Nyhavn, Copenhagen

Nyhavn is the canal and waterfront district opening toward Copenhagen’s inner harbour, with painted townhouses along the water and historic wooden vessels moored within it. Trace the canal edge from Kongens Nytorv toward the harbour: this waterway was made between 1670 and 1675 under King Christian V, with Danish soldiers and Swedish prisoners of war doing the digging. It served as a route for cargo and fishermen’s catches into the old city, and its earlier reputation was tied to sailors, drinking and prostitution.

The house at Nyhavn 9 dates from 1681, making it the oldest house along the canal. Hans Christian Andersen lived at number 67 for 19 years, and a memorial plaque marks that address; he later lived at number 18. The canal’s inner stretch is a veteran ship and museum harbour, established in 1977.

Look along the moorings for vessels including the lightship Gedser Rev, built in 1895, and the theatre barge, built in 1898 and used as a theatre boat since 1972. At the end by Kongens Nytorv, the Memorial Anchor honours more than 1,700 Danish officers and sailors who died during World War II. The anchor itself dates from 1872, and the monument was inaugurated in 1951. Nyhavn’s busy cafés and restaurants now occupy a waterfront once shaped by working vessels and seaborne trade.