When darkness falls, the most colourful corner of Copenhagen glows even brighter. We saw Nyhavn at night and could not take our eyes off it.
What is Nyhavn in Copenhagen?
For us, Nyhavn is the first and last place to see in Copenhagen. It is a canal with brightly painted houses along its edge and charming cafes and restaurants on the ground floors. Once the lights come on, walking along the waterfront becomes a pleasure of its own. In the dark the colours do not disappear; they deepen.
The name means “new harbour” in Danish. The canal began as a trading port that connected the city to the sea, and today old wooden boats, painted facades and café tables carry that harbour atmosphere. The Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, famous for his fairy tales, also lived in houses along Nyhavn.
What else is there to see in Copenhagen?
Copenhagen is known for its canals, its cycling culture and its clean Nordic design. Familiar stops include Amalienborg Palace, the Little Mermaid statue inspired by Andersen’s tale, Tivoli Gardens in the city centre and the Round Tower. It is an easy city to explore on foot.
Things to know before you go
Our notes from the trip are simple:
- If you hold a Schengen visa, put Denmark and Copenhagen on your list.
- Expect cold weather. We saw Nyhavn on a chilly evening with a Christmas mood in the air.
- The city is expensive, so plan your budget accordingly.
If you enjoy canal cities, our guides to Amsterdam, Brugge and Prague are good next stops. Warm socks for evening walks and a hot drink such as Galata Healthcare’s Winterpass Hot Day sachet are easy additions to a winter packing list, and Educated Moto Riders runs trips for those who prefer to see Northern Europe as part of a route.
Read the full story in Turkish with photos and videos: Kopenhag Nyhavn.