GoBoats when we booked our picnic boat in Copenhagen. However, I don’t think you can go wrong with either boat rental company.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by FriendShips Boat Rental (@friendshipscph)

Similar to GoBoat , FriendShips is a small boat that can carry up to eight passengers, it has a picnic table in the center of the boat and you get to be your own captain! The prices are almost exactly similar to GoBoat as well.

The main difference I can see is that GoBoat and FriendShips are located in very different locations within the city meaning one may have a location that is more preferential for you and where you will be staying or exploring that day.

5. Hey Captain Boat Tour

  • 1 hour, 2 hour or 5-hour guided tours
  • $58 per person
  • Narrated tour on a small boat of 12 passengers

Hey Captain is like if you took one of the large Stromma or Netto Bådene boat tours and combined it with a boat rental like GoBoat or FriendShips. It’s a guided/narrated boat tour on a small boat of 12 passengers and a picnic table.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hey Captain (@heycaptaincph)

A Hey Captain boat tour is a perfect slower-paced tour in a more intimate setting than the large less expensive boat tours like Stromma or Netto. This is perfect if you love the idea of GoBoat or FriendShips but you don’t want to captain your own boat.

Since this boat cruise in Copenhagen is so much smaller than its rival boat tours, you’ll be sure to receive a more personalized experience and be able to ask questions and chat with the guide which isn’t really possible with the larger tours.

6. Kayak Republic Kayak Tour/Rentals

  • 2-hour guided tour or rentals by the hour
  • $60 per person for a 2-hour guided tour or $25 per person/per hour rental
  • Guided tour paddling at a comfortable pace through the harbor and canals

A guided canal tour of Copenhagen via Kayak Republic is perfect for you if you want a more adventurous day out on the water. Kayak Republic offers slow-paced guided tours in small groups hitting all of the highlights that you’d expect on any guided canal tour in Copenhagen.

5 kayakers in the harbor of Copenhagen near modern buildings

If you’d prefer to explore the harbor and canals without a guide you can book just a kayak rental for about half the price of a guided tour.

One fun thing about renting via Kayak Republic is they are connected to the Kayak Bar which is a chill, waterside restaurant and bar with good food and live music throughout the week. I haven’t been able to visit the Kayak Bar yet but it’s definitely on my list of things to experience in the city.

Colorful buildings along a boat lined canal with a kayaker paddling

If you happen to be visiting Copenhagen at Christmastime, check for the dates of the Lucia kayak parade where kayaks lit up with Christmas lights paddle through the canals in a colorful display of lights. It’s usually held about mid-December.

7. Copenhot Speedboat and Hot TUb ExperiencE

  • 2.5 hour experience including a speed boat ride followed by relaxing in a hot tub by the harbor
  • Group price of $1,100 for up to 12 people
  • One of the most unique experiences in Copenhagen

Copenhot is a gem of a place that oozes all-things-hygge and provides one of the most unique experiences in Copenhagen. The main attractions at Copenhot are their hot tubs and saunas along the harbor, however, they also have an agreement with a nearby speedboat company to offer an exhilarating speedboat tour followed by relaxing for an hour in a hot tub by the harbor.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by CopenHot (@copenhot)

You may find information elsewhere about Copenhot offering sailing hot tubs, however, that seemed to be a thing of the past as they have changed their location and business concept. But if we are lucky, they may bring back the sailing hot tubs.

if the boat ride/hot tub experience isn’t in your price range (it’s definitely not in ours), the waterfront hot tubs and saunas can be booked on their own for a MUCH more affordable price (starting at about $35 per person).

Copenhot is a perfect thing to do on a cold, dreary day in the city (and bonus points if it’s drizzling or snowing).

8. United Sailing Ships Harbor Cruise

  • 2-hour narrated harbor cruise
  • Sail on a wooden schooner from the early 1900s
  • $53 per person
  • Option to help hoist the sails
  • Fruit and drinks included

With United Sailing Ships , you can hop on a classic, wooden schooner with huge, white sails from the early 1900s for a relaxing 2-hour cruise in the Copenhagen harbor. When else can you get a chance like that?

