I have always loved visiting waterfront cities. Apart from a particular atmosphere, such cities offer the possibility of seeing them from a different perspective when going on a boat tour. I was thrilled with my Bergen fjord trip, so when I visited Denmark’s capital, it didn’t take long before I decided to join a Copenhagen canal cruise. I wanted to see how the beautiful Scandinavian city looks from the water and discover its canals.
As you will see in the following lines, the boat trip through Copenhagen didn’t let me down. On the contrary, going on a canal tour was very enjoyable, and kudos to the tour guide, who offered many local insights. Despite the winter weather, Denmark’s capital unfolded as a Hans Christian Andersen tale, but more importantly, I could get a real idea of the city’s size. The latter helped me better plan my walks around the city and the fun stories I heard onboard served as additional layers of information.
That said, in the following lines, you will find my honest opinion about the canal cruise I joined in Copenhagen. Partly a review and partly a photo report, the article contains my impressions from the trip, a 4K video, and some tips to help you plan your cruise.
Let’s start.
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Classic Copenhagen Canal Cruise: Impressions & Itinerary
Cruising along Copenhagen’s canals is an easygoing activity (you can book the tour I joined here). Moreover, most of these short boat tours start from the city’s most iconic spot: Nyhavn. The colorful port of the city is a joy to walk and photograph, and seeing it from the water level will give you extra impressions. Nyhavn feels actually narrower from the water, and on a clear day, you’ll see its houses appear as a cluster of colors.
Of course, before sharing the itinerary, it is fair to add a few words about the boat’s condition and the services the crew provided throughout the activity.
The boat
Scandinavia is famous for its top-quality services and Denmark is, of course, no exception. However, it is always worth writing a few words about the services because we often take them for granted.
The Copenhagen Canal cruise boat was in mint condition. Although there was light rain earlier in the morning, the boat was clean. One thing that I want to mention is that despite its low ceiling, it didn’t feel claustrophobic. You see, its roof is made of glass so that you can see the sky and you can open the windows. If you are tall like I am, you won’t feel struggling in the interior.
I should also point out that Copenhagen’s tight bridges dictate the low ceiling: at times, you’ll be advised to remain seated to protect your head on bridge crossings.
Additionally, you can step out and enjoy the spectacular views. If you decide to do that, make sure to have an extra jacket and gloves during the winter because it can be very cold. Also, if you take the trip during the summer, you should expect some light breeze, so bring an extra layer of clothing.
The tour guide
I wrote briefly about the tour guide, but I want to add a few more lines here. His knowledge and good spirits elevated the whole experience. Apart from sharing his insights about the city, he also made several witty remarks that brought laughter to the passengers. As with the boat’s quality, you can’t take this for granted. Skilled professionals are often hard to find, and the guy interacted with everyone and answered questions.
So, once again, kudos to the tour guide and the entire crew for a fantastic and insightful Copenhagen canal tour.
The itinerary
The Copenhagen Canal Cruise from Nyhavn lasts one hour. There is an extended version that travels for almost two hours, but it wasn’t available the day I booked mine. Nevertheless, one hour is enough to get a good impression of the city, and you’ll see various landmarks.
Nyvavn, Opera, and Reffen
As I already said, most cruises start from Nyhavn, and that’s where mine began, too. After leaving Nyhavn behind, you’ll see the Playhouse and, afterward, the iconic Opera, which is an architectural marvel. Located on Holmen Island, the Copenhagen Opera is assumed to be one of the best and most modern operas in the world.
As its name suggests, this is a canal tour, meaning you’ll never have an open sea feeling. The good thing, though, is that the ride never feels bumpy, so if you worry about getting nauseous, you can relax. I took the cruise on a cold, windy February day and never felt that the boat was shaking.
The ride continues to Reffen, where the city’s famous street food market is. Visiting it, even on foot, is one of the most local things to do in Copenhagen, and it’s great to see the cluster of houses surrounding it from the water.
