Kayaking in Copenhagen canals, a great way to do city sightseeing!

Kayaking in Copenhagen is a great way to experience the city from waters. Not only you get to see the beautiful sights and buildings around, but you also indulge in a sports activity during holiday. 


Why should you do Kayaking in Copenhagen?

Certain things should be experienced in a certain way in certain cities. It holds true for Copenhagen.

For a city as beautiful as this, with good network of canals spread across major tourist attractions, one should experience the city from waters. What better way than kayaking in the canals. 

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. For more information, please check our privacy policy

15740360461_4268ec2f41_o

There’s nothing as satisfactory as indulging yourself in an active adventure and seeing the city attractions simultaneously. 

There is no need to rush through seeing the attractions. Kayaking is a nice way of enjoying the lovely perspective of the architecture and the vibe of the city – all at your own sweet time. 

Not every city offers such a unique architectural blend of canals housed with gorgeous buildings on both sides.

If the city does (just like in Amsterdam and Venice), then there’s no second thought. Kayaking in Copenhagen is, hands down, one of the best ways to experience the city. Plus a great way to keep fit during travels. 

Kayaking is certainly one of the popular, and in our opinion, the best way to see Copenhagen. Which is why there are many tour operators that run these kind of tours.

Suggested Reading: Visit Dragor Village is one of the best day trips from Copenhagen

Kayaking in Copenhagen

Choosing a kayak tour

We took the 3 hour kayaking tour with Kajakole tours and it certainly was the highlight of our trip. Although we’ve never kayaked for continuous 3 hours ( we struggled a bit after 2 hours), it seemed like we’ve seen the best of Copenhagen. As a vibrant city, Kayaking in Copenhagen seems like a bucketlist thing to do in Copenhagen. 

Highlights of the kayak tour in Copenhagen

We passed through various main attractions and the busy channels that had the regular boat trips. It was fun to wave hands with other tourists from the big boat, or smile at the other kayaking crowd.

Here’s the route that we followed during the Kayaking Tour: 

 Strandgade  –>  Christianshavn  –>  Holmen –> Gammel Strand  –>  Christianshavn
collage
15557106687_850851c93b_o
15557444160_b173a8d640_o

The tour captured the daily life and buildings that are part of Copenhagen. Located in Holmen island, the above picture is Copenhagen House Opera.  This is among one of the most modern opera houses, and the most expensive among the world.   We passed through this stark building which was once a Torpedo boat hall and is now converted into modern apartment.

15122871043_cb6ae16aa9_o
15556838078_f2c654efd6_o

Knippel Bridge (Knippelsbro in Danish) is one of the huge bridges you will come across in Copenhagen and it connects to Christianshavn.  

15122731774_4149cfddde_o

These are the gorgeous Canon boat houses in Holmen island.  On below is the building named Den Sorte Diamant, translated in English as Black Diamond, is a modern waterfront building that you cannot miss.  This building is an extension, and is part of Royal Danish Library

15123278563_172e6cf1ab_o

That’s 2 of our lady instructors as we drive past Christianshavn. In the picture, you can sneak peak through the corkscrew Spire of Church of Our Saviour, a baroque church in Copenhagen. 

15557247848_4a3b276718_o

Saint Nikolaj Church at the backdrop, which is one among the two oldest churches in Copenhagen.  The church is said to have been built in 1200, but most of it got destroyed in the great fire in 1795, the current building was re-built in 1900s but not used as Church anymore.

15718966356_c0e7360824_o
15557513787_169bdab9ee_o
15556801899_6ced3248ae_o
15740767391_f88e0ecc77_o
15740767271_43283ba711_o

The day we went on the kayaking tour wasn’t very sunny, but thankfully it was dry and not cold. We can’t say enough about how much we enjoyed the tour, and would totally recommend the tour to anyone who is looking for a different way of seeing the city. 

Also read: Visit Deer Park (Dyrehaven) one of the best day trips from Copenhagen

15742783755_f34e25c746_o

Kayaking Tips for First Timers!

