Nyhavn was originally a busy commercial port where ships from all over the world would dock. The area was packed with sailors, ladies of pleasure, pubs and alehouses.
Today the beautiful old houses have been renovated and classy restaurants dominate the old port. Nyhavn is filled with people enjoying the relaxed atmosphere by the canal, jazz music and great food.
No. 9, Nyhavn, is the oldest house in the area dating back to 1681. The design of the house has not been altered since that time. Many of the houses lining the quays of Nyhavn have been the homes of prominent artists
Hans Christian Andersen's Nyhavn
The famous Danish fairytale writer, Hans Christian Andersen, used to live in no. 20. This is where he wrote the fairy-tales 'The Tinderbox', 'Little Claus and Big Claus', and 'The Princess and the Pea'. He also lived in no. 67 for twenty years and for two years in no. 18.
Nyhavn is typically Danish. For 450 years the small town of Copenhagen did not extend its borders until in 1617, King Christian the Fourth established Christianshavn thus extending the town’s framework. The development of the old capital city began and in 1671 King Christian Fifth started the excavation of the “New Harbour”.
Since that time the artificial canal for more than 300 years has been the framework of a pulsating life. Public houses, merriment and ‘generous’ women have always been Nyhavn’s character and throughout the years the harbour’s picturesque houses have been the home of world renowned artists like H C Andersen, who once lived in number 67, and several ballet artists and poets.
Looking down Nyhavn one can be reminded of H G F Holms meticulous water colours. The artist lived in number 55, he was named ‘Fattigholm’ (‘Poor Holm’). He died in 1861, and like many other artists became famous after his death. His paintings of streets and houses in Copenhagen are exhibited in museums and are acquired for huge amounts of money.
‘Poor Holm’ and other artists of the time visited the confectioner that was located on Store Strandstraede. Hans Christian Andersen, who in his lifetime was famed as a fairytale writer, also visited the confectioner. H C Andersen is probably the most famous of all Danes for his writing talent.
Especially during summer, Nyhavn is the perfect place to end a long day. Have dinner at one of the cosy restaurants or do like the locals and buy a beer from a nearby store and rest your feet at the quayside.
Nyhavn was originally a busy commercial port where ships from all over the world would dock. The area was packed with sailors, ladies of pleasure, pubs and alehouses.
Today the beautiful old houses have been renovated and classy restaurants dominate the old port. Nyhavn is filled with people enjoying the relaxed atmosphere by the canal, jazz music and great food.
No. 9, Nyhavn, is the oldest house in the area dating back to 1681. The design of the house has not been altered since that time. Many of the houses lining the quays of Nyhavn have been the homes of prominent artists.
This little short video shows, the mood at the beautiful old harbor "Nyhavn".
Nyhavn is the ideal place to visit as a tourist in Copenhagen.