Copenhagen’s Royal History: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Discover Copenhagen’s Royal Past with a Self-Guided Audio Tour at Just $7.99

This self-guided walking tour offers a flexible way to explore Copenhagen’s royal history at your own pace. Priced at $7.99 per person, it provides up to 2 hours of engaging narration, covering iconic locations such as Amalienborg Palace, Nyhavn, and the Royal Danish Theatre. The tour is bookable well in advance—on average, 16 days ahead—and is perfect for travelers seeking an affordable, informative experience without the constraints of a group.

Designed to be smartphone-based, this tour is entirely self-guided, allowing you to start, pause, and resume whenever you wish. Its offline access means you can enjoy the narration without worrying about data costs, making it ideal for those on the go. With lifetime access to the audio guide and maps, this tour offers long-term value. While it does not include entrance fees to attractions, it provides a rundown of Copenhagen’s royal landmarks and history, suitable for those who enjoy independent exploration.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $7.99 with lifetime access to the audio guide
• Flexible timing with a duration of 1.5 to 2 hours and stop-and-start capability
• Highlights include Amalienborg, Nyhavn, the Royal Danish Theatre, and more
• Offline access enables narration without mobile data
• Ideal for independent travelers seeking a detailed historical overview
• Book in advance, typically 16 days ahead for best availability

Starting Point: Kongens Nytorv in Copenhagen

The tour begins at Kongens Nytorv, a bustling square in the heart of Copenhagen. Here, you receive an introduction on how VoiceMap works before setting out. This starting point makes it easy to access via public transportation and places you close to many of the city’s most notable sights.

The end point is in front of Christian IX’s Palace at Amalienborg Slotsplads, giving a convenient location to continue exploring or catch local transport. The flexible start and end points ensure you can fit this tour smoothly into your day’s plans.

Exploring Copenhagen’s Historic Royal Square: King’s New Square

The tour kicks off inside King’s New Square, where you learn about its significance and history. The narration introduces how the VoiceMap app functions, setting the stage for your self-guided journey. This initial stop offers a good orientation to navigate the city confidently.

As you move away from the square, the guide provides insights into Copenhagen’s royal heritage, making the walk both engaging and educational. The ability to pause and resume ensures your experience is tailored to your pace.

Admiring Charlottenborg and Queen Charlotte Amalie’s Castle

Next, the tour takes you past Charlottenborg, the royal palace associated with Queen Charlotte Amalie of Denmark and Norway. The commentary explains her role and the architecture of the castle’s exterior. This stop offers a glimpse into royal residences and their historical importance.

While you view the building from the outside, the narration enriches your understanding of its architectural features and the royal connections. It’s a quick but informative stop that adds depth to your walk.

The Royal Danish Theatre and Its Historical Significance

Continuing along your route, the Royal Danish Theatre appears as a notable cultural landmark. The guide shares stories about its history, making it more than just an external view. This spot underscores Copenhagen’s artistic heritage intertwined with its royal past.

Since the tour focuses on outside views, visitors should note that entry is not included, but the narration provides rich context for appreciating the theater’s role in Danish cultural life.

Walking Past Stroget, Copenhagen’s Famous Shopping Street

Passing by the entrance to Stroget, the well-known shopping street, the narration highlights its history as a pedestrian hub. This area is perfect for a break or quick shopping, with the added bonus of understanding its significance in Copenhagen’s urban fabric.

The walking experience here balances sightseeing with the opportunity to absorb city life, making it ideal for those who enjoy both history and local culture.

Crossing Nyhavn: The Vibrant New Harbour

As you stroll across Nyhavn, the colorful waterfront district, the guide shares stories of its origins and transformation. The narration explains how Nyhavn became a bustling hub for sailors and merchants and now stands as a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.

This visually striking area offers great photo opportunities, and the history told through the narration adds layers to the vibrant scene. It’s a highlight for lovers of architecture and maritime history.

Visiting Amaliehaven and Its Historic Background

Next, the tour passes around Amaliehaven, a charming garden area. The narration details its history and purpose, enriching the experience of walking through this peaceful spot. The gardens serve as a scenic place to take a moment and appreciate Copenhagen’s outdoor spaces.

This stop smoothly transitions you toward the ultimate highlight of the tour, blending natural beauty with historical insight.

Final Stop: Amalienborg Palace and Danish Royal Residence

The tour concludes outside Amalienborg, the official residence of Denmark’s royal family. The narration offers additional history as you walk around the exterior of the palaces, giving context to the royal residence’s role in Danish life.

While visitors cannot enter the palace as part of this tour, the outdoor exploration and historical commentary provide a meaningful understanding of royal life in Copenhagen. The location’s prominence makes it an ideal final stop.

Practical Aspects: Booking, Accessibility, and Equipment

Booking this tour is straightforward, with most bookings made 16 days in advance. It is suitable for most travelers, as the narration works with smartphones and headphones—though these are not included. The tour’s offline access ensures you don’t need to worry about mobile data, and service animals are allowed.

The tour is private, meaning only your group participates, allowing for a personalized experience. It operates year-round from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM, making it flexible for different schedules.

What the Tour Provides and What It Doesn’t

The package includes lifetime access to the audio guide, maps, and geodata in English. It does not include museum tickets, entrance fees, or food and drinks. There are no transportation options included, so walking is your primary mode of exploring.

This tour is especially valuable for those interested in history and architecture, offering rich narration at a modest price. It’s a good fit for independent explorers comfortable with self-guided formats.

Balancing Strengths and Limitations

The most praised aspects include the knowledgeable narration and ease of use with the app. The length and detail strike a good balance for a city walk, and the offline access adds convenience. Several reviewers appreciate the flexibility to explore at their own pace.

However, some users note that navigation can sometimes be inconsistent, requiring manual intervention to start the narration at specific stops. The tour’s focus on external sights means it doesn’t include access to the attractions themselves.

Suitable for a Range of Travelers

This self-guided tour is perfect for independent travelers who want a cost-effective way to learn about Copenhagen’s royal history without the constraint of a group or guided tour schedule. It works well as a short afternoon activity or a complement to other sightseeing plans.

Those comfortable with smartphone-guided exploration will find this tour straightforward and rewarding. It is especially appealing to visitors who value flexibility and detailed narration over immersive inside visits.

The Sum Up: A Practical and Informative Route Through Royal Copenhagen

This self-guided walking tour offers a cost-effective, flexible, and informative way** to explore Copenhagen’s royal landmarks. Its lifetime access and offline functionality ensure convenience and value for money. The tour covers key sites like Amalienborg, Nyhavn, and the Royal Danish Theatre, providing enough historical and cultural context to enrich your experience.

While it does not include entry to the attractions or transportation, the narration and route offer a rich overview suited for history enthusiasts and independent explorers. The moderate length and easy-to-use app make it a practical choice for a self-paced city walk through Copenhagen’s regal past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Yes, the tour is accessible to most travelers, including families, as it requires only a smartphone and headphones. However, children should be comfortable walking and listening to narrated content.

Do I need to bring my own smartphone and headphones?
Yes, the tour does not include equipment. You will need a compatible smartphone and headphones to listen to the narration.

Can I do this tour if I am not tech-savvy?
The app is designed to be user-friendly, and simple instructions are provided. However, some familiarity with smartphone apps will enhance the experience.

Are there any additional fees for attractions along the route?
Yes, entrance fees to museums or attractions are not included. You should budget separately if you wish to enter any sites.

Is the tour available year-round?
Yes, the tour operates from December 2021 to June 2026, and is accessible every day from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM.