Nyhavn
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History
Constructed under the reign of King Christian V, Copenhagen’s New Harbour was dug by Swedishprisoners from the Danish-Swedish war. Construction, which began in 1670, was completed three years later and the inauguration took place in 1673. The harbor led from the old city center of Kongens Nytorv
out to the sea. Like most
harbors in the 17th century, New Harbour was not only a place for sailors to dock and unload their goods, but also a
thriving place of business for the seedier side of a port city. Alongside brothels and bars, grand houses were built
that later housed famous artists like Hans Christian Andersen . As time went on, ships got bigger, land
transport became more efficient, and Nyhavn went into disuse. After World War II, the harbor was all but abandoned, and
it was not until the 1960s that the city made an effort to revitalize Nyhavn. Today, the sailors and prostitutes are a
thing of the past and Copenhagen’s New Harbour has a new life as a destination for tourists and families. The
buildings have been saved from disrepair and now houses fine restaurants, bars, luxury apartments, and museums.Visiting
A day in Nyhavn can be enjoyed on foot or by sitting outside at one of the many fine restaurants or bars offering up fine Danish Ale and traditional or modern Danish fare. Many people find a nice spot in the sun and share a drink with friends. This is arguably the best spot for people watching in the entire city. The backdrop of colorful facades and historic ships lining the canal make for a wonderful place to sit and let the day linger by. There are still some ships passing up and down the canal, but these days it is mostly tour boats offering a unique way of seeing the city of Copenhagen.New Harbour can easily be reached from anywhere in the city. A short 2.5 km walk from Copenhagen Central Station, or the Kongens Nytorv is a stop on the city's bus or metro lines. Canal tours can also be arranged here or in the city center.
Landmarks
Kongens Nytorv, at one end of New Harbour, is home to some of Copenghagen’s most famous buildings including the Royal Danish Theatre, Charlottenborg Palace which
now houses the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, the Thott Palace which now houses the French
Embassy, the Magasin du Nord department store, and the Hotel D’Angleterre. Near to Kongens Nytorv
lies the Memorial Anchor which commemorates the sailors and servicemen that bravely sacrificed their lives
during World War II. New Harbour’s oldest house dates from 1681 and sits at address No. 9. The famous Danish writer, Hans Christian Andersen, was known to have lived at No. 18, No. 20, and spent twenty years living in No. 67.
New Harbour is also home to several veteran ships, and the inner section is the Museum Harbour, where ships of historical importance and now kept by the Danish National Museum. Nyhavn Bridge, originally built out of wood in 1874 and then replaced with a steel version in 1912, separates the inner canal from the outer harbor. At the far end of the canal lies the Royal Danish Playhouse
which was built specifically to show
dramatic theater. 
Transportation
The Metro lines M1 and M2 stop at the Kongens Nytorv at one end of New Harbour. Nyhavn is also serviced by the Copenhagen Harbour Bus lines 901, 902, 903, and 904, which stop at the other end of the canal near the Royal Danish Playhouse. The beginning of New Harbour lies at Kongens Nytorv, which is at the end of the pedestrian street, Strøget. There are also Canal Boat Tours that run regularly through the city and offer a stop in New Harbour. Bike tours have popped up recently and offer a local’s view of the city since Copenhagen has become one of the world’s premier cycle cities. A walking tour can be arranged and might offer one of the most in-depth ways of experiencing one of Europe’s most famous and picturesque harbors.Do you see any omissions, errors or want to add information to this page? Sign up.
Author: 30literbackpack. Last updated: Feb 02, 2015
Pictures of Nyhavn
