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. 

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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. 

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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

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

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.

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

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. 

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. 

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.

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

Kayaking Tips for First Timers!

1. Never Kayak alone: If you are kayaking for the first time, never try doing it alone. Take a partner with you, or book a group kayaking tour. Tour guides usually accompany such tours and they help you with tips on how to hold the paddle and how to paddle. 

2. Book a kayak tour: While it is easy to hire the equipment and kayak yourself, if you are doing it for the first time, group tour is ideal. Choose a shorter duration (45 minutes or 1 hour is ideal to begin with) to test your stamina levels and paddling skills.

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

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. A wider Kayak is more stable and helps balancing in water.

5. Learn the strokes: Familiarise yourself with essential paddling techniques like forward and backward strokes to be able to control your kayak effectively.

6. Practice the posture: It is extremely important to maintain a good posture while paddling to enhance stability and reduce strain on your back. Sit up straight with your feet against a footrest.

7. Choose calm waters: Begin your kayaking journey in calm, flat waters like lake or canals where the flow of the water is slow. Avoid open sea kayaking for the first time to avoid strong current, wind, waves and other challenging conditions.

8. 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. 

9. Check Weather conditions: Before heading out, check the weather forecast and avoid kayaking in adverse weather conditions like strong winds or storms.

10. Take a dry bag to keep your belongings: Carry plenty of water, sunscreen, hats and some energy bars to munch on.

11. Leave No Trace: Lastly, respect the environment, respect wildlife and and be mindful of other water users to ensure positive kayaking experience for everyone. Do not through litter into the waters.

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. 

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