Get there early

The area of Christianhavn in Copenhagen is considered rather hip by many, maybe because of the alternative lifestyle at the freetown of Christiania, maybe because of the canals that cross through or maybe because of its many old and rustic apartments. When I go there I like to go early so I've got the views to myself. And the water in the canals is so much calmer and with so much better reflections before the local boats and canal tours are cruising.

Harbour bus

 

When visiting Copenhagen many people opt to take the sightseeing canal boats to see a bit of the city from the water. For people on a budget the harbour busses might be an option instead. For the normal bus fare you can be sailed from Nordre Toldbod in the north near the Little Mermaid to the newly developed area of Teglholmen in the south, and you can even take along your bicycle or babycarriage. You'll miss the commentary from the onboard guide of the sightseeing boats, though. Well, maybe you won't actually miss it... 

Canals

 

 

Around the Danish parliament of Christiansborg are canals like this one. Quiet and nice on an early spring morning, they are almost iconic for Copenhagen. Small pleasure boats and larger houseboats mingle with boats from the harbour cruises and old museum boats. This canal is called Frederiksholms Kanal and has Christiansborg on the left and the National Museum on the right.

The start of the tourist season

The start of Spring also signals the ubiquitous canal tours being opened up. This year, the relatively warm winter has allowed the opening of the routes a little earlier than usual. New facilities opposite Christiansborg palace will also be fully operational this season.

-RS

Getting around in the winter

In the winter it is not unusual for the canals of the city to freeze up completely, even the ones leading to the sea from which most of the well-known pictures of Copenhagen are taken.

Even during the harshest winter public transport has to run and the waterbusses operate on the canals. These are a worthwhile alternative for tourists anytime of year as the same tickets you use for your metro, bus or rail transport is valid on these.

Today's word is is which means ice and also ice cream!

-RS

Enjoying the last rays of sunshine

From Gammel Strand and Nyhavn, every day of the year, one can catch a canal and harbour tour. These tourists are enjoying one of the last days of summer to explore Copenhagen by water. The tour takes you through the old and the new parts of Copenhagen. This photograph was taken near Knippelsbro.