Our Wandering Chapter

One of the best things about a layover in Copenhagen is how close the city is to the airport. Copenhagen Kastrup Airport is just a 15-minute metro ride from the city centre, making it possible to squeeze in a few hours of exploring before your next flight.

Since we had explored Copenhagen on an earlier visit, we were already familiar with the city and its metro system. So, when we realized we had a five-hour layover on our way to Munich, we knew this plan was easily doable: a quick stroll through Nyhavn, enough time to soak in the atmosphere, and a stress-free return to the airport.

After deplaning, we walked straight towards Københavns Lufthavn Metro Station in Terminal 3. Tickets can be purchased from the machines at the station or at DSB’s ticket office in Terminal 3. Soon after, we hopped on a metro to the city and got off at Kongens Nytorv Station. From there, it’s just a short walk to Nyhavn, one of Copenhagen’s most iconic and photographed spots.

Nyhavn is a living postcard: rows of brightly painted 17th-century townhouses lined with cafés and restaurants. The canal glows with colour as the vibrant façades reflect on the water. Old wooden ships are moored along the quay, while cobblestones bustle with visitors enjoying food, drinks, and the buzz of the waterfront. It’s the kind of place that captures the spirit of hygge. Strolling along the canal, sitting by the water with an ice cream or coffee and simply people-watching as cyclists whizz by and boats glide past.

For admirers of Hans Christian Andersen, Nyhavn holds a literary surprise too. Nyhavn 18 was once the author’s residence. Today, a souvenir shop stands at the address, and at nearby Nyhavn 20 you’ll find a memorial plaque: Mindeplade for H.C. Andersen, a small but meaningful stop for literature lovers.

From Nyhavn, we wandered further towards Udsigtspunktet Playhouse. Across the water, you can admire Operaen, while boats, from commuter ferries to sightseeing tours drift steadily past. We continued onwards passing by the modern Royal Danish Theater – Skuespilhuset, to the open expanse of Ofelia Plads. From here, the green dome of Frederiks Kirke (The Marble Church) rises above the rooftops near Amalienborg, a quiet reminder of the grandeur tucked into this compact city.

With time ticking, we strolled back toward Kongens Nytorv, where the grand façades of the Royal Danish Theater and Hotel D’Angleterre stood as reminders of Copenhagen’s elegance.

The return metro to the airport was quick and easy, leaving us with sufficient time before our next flight.