Christianshavn Copenhagen: Canals, History and Hidden Gems
By ANL | UPDATED:
Christianshavn is among the best places to experience Copenhagen beyond the main tourist streets. Amsterdam inspired the neighbourhood, which still retains its original canal layout, cobblestone lanes and nautical atmosphere. Today, visitors come here to stroll along Christianshavn Canal, discover the alternative community of Christiania, climb the spiral tower of the Church of Our Saviour and enjoy waterside restaurants and street food. From historic warehouses and bridges to modern architecture and harbour views, Christianshavn offers a fascinating mix of old Copenhagen charm and contemporary city life.
Would you like a glimpse of a 17th-century neighbourhood in Copenhagen that has retained its authentic maritime setting, then Christianshavn is the perfect place to go. With its original character, the district offers a rare experience in today’s Copenhagen. Narrow houses lining the cobblestone streets and picturesque canals tell the story of the former working-class neighbourhood, built on several artificial islands.
Christianshavn Canal
Today, Christianshavn is a trendy neighbourhood in Copenhagen, but it has not always been so. Christianshavn was built in a swampy area outside the city by King Christian IV, who founded it as an extension of the fortifications of Copenhagen. He envisioned that besides being a fortification that would defend Copenhagen against attacks from outside, it should be a copy of Amsterdam. It would have canals crisscrossing with a principal canal, Christianshavn Canal, cutting right through the centre, along which sailing ships would be docked. Today, the district is the part of Copenhagen with the most nautical atmosphere. For travellers interested in understanding how neighbourhoods like Christianshavn reflect local identity and history, this guide to cultural travel explains how to experience destinations beyond the typical sightseeing route.
Christianshavn Canal is lined by two streets with the peculiar names Overgaden Oven Vandet and Overgaden Neden Vandet (‘the streets above and below the water’).
From Christianshavn, sailors and merchants set off to trade on the seven seas, in accordance with the fact that Denmark was a great seafaring nation. Today, Denmark’s cultural heritage as a maritime nation is seen along the beautiful canals.
Christianshavn Canal.
As part of Christian IV’s military programme, Christianshavn became the ‘hub’ for five bastions – a part of Copenhagen’s defence structure. From 1618 to 1623, the marshy area was turned into a fortress town with bastions and a military infrastructure. The fortifications were reinforced in the 1660s and towards the end of the century. Still today, they are very well preserved.
Photo: Travel In Culture
People relax at the waterfront.
Christianshavn’s urban development continued, and over the last few centuries, the district has acquired a bohemian character and become a hip and fashionable part of Copenhagen, where you will find everyone from students and families to artists and businesspeople. It is a melting pot of all sorts of people and social environments.
Photo: Travel In Culture
The canal streets are not far from the more alternative, experimental society, Christiania, just around the corner. The freetown Christiania was founded in a former military base when some people broke into it in 1971 after shutting down.
Freetown Christiania.
Christiania is where the autonomous hippie culture flourished in Copenhagen during the following decades! Today, it is a chill residential area – a tourist and cultural attraction with music venues and ramshackle houses!
If you would like to explore more alternative and historic districts nearby, read our guide to Copenhagen in 3 Days, featuring Nyhavn, Christiania and royal landmarks.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Another adjacent neighbourhood is Holmen to the west, known for Holmen Naval Base, where fabulous ships moor, naval museums, and spectacular vessels.
Broens Gadekøkken | Photo: Travel In Culture
Christianshavn has a unique identity and is the neighbourhood where you will find top-notch restaurants, including the world-famous Noma, romantic sunrises, fine galleries, and secret spots full of atmosphere. Renovated warehouses, cafés, and street food… a visit to Broens Gadekøkken near the bridge Inderhavnsbroen (the Inner Harbour Bridge), where a variety of ethnic cuisines are represented, is a must. It opened in 2018 and offers meals and drinks from all over the world.
Photo: Travel In Culture
You can easily explore Christianshavn on a canal tour or foot through the cosy streets. Everywhere you will find a relaxed atmosphere.
Photo: Travel In Culture
A stone’s throw away – just on the other side of the harbour area, you can catch a glimpse of Copenhagen’s renowned Royal Library, the Black Diamond. You have the best view of the iconic building from the spectacular Circle Bridge.
Another excellent waterfront area to combine with Christianshavn is Copenhagen’s coolest parks, where locals relax beside lakes, gardens and green urban spaces.
The Circle Bridge and the Black Diamond | Photo: Travel In Culture
Knippelsbro Bridge is another eye-catching and famous auto traffic bridge across the Inner Harbour between Copenhagen city centre and Christianshavn. It is with its old copper towers important cultural heritage in Copenhagen. From the Cultural Tower, you can enjoy panoramic views of the cityscape.
Knippelsbro | Photo: Travel In Culture
Another bridge that links central Copenhagen to Christianshavn, Lille Langebro, is a winding pedestrian bridge featuring a beautiful architectural design.
Today, Christianshavn has, besides its houseboats, traditional houses along the Overgaden Oven Vandet and Overgaden Neden Vandet, and authentic feel, also upscale apartments in the former warehouses, as well as cutting-edge new architecture. Among the heritage buildings are the Danish Sugar Factories, established in 1872 and still stand with the beautiful, original gable.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Other cultural buildings include the North Atlantic House in Strandgade, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Christian Church. Also, several Danish companies have their headquarters at Christianshavn.
Christiansbro is a local neighbourhood with residential houses on the grounds of the former Burmeister & Wain Shipyard.
Church of our Saviour | Photo: Travel In Culture
The spectacular Church of our Saviour with a twisted golden spire was built in the 1680s by King Christian V. His monogram is inside the baroque church, now a national treasure. One can climb the 400 steps to reach the top of the tower that is part of the skyline in this part of Copenhagen.
Frequently Asked Questions about Christianshavn
What is Christianshavn known for?
Christianshavn is famous for its canals, colourful historic houses, maritime atmosphere, houseboats and the nearby freetown Christiania.
Is Christianshavn worth visiting in Copenhagen?
Yes, Christianshavn is one of Copenhagen’s most charming districts and offers a mix of history, canals, cafés, architecture and cultural attractions.
How do you get to Christianshavn?
Christianshavn is easy to reach by Metro, bicycle or on foot from central Copenhagen. Christianshavn Station is located in the middle of the district.
Can you walk around Christianshavn canals?
Yes, the canals are lined with pedestrian-friendly streets and bridges, making the area ideal for scenic walks and photography.
What can you see near Christianshavn?
Nearby attractions include Christiania, the Church of Our Saviour, Broens Gadekøkken, Holmen, the Black Diamond and Copenhagen harbour.
Can you climb the Church of Our Saviour tower?
Yes, visitors can climb the tower via a spiral staircase for panoramic views across Copenhagen and the harbour districts.
Is Christianshavn good for food and cafés?
Christianshavn has many waterside cafés, restaurants and street food markets, including the popular Broens Gadekøkken.
What is the best time to visit Christianshavn?
Spring and summer are ideal for canal walks and outdoor dining, while autumn offers a quieter atmosphere and beautiful waterfront scenery.
How much time do you need in Christianshavn?
Most visitors spend two to four hours exploring the canals, churches, cafés and nearby attractions at a relaxed pace.
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