Private Cph Contrasts: Nyhavn, Chr.havn & Holmen Walking Tour

Your private walking tour starts in Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s iconic waterfront lined with colourful townhouses and historic wooden ships. Once a busy harbour filled with sailors, traders and lively taverns, it has transformed into one of the city’s most beloved spots for both locals and visitors. The canal, the vibrant facades and the maritime atmosphere make it a perfect place to begin your exploration.

Nicknamed “The Kissing Bridge,” this contemporary structure links the old harbour of Nyhavn with the canals of Christianshavn. Opened in 2016, the bridge slides open to let boats pass, creating a gentle, kiss like motion that inspired its name. Built to complement Copenhagen’s historic waterfront, it reflects the city’s focus on smart and sustainable design. From this spot, you get sweeping views of Nyhavn, the Opera House and Paper Island, showing how Copenhagen blends modern innovation with centuries of history.

Pause at a café by Wilders Plads, a cozy retreat blending Danish hygge with maritime history. Enjoy an included coffee as you hear stories of Christianshavn’s evolution, from Christian IV’s ambitious plans for a bustling trading hub to today’s tranquil canals lined with houseboats. Surrounded by historic warehouses and waterways, this stop offers a glimpse into Copenhagen’s layered identity, where past and present harmoniously coexist.

Broens Gadekøkken is a lively outdoor food market that showcases Copenhagen’s love for global flavours with a Nordic touch. Created in collaboration with food innovator Claus Meyer, it merges the spirit of Copenhagen Street Food with a strong focus on quality, community and sustainability. On your private tour, we stop here to talk about the city’s modern food culture and its commitment to creative gastronomy, though we do not eat here as part of the tour. The walk ends close by, making it an ideal spot to enjoy lunch on your own afterward if you’d like to try some of the great food stalls.

This small, often overlooked bridge gives you a peaceful look into everyday life in Christianshavn. From here, you can admire the famous twisted spire of Vor Frelsers Kirke and the many houseboats moored along the canal. Christianshavn was once a working class district, but today it blends historic charm with a creative, modern atmosphere. Locals appreciate Snorrebro for its calm views and close knit feel a quiet corner that reflects Copenhagen’s more relaxed pace within the lively city.

Your private walk continues to the Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke), one of Copenhagen’s most striking Baroque landmarks. Its famous golden spiral tower rises high above Christianshavn, with more than 400 steps that adventurous visitors can climb for panoramic city views.

Built in the late 1600s, the church has been a cultural and spiritual anchor in the neighbourhood for more than three centuries. As we stop outside, you’ll hear the stories behind its remarkable architecture and the creation of the spiral tower, which was finished in 1752.

We do not enter the church on this tour, but from the outside you can fully appreciate its impressive craftsmanship and understand why it remains one of the city’s most admired sights.

Lille Mølle is a quiet hidden gem perched on the 17th century fortifications of Løvens Bastion. Originally built as a windmill in 1783, it was later transformed into a private home filled with art, antiques and personal collections. Today it serves as a small museum, but on this tour we only stop outside to enjoy the setting and its history. Overlooking calm canals and leafy surroundings, it perfectly illustrates how Copenhagen blends nature, heritage and architecture. It’s a peaceful reminder of how the city’s past continues to shape its character today.

As we approach Freetown Christiania, we follow the scenic paths of Christianshavns Vold before taking a short walk through part of this unique neighbourhood. This route offers a gentle introduction to Christiania, where nature, history and alternative culture meet.

Christiania has been a self declared autonomous community since 1971 and is known for its creativity, freedom and distinct way of life. On our private tour, we walk through a calm section of the area, giving you a sense of its atmosphere without entering the busiest spots.

As we move along the old ramparts and into the quieter lanes, you’ll get a glimpse of the canals, colourful houses and the artistic spirit that has shaped Christiania’s identity for decades. It’s a respectful and relaxed way to experience one of Copenhagen’s most talked about neighbourhoods.

These old gunboat sheds offer a glimpse into Copenhagen’s naval history and its defence during the Napoleonic era. They were built shortly after the British bombardment in 1807 to shelter the small, fast gunboats that once guarded Denmark’s coastline. Today the sheds have taken on a new life as creative workspaces for local artists, showing how the city blends heritage with innovation. As we pass through the area, you’ll see how these unassuming buildings once played a vital defensive role and now stand as a quiet symbol of Copenhagen’s ability to reinvent itself.

Copenhagen’s Opera House stands as one of the city’s most impressive examples of contemporary Danish architecture. Donated to Denmark by Mærsk Mc Kinney Møller, the building creates a visual link between the historic city centre and Copenhagen’s forward looking cultural scene. Its location on Holmen reflects the area’s maritime past, while the interior is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and world class performances. From the wide terrace, you can look straight across the water toward Amalienborg Palace and the Marble Church, forming a clear line between Denmark’s royal history and its modern cultural identity.

This green urban retreat blends lush plant life with contemporary landscape design. At its centre stands Væksthuset, a beautiful glass greenhouse that nurtures tropical and subtropical plants right in the heart of the city. As you stroll through the themed gardens and follow the small waterways, you’ll see how Copenhagen creates spaces where nature, culture and everyday life flourish together.

Your private tour concludes here at Væksthuset, where a delicious slice of cake is included in the price. It’s a peaceful and charming place to unwind and enjoy a sweet finish while taking in Copenhagen’s sustainable, people focused approach to city living.