Christianshavn´s Canal

Christianshavn is often called the Copenhagen Amsterdam, it is here you can find the real atmosphere of the canals. Christianshavn is one of the three canals remaining in the centre of Copenhagen - and that’s without counting Holmen’s Canals which are comprised of - Christiansholm, Arsenaløen, Dokøen, Frederiksholm or Nyholm. The rest have unfortunately diaappeared, for example, Holmen’s Canal which has been filled in with stones and gravel and covered with asphalt. But all that could be changed, as they have done in Århus where the island has wisely been opened up again.

Between the entrance to the harbour and Christianshavn’s Canal are the two halves of Christianshavn which are really islands or islets such as Wilders Plads and Grøndlandske Handels Plads (an old Market Square), and here you can find the beautiful Christianshavn Church and Our Saviour’s Church.

Christianshavn’s Canal, with "Ovengaden oven Vandet" and Ovengaden neden Vandet" on each side, is filled with atmosphere and is used as a kind of front garden by everyone living in the adjacent streets. It is frequented by couples or people out walking their dogs, with a thermos flask, a bottle of beer or, on a warm summer evening, their evening meal. There are many yachts moored here and a wealth of new experiences to be discovered. Towards the actual entrance to the Canal is Holmen’s beautiful arsenal building which dates back to the middle of the seventeen hundreds, Søkvæsthuset (Homen’s hospital and infirmary). This is where the former Wildersgade Barracks were, which have been converted into flats today. Close by were two other barrracks, Bådmandsstrade’s Barracks and the Barracks out to Strandgade which is called Irgens Gård today. Copenhagen’s women’s prison used to be where the "Lagkage" house on Christianshavn’s market square is today. Refreshments are served on the water in the corner by Torvegade where you can also rent boats. At the end by Appelby’s square you can catch a glimpse of Christianshavn’s rampart. Christianshavn’s Canal is one of the City’s most charming places, and is should be exerienced from both the quayside and the water. A round the harbour trip is a must. Peter Olesen, Journalis and Author