Copenhagen Canal Tour: Live Guide, Little Mermaid & Palaces

Summary

See Copenhagen’s royal palaces, famous statue and canal life from the water

Float through Copenhagen’s canals past royal palaces, colorful houses in Christianshavn, and right up close to the Little Mermaid statue—all with stories from your live guide. You’ll feel the city shift around you as you glide under bridges and watch daily life unfold along the water.

What’s the experience like?

You’re right there, suddenly—leaning against the cool rail of this low boat as we slide out into Copenhagen’s main canal. There’s a salty smell in the air, and you can hear bikes rattling over cobbles somewhere behind us. Our guide—Mads, I think?—waves his arm at Amalienborg Palace as we drift by. He tells us about the royal family living there since the 1700s, but honestly I’m distracted by how the palace windows catch the watery light. It’s not grand in a showy way. More like… quietly serious.

We pass under these old stone bridges that almost scrape your head if you’re not paying attention (I ducked too early, which made Mads laugh). Then suddenly we’re gliding right up to the Little Mermaid statue. She’s smaller than I pictured—almost lonely on her rock, with tourists waving from shore. The guide shares some story about Hans Christian Andersen and heartbreak; I’m half-listening, half-wondering what she sees every day from that spot.

The Christianshavn canals are my favorite part. Pastel houses leaning together, laundry flapping in a breeze that smells faintly of seaweed and diesel from a passing boat. Someone shouts something in Danish from an apartment window—no idea what it means but it sounds friendly enough. We get a glimpse of Our Saviour’s Church with its crazy spiral spire twisting up into the clouds (I still can’t believe people climb that thing). And then there’s the Opera House—sharp lines and glass catching sunlight, so different from everything else here. Our guide says it was a gift to the city; I wonder what it’s like inside.

I kept thinking how seeing Copenhagen from this angle makes everything feel closer together—and somehow more real than wandering on foot. Even when it started to drizzle near Slotsholmen island, nobody seemed to mind much; we just pulled our jackets tighter and listened to stories echoing off the water. That hour felt both quick and slow at once—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Copenhagen canal sightseeing tour

• Board canal cruise
• Pass Amalienborg Palace
• See the Little Mermaid statue
• Cruise Christianshavn canals
• View Our Saviour's church spire
• Pass Copenhagen Opera House
• Sail by Slotsholmen island
• Listen to onboard live guide

Top questions

How long is the Copenhagen canal tour?

The canal tour lasts approximately 1 hour.

Is there a live guide on board?

Yes, tours include a live guide speaking Danish and English.

What landmarks do you see during the cruise?

You’ll see Amalienborg Palace, Little Mermaid statue, Christianshavn canals, Opera House, Slotsholmen island and more.

Are tickets for specific departure times?

Yes, tickets are for a specific departure time; go directly to the boat at your chosen time.

Is this canal tour suitable for families?

Yes, all ages are welcome; infants must sit on an adult's lap.

Are boats covered or heated in winter?

In winter months, boats are covered and heated for comfort.

Can I bring my service animal?

Service animals are allowed on board.

Is public transport nearby for getting to the dock?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to departure points.

What’s included

Your cruise includes a reserved 1-hour seat on a classic Copenhagen canal boat with both indoor (heated in winter) and outdoor seating options plus live commentary from your local guide throughout the journey.