Three large wooden ships with white sails along a harbor wall

On one of the United Sailing Ships harbor cruises, you’ll see the main Copenhagen harbor sights that the other cruises pass but just not get to go down the small, colorful canals (for obvious reasons). However, you will get the amazing, unique experience of sailing on a traditional schooner on the water and relaxing without the noise of an engine once the sails are hoisted.

Sun setting over brown rows of buildings by the Copenhagen harbor

You can choose between a sailing cruise (where you can help with the sails) or the harbor cruise (where you get to see the bridges lift). Plus, you’ll get fruit and drinks while on your cruise as a nice added bonus.

Are any of these canal tours in Copenhagen included in the Copenhagen Card?

Yes! If you haven’t heard, the Copenhagen Card is a great way to save money on experiences in Copenhagen if you plan to visit multiple attractions. You can purchase a card valid for one day or multiple-day increments to receive free entrance to 89 attractions and ride for free on public transit!

And the great news is, with the Copenhagen Card , you can take a ride on both the Stromma canal cruise AND the Netto Bådene canal cruise.

Which tour is the best canal tour in Copenhagen?

All of these canal tours are great in their own unique way! Choose a canal tour based on what is important to you. For example, do you want a narrated tour or a self-guided tour? Which tour fits your budget? Do you have a lot of time or just a short amount of time?

And if you aren’t sure if you want to take a tour or not, if you have the Copenhagen Card you can always decide to hop on one for free at the last minute.

Are Copenhagen canal tours kid-friendly?

Definitely! We have taken our toddler on all three of the boat tours we have taken in Copenhagen. Just be sure to check the specific tour’s website before you book in case you have any questions.

For example, you must be 18 years old for the floating hot tub and there may a minimum age for the kayak tour.

Are any of these a Nyhavn boat tour?

Nyhavn is famous for being an idyllic canal lined with colorful buildings and old sailboats so I’m sure you’re wondering if you’ll get to see Nyhavn on your boat tour (rightly so). And the answer is yes!

Two of the tours’ loading docks ( Stromma and Netto Bådene) are located directly in Nyhavn harbor (so obviously you’ll ride through Nyhavn) and the other tours will all pass by Nyhavn even if they don’t go directly down the canal.

Yellow and green old building along canal in Copenhagen

Nyhavn is a very short offshoot of the main harbor canal so even if you don’t load your boat in the canal, you’ll be able to pass by and see it. Plus, Nyhavn isn’t the only colorful, cute area lining the canals in Copenhagen. Christianshavn is just as cute but less crowded, lined with even more boats, and another awesome stop on these canal tour routes.

Can I take a canal cruise in Copenhagen if it’s raining?

Let’s be honest, it rains a lot in Copenhagen… like, a lot. So it’s very possible you may run into rain during your canal cruise. But no worries, in the winter months when you are most likely to run into drizzly weather (October-March) the two large canal tours ( Stromma and Netto Bådene) provide covered boats with windows to help keep you warm and out of the rain.

Large boat in canal lined with colorful buildings

Even the smaller and more intimate boat tour, Hey Captain , provides a convertible roof and blankets to help keep you cozy and warm. However, if you are booking a boat rental via GoBoat , or a kayak tour via Kayak Republic , it will be more up to you to keep dry during your time on the water.

Just be sure to check the website of the canal tour you decide to book to know what to expect in case of inclement weather.

Check out these other posts, I know you’ll love them:

  • The Ultimate Cheaps Eats Copenhagen Food Guide
  • 24 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Copenhagen Denmark

The Only Itinerary You Need for One Day in Copenhagen

  • How to Visit Islands Brygge Harbour Bath in Copenhagen (Havnebadet Islands Brygge)

8 Incredible and Budget-Friendly Copenhagen Hotels

  • The Best Double Stroller for Travel to Europe From Personal Experience

Viking Ship Museum Denmark: Everything You Need to Know!

