Explore Copenhagen by water to get a different perspective on this forward-thinking Scandinavian city, travelling along pristine waterways lined with multicoloured Neoclassical Architecture. Here are three of the most unique boat tours on Copenhagen’s Canals:
Copenhagen is a great destination for anyone not wanting to do too much – think hygge, excellent coffee shops, an abundance of good restaurants and Danish butter cookies – but its waterways have in recent years become a star attraction. The canals of this maritime city were once the hard working veins of the city used for fishing and industry but over the last 25 years have been cleaned up to become a centrepiece for this cool, Nordic city. These days the inner harbour and canals are pristine enough to host swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddling, as well as excellent tours for anyone wanting to see the city from the water. Here are three of the best:
Social Sailing – Copenhagen Canal Tour
With 12 people onboard, ‘Social Sailing’ lives up to its name. This tour is a great place to meet new people – especially handy if you are travelling alone – and the captain has the flexibility to tailor it to the group’s interests. The cruise through Copenhagen’s canals promises to include hidden gems as well as must-sees like Trekroner Fort, the oldest of Copenhagen’s sea fortifications, as well the bronze statue The Little Mermaid. The emphasis here is perhaps on fun, rather than clunky history, and it’s two hours well spent. From €59.95.
Book at Viator.com
Copenhagen: Guided Canal Tour by Electric Boat
In stark contrast to the heavy industry and hulking ships that used to lurk in Copenhagen’s waters, this tour silently glides through the canals by electric boat. That is apart from the knowledgeable captain who will be live-guiding the tour in both English and Danish, and is happy to take questions along the way. Copenhagen is considered one of the most sustainable cities in the world, with a fleet of electric harbour ferries, so this eco-friendly tour seems fitting to its ethos. During just over an hour, you’ll hear about the capital’s secrets and lesser-known stories in and around the harbour front. From € 33.41 per person.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Copenhagen: Grand Canal Tour with Live Commentary
Learn about Copenhagen old and new with the Grand Canal Tour (Photo: getyourguide.com)
To get a really good perspective on Copenhagen’s waterfront areas, this tour covers both the history of the city and the up-and-coming areas, as well as landmarks and lesser-known areas. Packing a lot into one hour and 45 minutes, it starts with Stone Age Copenhagen before heading off to the new swanky apartments in former buildings and silos around Nordhavn, the northern harbour, before visiting the raw and hip Sydhavnen, which has swapped heavy industry and container ships for art galleries and sushi. For anyone on a weekend away who wants to get a feel of the city by water, this is a great do-it-all tour. From € 26.70 per person.
Book at Getyourguide.com