One of the most popular (and free) spots to visit while in Denmark is the centuries-old Nyhaven Canal. This place is truly magical, and when you are here you feel like you have been transported back to another time and place.
The canal was completed in 1673, and soon the salt water filled the canal on October 19th of that year. It was used as a major port and was soon filled with drunken sailors, brothels, and tattoo parlors. It soon had a seedy reputation and all but the bravest of souls stayed away. In the 1970s, like many places in the world, it was reinvented and turned into a waterside attraction for the whole family.
Despite its less-than-stellar reputation in the early days, it was at #20 that Hans Christian Anderson wrote his first fairytale in 1835. From 1845-65 he lived at #67 and returned again in 1873, where he lived at #18 for two years before his death. Walking down this beautiful and historic canal, you can see why it so inspired Anderson.
Today, in the summer months, this place is a sea of brightly colored umbrellas as Danes move outside to dine and enjoy the beauty of this magical place. This picturesque canal which runs from Kongens Nytorv is filled with boats, open air café and restaurants, bars, and trendy stores. You can still find a tattoo parlor or two, but today they will be highly regarded as the place to get some ink. Most of the activity takes place on the northern side of the canal. On the opposite side you will find preserved buildings, antique shops, and upscale dining. They also hold a number of festivals throughout the year. Since I notice quite an interest in beer among the igougo travelers, you might be interested to know they have a beer festival here in September. At the bars here you can try Nyhaven Ale from the Orbaek Brewery. From April through September make sure to take in a Canal Tour via boat. I even spotted a lightship here.
Even if you are here in the winter months, like we were, you will still find plenty to do. The bars and restaurants now have a homey feeling with many having fireplaces and huge candles outside. Christmas lights add a twinkle to everything. People seem to have more time to mingle, as the pace is a bit slower in the wintertime. In the wintertime it still felt like something out of one of Anderson’s fairy tales. When you are in Copenhagen, take the time to visit this beautiful place and experience the magic for yourself. For more information, go to www.visitcopenhagen.dk.