Free self-guided walk · Copenhagen

From City Hall to the Little Mermaid

A free self-guided walk across Copenhagen, from City Hall Square along Strøget to Nyhavn, Amalienborg and the Little Mermaid.

Distance
4 km
Walking time
53 min
Allow
About 2.5 hours with stops
Stops
7

Open the route in Google MapsCopenhagen city guide

About this walk

This walk crosses the old town on its main pedestrian street, then follows the harbour north past the royal palaces.

Add Christianshavn by crossing the Inderhavn Bridge from Nyhavn.

  • Terrain: Flat and paved all the way, with some cobbles around Nyhavn.
  • Best time: Late morning, to see the changing of the guard at Amalienborg at noon.

Route map

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Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. City Hall Square

    Start in front of the red-brick City Hall.

  2. Strøget

    Walk east along the long pedestrian shopping street.

  3. Kongens Nytorv

    The large square at the end of Strøget, with the Royal Danish Theatre.

  4. Nyhavn

    The canal of colourful houses and old ships.

  5. Amalienborg

    The four royal palaces around one square.

  6. Frederik's Church

    The Marble Church, with its great green dome.

  7. The Little Mermaid

    Finish at the bronze statue on the Langelinie waterfront.

Tips

  • The changing of the guard reaches Amalienborg at noon.
  • Stay off the cycle lanes and check for bikes before crossing.
  • The Little Mermaid is small and often busy; early morning is quietest.

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Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-10-28. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.