1.If you are kayaking for the first time, never try doing it alone. Take a partner with you.

2. Book a kayak tour, preferably for a shorter duration (45 minutes or 1 hour is ideal to begin with). Tour guides usually accompany such tours (like this one), and they help you with tips on how to hold the paddle and how to paddle. 

3. You don’t need to know swimming to be able to do kayaking. You will be provided with a buoyancy aid. 

4. Choose the right kind of kayak. There are Sit On Top Vs Sit In Kayaks. Similarly, Single Vs Double Kayaks. Since you are kayaking for the first time, it’s great to kayak with a partner in a double kayak. 

5. Dress for the water, and not according to the weather.  While it may be super sunny day, but the waters would still be really cold. Wear waterproof pants or wet suits if it is not summer. 

6. Carry a dry bag to keep your belongings. 

7. Carry plenty of water, sunscreen, hats and some energy bars to munch on. 

15718967196_89b6972bc6_o

Where to stay in Copenhagen

Copenhagen Strand is located in the prime waterfront location is ideal for exploring the city by yourself. Hotel Ottilia by Brøchner Hotels and Hotel Alexandra are mid budget hotels. Copenhagen Admiral Hotel is also 18th century warehouse converted to chic design hotel. If you are looking for a dash of luxury, we recommend Nimb Hotel for a fairly tale look and exceptional customer service. Manon Les Suites Guldsmeden and Villa Copenhagen are yet another unique hotels with high profile setup and stunning ambience.

Where to eat vegan food in Copenhagen

Bistro Verde, 22 Sankt Annæ Plads, Copenhagen: Offers fully vegan breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as Sunday Brunch.

Pow- The Vegan Pizzeria, Kapelvej 5, Copenhagen: If you love pizzas, this is the go-to place.

Ark, Noerre Farimagsgade 63 (at Frederiksborggade), Copenhagen: Green Michelin star vegan restaurant offering a nine-course tasting menu.

Atlas Bar, Larsbjørnsstræde 18, Copenhagen: Serves dishes that include Manila tofu, lasagne, nut roast, fried rice, tortilla and burritos. 

CHECK OUT OUR TOP TRAVEL RESOURCES BELOW

✈️ Find the best flights flights with Googleflights or Jet2

🏡 Find affordable accommodations on Booking.com and Tripadvisor

🚙 Book your car with EuropCar Rentals

🚆 Book your train journeys with Eurail or Interrail

🚌 Check out the best bus fares in MegaBus

💚 Get reliable travel insurance from World Nomads

📷 Search Copenhagen tours from GetYourGuide or Viator

🏖️ Check the latest holiday deals with Easyjet Holidays and Lastminute

Check out the latest adventure travel deals on G Adventures

💻 Check your visa requirement on iVisa 

Don’t Miss A Thing

Subscribe here and keep updated with our latest travels, new posts, travel tips, destination guides and plenty of travel inspiration!

You may enjoy reading these European content!

Like It? Pin It!

Kayaking the canals of Copenhagen, a great way to see the city

CONNECT WITH US FACEBOOKINSTAGRAMPINTEREST | YOUTUBETWITTER

Disclaimer: Thanks to KajakOle for sponsoring us this tour. We were not compensated or asked to write a positive review. As always, all the opinions are our own. 

5 Responses

  1. Destination Infinity

    Photos have come out well – iPhone seems to have a good camera 🙂 There was a larger boat I saw in one of the pictures, I'll prefer that – comfortable!

    Destination Infinity

  2. yearful-of-sundays.com

    Lovely pics! I can't wait to go kayaking – one thing (fine, out of several others!) I still haven't checked off my adventure list. But kayaking in the middle of a city must be an amazingly different experience! Maybe when I visit Copenhagen, some day. 🙂

  3. Renuka

    Wow! Lovely experience it must have been! Even your camera phone managed to click such nice pictures. 🙂

  4. David Rich

    City kayaking is beautiful you can able to see the city the new perspective, I every I got a chance I jumped right into it 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *