Nyhavn is a colourful 17th century waterfront, canal and popular entertainment district in Copenhagen, Denmark. Stretching from Kongens Nytorv to the harbourfront just south of the Royal Playhouse, it is lined by brightly coloured 17th and early 18th century townhouses and numerous bars, cafes and restaurants. Serving as a heritage harbour, the canal is packed with old wooden ships.

Nyhavn was constructed by King Christian V from 1670-73, dug by Swedish war prisoners from the Dano-Swedish War 1658-60, as a gateway from the sea to the old inner city at Kongens Nytorv (King's Square), where ships would unload their cargo and the fishermen their daily catch. Notorious for beer, sailors, and prostitution, the area developed an infamous reputation. Danish author Hans Christian Andersen lived at Nyhavn 18 for some years.

Gradually, as ocean-going ships grew larger, Nyhavn was taken over by internal Danish small vessel freight traffic. After World War II land transport took over this role and small vessel traffic disappeared from the Port of Copenhagen, leaving Nyhavn largely deserted of ships.

Along its northern, sunny side, Nyhavn is lined with many bars and restaurants facing out to a picturesque harbor. In warmer weather people fill every available table in the outdoors seating area in front of every restaurant. And even in cooler weather the heartier types sit outdoors with a beer and a blanket, provided by the restaurant on each seat, over their legs. While not extremely expensive, the restaurants are very expensive.

Less formal seating is on the edge of the harbour with bring-your-own beer. It is not uncommon to see groups of young people sitting along the waterfront with beer, enjoying the sunshine, the crowds, and the street entertainment.

Nyhavn serves as a hub of canal tours. There are two competing operators. Nyhavn is one of two hubs of The Yellow Netto Boats, the other being The Church of Holmen. DFDS Canal Tours has four different canal tours departing from Nyhavn.

See more pictures from The New Harbor (Nyhavn)
Go back to the index, The best Attractions in Copenhagen