Discovering Copenhagen: A Tour of its Modern Marvels and Historical Landmarks

(36 reviews)

Copenhagen audio tour: Discovering Copenhagen: A Tour of its Modern Marvels and Historical Landmarks

This is a 2mi walking tour

It takes an average of 120 mins to complete.

Copenhagen

Denmark

$11.99

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About the Tour

Copenhagen is a thriving modern metropolis with royal and maritime roots. On this walking tour, I’ll take you to the city’s iconic landmarks and grand buildings, each of which has a story to tell. I’ll also share insights into the many layers of Denmark’s capital.

The tour starts on Kongens Nytorv (the King’s New Square), the grand square that’s been a central meeting point for centuries. From there, you’ll stroll down the picturesque streets of Nyhavn to the Copenhagen Opera House. Along the way, you’ll find out how the area’s colorful buildings and canal-side charm reflect Copenhagen’s maritime past and present.

Next, you’ll make your way to Amalienborg Palace at the heart of Denmark’s royal history, where the changing of the guards offers a glimpse into the traditions of the Danish monarchy. Just a short walk away is the stunning Frederik’s Church, nicknamed the Marble Church after its awe-inspiring dome, a true architectural masterpiece. You’ll also visit Kastellet, a star-shaped fortress that’s guarded the city for centuries. The tour ends in front of the beloved symbol of the city, the Little Mermaid, perched gracefully by the harbor.

On this two-hour tour, you’ll:

Walk through Kunsthal Charlottenborg, a cultural and artistic landmark
Spot the Hans Christian Andersen Residence at Nyhavn 20, where the famous Danish author penned The Little Mermaid and The Emperor's New Clothes
Take in the statue of Karen Blixen by Rikke Raben and learn about the remarkable poet, writer, and storyteller who penned Out of Africa
Pass by the Museum of Danish Resistance where you can hear about acts of bravery during World War 2
Find out how the Gefion Fountain (which depicts the Norse goddess) is tied to a Danish legend

This tour invites you on a journey through Copenhagen’s royal and historical past, but it’s also an introduction to contemporary life in the city today. Ideal for lovers of history, architecture, and urban exploration, this walking tour is a perfect way to experience the many layers of Denmark’s capital.

Tour Producer

Pernille Schlander

5 tours

Hello! I’m Pernille.

I’m a Copenhagen-based storyteller and walking tour creator, and I’ve called this city home since 2004. For more than twenty years, my greatest passion has been uncovering the many layers of Copenhagen — exploring its history and seeking out every hidden nook and cranny.

My fascination with the secrets of cities began long before that. Influenced by years of global travel and a formative chapter living in London, I’ve come to see every street corner as a page in a living history book.

For the past six years, I’ve turned that passion into curated walking tours and created 5 immersive audio walk experiences. Each tour is carefully researched and built from first-hand exploration. I walk every route myself. I don’t simply list facts — I weave stories. Each route is carefully planned to guide you through places you might never discover on your own.

My work is especially inspired by Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen’s history, and changing neighborhoods. Whether I’m guiding you through grand landmarks, charming streets, or seasonal stories, my goal is always the same: to help you feel connected to the city and leave with a deeper understanding of its people, past, and personality.

If you enjoy thoughtful storytelling, gentle adventure, and discovering places through local eyes, I’d love to walk Copenhagen with you. Just bring comfortable shoes — I’ll take care of the stories (and a little Danish hygge along the way).

Preview Location

Location 49

To the little mermaid

Just continue on the path as we gradually approach our final destination: the iconic Little Mermaid statue based on the fairytale written by Hans Christian Andersen.

On the way there, let's pick up where we left off at Hans Christian Andersen's residence. If you remember, w... Just continue on the path as we gradually approach our final destination: the iconic Little Mermaid statue based on the fairytale written by Hans Christian Andersen.

On the way there, let's pick up where we left off at Hans Christian Andersen's residence. If you remember, we paused our discussion of the fairy tale, "The Little Mermaid."

Andersen's version of "The Little Mermaid" is a poignant tale of sacrifice and heartbreak, far removed from the happily-ever-after of Disney's adaptation. In this rendition, the mermaid's love for the prince is her undoing.

With every step she takes on land, the mermaid feels the excruciating pain of walking on knives, a physical manifestation of her unrequited love. Stripped of her voice in exchange for human form, she sacrifices her very essence for a chance to be with the prince.

But alas, despite her efforts, the prince's heart belongs to another, and he chooses to marry someone else. Faced with the devastating reality of her unfulfilled love, the mermaid's only hope lies in the sea witch's ominous warning—that if the prince doesn't reciprocate her love, she will dissolve into foam and vanish into the heavens.

On the prince's wedding night, her sisters offer her a final, desperate solution—a dagger with the power to save her if she takes the prince's life. Yet, in a moment of agonizing clarity, the mermaid cannot bring herself to harm the one she loves. And so, with a heavy heart, she embraces her fate, surrendering to the waves and ascending to the skies as foam.

Hans Christian Andersen's love life was quite the whirlwind, with not one, not two, but four unrequited loves to his name. Alongside his romantic pursuits with three women, Andersen harbored affection for a man, the son of one of his benefactors on whom the tale of the little mermaid is based.

Despite his literary success, Andersen's personal life was a rollercoaster of emotions, with each of his romantic endeavors ending in heartache. But if there's one thing Andersen knew how to do, it was turning his pain into poignant tales that would resonate for generations to come. Read More

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Major Landmarks

The King's New Square
Memorial Anchor
Kunsthal Charlottenborg
Nyhavn
The Playhouse
Copenhagen Opera House
Ofelia Plads
The Kissing Stairs
Karen Blixen by Rikke Raben
Frederiksstaden
Amalienborg Palace
Frederik's Church
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
Medical Museion
Churchillparken
Kastellet
Museum of Danish Resistance
St Alban's Church
Gefion Fountain
The Little Mermaid

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Getting There

Route Overview

VoiceMap tours follow a route from a set starting point. It’s how we give turn-by-turn directions and tell a story greater than the sum of its parts.

Start location
Kongens Nytorv, 1050 Indre By, Denmark
Total distance

3km
Final location
Langelinie, 2100 København Ø, Denmark
Distance back to start location

2km

Directions to Starting Point

The tour kicks off at Kongens Nytorv (The Kings New Square). Metro lines—M1, M2, M3, and M4— make stops at the Kongens Nytorv metro station.

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Tips

Places to stop along the way

Along the route I have suggestions for places to eat and relax

Best time of day

The best time to explore is between 10 AM and 5 PM. If you'd like to catch the changing of the guards at Amalienborg Palace, it happens at 12 PM. Keep in mind that weekends tend to be quite busy as we pass major tourist landmarks.

Precautions

There are 800,000 bicycles in Copenhagen, so always stay alert!

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“Great app. walk around at your own pace, stop where you want, move on or speed up when you want. Read the script before you go or during the commentary, speed it up or replay it. Repeat the tour whenever you like.”