Native Walking Tour to Copenhagen

If you’re planning a trip to Copenhagen and considering a guided walking tour, this one caught our eye. It promises nearly four hours of exploring the city’s highlights with a local guide, including stops at the Little Mermaid, Rosenborg Castle, and a vibrant food market. While it has its charms, it’s worth knowing what you’re signing up for before booking.

We like that this tour offers an authentic local perspective and a chance to see some of Copenhagen’s most famous sights with a guide who speaks four languages. Plus, the inclusion of a food market stop sounds like a great way to experience local flavors. On the flip side, some travelers report issues with communication and booking, which can be frustrating when you’re on a tight schedule.

This tour might suit those who want a rundown of Copenhagen’s key attractions, especially if they appreciate a guide who can share stories in multiple languages. But if you’re a stickler for flawless organization or have limited time, it’s good to weigh these factors.

Key Points

• Authentic local guidance helps bring the city’s stories to life.
• The tour covers major sights like Nyhavn, Kastellet, and the Little Mermaid.
• The food market stop offers a taste of Copenhagen’s local cuisine.
• Some reviews mention booking and communication issues, so be prepared.
• The tour includes a goody bag with fun souvenirs.
• It’s tailored for travelers comfortable with moderate walking and open to a group setting.

What to Expect from This Copenhagen Walking Tour

This tour aims to give you a well-rounded walk through Copenhagen, led by a guide who knows the city inside and out. Starting in the heart of the city, you’ll get your caffeine fix at the Nero Shop before hitting some of the city’s most recognizable sights. It’s a good way to get an overview, especially if it’s your first time in Copenhagen.

The first highlight is Nyhavn, with its colorful facades and lively stories from your guide. This area is a favorite for many visitors, and it’s easy to see why — picture bright, historic buildings lining a canal buzzing with cafes and boats. Your guide will share amusing anecdotes about the neighborhood, which makes it a richer experience than just taking photos.

Next, you’ll visit Amalienborg Palace, where there’s a chance—though not a guarantee—of catching a glimpse of the royal family or the royal guard’s march. It’s a quick stop but adds a regal flair to the walk. From there, you’ll wander over to Frederiks Kirke (the Marble Church), an architecturally stunning building inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica. If time permits, you might get a chance to climb up to its tower for a panoramic view of Copenhagen, which is definitely a highlight for many.

Continuing, you’ll explore Kastellet, one of the best-preserved star-shaped forts in Europe, built in the 17th century. It’s a peaceful spot that offers great photo opportunities and a taste of Denmark’s military history. Before you leave, the guide recommends seeing a beautiful church nearby, adding to the charm of this historic site.

The next stop is the famous Little Mermaid statue, which has become an icon of Copenhagen. Erected in 1913, it’s more than just a sculpture; it’s a symbol of the city, and you’ll likely want to snap a selfie here. While the statue itself is small, the surrounding harbor view makes it worthwhile.

From there, things shift to a more relaxed pace with a harbor visit to Reffen, a bustling street food market on Amager. This is a chance to try local and international dishes at reasonable prices, and you can lounge on the sand with your food while soaking up the view of the city across the water.

Next, you’ll visit Our Saviour’s Church, famous for its spiral tower. Climbing up offers one of the best panoramic views of Copenhagen. The story behind the tower is both amusing and poignant, adding a bit of local lore to your visit.

The tour then takes you to Rosenborg Castle, set in a lovely royal garden. It’s a great spot to hear amusing stories about Denmark’s past monarchs and enjoy the lush surroundings, even if you don’t go inside (entry isn’t included).

Finally, you’ll reach the Round Tower, another work of Christian IV. Built in 1642, it has a unique spiral ramp and was historically used for astronomy and observation. Climbing to the top provides a fantastic view of the city and a fitting close to your tour.

The Value of This Tour: What You’re Paying For

At just over $100 per person, this tour is a decent deal considering it includes guided commentary in four languages, coffee or tea, and a goody bag with souvenirs. The group size is limited to 12, which means you’ll get a more personal experience compared to larger tours.

