Native Walking Tour to Copenhagen

Explore Copenhagen with a Local Guide for an Authentic Experience

This Native Walking Tour of Copenhagen offers a comprehensive glimpse into Denmark’s capital city over nearly four hours, priced at $100.41 per person. Led by a guide fluent in four languages, the tour covers iconic sights like Nyhavn, Rosenborg Castle, The Little Mermaid, and the Round Tower. The tour starts at Kongens Nytorv and concludes at the Round Tower, making it convenient to explore surrounding central areas afterward.

A standout feature of this tour is the opportunity to walk through Copenhagen with a knowledgeable local who shares stories and insights about each site. The experience is designed to combine sightseeing with cultural anecdotes, food stops, and a small gift bag including a keychain and coffee voucher. The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness comfortable walking for nearly four hours, and it caters to groups of up to 12 travelers.

While the tour offers a rich itinerary and engaging commentary, it’s important to be aware of some challenges. Several reviews mention issues with ticketing and communication, and some stops involve admission fees not included in the tour price. Nevertheless, the inclusion of local food at a market and the opportunity to see Copenhagen’s top sights make this a worthwhile choice for those eager to learn about the city with a friendly guide.

Key Points

• Nearly 4 hours of guided walking through Copenhagen’s most famous landmarks
• Fluent multilingual guide providing stories in English, Danish, Norwegian, and Arabic
• Visit Nyhavn, Rosenborg Castle, Kastellet, The Little Mermaid, and more
• Includes coffee, tea, or soda at the start, plus a goody bag with a keychain and coffee voucher
• Stop at Reffen for street food and a relaxing break on the harbor
• Accessible for those with moderate fitness levels and group size limited to 12 travelers

Starting Point at Kongens Nytorv in Copenhagen

The tour begins at Kongens Nytorv 1, centrally located in Copenhagen. From there, the guide leads the group on a walk through colorful streets, starting with a coffee stop at Nero Shop. This initial break not only fuels the walk but also sets a friendly tone for the entire experience. The guide’s friendly yet informative style makes navigating the vibrant Nyhavn area both easy and engaging, with stories about local restaurants and bars lining the street.

The tour’s flexible pace allows for stops to take photos and absorb the lively atmosphere, making it suitable for those who enjoy a relaxed walk combined with cultural commentary.

Visiting Nyhavn and Its Stories

Nyhavn is the first major stop, where the guide shares colorful stories about this historic canal street. Known for its bright, historic houses and lively cafes, Nyhavn is a postcard favorite. The guide explains the area’s history and anecdotes, giving visitors context beyond the picturesque facades. While exploring, travelers can enjoy views of restaurants and bars that serve local dishes, though note that prices tend to be higher.

Expect a few amusing tales about the area, making this stop both visual and educational. The guide’s storytelling enhances the experience, making Nyhavn feel more alive than just a scenic spot.

Watching for the Royal Guard at Amalienborg Palace

Next, the group heads toward Amalienborg Palace, the Danish royal family’s winter residence. The guide points out the palace’s architecture and the history of Danish monarchy. If luck is on your side, you might catch a glimpse of the royal family or see the royal guard march in ceremonial uniform, which adds a regal touch to the tour.

This stop is brief—about 10 minutes—but packed with interesting facts, perfect for those curious about royal traditions or wanting a photo of the façade.

Visiting Frederiks Kirke and Its Dome

Frederiks Kirke, also known as Marble Church, features a stunning dome inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Visitors may have the chance to enter the church and, if possible, walk up to the tower for panoramic views of Copenhagen. This stop lasts approximately 30 minutes, but note that admission fees are not included in the tour price (€6 for the church, and €7 for city views).

The architecture and history of the church add a layer of cultural depth, and the chance to go up the tower provides a memorable view of the city skyline.

Exploring Kastellet, Copenhagen’s Historic Fortress

Moving toward Kastellet, a well-preserved 17th-century fortress built under Christian IV, the group explores what is considered one of Copenhagen’s most beautiful military structures. The five-star fortress walls and surrounding parkland offer both history and scenic walking.

Before leaving Kastellet, the guide highlights the Church of St. Alban’s, regarded for its beautiful architecture. The site’s blend of military history and striking design makes this stop a highlight for those interested in architecture and Danish defense history. The visit here lasts around 30 minutes.

