Canal Tours in Copenhagen
Small Groups
#1 Rated
Experience Copenhagen canals from the water with Hey Captain.
Our canal tours take place in small boats and focus on conversation rather than a fixed script.
Social Sailing – a canal tour that begins with the city and ends in conversation.
Book your tour.
Our 3 Canal Tour Options
“Captains Favorite”
The best of both worlds! You get to explore all of Copenhagen canals. From the old canals with the iconic buildings to the new urban hotspots where the new areas are coming to life.
“Hidden gems”
Hidden gems is about showing our own favorite spots, which are off the beaten track from the standard path. These are the unknown canals we go and hang out in our spare time.
“Landmarks”
Get a taste for the beautiful inner part of the canals where many of the historical sites and buildings are located. We will explore the main and iconic Copenhagen canals.
Best Canal Tour in Copenhagen
If you believe in guest reviews. 🙂
On our Canal tour of Copenhagen you will discover Copenhagen from a whole new perspective. Glide through the city’s historic waterways on a relaxed, small-group boat tour led by your own local captain. Whether you're visiting for the first time or rediscovering the charm of the city, our canal tours offer an intimate and memorable way to see Copenhagen's famous landmarks, hidden gems, and vibrant waterfront life.
We have our own friendly style. Let us explain - our canal tour concept is personal - it’s a bit like being invited to someone’s home. We sail and explore our beautiful harbor and learn about the city. It's personal and social which means we will share our own story and like to get to know yours so we can tailor the tour and have a conversation about what we pass by. The more you share the more you get back.
Guest Reviews of Hey Captain's Canal Tours Copenhagen
At Hey Captain, we’re proud to offer one of the most personal canal tours Copenhagen has to offer — but don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what some of our happy guests have said:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“An absolute must do if visiting Copenhagen. A friendly and interactive experience. It's really good value for money. We had booked for later but was able to attend an earlier excursion by a simple enquiry, excellent customer service. We met a number of people from America and the UK. Lars, our guide, was a really nice down to earth guy, a fantastic tour.”
— Craig, United Kingdom
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Absolute highlight of our trip to Copenhagen. The group for Social Sailing were so interesting, and we all learned something from one another over the course of a very relaxed hour-long sail around the city. The captain and co-captain were both funny and charming - and gave us a lot of great insight and information about Copenhagen! Would highly recommend to anyone visiting to check it out."
— Megan, US
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This was a great way to tour Copenhagen’s beautiful canals. Our tour guide William was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the city. I highly recommend this canal tour to anyone visiting Copenhagen!"
— Carter, USA
What makes Hey Captains canal tours different?
At Hey Captain, we’ve reimagined the traditional canal tours Copenhagen is known for, making the experience far more personal and intimate. While you’ll still enjoy the beauty of Copenhagen’s iconic sights along the canals, the atmosphere on our boats feels more like a group of friends exploring the city together — relaxed, open, and interactive.
Small groups cruising the canals with max 12 per boat
Our canal tour of Copenhagen is built around creating a welcoming and social vibe, with a maximum of 12 guests on each boat. This small-group setting allows for a unique dialogue between our captains and guests, making the tour feel more like a conversation than a lecture. Unlike the classic large canal tours, we focus on personal stories, local insights, and a flexible style where everyone is encouraged to ask questions, share thoughts, and truly engage with the city.
A local vibe - founded as friends on a boat
Hey Captain was founded in 2017 by Joel and Casper, two friends who fell in love with the charm of cruising the canals on their own boat, Diana. They wanted to capture and share the original feeling they had — the sense of freedom, community, and joy — and bring a more personal option to those seeking canal tours in Copenhagen. Today, that spirit remains at the heart of everything we do. When you step aboard a Hey Captain boat, you're not just a passenger — you’re part of the crew, experiencing Copenhagen’s stunning canals the way locals do: up close, relaxed, and connected. If you’re looking for the best canal tours Copenhagen has to offer — ones that feel authentic, cozy, and memorable — Hey Captain is ready to welcome you aboard.
The History of Copenhagen Harbor
The canals have always played a vital role for the city
The harbor has always played a vital role for Copenhagen, Denmark. Copenhagen or “København” in Danish directly translates to merchant harbor, indicating the harbors important role for city. Most of the canals in Copenhagen were artificially created as the city expanded. The strategic position of Copenhagen as the entrance point to the Baltic Sea also means that the Danish Navy for many years has had a strong presence in securing and controlling the in- and out-flows of the region. This historical role of the navy is very present in the formation of the buildings and homes along the piers of the harbor, where many of the historical buildings have been preserved and renovated to residential purposes as the navy slowly has been pushed out of the downtown area. Fortunately, often this development has happened with great respect for the history and spirit of the original buildings.