Explore a beautiful viking burial site in denmark.

And those are the 8 unique canal cruises in Copenhagen that I recommend! Please let me know in the comments if you have any questions about Copenhagen or Denmark as we are residents here and I’d love to help you out.

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The Best Double Stroller for Travel to Europe (From Personal Experience)

Classic Boat Tours 

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Experience the iconic Copenhagen canals in a beautiful wooden boat  from 1964 

Pickup location: havnegade 14, 1058, copenhagen.  .

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Private Tour

2 hours - 4500 kr. , for up to 8 guests .

A Private Tour includes a complementary glass of wine and light snacks.

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Classic Boat Tours

Experience Copenhagen like they did in the 1960's

Our goal is to provide all our guests with a unique boating experience in the Copenhagen canals.

You will cruise in style in a beautiful mahogany wooden boat from 1964 built in the famous Swedish shipyard "Storebro". It's up to you how long the cruise will take, and we will gladly arrange any extras you might require such as luxury snacks, flowers, champagne etc. We will do our best to accommodate any wishes you might have. 

Our adventures will always have a certified captain on board. 

We can't wait to welcome you on board. 

Best regards,

Mads & Christian 

Opening Hours

09:00-21:00.

April 1st - November 1st 2021

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Get in Touch

Classic Boat Tours is committed to exceeding your needs. Questions, comments or special requests? We’d love to hear from you, so don’t hesitate to reach out today.

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canal tours copenhagen nyhavn

Colourful, captivating Nyhavn is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic sights and one of the locals’ favourite places to sink a cold beer on a hot day. 

Nyhavn's buildings aren't the only colourful thing about the area – its history is colourful too. Originally it was a commercial port where ships from all over the world would dock, and it was packed with sailors visiting its pubs, alehouses and ladies of pleasure.

Today the beautiful old houses have been renovated and  restaurants dominate the old port. As you walk beside the canal, you're greeted by the sounds of jazz and the sights of pavemnt cafes and people enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and great food. You're never far from the area's maritime history - boats line the canal and canal tours can take you on round trips of the city's other waterways from here too. Hans Christian Andersen's Nyhavn The famous Danish fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen, used to live in no. 20. This is where he wrote the fairy-tales 'The Tinderbox', 'Little Claus and Big Claus', and 'The Princess and the Pea'. He also lived for twenty years in no. 67 and for two years in no. 18 – basically, wherever you walk down here, you'll be walking in his footsteps.

You can read more about Hans Christian Andersen's Copenhagen here .  Christmas by the canal During Christmas, the air in Nyhavn is scented with gløgg as the annual Christmas market fills the cobbled street with decorated stalls and twinkling lights. It's the perfect setting for your winter holiday in Copenhagen. The cafés and restaurants offer Danish Christmas delicacies, including æbeskiver and roast pork. It's a classic Christmas experience. 

Do you want to know more about Christmas in Copenhagen? Check out our guide . 

Say hello to the neighbours!

Why not combine a visit to Nyhavn with a show at the Royal Danish Playhouse  or some delicious street food at Bridge Street Kitchen ? They are both just a short stroll away.

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canal tours copenhagen nyhavn

The Canal Tours are probably the best and most beautiful way to see a lot of Copenhagen in an hour. 

Part of the tour goes through the area of Christianshavn where many people live on boats in the canals. Christianshavn is named after king Christian IV who expanded Copenhagen with this beautiful area in the early 1600’s. It is one of the most beautiful, popular and expensive neighbourhoods in the city.

In the open harbour area you will pass the last Danish submarine that was retired in 2005. You will also see the modern opera house and get a beautiful view of the royal palace, Amalienborg, from the sea.

Finally, you will see the world famous little mermaid statue from the boat. The statue was made in 1913 by the artist Edvard Eriksen to commemorate the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. It is very small. The Danes do not think that much of it. But internationally it has become a symbol of Copenhagen. There are always tourists taking pictures of it.

