With its colorful gabled houses right on the harbor, Nyhavn is one of the most popular districts in Copenhagen for tourists. It is the city's old harbor and entertainment district. Fairytale author Hans Christian Andersen, one of the city's most famous sons, spent a large part of his life here.
The district was created in 1673 with the flooding of the Nyhavn Canal. Nyhavn means "new harbor". The canal in the district was dug to connect the sea directly to the Kongens Nytrov square in the city center. The oldest house in Nyhavn, house number 9, can still be visited. It was built in 1678. Gradually, residents and small businesses settled here. Ships and traders from all over the world were to be found here. So it was only logical that many restaurants and pubs were opened in the new harbor district. In contrast to today, many shady characters could also be found here back then. The majority of the beautiful, colorful warehouses and public buildings that can still be admired today were also built in the 17th century.
Photo Nyhavn © Wonderful Copenhagen, Photo: Thomas Hoyrup Christensen
Nyhavn is still one of the most popular places to visit in Copenhagen - for both visitors and residents alike. There are many bars, restaurants and stores along the canal in a beautifully designed pedestrian zone. There is a lot going on here, especially on warm summer days. At Christmas time, Nyhavn also hosts a beautiful Christmas market every year.
With the colorful gabled houses that adorn many postcards of Copenhagen, Nyhavn harbor is a sight in itself. During a walk through the district, you can take a detour to houses number 18 and 67 - both of which were once inhabited by the writer Hans Christian Andersen. The Anchor Monument, which is located towards Kongens Nytorv, commemorates the approximately 1600 Danish sailors who lost their lives during the Second World War. Popular with tourists are the harbor tours that can be taken from Heibergsgarde in the blue boats. The theater, the monument to the poet Hans Christian Andersen and Charlottenburg Palace can be found on Neuer Markt at the western end of Nyhavn.