The role of the harbor for the Copenhagen way of life is still extremely important, but the way this comes across has changed from an industrial and military purpose to a more contemporary one. Many of the most important sites like Christiansborg, Amalienborg, the Opera, and the former Stock Exchange are located by the harbor. The mix of new buildings with the old and especially the beautiful scenic canals of Copenhagen is part of why we love our city. Many new restaurants, and residential areas are blossoming up all along the harbor area, giving “old and dead” areas a new sense of life. As this occurs there are also several great options for exploring the water ways of Copenhagen by boat – whether you choose to go for the classical bigger Copenhagen canal tour, a canal trip, renting your own Copenhagen boat, exploring it by Kayak, or maybe a Hey Captain boat tour. They are all great ways of seeing Copenhagen and we hope you will enjoy it with whatever option you choose to take. Exploring Copenhagen by boat is truly in our opinion the best way to see the city, and we really want to show what we believe are the best parts of this fantastic city.
Ofelia Plads where Hey Captain’s canal tour depart from is located right next to Nyhavn, which is a bar area and departure point for the traditional copenhagen canal tours. Ofelia Plads is a little more quiet and less touristic - a great place to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. Our pier is an example of the development that has been going on all over the harbor, as this used to be the place where the Oslo ferry departed to Norway, but today is a place to enjoy an ice cream or a coffee before departure. If you do decide that our DNA of being friends on a boat and giving something personal, social, and informative matches what you are looking for you can see our departure times online. We don’t work with a fixed boat departure schedule, but you can always see next slot online, give us a call, or leave us a message. We hope you will come explore the Copenhagen canals with us.
What can we see?
Christianshavn
Christianshavn is one of Copenhagen’s most charming and atmospheric neighborhoods, known for its canals, colorful houseboats, and relaxed maritime vibe. Inspired by Amsterdam, the area was originally developed in the 1600s and today blends historic architecture with modern Copenhagen culture. As you cruise through the canals, you’ll pass cozy cafés, old warehouses, and locals enjoying life by the water. Christianshavn is also home to the famous Church of Our Saviour, whose spiral tower offers one of the best panoramic views in the city. The neighborhood feels quieter and more authentic than the busiest tourist areas, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors. From the water, Christianshavn reveals a completely different side of Copenhagen — intimate, creative, and deeply connected to the city’s harbor culture. It’s one of the highlights of any Copenhagen canal tour and a perfect example of why the city is best experienced from the water.
Slotsholmen
Slotsholmen is the historic heart of Copenhagen and one of the city’s most important cultural and political areas. Surrounded by canals, the island is home to Christiansborg Palace, where the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court, and Prime Minister’s Office are located today. As your boat passes through the narrow waterways around Slotsholmen, you’ll experience some of Copenhagen’s most impressive architecture and centuries of Danish history from a unique perspective. The area also features iconic landmarks like the Black Diamond library, old stock exchange buildings, and several museums along the waterfront. The calm canals surrounding Slotsholmen create a peaceful contrast to the busy city streets nearby. Seeing this part of Copenhagen from the water offers a special understanding of how the city developed around its harbor and canals over hundreds of years. Slotsholmen combines royal history, modern design, and waterfront beauty in a way that perfectly represents Copenhagen.
The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is Copenhagen’s most famous landmark and one of the most visited attractions in Denmark. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s world-renowned fairy tale, the bronze statue has been sitting peacefully by the waterfront since 1913. Although smaller than many visitors expect, the statue has become an international symbol of Copenhagen and Danish culture. Passing the Little Mermaid by boat offers one of the best ways to experience the landmark, away from the crowded viewing platforms on land. From the water, you get a clear and unobstructed view while also enjoying the beautiful harbor surroundings. The area around the statue features historic fortifications, modern waterfront architecture, and views across Copenhagen’s harbor entrance. For many visitors, seeing the Little Mermaid is an essential part of exploring the city. Combined with the relaxed atmosphere of a canal tour, the experience feels much more personal and memorable than simply visiting on foot.
Amalienborg
Amalienborg is the official residence of the Danish royal family and one of Copenhagen’s most elegant and iconic landmarks. The palace complex consists of four identical rococo-style buildings surrounding a grand octagonal square at the center of the city’s historic waterfront district. From the canals, Amalienborg offers a beautiful view of royal Copenhagen, with its impressive architecture, clean harborfront, and nearby marble church creating one of the city’s most photographed scenes. The area reflects Denmark’s long royal history while still feeling calm, modern, and accessible. Visitors often experience the changing of the Royal Guard here, a daily tradition that attracts guests from around the world. Seeing Amalienborg from the water gives a unique perspective on how closely Copenhagen’s royal heritage is connected to the harbor and canals that shaped the city. It’s a perfect stop on any canal tour and an essential part of understanding Copenhagen’s culture, history, and identity.
