Nyhavn

Nyhavn

Introduction Nyhavn is an artificial canal built between 1669 and 1673, which brings seawater directly into Kongens Nytorv (King’s New Square). The primary purpose of constructing the Nyhavn Canal at that time was to bring maritime traffic into the city center, thereby boosting Copenhagen’s economic development. Most of the houses along Nyhavn were built around 300 years ago. Along both banks of the canal, there have long been various bars and restaurants frequented by sailors from around the world. Among them are several classic spots that bear traces of many famous personalities, including the fairy tale master Hans Christian Andersen. The owner of Nyhavn 9 is the 11th-generation descendant of Canals Builder Baron, the builder of the Nyhavn waterway. It was once known as the “Beach Hotel for World Travelers,” and is now home to the Hotel Leonora Christina and the sailing company Esvagt. Nyhavn 11 has hosted the footsteps of many notable figures in Copenhagen. Around the mid-19th century, the house was owned by the famous actor family, the Rousing Kellers. At that time, many prominent scholars visited here. Guests included Swedish singer Jenny Lind, who was once passionately loved by Andersen. Its current owner is the renowned Danish lighting company Louis Poulsen. Among the residents of Nyhavn, the most famous is undoubtedly Hans Christian Andersen. He lived in several houses in the area. From 1834 to 1838, Andersen lived in an apartment on the right side of the canal at No. 20, where he wrote his first world-famous fairy tale in 1835. From 1848 to 1865, he resided at No. 67, which gets plenty of sunlight. In the last years of his life, from 1873 to 1875, he lived in Nyhavn once again. By then, he had become a globally recognized figure, and he stayed at No. 18, on the same side as Charlottenborg Palace.

Copenhagen, Denmark