The statue has often been vandalised by people with political messages. She has been beheaded several times. She has been dressed in a burka as a protest against islamisation of Denmark and she has been vandalised with red paint as a protest against whale hunting.

How to get on a canal tour in Copenhagen

Canal Tour

Hamlet Tours does not operate canal tours in Copenhagen and is not associated with any of the operators of the canal tours. The canal tour is included in our  GRAND INNER CITY TOUR  but if you just want to go on the canal tour without joining our city tour, here is our unbiased advice:

There are two main operators of the canal tours.  Nettobådene  costs 60 DKK (8 euros) per person and  Stromma  costs 80 DKK (10 euros) per person They are both reliable and trusted operators. Stromma has more departures.

The ticket booth for Stromma is right in the end of the harbour in Nyhavn. (In the end that is nearest to the city). It is very easy to find. The ticket booth for Nettobådene is on the right hand side of the harbour (as you look towards the water) two hundred meters from the bottom of the harbour.

Unless you are a large group, our recommendation is to simply show up and buy a ticket in Nyhavn. The boats depart every 20 minutes in the summer and the operators always make sure there are enough boats for all the visitors. Even in high season on a sunny day, you can almost always get on the next boat.

In the off-season, it is a good idea to check the departure times on the website of one of the operators. And if you have a very large group, we recommend to make a reservation in advance.

What if it is raining?

The canal tours still operate if the weather is bad. But you should ask if there is a roof top on the boat. It is not always the case. The operators usually hand out ponchos if you are in an open boat and it starts raining. But it is really not that much fun 🙂

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Discovering Copenhagen: A Guide to the City’s Best Neighborhoods

S o, you've decided to explore the enchanting city of Copenhagen, Denmark's vibrant capital. But with so many neighborhoods to choose from, where should you hang your hat? Fear not , traveler! This guide will delve into the heart of Copenhagen's most iconic districts, ensuring you find the perfect spot to rest, relax, and revel in Danish culture.

TL;DR: Quick Takeaways

  • The Indre By is a tourist favorite, brimming with attractions.
  • Vesterbro offers a trendy, hipster ambiance.
  • Nyhavn is a picturesque harbor with colorful buildings and maritime charm.
  • Stay in Østerbro for a tranquil, family-friendly vibe.
  • Nørrebro is a multicultural hub with vibrant nightlife.

The Indre By: Heart of Copenhagen

Often referred to as the Inner City, the Indre By is where most tourists gravitate. It's home to the renowned Tivoli Gardens, the historic Little Mermaid statue, and the National Museum of Denmark. With its cobbled streets and historic architecture, it's no wonder this district recorded the highest number of overnight stays in 2019.

Vesterbro: The Trendsetter's Paradise

Once a working-class area, Vesterbro has transformed into one of the city's most fashionable districts. Known for its edgy boutiques, craft breweries, and eclectic eateries, it's a haven for the young and the young-at-heart. Plus , the Meatpacking District offers some of the best nightlife in Copenhagen.

Nyhavn: A Postcard Come to Life

Imagine a harbor lined with brightly colored townhouses, wooden ships, and an array of restaurants serving the freshest seafood. That's Nyhavn for you. As Lonely Planet aptly puts it, "From the hipster vibes of Vesterbro to the maritime history of Nyhavn, there's a spot for every type of traveler."

Østerbro: Copenhagen's Serene Side

If you're traveling with family or simply seeking a quieter experience, Østerbro is ideal. With its spacious parks, elegant boutiques, and cozy cafes, it offers a more laid-back vibe while still being within easy reach of the city's main attractions.

Nørrebro: A Melting Pot of Cultures

For a taste of Copenhagen's diverse culture, head to Nørrebro. This district is a blend of cultures, cuisines, and colors. By day, explore its bustling markets and by night, dance away in its vibrant clubs.

