Canal tours are one of the most sought-after attractions in Copenhagen. You can hop on these shallow sightseeing boats at Nyhavn (the famous colorful houses) or Gammel Strand, and enjoy an hour-long guided tour of the city that’s often called the Venice of the North because of its many canals and waterways.
I had the chance to take one of these canal tours during COVID. That meant that I was almost alone in the huge boat, with no more than 4-5 other people. So I could sit where I could easily film this breathtaking tour.
If you’re visiting the Danish capital, one of the best ways to get a first feel for the city is with a canal tour. I hope this video gives you a clear idea of what Copenhagen canal tours are like, and that you’ll try one soon. Make sure to read the section below the video for a quick summary of the most important details.
Copenhagen Canal Tours Video
Copenhagen Canal Tours Summary
- Start: Nyhavn (next to Kongens Nytorv metro station, at the famous colorful houses). Some tours also stop at Gammel Strand metro station.
- Duration: approximately one hour.
- Price: approximately 200 DKK.
- Reservation: recommended. You can also buy tickets at Nyhavn, and you usually don’t have to wait more than an hour until the tour starts.
- Most famous sights visited: Nyhavn, Opera, Amalienborg, The Little Mermaid (backside), Christianshavn, The Church of Our Saviour, The Royal Library, Gammel Strand, Christiansborg Palace, Børsen (former stock exchange). The guided tour gives you a good insight into all of these sights and their history in various languages.
- Good to know: the boats are usually packed, and you just take whatever seat you can get. Some boats have rain protection, but none of them is completely enclosed, so make sure to dress for the weather—especially on colder days.
- Some operators also offer extended canal tours that include the harbor and additional areas. The duration is approximately 2 hours.
