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If you’re visiting Copenhagen and want a well-rounded glimpse of the city’s main attractions, this 3-hour guided tour offers a perfect balance of walking, scenic ferry rides, and cultural highlights. Led by knowledgeable local guides, it promises an immersive experience that covers iconic sights, hidden gems, and even a chance to witness the ceremonial Changing of the Guards.
What makes this tour stand out? For starters, the combination of walking and water provides a dynamic way to see the city from different angles. Plus, the inclusion of a ferry ride through historic canals makes for a relaxing break from walking and offers fantastic photo opportunities. An added bonus is the detailed narration—our reviews show guides like Andreas and Michael are praised for their friendliness and deep knowledge.
A potential consideration? On weekends, the ferry might be full or canceled, so it’s worth planning some flexibility into your schedule. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, storytelling, and a little bit of water-based exploration. If you’re curious about Copenhagen’s history, royal traditions, and scenic waterways, this experience hits a lot of marks.
Key Points
- Balanced itinerary: Combines walking, ferry rides, and scenic water views for a comprehensive city experience.
- Expert guides: Guides like Andreas and Michael are praised for their friendliness, storytelling, and local insights.
- Iconic sights: Covers major landmarks such as Amalienborg Palace, The Little Mermaid, Nyhavn, and Kastellet.
- Cultural immersion: Includes a ceremonial Changing of the Guards, a highlight for visitors interested in royal traditions.
- Value for money: At around $63, it offers a well-rounded, accessible way to see many of Copenhagen’s highlights in 3 hours.
- Flexible options: If the ferry is full or unavailable, the tour adapts with an extended walking route along the canal.
An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience
This guided tour of Copenhagen is designed to maximize your limited time in the city, hitting many of the must-see spots while also offering some lesser-known details. With a maximum group size of 12 travelers, you’ll enjoy a more personalized experience, with your guide eager to share stories and answer questions along the way.
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Starting Point: Copenhagen Central Station
The adventure begins right at the historic Copenhagen Central Station, a hub that symbolizes the city’s bustling energy. Here, guides like Andreas or Michael set the tone with stories about the station’s history and significance, adding context to your day ahead. It’s a practical starting point, easily accessible via public transport, and a charming introduction to Copenhagen’s vibrant vibe.
First Highlights: Tivoli Gardens & Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
Just outside Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, your guide shares fascinating tidbits about its origins and its influence on Disney. Though entry isn’t included, the exterior alone is enchanting enough to spark your curiosity.
A quick stop at the Glyptoteket offers a glimpse of grandeur with its impressive architecture—founded by the Carlsberg brewery’s founder, Carl Jacobsen, it houses a notable art collection. From its glass dome to sculptures, the exterior alone hints at the elegance inside, making it a perfect cultural window without the need for an entry fee.
Exploring Christianborg Palace & The Black Diamond
Next, you’ll walk past Christiansborg Slot, the seat of Danish democracy, where your guide shares stories of monarchs, kings, queens, and modern politics—adding a historical depth to your route.
A short stop at The Black Diamond, the modern extension of the Royal Danish Library, showcases Denmark’s flair for contemporary architecture. Its striking black façade and waterfront location make it a striking photo stop and a symbol of Copenhagen’s blend of old and new.
The Scenic Ferry Ride through Copenhagen’s Waterways
The highlight for many is the harbor ferry ride, included in the tour. Sitting on an electric ferry, you’ll glide through the canals, passing iconic structures like the Old Stock Exchange (Børsen)—which suffered a fire in 2024 but remains a symbol of trading history—and the Royal Opera House.
On weekdays, the ferry often feels like your private boat, providing a peaceful, scenic break. As you cruise, you’ll see the Nyhavn waterfront with its colorful houses, and get a good look at Copenhagen’s maritime side. Reviewers frequently mention how relaxing and picturesque this part is—”you get a fantastic view of the Royal Danish Opera House and Nyhavn,” to quote one delighted guest.
If the ferry is canceled or too crowded, your guide will lead you along the canal on foot, covering all key sights with an extra few kilometers but maintaining the same scenic feel.
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The Little Mermaid & Gefionspringvandet
The tour doesn’t skip Copenhagen’s most famous statue, The Little Mermaid, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale. It’s a brief stop but a must-see for any visitor, and you’ll learn how it became a city symbol.
Nearby, the Gefionspringvandet fountain depicts the Norse goddess Gefion driving oxen, representing the creation of Zealand—another chance to snap photos and absorb local myths. It’s a favorite among reviewers for its mythological storytelling and craftsmanship.
Exploring Kastellet & Churchillparken
Next, your walk takes you through Kastellet, one of Europe’s best-preserved star-shaped fortresses. Its peaceful grounds, windmill, and historic barracks offer a sense of both military history and tranquility. Many reviews talk about how scenic and well-preserved Kastellet is, making it a favorite stop.