The Charm of Copenhagen's Lesser-Known Districts

While the aforementioned neighborhoods of Copenhagen capture the essence of the city's rich history and vibrant culture, there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered in its lesser-known districts. Venturing beyond the tourist trail can offer a more authentic and intimate experience of the Danish capital.

Frederiksberg: The Green Oasis

Nestled between the bustling areas of Vesterbro and Nørrebro, Frederiksberg is a city within a city. Known for its regal palace, expansive gardens, and upscale boutiques, this district offers a serene escape from the urban hustle. The Frederiksberg Gardens, with its romantic canals and Chinese Pavilion, is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors seeking tranquility amidst nature.

Christianshavn: Venice of the North

With its picturesque canals and historic buildings, Christianshavn often draws comparisons to Venice. This maritime district, once a merchant's hub, is now a blend of bohemian spirit and modern living. The famous Freetown Christiania, a self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood, is a testament to Copenhagen's progressive and free-spirited nature. Here, colorful murals, artisanal shops, and a sense of community thrive.

Amager: Beaches and Modern Living

Once a sleepy fishing village, Amager has transformed into a dynamic district with a mix of modern architecture and natural beauty. The Amager Beach Park, with its sandy shores and panoramic views of the Øresund Bridge, is a summer hotspot . Moreover, the district's proximity to Copenhagen Airport makes it a convenient choice for travelers .

Conclusion: Embrace the Copenhagen Experience

Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or someone seeking a blend of both, Copenhagen's neighborhoods promise a unique experience. So, pack your bags and get ready to immerse yourself in the Danish way of life!

Which neighborhood is best for first-time visitors?

The Indre By or Inner City is ideal for first-timers due to its proximity to major attractions.

Is Vesterbro safe at night?

Yes, Vesterbro is safe, but like any major city, it's always wise to stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Can I take a canal tour from Nyhavn?

Absolutely! Nyhavn offers various canal tours, providing a unique perspective of the city.

Are there family-friendly activities in Østerbro?

Definitely! Østerbro boasts several parks and recreational areas perfect for families.

What cuisines can I try in Nørrebro?

Nørrebro offers a range of cuisines, from Middle Eastern to Asian and traditional Danish dishes.

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  • Jazz Cruise

Jazz Cruise in Copenhagen's Canals

Canal tours with live jazz.

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About this tour

Join our Jazz Cruise for a unique musical journey through Copenhagen's canals. Enjoy the perfect blend of music and scenery, as you swing along to jazz, spanning genres from swing to blues.

Select & book

Jazz cruise with live jazz.

Enjoy swinging live jazz as you sail through the picturesque canals and harbor of Copenhagen. The perfect summer activity! Departure point: Ved Stranden Highlights: Live jazz music and Copenhagen's beautiful canals Good to know: You're welcome to bring your own beverages. Tours are usually conducted in covered boats; however, on sunny days, we will opt for an open boat.

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Our popular Jazz Cruise in Copenhagen returns to the canals starting June 2nd, 2024! Join us on a musical boat tour and enjoy a unique jazz experience. Seven different jazz bands are ready to fill the canals of Copenhagen with music, adding extra spice to your afternoon. From swing to Dixie, from ragtime to blues – you're sure to find your favorite jazz genre on our Jazz Cruise. Read more about the tours and the diverse jazz bands below.

Live Jazz in the Canals

Enjoy live jazz every Thursday and Sunday throughout the summer aboard our canal tour. We set sail from Ved Stranden at 17:00, with the Jazz Cruise lasting approximately 75 minutes. 

During the Copenhagen Jazz Festival from July 5th to July 14th, we offer two daily departures, at 15:15 and 17:00. Read more about the Copenhagen Jazz Festival on their website .

Normally, we sail in closed boats; however, on sunny days, we switch to open boats and release extra tickets on the same day.

You're welcome to bring your own beverages aboard or select from a variety of options at Brobaren, conveniently situated on the pier where our boats depart.

Meet the Seven Jazz Bands

Each band showcases its own unique sound. Below is a brief introduction to each, helping you find your favorite.

