NYHAVN – Vibrant soul of Copenhagen
“There is no such a historic port that radiates loads of positive energy like Nyhavn in Copenhagen. Its colors, sounds and tales, stand as an ultimate combination for purest life enjoyment… “
Glorious past of Denmark’s capital Copenhagen is visible on every corner. From the elegant Royal Palace, noble Strøget street, and Little Mermaid statue, to its canals and bohemian districts. Among all, there is only one place that brings all the joy and historic pride of the city – Nyhavn or “the new port” of Copenhagen. It could be easily nicknamed “the most colorful port in Northern Europe“. Its super vibrant atmosphere around the canal docks, tries to bring back distant times, when this story actaully begun.
Nyhavn’s curious past
The idea came in 1670. from the powerful Danish King Christian V. He ruthlessly employed Swedish prisoners of war to dig a canal, around which, in just three years, brand new commercial port was built. One can just imagine number of trade ships from all around the globe coming in, with warehouses and fancy merchant’s homes framing the canal. Side walks were so busy, and always packed with tired, but cheerful, drunk sailors, chatting with local prostitutes.
Pubs and bars were all around, offering cheap, low quality food and drinks from different parts of the world. From a commercial point of view, Nyhavn more than justified its purpose in the XVII century. However, bigger size of trade ships, which came later, made this port almost unusable, except for small vessels.
Final blow came with development of land transportation after WWII. Former glorious trade hub of Danish Monarchy, became poor remnant, serving as a decadent “red light district” of Copenhagen. Future of Nyhavn did not look bright, until 1960s. New initiative started to restore every piece of the area and bring Nyhavn in Copenhagen, back to its former glory.
Charm of Nyhavn, Copenhagen
For me, visiting Copenhagen without having a beer or two, or some nice local bites at Nyhavn, is almost like a sin. Those beautiful, bright coloured facades of the port houses are so full of life. Their reflection in the water provide memorable postcard, sometimes reminding me on superb Hanseatic old houses in the port of Bergen in Norway. Here in Copenhagen, it seems that general appearance of Nyhavn, simply causes happiness and joy among people.
Delicious bites of NYhavn
Diversity of food delicacies at Nyhavn is more than impressive. Like the entire culinary planet ended up right here. The most bohemian way to eat and save your money is to buy a can of Carlsberg beer, some superb Danish bread, butter and cold cuts in a grocery store. Then, just find your place around the canal, and the spirit of Nyhavn is all yours! Fancier option is to pick your charming restaurant, preferably on northern “sunny side” of the port. In summer months this side becomes “the longest bar in the world” sprinkled with gentle rhythms of jazz. Try not to miss ordering some tender frikadeller meatballs, served with parsley sauce and potatoes. Then comes legendary smørrebrød – rye bread with butter, garlic sour cream, topped with smoked salmon, pickled haring, or delicious cured meat.
Table of food delicacies, Nyhavn
experience and discover more
After superb meal with your friends, try to discover more of Nyhavn. Walk next to the oldest house at n.9, dating from 1681. Explore amazing collection of Royal Danish Academy of Art, within noble Charlotenburg Palace, or pay a tribute to Danish navy heroes of the WWII at the Anchor Memorial. Those of you willing to experience even more, Nyhavn is the main point to start your one hour, city canals cruise. For around 12$, you will be fascinated by the charming Copenhagen seen from the water. If your amazement by this area requires authentic accommodation, then, Hotel 71, will offer everything you need. For 235$ per night, in a double room with Danish breakfast included, you’ll get a very nice, former XVII century warehouse experience. When strolling southern, “shady” side of the port, I always catch myself reflecting on that legendary patchwork of colors on sunbathed facades on the opposite side. Sequence of houses is partly disturbed by the high sails of marvellous trade ship replicas, anchored in the port. It’s like a stage for a fascinating tale. Maybe that’s why Danish genius writer Hans Christian Andersen wrote his “The Princess and the Pea” right here.
So inspired by the magic of the port, he lived in a flat at Nyhavn n.20, where he wrote his first fairytale. Then he moved to a nice house at n.67, and stayed there for the next 20 years. At Nyhavn n.18, where he spent only 2 years, you can still sneak in a unique souvenir shop that will easily take you into Andersen’s world of fantasies. He was so able to feel, always present, strong positive vibe, to embrace life and gain creativity around Nyhavn in Copenhagen.
When you see Nyhavn for the first time, after a while, find your perfect spot and deeply observe, using all your senses. Connection with this unique “soul” of Copenhagen will become so profound. Keep it just for you!
Nyhavn and me, Copenhagen
Notice: article images are made by Jonnie World Walker team.
Ready to explore more?
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Wherever you are, Copenhagen Jazz Quartet brings you the essence of relaxing and romantic Nyhavn atmosphere. Just listen and imagine your perfect moments in one of the bars right next to Nyhavn canal. Enjoy…
video and photo by Copenhagen Jazz Quartet
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A man who could not live without vibrant Nyhavn atmosphere in Copenhagen, Hans Christian Andersen, brings you the most impressive collection of his fairytales and stories.
photo by amazon.com
