Press Information
January 2010

Nyhavn in Copenhagen 
 

Running from Kongens Nytorv, a picturesque canal filled with moored sailing boats, runs down to the main harbour, dividing the two sides of Nyhavn. It's a popular meeting place, and perfect for enjoying a drink in one of the many open air cafes, restaurants and bars. As soon as the sun is out in early spring, the Danes move the chairs and tables outside and from the first summer day the quay is crowded with people.

Seated in chairs or simply sitting on the wharf, this is where the Danes meet for a quick beer or for the whole lazy afternoon. Join them and later perhaps embark on one of the Canal Tour boats which run from the Nytorv end of the harbour from late April to mid September. It's still possible to get a sense of the Copenhagen's historical links with the sea when you visit Nyhavn. The harbour itself is old, the canal was originally built in 1673, with the first salt water filling it's dock on October 19th. It soon established itself, as the place where returning sailors indulged themselves in the numerous bars, brothels and tattoo parlours which populated the area. For over three hundred years the area had a distinctly seedy reputation and it wasn't until the late seventies that the current new look got underway.

Apart from Nyhavns's maritime associations there's a literary side. It was here at number 20 that Hans Christian Andersen wrote his first fairy tales in 1835, and where he lived from 1845-64 at number 67, returning in 1873 to spend the last two years before his death back in the harbour, at no. 18.

Although it's still possible to find a sanitised tattoo shop and a seaman's mission among the well preserved eighteenth century houses, they are now outnumbered by the quayside bars, cafes and restaurants. Most of the action in Nyhavn takes place on the sunny northern side of the canal. The opposite side has a calmer atmosphere, with some fine old buildings, among them the Danish Academy of Art.

Characteristic restaurants along the harbour include, Leonore Christine, on the sunny side of the canal which serves French Cuisine. For a traditional Danish lunch, Nyhavn Færgekro is a good choice, with its open sandwiches and herring buffet, and for an organic alternative, Cap Horn offers a wide menu.

Today's Nyhavn is still in active use as a port, and from the far end of the harbour's streets you can gaze across the water towards the modernist sculptures of the Danish Architectural College, as ferries, water taxis and small pleasure crafts sail out to sea.

Major events in Nyhavn:

• The celebration of Midsummer - June
• Copenhagen Jazz Festival early - July
• Fruit boats from Fejø - September
• "Sildens Dag" (celebration of the herring) - September
• Beer Festival - September
• Christmas Market - November/ December
• Christmas Brew tasting - November
• Easter Brew - March

See more at www.nyhavn.com