Since 2005, the Scandinavian Rhythm Boys have been transforming Copenhagen’s harbor into a slice of Mississippi, bringing the enchanting rhythms of the South to life.

Experience real 'good time jazz' with Doc Houlind's New Orleans All Stars , as they capture the spirit of New Orleans small cafés and dancing halls. 

Henning Munk & Plumperne offer a vibrant and happy swing with a French touch, in the style of Sidney Bechet.

Basement Jazz Band delivers lively Dixieland music to the stage.

Get ready for a swinging jazz party with Johan Bylling's Seaside Stompers , whose jazz sound has roots in the streets and clubs of New Orleans.

Leonardo Pedersen's Zebrass captivates audiences from the very first beat with their raw, swinging New Orleans funk.

Dive into a melodic mix of musical diversity with Margarita & Mr. Mike Quartet , where swing, evergreens, and 'good time music' blend seamlessly.

June June 2: Basement Jazzband June 6: Scandinavian Rhythm Boys June 9: Leonardo Pedersens Zebrass June 13: Henning Munk & Plumperne June 16: Basement Jazzband June 20: Margarita & Mr. Mikes 4tet June 23: Henning Munk & Plumperne June 27: Doc Houlinds New Orleans All Stars June 30: Scandinavian Rhythm Boys

July July 4: Johan Byllings Sea Side Stompers

COPENHAGEN JAZZ FESTIVAL (July 5 to July 14) July 5: Basement Jazzband July 6: Margarita & Mr. Mikes 4tet July 7: Henning Munk & Plumperne July 8: Scandinavian Rhythm Boys July 9: Scandinavian Rhythm Boys July 10: Doc Houlinds New Orleans All Stars July 11: Leonardo Pedersens Zebrass July 12: Johan Byllings Sea Side Stompers July 13: Henning Munk & Plumperne July 14: Leonardo Pedersens Zebrass July July 18: Basement Jazzband July 21: Leonardo Pedersens Zebrass July 25: Doc Houlinds New Orleans All Stars July 28: Margarita & Mr. Mikes 4tet August August 1: Scandinavian Rhythm Boys August 4: Henning Munk & Plumperne August 8: Doc Houlinds New Orleans All Stars August 11: Johan Byllings Sea Side Stompers August 15: Basement Jazzband August 18: Leonardo Pedersens Zebrass August 22: Henning Munk & Plumperne August 25: Scandinavian Rhythm Boys August 29: Margarita & Mr. Mikes 4tet

September September 1: Doc Houlinds New Orleans All Stars September 5: Basement Jazzband September 8: Margarita & Mr. Mike 4tet September 12: Henning Munk & Plumperne September 15: Leonardo Pedersens Zebrass

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COMMENTS

  1. Copenhagen Canal Tour

    About this tour. Explore Copenhagen from the water on a canal tour. Our Classic Canal Tour passes by iconic sights and through narrow canals, while our Grand Canal Tour takes you by popular sights and hidden gems. Departures from: Nyhavn 3. Ved Stranden 26. See map. Duration: 1 h & 1 h 45 min.

  2. Canal Tours' Grand Tour of Copenhagen

    It takes approximately an hour. During the tour, you will see The Copenhagen Opera House, Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace, the impressive Black Diamond Library, and, of course, the Little Mermaid. Make your departure from Nyhavn or Ved Stranden. It is free with Copenhagen Card, but only with departure from Ved Stranden. Clean conscience.

  3. Canal tours in Copenhagen with the Netto-Boats

    The tour starts from Holmens Church. We pass the old Stock-Exchange and sail through a canal called "Børsgraven". We arrive at Nyhavn, a pictoresque canal with atmosphere, many old houses and sailships. Nyhavn is one of the oldest parts of the Copenhagen harbour and dates back to 1673.

