A flat harbourside walk from Nyhavn over the Inderhavnsbroen bridge past Christianshavn canals and the Opera, ending on the post-industrial island of Refshaleøen with street food at Reffen. Paved all the way; plenty of benches and cafes.
The Harbour Walk from Nyhavn to Refshaleøen is an easy waterfront route of about 7 km one way through Copenhagen's inner harbour, in Denmark. The start is Nyhavn, with its colourful 17th-century townhouses, at Nyhavn 1, 1051 København K, a short walk from Kongens Nytorv, served by metro lines M1, M2, M3 and M4. The route is free and needs no permit. Walkers cross the Inderhavnsbroen bridge, pass the Christianshavn canals and the Opera House, and continue along the harbour to the post-industrial island of Refshaleøen, where the Reffen street food market offers a natural finish. The terrain is flat at sea level and paved all the way, with benches and cafes along the route, so difficulty is easy. Shade is limited and the harbour can be windy, so a hat and a layer are useful. Landmarks include Nyhavn, the Inderhavnsbroen bridge, the narrow canals and houseboats of Christianshavn, the Opera House on the water and the converted industrial buildings of Refshaleøen. Because the route follows the city waterfront, walkers can turn back or cut inland at many points, and harbour buses 991 and 992 provide a return trip at the same fare as a bus ticket, about DKK 24 (about USD 4). Water, food and toilets are easy to find in Nyhavn, Christianshavn and Reffen, and cafes offer shelter in bad weather. The walk takes about 2 hours 30 minutes, longer with stops for food and photographs.
| Distance | About 7 km one way |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Trailhead | Start at Kongens Nytorv (metro M1/M2/M3/M4); return by harbour bus 991 or 992 (same fare as a bus ticket, about DKK 24 or about USD 4) |
| Best season | April-October |
| Address | Nyhavn 1, 1051 København K |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Copenhagen inner harbour
What to bring
Walking shoes, sun hat, water
Location
Nyhavn 1, 1051 København K
55.6797, 12.5909 View on map
Highlights
- Colourful Nyhavn waterfront at the start
- Crossing the Inderhavnsbroen bridge
- Christianshavn canals and the Opera House
- Street food at Reffen on Refshaleøen
- Harbour buses 991 and 992 for the return trip
Tips for visiting
- Start early to avoid crowds in Nyhavn.
- Use harbour bus 991 or 992 to return without retracing the route.
- Eat at Reffen on Refshaleøen, but expect queues at weekends.
- Bring a windproof layer, as the harbour edge can be breezy.
- Stop in Christianshavn for cafes and canal views.
When to visit
April to October is best, with long daylight and open food stalls. Weekday mornings are quieter in Nyhavn.
Accessibility
The route is flat and paved the whole way, so most of it works for wheelchairs and strollers. Some bridges have gentle slopes, and cobbled sections around Nyhavn can be bumpy.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Nyhavn to Refshaleøen walk?
It is about 7 km one way and takes around 2 hours 30 minutes with stops.
How do walkers get back?
Harbour buses 991 and 992 serve the route, with the same fare as a regular bus ticket, about DKK 24 (about USD 4).
Is the route free?
Yes. The waterfront paths are public. Costs arise only from food and transport.
Is there food along the way?
Yes. Cafes line Nyhavn and Christianshavn, and Reffen on Refshaleøen has street food.