Eight Reasons To Kayak In Copenhagen This Summer
Eight Reasons To Kayak In Copenhagen This Summer

Copenhagen is one of the top destinations in Scandinavia, and once you arrive in this cozy and charming city, it’s easy to see why. This relaxed metropolis has preserved royal castles, incredible modern architecture, and green spaces everywhere. It’s also a city where bicycles, not cars, rule the road. While bikes might be the preferred mode of transportation on land, there are a lot of good reasons to explore Denmark’s capital by water in a kayak.
Exploring Copenhagen by kayak is an ideal way to see nature and wildlife within this capital city. There are many canals and waterways in Copenhagen, so you can see much of the city by water. You can stop at floating restaurants and cafes along the canals. Best of all, you can often rent kayaks for free as long as you agree to pick up trash along your journey.
There are many reasons to visit Copenhagen. It’s loaded with historical landmarks, it’s a paradise for modern design lovers, and it has one of the best cozy cafe cultures in Europe. It’s also an incredible city to visit if you love paddling. If you aren’t sure where to head on your next European paddling vacation, keep reading, because Denmark might be just what you’re looking for.
Eight Reasons Why You Should Explore Copenhagen In A Kayak
1. It’s A Unique Way To See Some Of The City’s Best Landmarks
One great reason to kayak around Copenhagen is the fact that many of the city’s top landmarks are visible from the water. From your paddling vessel you can see the iconic Little Mermaid statue, the Opera House, Christiania and Nyhavn neighborhoods, and several castles and other historic buildings.
You can whitness all of this and more without having to fight through crowds of tourists. Instead, you can enjoy these sights from a unique perspective.
It’s also possible to enjoy some of the lesser-viewed but equally picturesque areas of the city, which are great for those who like to explore off the tourist path. These factors all help make Copenhagen an incredible urban paddling destination.
2. You Can Kayak For Free If You Pick Up Trash
One amazing initiative that Copenhagen offers boaters is the option of a free boat or kayak rental when you agree to pick up trash along your journey. It’s an initiative run by GreenKayak, and its goal is to promote exploring Copenhagen on the water while keeping the waters clean.
This is a fantastic way to kayak if you are traveling on a budget.
This initiative and others like it (there’s a similar program for electric motorized boats) are helping keep these urban waterways pristine and trash-free. This makes kayaking in this busy capital all the more desirable.
3. Many Canals Are Calm And Perfect For Casual Paddling

Paddling in urban environments can present additional safety concerns. Copenhagen is no exception. Cruise ships, ferries, and pleasure crafts are found throughout the main waterways of the city. There are, however, many quiet canals and rivers you can explore if you want a more relaxed paddling experience.
You can even find canals so calm and quiet that you can easily stand on a SUP board and swim in them in the summer months.
4. Copenhagen Has More Waterways Than You Might Think
Many know about Copenhagen’s iconic canals, like the Nyhavn canal that passes along the famous colorful houses, and the Slotsholmen, which loops around Christiansborg Castle. But this city has countless waterways to explore in a paddling vessel.
Once you have checked the more popular canals off your list, you can go deeper into the network of canals and see even more. Unlike many cities that offer a singular river or harbor for kayaking, Copenhagen has an impressive series of connected waterways. This makes an all-day kayak adventure a great possibility for those who enjoy longer paddles.
5. It’s A Great Social Activity In The Summer Months
After long and dark winters in this Scandinavian city, Copenhagen comes alive with a burst of energy and color in late spring. The locals and tourists alike spend as much time as possible outside, especially close to the water.
Many canals are clean enough to swim in, and many locals like to sunbathe along the water. There are even waterslides and other fun water activities set up in the summer. This makes kayaking a very social activity to enjoy in the summer.
If you like to interact with locals, you’ll find no shortage of them taking advantage of the clean water and sunny weather as you navigate Copenhagen’s waterways. You can even find a paddling group or guided tour to join on your vacation, which is a great way to explore the city’s waters with locals.
6. The Floating Cafes Make Perfect Rest Stops
As Copenhagen comes alive in the summer, floating cafes and bars start opening up along the water. For those who like a blend of urban pleasures and natural wonders, a paddle in Copenhagen is paradise.
You can often tie your kayak up to these cafes in the summertime and enjoy a luxurious break in a cafe or restaurant. As the day winds down, you can even enjoy a cocktail or a Carlsberg beer along the water.
There are very few cities besides Copenhagen that are suited so perfectly for a person who loves the urban and paddling lifestyles equally.
7. It’s The Perfect Way To Cool Off And Escape The Tourists
Since Copenhagen is only sunny and warm for a few months each year, summer sees a huge influx of tourism. This can mean constantly congested streets and sidewalks. Even patches of grass can become hard to come by for those seeking a picnic in the city center.
Kayaking, however, allows you to escape big crowds, especially if you kayak in the morning and on weekdays. You can see the same beautiful sites, but with no one breathing down your neck or jumping into your photo.
8. You Can Witness Scandinavian Wildlife And Nature Firsthand
If a trip to Copenhagen marks your first vacation in Scandinavia, then you should try to experience its famous tranquil nature as much as you enjoy its fabled history.
Copenhagen is a very clean and green city. So much so that you can easily spot wildlife nesting and thriving along the city's waterways, especially as you paddle further from the city center.
You can view various birds and other wildlife, including ducks, geese, herons, and swans, all living along the water and nesting in the reeds.
You may even spot harbor porpoises popping out of the water, and many sea bird species soaring above.
Plan Your Next Visit
Copenhagen might be famous for its bike culture, but this Scandinavian gem can be enjoyed just as much in a kayak as on a bicycle. Many of the top attractions, like the Little Mermaid statue, Nyhavn Harbor, and the Opera house, are all best viewed from a paddling vessel. Kayaking in Copenhagen allows you to beat the heat, avoid crowds, and enjoy some Scandinavian nature. You can also simultaneously enjoy the local cuisine and drinks at floating restaurants and bars throughout the city on a paddling break as you explore this city’s many waterways.
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