Copenhagen: Walking & Canal Tour with Changing of Guards

Summary

Walk cobbled streets, glide canals, catch royal guard in Copenhagen

You’ll start beneath Copenhagen’s iconic station clock and walk through history with a local guide who keeps things real (and funny). Glide along canals by electric ferry for fresh views of Nyhavn and the Opera House before warming up with coffee near Kastellet fortress. End your day standing among locals at Amalienborg Palace for the Changing of the Guards—a quiet kind of magic you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell—fresh coffee drifting through Copenhagen Central Station while people hurried past, scarves flapping. Our guide, Sofie, waved us over by the old clock (next to one of two 7-Elevens—took me a minute). She had that easy Danish way about her. We set off, crunching over gravel outside Tivoli Gardens, and she told us how Walt Disney got his big idea here. I tried picturing him eating licorice by the gate. The city felt awake but not rushed; even cyclists seemed unbothered weaving around us.

After a quick pause at Glyptoteket’s glass dome (I could see palms inside, kind of surreal for Scandinavia), we walked toward Christiansborg Palace. Sofie explained how it burned down three times—she shrugged like it was just another Tuesday. The canal breeze picked up as we reached the Black Diamond library, its black granite shining against the water. Boarding the electric harbor ferry felt oddly local; a few commuters eyed us but mostly ignored our group. The water was calm and cold-smelling. From there, Copenhagen looked different—Nyhavn’s colors were brighter from the canal, and someone pointed out the Opera House’s sharp lines against a gray sky.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much during a “history” tour, but Sofie made even stories about old fortresses feel like gossip from last week. We stopped for coffee near Kastellet fortress (my hands finally warmed up), then wandered past Churchill Park where an old man fed birds in silence. The Little Mermaid statue was smaller than I’d thought—someone in our group whispered she looked lonely, which made sense somehow.

We ended at Amalienborg Palace just as soldiers marched in for the Changing of the Guards—their boots echoing on cobblestones. It wasn’t flashy but felt honest, like watching tradition happen because it always has. I still think about that view: palace on one side, Marble Church dome on the other, everyone pausing together for a moment before drifting away again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Copenhagen walking and canal tour

• Meet at Copenhagen Central Station
• Stop outside Tivoli Gardens
• Pause outside Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
• Explore Christiansborg Palace area
• Visit the Black Diamond building
• Board electric harbor ferry for canal tour
• Pass Old Stock Exchange on canal
• View Royal Danish Opera House
• Stop briefly at Nyhavn harbor
• Disembark and walk to Gefion Fountain
• Visit Kastellet fortress and windmill
• Walk through Churchill Park
• See the Marble Church
• Visit Amalienborg Palace courtyard
• Watch Changing of the Guards ceremony

Top questions

Where does this Copenhagen walking & canal tour start?

The tour begins inside Copenhagen Central Station under the main hall clock next to 7-Eleven.

Is a canal ride included in this Copenhagen highlights tour?

Yes, an electric harbor ferry ride is included unless full or out of service (then you walk along canals instead).

How long is this walking & canal tour?

The total experience lasts around 3 hours with about 5–7 km walking depending on ferry availability.

Does this tour include seeing the Changing of the Guards?

Yes, morning tours finish at Amalienborg Palace in time for the full Changing of the Guards ceremony at noon.

Are there any stops to rest or get refreshments?

Yes, there’s a short café stop during the walk where you can rest and chat with your group.

What are some main sights covered on this day trip?

You’ll see Nyhavn harbor, Christiansborg Palace, Kastellet fortress, Little Mermaid statue, Opera House and more.

Is this Copenhagen canal tour suitable for all fitness levels?

You should have moderate fitness as there’s quite a bit of walking involved (up to 7 km if no ferry).

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your born-and-raised local host at Central Station, personal recommendations along every stop, an electric harbor ferry ride through Copenhagen’s canals (unless unavailable), plus a friendly premium small-group vibe—with time for coffee before ending at Amalienborg Palace for the royal guard ceremony.