Nyhavn: Copenhagen’s Historic Harbor

With its iconic harbor lined with colorful 27-century townhouses and historic wooden ships, this picturesque waterfront is a living piece of Danish history. Nestled in the heart of Copenhagen is Nyhavn!

7 Facts About Nyhavn 

Nyhavn was dug by Danish soldiers and Swedish prisoners from the Dano-Swedish War in 1658. The canal was part of King Christian V's vision for Copenhagen's expansion and played a crucial role in Denmark's maritime trade.

Hans Christian Anderson lived here for 18 years. He was in No.20, No.18, and No. 67 during different periods. He is Denmark's beloved fairytale author. His most famous stories were written in Nyhavn, like The Princess and the Pea and The Tinderbox. I can imagine the endless source of inspiration Anderson got from Nyhavn's maritime charm.

Nyhavn was once Copenhagen's Red-Light District. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Nyhavn was notorious for its rowdy tavernas, sailors, and brothels. It's a gateway from the sea to the old inner city at Kongens Nytorv (King's Square), where ships used to handle cargo and fishermen's catches. 

The Oldest Townhouse Dates Back to 1681. No.9 in Nyhavn is the oldest building recorded and was most likely lived in first by the dock manager (havnemester) Christen Christensen. It was also noted that former military officer and first director of the Royal Danish Theatre, Hans Wilhelm von Warnstedt, also lived here.  

Nyhavn was Nearly Demolished. In the 1960s, plans to modernize Nyhavn by demolishing its historic buildings led to a public outcry. With some time and persuasion, Nyhavn became a listed cultural heritage site, which allowed it to become the cultural gem it is today.  

South Side of the Canal is reserved only for ships. The Museum Harbour in the inner section of Nyhavn is lined with old merchant ships. The foundation of the heritage Habor in 1977 reserved the south side of the canal for old merchant ships restored and owned by the Danish National Museum. 

Denmark's Liberation Day and The Memorial Anchor. The Memorial Anchor at the end of Nyhavn is a monument commemorating the thousands of Danish officers and sailors who sacrificed their lives during WW2 in service for the navy, merchant fleet, or Allied Forces. Every May 5th (Denmark's Liberation Day), a ceremony is held to honor the fallen. 



MY EXPERIENCE

I was super excited to see Nyhavn and I can now say I was not disappointed. It has a perfect blend of history and charm. I felt like I stepped into a postcard with its colorful 17th-century townhouses and bobbing wooden ships. I recently went to an Italian restaurant for dinner at Nyhavn and I got to observe Nyhavn's night life.

I loved the warm and red colored string lights on the ships and restaurant ownings and lively atmosphere. You feel so serene and in-touch with life at Nyhavn. 

Nyhavn has transformed from a bustling commercial port for sailors for rest and revelry into one of Copenhagen's most beloved cultural heritage sites with buzzing tourists, street musicians, and locals enjoying a hygge-filled afternoons and evenings at a cafe, restaurant, or bar. 








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