SHOULD YOU EAT IN NYHAVN IN COPENHAGEN?

Nyhavn (New Harbor) is a harbor district in Copenhagen and one of the city's most visited tourist destinations. The harbor was excavated between 1671 and 1673 by Swedish prisoners of war from the Second Karl Gustav War (1658-1660) as an alternative to the existing port. The 'Nyhavn Canal' was inaugurated by King Christian V in the 1670s, but today it is simply known as Nyhavn.

Nyhavn's charm lies in its over 300-year-old historic houses. The oldest, Nyhavn No. 9, dates back to 1681. Today, the harbor is lined with cozy sidewalk cafes and restaurants.

For many years, Nyhavn was one of Copenhagen's rougher neighborhoods, known for its seamen's hostels and their associated 'joy girls.' However, in the 1980s, the area underwent significant refurbishment, and Nyhavn is now lined with several popular tourist-oriented restaurants, cafes, and bars. Among the most well-known are Nyhavn 17 and Cap Horn.

Although the beers in Nyhavn are not cheap, they are especially refreshing on a hot summer day.

The poet H.C. Andersen lived in four different houses in Nyhavn over the course of 20 years. Today, former Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, currently the Minister of Foreign Affairs (2024), resides in Nyhavn.

Nyhavn is the perfect place to end a long day. You can dine at one of the many restaurants, or you can do as many locals do: buy a few beers from one of the cellar stores on the side streets and sit along the dock. It’s much cheaper that way."

Nyhavn 17

Should you eat at one of Nyhavn’s restaurants? If it’s summer and the sun is shining, then yes, you should! Dining in Nyhavn allows you to soak up the lively atmosphere, and the area is especially picturesque in the summer. However, don't expect a gourmet experience. If you're looking for fine dining, other restaurants near Nyhavn might be more to your taste.

In June, I dined at The Mermaid, located at Nyhavn 39. It’s a good seafood bistro that first opened in 1937 (new owner from 2017), though the building itself dates back to the 17th century. The menu highlights seafood from Danish waters, with a few exceptions like French oysters, Canadian lobster and scallops, and Norwegian salmon. You can dine inside, surrounded by model ships, but if the weather is nice, I recommend sitting outside along the canal.

I ordered the pan-fried hake fillet with boiled new potatoes, hollandaise sauce, and a draft Tuborg. For dessert, I opted for the lemon pie topped with Italian meringue and paired it with an Irish coffee. The service was good, the food was enjoyable, and the price was typical for Nyhavn—about 450 DKK (60€ or 70 USD).

Link to the restaurant's website: restauranthavfruen.dk

Max

Scenes from the Second Karl Gustav War: Students from the University of Copenhagen defended the Danish capital against attacks by the Swedish army during the night of February 10-11, 1659. In the central painting, King Frederik III is shown on a white horse. Swedish prisoners of war from this battle were later forced to excavate Nyhavn between 1671 and 1673. These paintings date back to the late 19th century.