  4. The best canal tours and boat trips in Copenhagen

    Guided canal and harbour tours. Touring Copenhagen's canals is so popular that a whole industry has built up around it, with several different providers offering a multitude of tours, each aimed at taking visitors to see different parts of the city. ... Tours start from Nyhavn, and will take you past highlights like Christiansborg Palace, the ...

  5. The Netto Boats

    The tour starts at Holmens Church. You will pass the old Stock Exchange and sail through a canal called "Børsgraven". You can also join a tour in Nyhavn, the picturesque canal with many old houses and sail ships. Nyhavn is one of the oldest parts of the Copenhagen harbor and dates back to 1673. A history and culture-packed tour of Copenhagen

  6. Copenhagen: Canal Cruise from Nyhavn

    Experience Copenhagen from the water on a canal cruise and see how the past and present merge as you travel along idyllic canals, passing many of the city's most famous landmarks, old and new. Depart from Nyhavn before navigating some of the city's many waterways. Admire the palaces of Christiansborg and Amalienborg, see the sights of the ...

  7. 9 Best Canal Tours in Copenhagen

    On the 60-minute public tour, you'll sail through the Old City while whizzing past 17th-century historic buildings, the Christianshavn canal, the Circle Bridge, and the stunning Black Diamond, a ...

  8. Copenhagen 1-Hour Sightseeing Canal Cruise 2024

    Copenhagen, Denmark. 3-Hour Private City Walking Tour with a Canal Tour ticket. 11. from $175.00. Price varies by group size. Copenhagen, Denmark. Oslo Tour in Luxurious Cruise from Copenhagen. 4. from $147.78.

  9. Copenhagen Canal Boat Cruise and City, Nyhavn Walking Tour

    The guided tour will end in the colorful city harbor of Nyhavn, where you will board a modern, safe and comfortable boat for your cruise. During the cruise you will see highlights such as the old naval base of Holmen, the Little Mermaid statue, Amalienborg Palace, the old Fishmarket. and the picturesque Christianshavn's Canal with the Church ...

  10. Copenhagen Sightseeing Classic Canal Tour With Live Guide

    Discover and book Copenhagen Sightseeing Classic Canal Tour With Live Guide on Tripadvisor. Help. If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we'd be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2158CANAL. +1 855 275 5071.

  11. What to expect on a Canal Tour in Copenhagen

    From Nyhavn: First tour 9:30-10 AM/Last tour 3:30-6:30 PM. From Ved Stranden: First tour 10 AM/Last tour 3-5:30 PM. The canal tour's opening hours depend on the season. If you want to get an overview of the daily canal tours during your visit to Copenhagen, then check out the available hours online.

  12. Canal Tours Copenhagen

    Tea, coffee, hot chocolate per cup DKK 20,- | Beer DKK 40,- | Glass of grog/mulled wine DKK 40,-. Prices. Public tour 200 DKK per person. Private tour 2200 DKK - up to 12 pax. Book. #1 ranked canal tour and boat tour in Copenhagen with Hey Captain. Max 12 people. Homelike atmosfere with a dialogue about what we see.

  13. The 5 Best Copenhagen Canal Tours [2024 Reviews]

    Quick Answer: The 5 Best Rated Canal Tours In Copenhagen For 2024. Best Sightseeing Tour: 2-Hour "Hidden Gems" Copenhagen Canal Tour. Best Combination Tour: Copenhagen City Highlights & Canal Cruise Private Tour. Best Budget Tour: 1-Hour Copenhagen Canal Cruise From Ved Stranden or Nyhaven.

  14. 8 Unique Canal Tours in Copenhagen You Need to Book

    Stromma canal tours in Copenhagen. 1-hour. Live narration on most tours. $15 per person. Included in the Copenhagen Card. I would say the Stromma canal tour is probably the most well-known canal tour in Copenhagen as it's located at the end of Nyhavn (pronounced 'new-hown') which is a very popular area to visit.

  15. Canal tour Copenhagen

    Experience Copenhagen like they did in the 1960's. Our goal is to provide all our guests with a unique boating experience in the Copenhagen canals. You will cruise in style in a beautiful mahogany wooden boat from 1964 built in the famous Swedish shipyard "Storebro". It's up to you how long the cruise will take, and we will gladly arrange any ...

