Nyhavn

You are looking at Denmark’s most famous postcard. But Nyhavn, the ‘new harbour’, was not built for photos. Christian V had it dug in the early 1670s, using Danish soldiers and Swedish prisoners of war, so that ships could sail right into the heart of the city, to the Kongens Nytorv square.

1Sailors and taverns

For centuries this was a working harbour: cargo ships, sailors from all over the world, taverns, lodging houses and, so the city’s chronicles tell us, a rough reputation after dark. The oldest house, number 9, dates from 1681. On the sunny side, the old dives are now restaurants; on the water, historic wooden ships are moored.

2Andersen, the neighbour

Hans Christian Andersen lived in Nyhavn at three different times. In 1834 he moved into number 20; shortly afterwards, in 1835, he published his first booklet of fairy tales. Later he lived for many years at number 67 and spent his final years at number 18, until his death in 1875.

Andersen was terrified of being buried alive. His biographers tell us that he sometimes left a note beside his bed: ‘I only appear to be dead’.

The anchor at the head of the canal, dating from 1872, was placed here in 1951 in memory of the more than 1,700 Danish seamen who died in the Second World War. Every 5 May, Liberation Day, a ceremony is held here.

3What to look out for

• The memorial anchor at the head of the canal.
• Andersen’s plaques on the façades.
• House number 9, the oldest on the canal.