The Little Mermaid
After Reffen, the boat will turn toward the city’s most famous landmark: the Little Mermaid. Although it’s pretty easy to access the tiny statue on foot, seeing it from the water will expose you to the beauty of the nearby Langelinie Park. Yes, you won’t be able to step out or see it from very close. However, this different perspective is an excellent addition to your sightseeing.
If you have a zoom lens on your camera, you can capture a similar photo to mine.
The Palaces
It’s time to return to Nyhavn, but the tour hasn’t finished yet. You will visit the Amalienborg Palace and the Christiansborg Palace, two of the most iconic locations in town. The Royal Library of Denmark, known as the Black Diamond due to its impressive shape, and Copenhagen’s Stock Exchange are also part of the itinerary, and the guide will share tons of interesting facts about them.
Afterward, the boat will cruise slowly back to Nyhavn, and your tour will be concluded.
Practical info for your Copenhagen Canal Cruise
Most Copenhagen Classic Canal tours sail from Nyhavn, and their prices are affordable. The boat trip I booked here cost 20 euros and lasted one hour. There are tours every one or two hours, and to be on the safe side, it’s better to pre-book a seat. Even in the winter time, sometimes the tours are packed, and it’s better not to waste time waiting for the next one. There’s, of course, a kiosk where you can buy a ticket on-site.
Although the starting point is Nyhavn, the exact spot differs. Various tour operators offer guided cruises, and the departure piers often differ. The suggested meeting point of Stromma is here, and the employees will guide you to your departure point. Therefore, arriving at least fifteen minutes earlier is a good idea to have enough time to walk to the designated spot. It’s usually a 2-3 minute walk to the boat, but it’s better to have enough time and not stress.
Copenhagen Canal Cruise Review: does it deserve booking one?
Booking a Copenhagen Canal Cruise is one of the best things to do in Denmark’s capital. The 1-hour boat trips are operated by highly skilled professionals who love their work. Having people in good spirits showing you their town is a priceless experience for every traveler. The boats are in excellent condition, and these short cruises offer an invaluable perspective on the city’s life.
Moreover, on a more practical level, boat tours through Copenhagen’s canals are laid-back activities. In my opinion, this translates into two things: first, you can sit down and enjoy the sea and the beautiful architecture. In addition, it’s a great way to unwind after a long day of walking and sightseeing. Being seated while sightseeing is enjoyable and relaxing at the same time.
The cruises take place rain or shine. During the low season, you should expect fewer crowds but also fewer boats circulating the canals. The tour I joined offers services all year long, and this was a big plus when I chose it.
Finally, the last piece of advice I can give you is not to skip the cruise if the weather is bad. Dress appropriately for the weather and join it for an extra perspective of the city. Despite the weather, I didn’t regret it, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it too.
Canal Tours Copenhagen: Conclusion
For a city as pricey as Copenhagen, canal cruises are one of the most affordable yet insightful experiences a traveler can have. I talked extensively about the importance of seeing places from a different perspective and the layers they add to the overall city experience. However, these short boat tours will allow you to unwind and relax. Travel fatigue is underrated yet very real, and finding a way to slow down while traveling is important.
The Classic Copenhagen Canal cruise exceeded my expectations. Whenever possible, I try to go on such tours because I love the water. It doesn’t matter if it’s the sea, like in Venice, or a river, like the Spree in Berlin. What matters the most is to explore a city’s connection to the water and imagine (or learn) how it affects the rhythms and the citizens’ lives.
Copenhagen’s life is interconnected with the water and its canals, and there’s no better way to explore this relationship than going on a boat tour. It doesn’t matter if you choose a longer or a shorter version of them. The impressions are there -and so is the joy of discovering one more city onboard a safe boat.
More about Copenhagen: The Round Tower, Nyhavn guide
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Last Updated on May 4, 2024 by George Pavlopoulos