  16. Copenhagen: Canal Cruise From Nyhavn

    The tour duration is 1 hour, providing a concise yet comprehensive glimpse of Copenhagen's iconic landmarks. Below is a breakdown of the pricing options available for the Canal Cruise: Option. Price. Standard Ticket. £15.94. Premium Ticket. £21.99. VIP Package.

  17. Nyhavn

    You're never far from the area's maritime history - boats line the canal and canal tours can take you on round trips of the city's other waterways from here too. Hans Christian Andersen's Nyhavn The famous Danish fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen, used to live in no. 20. This is where he wrote the fairy-tales 'The Tinderbox', 'Little ...

  18. Canal Tour

    Canal Tour. The Canal Tours are probably the best and most beautiful way to see a lot of Copenhagen in an hour. Part of the tour goes through the area of Christianshavn where many people live on boats in the canals. Christianshavn is named after king Christian IV who expanded Copenhagen with this beautiful area in the early 1600's.

  19. Nyhavn

    Enjoy the Water on a Classic Canal Tour. One of the best ways to experience Nyhavn and Copenhagen is by taking a canal tour. Join Stromma's Classic Canal Tour directly from Nyhavn and enjoy a guided tour of the city's most famous landmarks, such as the Little Mermaid, the Opera House, and Amalienborg Palace.

  20. Top Things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark

    Board your sightseeing canal boat and take a one-hour guided tour around the idyllic harbours and along the canals past some of Copenhagen's most iconic sights including The Opera House ...

  21. 2 Days in Copenhagen? Follow This Guide!

    📍Nyhavn - To be along the iconic colorful waterfront. Try 71 Nyhavn Hotel for canal views. 📍 Nørreport - For cafes, shops, and easy transport. Wakeup Copenhagen is an affordable design ...

  22. Emanuella Chiconini

    422 likes, 16 comments - manuchiconini on July 31, 2023: "What to do in Copenhagen Canal Tour Nyhavn 隆 ‍♀️ Visit The Little Mermaid Cycle around the city ⛲...".

  23. Denmark Travel: The Story of Copenhagen's Little Mermaid

    The two-hour guided cruise along the city's waterways takes in landmarks including Amalienborg Palace, the stunning Copenhagen Opera House, and yes, the Little Mermaid statue. Another great option is to enjoy the best of the city on two wheels. This two-hour Copenhagen bicycle tour includes 90% of the city's highlights, including the Little ...

  24. Havnerundfart & Kanalrundfart

    Udforsk København fra vandet på en kanalrundfart. Den Klassiske Kanalrundfart sejler gennem kanalerne og forbi ikoniske vartegn, mens Grand Canal Tour passerer kendte attraktioner og skjulte perler. Afgår fra: Nyhavn 3. Ved Stranden 26. Vis kort. Turens længde: 1 t - 1 t 45 min. Klassisk Kanalrundfart: 1 time.

  25. Discovering Copenhagen: A Guide to the City's Best Neighborhoods

    This guide will delve into the heart of Copenhagen's most iconic districts, ensuring you find the perfect spot to rest, relax, and revel in Danish culture. ... Nyhavn offers various canal tours ...

  26. Princess Cruises to Sail Largest-Ever Europe Cruise and Cruisetour

    Princess Cruises returns to Copenhagen after six years with the 2,670-guest Sapphire Princess, ... Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia / New Zealand, ...

  27. Live Jazz Cruise Copenhagen

    Enjoy live jazz every Thursday and Sunday throughout the summer aboard our canal tour. We set sail from Ved Stranden at 17:00, with the Jazz Cruise lasting approximately 75 minutes. During the Copenhagen Jazz Festival from July 5th to July 14th, we offer two daily departures, at 15:15 and 17:00. Read more about the Copenhagen Jazz Festival on ...