However, some aspects are worth considering. The tour lasts around 3 hours and 45 minutes, so it’s fairly intensive, especially since it involves walking through various sites and some uphill climbs (like the tower at Our Saviour’s Church). For those with mobility considerations, it’s a good idea to be prepared for this level of activity.

It’s also worth noting that some attractions, such as the Marble Church and Round Tower, have entrance fees (around 6-7 euros and 5 euros, respectively). These aren’t included in the tour price, so budget accordingly if you want to go inside.

The food market stop is a highlight—here, you can sample some of Copenhagen’s vibrant street food scene at reasonable prices, which adds value and variety to the experience.

The Real Deal: What’s Great and What’s Not

Guide Expertise: Travelers consistently mention that the guide, Sam, is knowledgeable and fluent in multiple languages. This makes the storytelling engaging and accessible, especially for international visitors.

Sightseeing Highlights: The stops are thoughtfully chosen, covering both historic sites and iconic symbols, providing a well-rounded feel for Copenhagen. The Little Mermaid and Rosenborg Castle are must-sees for many visitors, and the panoramic views from Our Saviour’s Church and the Round Tower leave lasting impressions.

Food and Atmosphere: The stop at Reffen is a hit for those looking to experience local flavors and enjoy relaxed scenery. The chance to sit on the sand and enjoy Copenhagen from a different perspective is a win.

Booking & Communication Issues: This is a significant downside, as some reviews mention problems with ticket issuance, unresponsive operators, and guides not showing up. It’s clear that these issues can cause stress and disappointment, especially if you’re on a tight schedule or only have limited time in the city.

Tour Duration & Group Size: The nearly four-hour walk can be quite a stretch, especially in hot weather or for less-abled travelers. But if you enjoy walking and are eager to see the city’s highlights, it’s manageable.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a rundown of Copenhagen and are comfortable with some walking. If you prefer a guided tour that combines sightseeing with local stories and a taste of the food scene, this could be a good fit.

It’s also ideal if you’re interested in getting a feel for the city’s history through stories, rather than just observing from afar. Fans of panoramic views will enjoy the towers, and those who like exploring markets will appreciate the stop at Reffen.

However, if you’re pressed for time, dislike walking, or are concerned about the booking issues reported, it might be worth researching other options or ensuring your reservation is confirmed beforehand.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For what it offers, this tour can be a rewarding way to spend part of a day in Copenhagen. The mix of history, iconic sights, and local flavor makes it appealing, especially if you’re eager for an immersive experience. The inclusion of a guide who speaks four languages adds a touch of flexibility for international visitors.

That said, be prepared for potential hiccups in booking and communication, and consider whether you’re comfortable with a fair amount of walking. The price is reasonable for the length and inclusions, especially with the added goodies and food market experience.

If you’re someone who appreciates engaging stories and loves a multi-sensory approach to sightseeing, you’d likely enjoy this tour. But if you’re after a seamless, glitch-free experience or have limited time, it might be wise to explore other options or verify your arrangements carefully.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children? While the tour doesn’t specifically highlight family-friendliness, the moderate walking and interesting stops could appeal to older children or teenagers. However, keep in mind the walking duration and potential stairs at some attractions.

What should I bring on the tour? Comfortable walking shoes, a water bottle, a hat if it’s sunny, and perhaps a camera for all the highlights.

Are the entrance fees included? No, some sites like the Marble Church and Round Tower have entrance fees (around 5-7 euros), which aren’t covered in the tour price.

How long is the tour? Approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, with breaks at various stops.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility? The tour involves quite a bit of walking and some uphill climbs, so it may not be ideal for those with mobility issues.

What languages does the guide speak? The guide is fluent in Danish, Norwegian, English, and Arabic.

What is the group size? The maximum group size is 12, which helps keep things personal and manageable.

Can I cancel this tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Where does the tour start and end? It begins at Kongens Nytorv and ends at the Round Tower, both centrally located.

Is this tour weather-dependent? Yes, it requires good weather. If canceled due to rain or poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

To sum it up, this guided walking tour of Copenhagen offers a solid overview with plenty of memorable sights and stories, perfect for those who love walking and exploring on foot. Just be prepared for some logistical hiccups, and ensure your bookings are confirmed if you decide it’s the right fit.