Copenhagen Opera House
The Copenhagen Opera House is one of the city’s most striking modern landmarks and a symbol of contemporary Danish architecture. Located directly on the waterfront across from Amalienborg Palace, the opera house was designed by Danish architect Henning Larsen and opened in 2005. Its sleek glass facade, dramatic roof structure, and minimalist Scandinavian design make it one of the most recognizable buildings along Copenhagen’s harbor.
Seeing the Opera House from the water offers the best perspective of its impressive architecture and its connection to the city’s waterfront. The building was specifically designed to face the harbor, creating a beautiful visual balance between modern Copenhagen and the historic royal district nearby. During a canal tour, the Opera House often becomes one of the most photographed stops along the route, especially as boats pass between Amalienborg, Ofelia Plads, and the harborfront.
Inside, the opera house features world-class acoustics and hosts ballet, opera, concerts, and cultural performances throughout the year. Even for visitors not attending a performance, the building itself is worth experiencing for its elegant design and scenic location. The Copenhagen Opera House reflects the city’s blend of innovation, culture, and waterfront living, making it an essential highlight of any Copenhagen canal tour.
Ofelia Plads
- Our home and departure point
Ofelia Plads is one of Copenhagen’s newest and most vibrant waterfront spaces, designed as a modern gathering place right beside the harbor. Located near the Royal Danish Playhouse and close to Amalienborg Palace, the area combines contemporary architecture, open public spaces, and beautiful waterfront views. During the summer months, locals gather here to swim, relax in the sun, enjoy street food, or watch events and performances along the harborfront. From the water, Ofelia Plads showcases Copenhagen’s unique relationship with its harbor — clean, accessible, and fully integrated into everyday city life. The atmosphere here feels modern, social, and distinctly Scandinavian, blending culture, design, and outdoor living. As your boat passes by, you’ll often see people enjoying the harbor baths or sitting along the wooden piers with views across the city skyline. Ofelia Plads represents the modern side of Copenhagen and highlights how the city has transformed its industrial harbor into one of Europe’s most livable waterfront destinations.
Nyhavn
Nyhavn is close by Hey Captains departure point and is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic and recognizable neighborhoods, famous for its colorful 17th-century townhouses, historic wooden ships, and lively waterfront atmosphere. Originally built as a busy commercial port where sailors, merchants, and travelers gathered, Nyhavn has transformed into one of the city’s most visited and photographed destinations. Today, the canal is lined with restaurants, cafés, and bars filled with locals and visitors enjoying life along the water throughout the year.
As you cruise through Nyhavn on a canal tour, you experience the area from the perspective it was originally designed for — the water. The narrow canal, old harbor buildings, and beautifully preserved ships create a unique atmosphere that combines Copenhagen’s maritime history with its modern Scandinavian lifestyle. Famous Danish author Hans Christian Andersen also lived in several houses along Nyhavn during his lifetime, adding even more cultural significance to the area.
Despite its popularity, Nyhavn still feels authentic and deeply connected to Copenhagen’s harbor culture. Seeing the colorful facades reflected in the water while boats slowly pass through the canal is one of the most memorable experiences in the city. For many visitors, Nyhavn is the true heart of Copenhagen and an essential highlight of any canal tour.
Most canals are created by landfilling - not dug out
The canals and artificial islands of Copenhagen were built gradually over several centuries through land reclamation, military engineering, and urban planning. Much of the city originally consisted of small coastal islands, shallow wetlands, and low sandy shoreline along the Baltic coast.
The famous canals in districts such as Christianshavn were created in the early 1600s under King Christian IV. Inspired by Dutch cities like Amsterdam, engineers dug canals to improve trade, transportation, and defense. Soil removed from the canals was used to raise nearby land and strengthen embankments. Christianshavn itself was partly built on reclaimed marshland using wooden piles driven deep into the soft seabed to support buildings and streets. This technique is still visible in many historic waterfront structures today.
Many of Copenhagen’s islands are either natural islands expanded by humans or entirely artificial. Over time, shallow coastal areas were filled with sand, clay, stones, and construction waste to create new land for ports, shipyards, military forts, and housing. Areas such as Holmen, once the main naval base, were heavily shaped by military harbor construction. Modern projects continue this tradition. New districts like Nordhavn are being expanded using large-scale land reclamation. Engineers transport millions of tons of soil and rock to extend the coastline, then stabilize the ground with concrete foundations and drainage systems before construction begins. The harbor system also required flood protection and water management. Sea walls, locks, and reinforced quays were built to control tides and storms while keeping shipping lanes deep enough for naval and commercial vessels.
Today, Copenhagen’s canals serve recreation and tourism, but they were originally practical engineering projects designed for commerce, naval defense, and urban expansion. The combination of dredging, reclaimed land, wooden foundations, and maritime engineering allowed the city to grow from a small medieval port into one of Northern Europe’s most important waterfront capitals..