The Little Mermaid: Copenhagen’s Iconic Sculpture

The tour’s highlight for many is the Little Mermaid sculpture, erected in 1913 and donated by the son of Carlsberg’s founder. Standing at Langelinie, this symbol of Copenhagen draws countless photos and selfies. The 15-minute stop allows visitors to admire the sculpture’s charm and perhaps snap some photos.

While it’s a short visit, the story behind the sculpture adds context to this iconic piece. It’s a must-see for first-time visitors but can be crowded, so plan accordingly.

Reffen Food Market and Harbour Relaxation

A unique feature of this tour is a harbor visit to Reffen, a lively street food market located in Amager. Here, visitors can sample dishes from around the world at reasonable prices, making it an ideal spot to satisfy hunger after the morning’s sightseeing. The 40-minute stop on sand and sun loungers offers a relaxed atmosphere with views of Copenhagen’s harbor.

This break combines local street food with seaside scenery, providing a welcome change from urban walking. It’s perfect for those who enjoy food and casual outdoor moments.

Climbing Up Our Saviour’s Church Tower

Next, the group visits Our Saviour’s Church, famous for its spiraling tower with a funny and tragic story. Climbing up the tower provides a panoramic view of the city, making it a highlight for fans of cityscapes. The 20-minute stop is a photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate Copenhagen from above.

Note that admission fees for the tower (€5) are not included, but the view makes the climb worthwhile for most visitors.

Rosenborg Castle and the King’s Garden

Rosenborg Castle is next, where the guide explains Danish royal history in engaging stories. The castle, built in the early 17th century, houses royal artifacts and treasures. The surrounding King’s Garden provides a peaceful spot for photos and reflection, and the visit lasts around 20 minutes.

This stop is insightful for history buffs and those interested in royal Denmark, offering a glimpse of Denmark’s regal past in a beautiful setting.

The Round Tower: A 17th-Century Observatory

The final stop is the Round Tower, a 1642 structure built by Christian IV as an observatory. The tower’s distinctive spiral ramp leads to spectacular views of Copenhagen. The tour concludes here, with visitors encouraged to climb to the top for a last panoramic shot.

Admission fees (€5) are not included, but the tower’s historical significance and scenic outlook make it a fitting end to the tour.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour starts at Kongens Nytorv and ends at the Round Tower, with the flexibility to explore the city center afterward. The group size is limited to 12 people, ensuring a more personal experience. Service animals are allowed, and the tour is suitable for people with moderate physical fitness, given the walking involved.

Included in the price are coffee, tea, or soda, along with a gift bag containing a keychain, coffee voucher, and a fun fact sheet about Denmark. However, some attractions like Marble Church and the Tower require additional fees.

Potential Challenges and Criticisms

Several reviews point out issues with ticketing and communication, such as no-shows by guides or difficulty contacting the operator. These problems highlight the importance of confirming details beforehand and being prepared for possible cancellations.

Despite these concerns, the itinerary’s variety and the opportunity to visit many of Copenhagen’s most iconic sites make this tour appealing for those who are flexible and eager to learn about the city’s history and culture.

Final Thoughts on the Copenhagen Native Walking Tour

This tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Copenhagen, blending sightseeing, storytelling, and local food. Its duration of nearly four hours allows enough time to enjoy significant landmarks without feeling rushed. The guide’s multilingual abilities and friendly attitude enhance the experience, especially for visitors who want to delve deeper into Danish culture.

However, it’s wise to be aware of potential booking issues and additional entrance fees. The small group size and inclusion of a goody bag add value, making it a personalized and engaging way to spend part of a Copenhagen trip.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy walking, storytelling, and exploring a city through its history and local flavors, with a flexible attitude toward unforeseen hiccups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, and children over 12 are eligible for free entry at some stops. The pace and content are appropriate for families interested in Copenhagen’s sights and stories.

Are the admission fees included?
Some attractions, like Marble Church and the Tower, have additional fees not included in the tour price. It’s advisable to carry some extra cash for these optional visits.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are non-refundable, so plan accordingly.

Can I bring my service animal?
Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour, accommodating travelers with disabilities.

How do I find the meeting point?
The tour begins at Kongens Nytorv 1, a central and easily accessible location in Copenhagen, perfect for starting your city exploration.