The Hidden North
North European travel guide
self-guided walks
Kongens Nytorv to Amalienborg in Copenhagen
Visit the neighbourhood Frederiksstaden in the eastern part of Copenhagen, home to Kongens Nytorv, Amalienborg & Nyhavn.
What you get
Historic overview of Copenhagen (with photos of what the city used to look like)
Link to a Google Map that can be loaded into your phone for easier navigation
Clear directions with English & Danish names of places, addresses, and step-by-step guides
Photos of each point of interest
This guide is 12 pages and comes in a PDF format.
Copenhagen's Historic East Side
This self-guided walk takes you through the neighbourhood of Frederiksstaden, which was established in the 18th century as a new high-end district for both the King and Copenhagen’s most prominent people. Kongens Nytorv became the new market square, Nyhavn was the new canal district, and the royal family eventually moved into Amalienborg Palace. Today this part of Copenhagen is where you find some of the city’s most interesting historic buildings, and this walk covers them – including the famous Nyhavn canal.
Trip Highlights
- Visit the iconic Nyhavn neighbourhood
- Visit the area built up under King Frederik V
- See the royal palace of Copenhagen
Distance
1.2km (0.7 miles)
Activity Level
Level 1 – easy, short walk
Start Location
Kongens Nytorv
End Location
Amalienborg
Itinerary
This is a summarised itinerary. More stops are included in the walk.
Kongens Nytorv
Kongens Nytorv is the public square of Copenhagen and it is located at the end of the pedestrian street Strøget.
Hotel d’Angleterre
Hotel D’Angleterre is one of the oldest and most prestigious hotels in Copenhagen and is one of the first deluxe hotels in the world. The hotel was built in 1874 and has 30 rooms and 60 suites as well as a 1 Michelin star restaurant.
Nyhavn
Nyhavn is a 17th century harbour area built by King Christian V (well, built by Swedish prisoners of war!). Nyhavn was built to be a gateway from the sea to the inner city at Kongens Nytorv, where the ships handled cargo and fish. However, Nyhavn quickly developed a reputation for beer, sailors and prostitution. The plots of land along the harbour were sold to merchants and skippers.
Saint Anne Place
The name of this square comes from a chapel that was located here in the Middle Ages. The chapel was dedicated to the Virgin Mary’s mother, Saint Anne. The chapel only existed for a few decades but ended up giving its name to a hospital nearby. The hospital was set up by doctor Claus Jensen Denne, who had been in prison and in gratitude for being released established the hospital.
Amaliehaven
Amaliehaven is the park area next to Amalienborg Palace. The park was established in 1983 and replaced an old shipyard that used to be here.
Copenhagen Opera House
This is the national opera house of Denmark and one of the most expensive opera houses ever built.
Amalienborg Palace
This is the home of the Danish royal family. The palace is made up of four identical classical palace facades with rococo interiors around an octagon courtyard. Originally these palaces were built for four noble families, but when Christiansborg Palace burned in 1794, the royal family bought the palaces and moved in.
The Marble Church
The Marble Church is officially called Frederik’s Church, but many recognise it as the marble church. The church was designed by Nicolai Eigtved in 1740 and was intended to commemorate the 300 years jubilee of the first coronation of a member of the House of Oldenburg.
Example of what the guide looks like.