What is the best walking tour in Copenhagen for first-time visitors?

This route through the Green Heart is ideal because it covers the city's most iconic landmarks like Rosenborg Castle and the Little Mermaid. It provides a perfect balance of history, architecture, and nature in the Indre By district.

Is the Little Mermaid worth visiting?

Yes, it is a quintessential Copenhagen experience, though many find it smaller than expected. The walk along the Langelinie waterfront and through the nearby Kastellet fortress makes the trip to the statue very worthwhile.

Are the gardens on this route free to enter?

Yes, access to the Botanical Garden and the King's Garden is free for the public. However, note that specific attractions within them, like the Palm House glasshouses, require a paid ticket.

Can I see the Crown Jewels on this walking route?

Yes, the Crown Jewels are kept in the treasury at Rosenborg Castle. While you can view the castle exterior for free, you will need to purchase a ticket to enter the treasury.

Is this Copenhagen walking route accessible for strollers?

Yes, the majority of the route follows wide, paved paths. The ramparts at Kastellet are slightly more rugged but generally manageable for most strollers and active travelers.

When is the best time to visit the Botanical Garden?

The gardens open at 8:30 AM daily. Arriving early in the morning allows you to enjoy the tranquility before the afternoon crowds arrive, especially during the spring bloom.

How do I get back to the city center from the Little Mermaid?

The easiest way is to walk 10-15 minutes to Østerport Station. From there, you can take any S-train or the Metro M3/M4 lines directly back to Kongens Nytorv or Nørreport in just a few minutes.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Copenhagen is a city where urban living and nature coexist in perfect harmony. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the Green Heart of the Danish capital, a route that winds through manicured royal gardens, historic glasshouses, and formidable star-shaped fortresses. Beginning in the lush surroundings of the Botanical Garden, this neighborhood stroll captures the transition from Renaissance elegance to military precision and maritime lore. You will discover how the Danish monarchy shaped the landscape, leaving behind legacy gardens that are now the city's most beloved public spaces. As you move from the crown jewels at Rosenborg Castle to the quiet ramparts of Kastellet, the layers of Copenhagen's history reveal themselves. The route concludes at the harbor's edge, where the iconic Little Mermaid gazes out to sea. This audio walk is perfect for those who want to experience the city's major landmarks while enjoying plenty of fresh air and scenic views. Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking for the perfect shot of the 19th-century Palm House or a history buff eager to learn about King Christian IV, this walking route offers a comprehensive overview of Copenhagen's Indre By district. Exploring independently allows you to linger under the ancient trees of the King's Garden or take a detour through the barracks of a functional military site. This walking tour Copenhagen experience provides the freedom to pause for a coffee in the gardens or spend extra time admiring the intricate bronze work of the Gefion Fountain.

Highlights

The stunning 19th-century Palm House in the Botanical Garden

The Dutch Renaissance architecture of Rosenborg Castle

A peaceful stroll through Kongens Have, Denmark's oldest royal garden

The perfectly preserved star-shaped ramparts of Kastellet

The mythological power of the Gefion Fountain

The world-famous Little Mermaid statue at the harbor front

Tour Stops (6)

Botanical Garden

Welcome to the greenest corner of Copenhagen. This garden, part of the Natural History Museum of Denmark, has been at its current location since 1874. It is home to over 13,000 species of plants, but the real star is the white cast-iron and glass Palm House. Inspired by London's Crystal Palace, it was built in the 1870s and offers a tropical escape even in the depths of a Danish winter. As you wander through the rock gardens and around the lake, notice how the space feels both like a scientific laboratory and a romantic park. This was once part of the city's old fortifications, which explains the undulating landscape.

Rosenborg Castle

Rising before you is Rosenborg Castle, a masterpiece of Dutch Renaissance style. Built by King Christian IV in the early 17th century, it was originally intended as a summer residence outside the city walls. Today, it stands as a time capsule of royal history, housing the Danish Crown Jewels and the coronation chairs. The red brick and grey sandstone facade, topped with slender copper spires, is iconic to Copenhagen’s skyline. While the interior requires a ticket, the exterior views and the moat surrounding the castle provide a perfect backdrop for understanding the lavish lifestyle of the 17th-century Danish monarchy.

The King's Garden

Step into Kongens Have, or The King's Garden. This is the oldest royal garden in Denmark, established by Christian IV just before he built Rosenborg Castle. Once a private orchard and kitchen garden for the palace, it is now the city's most popular public park. Look for the 'Kavalergangen,' a beautiful tree-lined path that has hosted strollers for centuries. The garden is dotted with sculptures, including a famous one of Hans Christian Andersen. It’s a perfect spot to observe local life, as Copenhageners flock here for picnics and sunbathing whenever the weather permits.

Kastellet

Leaving the floral gardens behind, you arrive at Kastellet, one of the best-preserved star fortresses in Northern Europe. Constructed in 1626, its distinct pentagonal shape was designed for defense, with high earthen ramparts and a deep moat. Remarkably, this is still an active military site, though the ramparts are open to the public for walking. As you walk the perimeter, you'll see a traditional Dutch windmill and the bright red barracks known as 'The Rows.' The contrast between the rigid military history and the peaceful, grassy slopes makes Kastellet a unique experience in the heart of the city.

Gefion Fountain

Located just outside the entrance to Kastellet, the Gefion Fountain is the largest monument in Copenhagen. It depicts a powerful scene from Norse mythology: the goddess Gefion driving four massive oxen. Legend says she turned her four sons into these beasts to plow so much land from Sweden in a single day that she created the island of Zealand, where Copenhagen now sits. The fountain was donated by the Carlsberg Foundation to celebrate the brewery's 50th anniversary. The cascading water and the sheer scale of the bronze figures create a dramatic sense of movement and power.

The Little Mermaid

Finally, we reach Copenhagen's most famous resident. Perched on a rock at Langelinie pier, the Little Mermaid has been greeting visitors since 1913. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, the bronze statue was commissioned by Carl Jacobsen of Carlsberg. Despite her small size—standing only 1.25 meters tall—she has become the symbol of the city. She represents the melancholic ending of the original story rather than the Disney version you might know. Take a moment to look out at the harbor; this spot marks the end of our journey through the green and historic soul of Copenhagen.

Frequently Asked Questions

The total walking distance is approximately 3 kilometers. Without stopping, it takes about 40-45 minutes, but with exploration at each site, you should allow 2 to 3 hours for this self-guided walk.