Copenhagen: Small Group Walking Tour, Nyhavn & Royal Palaces

Summary

Wander past royal palaces, colorful harbors & stories that linger

You’ll join a small group in Copenhagen for a walking tour led by a native guide who brings local stories alive. Expect moments like hearing legends at Gefion Fountain, catching royal guards at Amalienborg Palace, wandering colorful Nyhavn harbor, and ending with city views at Christiansborg Slot. You’ll leave feeling connected — not just to places but to Copenhagen’s everyday rhythms.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the meeting point at Toldboden because I got sidetracked by a bakery window — those cardamom buns are dangerous. But our guide, Mads, just grinned and waved me over, coffee in hand. Right away it felt relaxed, like joining a friend who actually knows where to go (and how not to get run over by cyclists). There were only eight of us, so nobody got lost in the shuffle or had to elbow for space.

The first real stop was the Gefion Fountain. I’d seen pictures before but didn’t expect the sound — water thumping against stone, kids giggling nearby. Mads told us this wild story about how Copenhagen’s land came from Sweden (something about oxen and a goddess), and I still can’t decide if he was pulling our leg or not. The Churchill Park behind it was quiet except for the crows and a couple of old men playing chess under a tree. We ducked into Kastellet’s star-shaped fortress after that — you could feel the old bricks under your shoes, uneven but solid.

I was ready for The Little Mermaid to be tiny (she is), but I wasn’t ready for the crowd of selfie sticks or how everyone seemed to hush when they got close. Funny how something so small can pull people in like that. At Amalienborg Palace, we caught the tail end of the guards’ shuffle — crisp uniforms, boots echoing on cobbles — and Mads pointed out which windows belong to “Daisy,” their queen. He made us guess; I was way off.

Nyhavn looked like it does on postcards: bright houses stacked along the canal, boats bobbing gently. But standing there with the wind off the water and the faint smell of fried fish drifting from somewhere nearby made it feel less polished than Instagram lets on — more lived-in. Someone in our group tried to pronounce “Christiansborg” and everyone cracked up (including Mads). We ended there with a view of Parliament’s towers poking through gray clouds, chatting about Danish politics and where to find good smørrebrød. I still think about that last stretch through narrow streets — wet cobblestones shining under streetlamps, city humming quietly around us.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Copenhagen's iconic landmarks

• Meet at Toldboden area
• Visit Gefion Fountain
• View WWII heroes park
• See unique Copenhagen church
• View historic Citadel (Kastellet)
• Visit The Little Mermaid statue
• Explore Amalienborg Royal Palace
• View Marble Church from Amalienborg
• See Copenhagen Opera House
• Walk past Royal Actor's house
• Explore green garden by canals
• Walk through Nyhavn harbor
• Pass historical square with landmarks
• Admire spire of old church
• End at Christiansborg Palace

Top questions

How long is the Copenhagen small group walking tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours depending on pace.

Where does the Copenhagen highlights tour start?

The meeting point is at Toldboden in central Copenhagen.

Is hotel pickup included in this walking tour?

No hotel pickup; you meet your guide directly at Toldboden.

What main sights are included on this walking tour?

You’ll visit Gefion Fountain, Kastellet Citadel, The Little Mermaid statue, Amalienborg Palace, Nyhavn harbor, and Christiansborg Palace.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is capped at 10 guests maximum for a personal experience.

Is this Copenhagen walking tour suitable for children?

Yes; infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers during the walk.

Are there stairs or uneven surfaces on this route?

Yes; there are stairs and cobblestones throughout parts of the walk—wear comfortable shoes.

Does the guide speak English?

Yes; your guide is a native English speaker familiar with local history and culture.

What’s included

Your day includes an English-speaking local guide leading you through central Copenhagen’s top sights in a small group setting (max 10 guests). You’ll get personalized recommendations for exploring further after finishing near Christiansborg Slot—just bring comfy shoes and maybe an umbrella if Danish weather does its thing.