NYHAVN
SHOULD YOU EAT IN NYHAVN IN COPENHAGEN?
Nyhavn (New Harbor) is a harbor district in Copenhagen, one of the city's most visited tourist destinations. The harbor was excavated from 1671 to 1673 by Swedish prisoners of war from the Second Karl Gustav war (1658-1660) as an alternative to the existing port. The "Nyhavn Canal" was opened by King Christian 5. in the 1670s, but today it is just Nyhavn.
The attraction of Nyhavn are the over 300 years old charming houses. The oldest house is Nyhavn No. 9 from 1681. Today Nyhavn is covered with sidewalk cafes and restaurants.
For many years, Nyhavn was among the city's more creepy neighborhoods with seamen's hostels and related joy girls. But in the 1980s the area was refurbished thoroughly, and Nyhavn currently houses a number of nicer restaurants, cafes and bars. Among the most famous are Nyhavn 17 and Cap Horn.
The beers are not cheap in Nyhavn, but on a hot summer day they taste great
The poet H.C. Andersen has lived in four of the houses over twenty years. Today the Danish Prime minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen lives in Nyhavn.
Nyhavn is a perfect place to end a long day. Eat at one of the many restaurants, or do what the Copenhageners use to do. Buy some beers at one of the cellar stores in the side streets and sit on the dock with a beer. It's much cheaper.
But should you eat at one of Nyhavns restaurants? If it's summer and the sun is shining, yes, I think you should. You should eat in Nyhavn to feel the good atmosphere. Nyhavn is beautiful in the summer. But do not expect a high-end culinary experience. If you want a magnificent restaurant experience there are other restaurants very close to Nyhavn, which are world-class.
In June I ate at The Mermaid in Nyhavn 39. It is a good seafood bistro. It has been a restaurant since 1937, and the building is from the 16th century. The focal point is seafood from the waters around Denmark. The exceptions are the oysters from France, lobsters and scallops from Canada and salmons from Norway. You can choose to sit inside the restaurant filled with model ships. But if the weather is fine just stay at the restaurants outdoor area along the canal.
I had the Panfried filet of hake with boiled new potatoes, hollandaise and a Tuborg draft. After the main dish I choose the lemon pie Italian meringue and an Irish coffee. The service was fine and the food tasted good. The price was as expected in Nyhavn. Around 450 Dkr = 60€ = 70$.
Link to the restaurants web page: https://www.restauranthavfruen.dk
Scenes from the 2. Karl Gustav War. Students from The University of Copenhagen defend the Danish capital against attacks from the Swedish army the night between the 10-11. February 1659. The Danish king Frederik 3. is seen on the white horse on the painting in the middle. Swedish prisoners of war from this battle were forced to excavate the new harbor, Nyhavn, from 1671 to 1673. The paintings are from the late 19. century.