Adjacent is Churchillparken, a quiet green oasis dedicated to Danish resistance fighters and Winston Churchill. This peaceful spot provides a reflective pause amid your tour, and guides share stories about Denmark during WWII, adding a layer of historical insight.
The Marvel of Frederiks Kirke & Royal Residence
A visit to Frederiks Kirke (Marmorkirken) rewards visitors with its stunning dome inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica. The story of its long construction and its significance in Danish religious and royal life make it more than just a beautiful building.
Close by, Amalienborg Palace stands as the pinnacle of royal Copenhagen. The octagonal courtyard and the Changing of the Guard ceremony (at noon or a smaller version later in the afternoon) are visual highlights. As one reviewer put it, the full guard change at 12 PM is an “iconic royal tradition,” adding a memorable cultural touch to your visit.
How the Tour Works in Practice
This tour is carefully curated to fit into a 3-hour window, but it offers more than just a rapid sightseeing list. The small group size ensures you’re not just another face in a crowd; guides like Andreas and Michael are praised for their friendliness and storytelling. Many reviews mention how knowledgeable guides shared local stories, history, and fun facts that you might not find in a guidebook.
Timing is well managed, with most stops brief but meaningful—5 to 10 minutes—that allow you to soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed. The ferry ride, about 25 minutes, is a highlight, providing a relaxing scenic break with stunning water views of the city.
The route’s flexibility is a plus. If the ferry isn’t available, the guide will walk along the canal, covering all the highlights, including Nyhavn and the royal waterfront.
Transportation & Group Size
The tour begins at København HBernstorffsgade and ends at Amalienborg Slotsplads. The maximum group size of 12 makes for a more intimate experience, and the use of public transport makes the starting point highly accessible. The ferry ride, being a public ferry, means seats can’t always be reserved, especially on weekends, but this often isn’t a problem in weekdays.
Price & Value
At around $63 per person, this tour offers an excellent value for those wanting a comprehensive snapshot of Copenhagen in a short time. The inclusion of the ferry and the chance to see both land and water-based sights makes it a great deal compared to paying separately for individual attractions.
Who Should Take This Tour?
This experience suits travelers who are keen to see a lot in a short time without feeling overwhelmed. It’s perfect for first-timers wanting an overview of Copenhagen’s top sights, history buffs interested in royal traditions, or water lovers eager to explore the city from its canals. The small group setting and knowledgeable guides also make it ideal for those who prefer a more personal, engaging experience.
If you enjoy combining walking with scenic water rides and appreciate storytelling about local culture and history, this tour checks all those boxes. Keep in mind, it’s most suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, as there’s quite a bit of walking with some optional stops.
Final Verdict
This Walk & Ferry: Copenhagen Highlights + Change of Guards tour delivers excellent value through a mix of land and water exploration, guided by enthusiastic experts. It’s a smart choice for travelers wanting an efficient, authentic way to see Copenhagen’s most iconic sights while also enjoying some scenic canal cruising.
The guides’ insights and storytelling elevate the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing walk. The inclusion of the Changing of the Guards adds a regal touch, rounding out a well-balanced, memorable adventure. Whether you’re on a layover or spending a few days in the city, this tour will give you a compact yet thorough taste of Copenhagen’s charm.
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for all ages? Yes, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness. The pace is manageable, and stops are brief.
How long is the ferry ride? The ferry ride lasts about 25 minutes, offering scenic views of Copenhagen’s canals.
What happens if the ferry is full or canceled? If the ferry isn’t available, the guide will take the group along the scenic canal route on foot, covering the same highlights.
What sights are included in the tour? You’ll see major landmarks like Amalienborg Palace, The Little Mermaid, Nyhavn, Kastellet, and Copenhagen Opera House, among others.
Can I see the Changing of the Guards? Yes, the tour ends with the full Changing of the Guards at noon if you join the 9:00 AM session, or a smaller version if you join at 1:00 PM.
Is the tour family-friendly? Absolutely, especially for those interested in history, architecture, and scenic waterfront views.
How accessible is the tour? The starting point is near public transportation, and stops are mostly brief, but some walking is involved, so moderate fitness is recommended.
What’s included in the price? The tour fee covers guiding services, the ferry ride (when available), and the walking route. Entrance fees to attractions are not included.
Is the tour suitable for photography? Yes, many stops are photogenic spots like Nyhavn, Gefionspringvandet, and the Palace courtyards.
How far in advance should I book? On average, travelers book about 57 days ahead, indicating it’s popular and well-regarded.
In essence, this tour offers a well-crafted introduction to Copenhagen, balancing history, culture, scenic water views, and royal pageantry—all in a friendly, manageable format that leaves travelers with plenty to remember and cherish.
