Copenhagen Walking Tour with Public Canal Ferry: Walk & Canal

We begin at Copenhagen Central Station, a historic and bustling hub that connects the city. Let’s dive into its story and set the tone for our exploration.

👉Find our guide to get to the meeting point here

We’ll stop outside the enchanting Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, and we will share its fascinating history and its role in inspiring Walt Disney.

Glyptoteket, a glimpse of grandeur from the outside We’ll stop by the impressive Glyptoteket, one of Copenhagen’s most beautiful buildings. Founded by Carlsberg’s founder Carl Jacobsen, this museum is known not only for its world-class art collection, but also for its stunning architecture. From the outside, you’ll get a great view of its grand façade and the glass dome of the tropical winter garden inside. A quick but memorable stop that blends culture, history, and a touch of elegance.

Together, we’ll explore the history and importance of Christiansborg Palace, the seat of Danish democracy. We’ll uncover tales of kings, queens, and modern politics, and there’s a good chance we’ll also see the royal horses.

We conclude this part of our tour at The Royal Library, Slotshaven and the iconic Black Diamond, a stunning piece of modern architecture that serves as a cultural and literary hub for Copenhagen. From here, we’ll continue our journey with a ride on the public canal ferry, the water bus locals use, offering unique views of the city from the water.

The tour includes a ride of about 25 minutes on the public canal ferry, the water bus locals use, from the Black Diamond past Børsen, the Opera House and Nyhavn, with great views of the city’s canals. On weekdays, we almost always have the ferry to ourselves. As it’s a public ferry, seats can’t be reserved, and in high season it can be full on busy weekends and sunny afternoons (or occasionally canceled). If that happens, we walk the scenic route of about 2 km along the canals instead. To stay on schedule for the Changing of the Guards on the 09:00 AM tour, we shorten the route slightly elsewhere, and the total walking distance is 5 to 7 km. In this case, the tour includes a few different – but equally great – highlights, such as iconic Nyhavn and all the main sights normally seen from the ferry.

From the canal ferry on Copenhagen’s scenic canals, you’ll get a fantastic view of the Royal Danish Opera House – an architectural masterpiece sitting proudly by the waterfront. Designed by renowned architect Henning Larsen, this modern landmark is one of the most expensive opera houses ever built and a true icon of Danish design.

From the canal ferry, we’ll get a brief but beautiful stop at Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s most iconic harbor. With its colorful 17th-century townhouses and lively atmosphere, this historic waterfront is a must-see, and the perfect spot to return to after the tour! 

Gefion Fountain is one of Copenhagen’s most impressive landmarks, located near the harbor and Kastellet fortress. This stunning fountain depicts the Norse goddess Gefion driving a group of oxen, symbolizing the legendary creation of Zealand. A must-see stop, it combines mythology, history, and beautiful craftsmanship, making it a perfect spot for photos and storytelling during your tour.

As part of our walk, we’ll explore Kastellet, one of the best-preserved star fortresses in Northern Europe. This historic site, built in the 1600s, is still an active military area but also a peaceful green oasis in the heart of Copenhagen. As we stroll through its scenic pathways, you’ll see the iconic windmill, historic barracks, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the resident swans.

Marvel at the breathtaking Marble Church, officially known as Frederik's Church, an architectural gem in Copenhagen. Completed in 1894 after more than 150 years of construction, this iconic landmark features one of the largest domes in Europe, inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. As we pause here, you'll hear stories of its fascinating history, including the challenges of its construction and its significance in Denmark's royal and religious heritage. From this spot, you’ll also enjoy stunning views of Amalienborg Palace, the royal family's residence, just a short walk away.

Step into the heart of Danish royalty at Amalienborg Palace, the official residence of the Danish royal family since 1794. This stunning complex consists of four identical Rococo-style palaces surrounding an elegant octagonal courtyard, with the equestrian statue of King Frederik V as its centerpiece. As we explore the area, you’ll learn about the history of the monarchy, the daily routines of the royal family, and the significance of the ceremonial Changing of the Guard, which takes place here every day at 12.00. From the courtyard, enjoy beautiful views of the Marble Church and the waterfront, showcasing Copenhagen's blend of history and charm.

The tours on the hour end at Amalienborg Palace with the Changing of the Guards. The half-hour tours (9:30 AM, 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM) end in Nyhavn; on the 9:30 AM tour we see the full Changing of the Guards at noon first, and on the 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM tours the smaller guard change.

If you join the 09:00 AM tour, we conclude at Amalienborg Palace just as the full Changing of the Guards begins at 12:00 PM. You'll have the perfect spot to witness this iconic royal tradition as the guards march into the palace square, sometimes accompanied by the Royal Danish Band.

If you join the 1:00 PM tour, we end at the same location, where you’ll still experience a smaller version of the guard change as the new shift quietly relieves the old. While not as ceremonial as the noon event, it offers a more peaceful and authentic glimpse into daily royal tradition.