Copenhagen Waterfront

By: Mikkel Hyldebrandt

The best view of Copenhagen is undoubtedly from the waterfront. From there the city presents itself at its very best by displaying its unique architectural balance between old and new. You realize just how important the water is to the city’s layout and its inhabitants who can be seen populating the edges of the canals at all times of day. Water is simply a signifant part of what makes Copenhagen special. From its intersecting canals, public harbor pools and boats docked all around, there’s no where else to be in the summer but by the water.

Just as Copenhagen has several districts with their own distinct ambiance, flavor and feel, so do the many waterfront areas. We visted some of the most popular places to give you an insider’s guide to the best ways to enjoy Copenhagen’s waterfront.

Chill-out culture
When temperatures rise, the locals seek water. Not necessarily to swim in, but to feel the coolness from the wettest of elements – there is simply nothing as refreshing as water! Add to that the soothing effect of a great view over the water together with its calming sound and you are all set for some serious lounging.

The newly opened Docken in the most northern part of the harbor gives ample opportunity to lounge in a laid-back open-air beach setting combining sand bar, summer-restaurant, concert hall, club, theatre, music and art. Docken fits around 2,500 people and in the likely event of a rain shower the adjoining restaurant hall will comfortably hold 1,000 guests. The food resembles homemade cooking and in addition to a la carte, you can choose the comida por kilo buffet where you pile up your plate and pay its weight.
Docken, Færgehavnsvej 35, 2100 København Ø, Tlf: + 45 39 29 92 00

If you want to remain in the city center go to Restaurant Viva, one of Copenhagen’s floating restaurants. The food is made up of entrees only, which enables you to try as many of the different Mediterranean-style delicacies as possible. The sun deck offers the perfect way to enjoy a well-made cocktail while feeling the rocking of the boat and enjoying the view of the Royal Library’s Black Diamond.
Resaturant Viva, Langebrogade Kajplads 570, 1411 København K, Tlf: +45 27 25 05 05

Break a sweat
Water is movement. Water inspires you to move, to swim and to sail. So, if you are up for a swim, a boat trip or even a ball game…seek water!

You can almost dip your toes into the canal at the floating café in Christianshavn canal, which bears the impossible name ‘Christianshavns bådudlejning og Café’ (Christianshavn’s boat rental and café). As the name suggests you can rent a rowing boat for your own tour of the canals. Make sure to bring supplies and lots of upper body strength if you venture into the harbor canal where undercurrents can be a bit demanding to row against.
Christianshavns Bådudlejning og Cafe, Ovengaden Neden Vandet 29, 1414 København K, Tlf: +45 32 96 53 53

Within the last 10 years the quality of water in the harbor canal has become clean enough to actually swim in. You are not allowed to hop into the water anywhere you like, but you can visit one of the public harbor pools at Islands Brygge or Copencabana at Fisketorvet. Both have surprisingly clear and clean water and although a bit crowded definitely worth a visit on hot summer days. Several other harbor pools and even a mid-city sand beach area have been planned in the years to come.
Copencabana - Havnebadet ved Fisketorvet, Havneholmen, 1561 København V, Tlf:+45 23 71 01 85
Københavns Havnebad Islands Brygge, Islands Brygge, 2300 København S, Tlf: +45 23 71 31 89

The open air marina Halvandet offers a variety of physical activities as well as lounging in one of the many beach chairs, eating a sandwich or drinking a chilled beer. Activities include: Beach volleyball, kayak polo and a miniature golf course for those eager to practice their swing. At night the barbecue is lit offering guest a reasonably priced meal off the grill. Halvandet gives you a fantastic view of Amalienborg and Marmorkirken (the Marble Church).
Halvandet, Refshalevej 325, 1432 København K, Tlf: +45 70 27 02 96

Cool & distinguished
Copenhagen is famous for its architecture and stylish ambience, and lately it has also become a leading European capital when it comes to world class cuisine. Additionally, the harbor adds an exquisite backdrop for a venture into culinary perfection.

Located in the impressive Black Diamond building of the Royal Library, the restaurant Søren K, named after Danish philosopher and writer Søren Kierkegaard, offers a spectacular view of some of Copenhagen’s new architecture. The literary connection is emphasized by the booklet style a la carte menu from which you can choose fusion-style dishes. Also visit the restaurant in the afternoon for coffee and cake based on traditional and seasonal Danish fruits and berries.
Søren K, Søren Kierkegaards Plads 1, 1221 København K, Tlf: +45 33 47 49 49

English interior designer Terence Conran took over the renovation of the decaying custom house that used to serve as the custom collection unit for the Copenhagen harbor. Now the functionalist building houses three differently themed restaurants – Bar & Grill, Bacino, and Ebisu – to suit just about any taste, preference or price level. Although the three cuisines vary from Danish/international to Italian to Japanese, they all focus on the best quality and carefully chosen raw ingredients.
Custom House, Havnegade 44, 1058 København K, Tlf: +45 33 31 01 30

If there is a crown jewel in the culinary tiara of Copenhagen it would be restaurant Noma. Copenhagen boasts an impressive eight Michelin star restaurants and Noma is one of them. A noteworthy difference is that Noma has two Michelin stars. The cuisine is based on Nordic food culture where rare, raw ingredients collected from all over Scandinavia are for instance smoked, pickled or salted. Add to that a particularly innovative gastronomic approach to cooking and you get a truly unique culinary experience that is Nordic cuisine at its very best.
Restaurant Noma, Strandgade 93, 1401 København K, Tlf: +45 3296 3297