What You Can See on a 7.5-Hour Layover in Copenhagen
What You Can See on a 7.5-Hour Layover in Copenhagen (My Walking Route from CPH Airport)
I had 7.5 hours between flights at Copenhagen Airport (CPH), which was just enough time to leave the airport, take the metro into the city, and walk a loop past some of Copenhagen’s most famous sights. I didn’t try to see everything. Instead, I focused on a realistic walking route that included Nyhavn, Inderhavnsbroen, Langelinie, the Little Mermaid, Strøget, City Hall Square, and Tivoli Gardens before returning to the airport.
Copenhagen had always interested me, but not quite enough to plan an entire trip around it. A long layover on SAS from Nice, France gave me the perfect opportunity to experience the highlights without committing several days.
Since I was arriving from another Schengen Area country, I did not have to go through passport control. Within about ten minutes of deplaning, I was purchasing a metro ticket. I took the M2 metro line from CPH Airport to Kongens Nytorv, the station closest to Nyhavn. The ride into the city was quick and easy.
What You Can See on a 7.5-Hour Layover in Copenhagen - Table of Contents
- What You Can See on a 7.5-Hour Layover in Copenhagen
- Nyhavn Area
- Inderhavnsbroen Bridge
- Langelinie
- The Little Mermaid
- Walking Back Toward Nyhavn
- Strøget Street Shopping aad Rådhuspladsen
- Tivoli Gardens
- Returning to Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
- Back to the Airport
- Copenhagen Tours
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- Related Content
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First Stop on My Copenhagen Layover: Nyhavn
To begin my Copenhagen layover walking route, I headed straight to Nyhavn. After exiting the metro station, it was only about a block’s walk to the canal.
Nyhavn, created in the 17th century, was once a busy commercial port filled with cargo ships and sailors. Today, it is one of the most recognizable sights in Copenhagen, Denmark, known for its narrow canal, colorful buildings, restaurants, and historic wooden ships.
With limited time, I walked both sides of the canal, taking in the bright façades and the steady flow of tour boats and dinner cruises. Nyhavn immediately felt like the perfect introduction to Copenhagen.
Near the end of the canal, I stopped for dinner at a restaurant advertising an all-you-can-eat grill buffet. I couldn’t pass that up. After eating, I continued toward Inderhavnsbroen (Inner Harbour Bridge).
Walking Across Inderhavnsbroen (Inner Harbour Bridge)
One of the first things you notice in Copenhagen is how many people get around by bicycle. The city is flat, and cycling infrastructure is everywhere. Inderhavnsbroen connects both sides of the harbor and includes separate lanes for bicycles and pedestrians. I recommend walking at least halfway across the bridge for a view of the harbor and the North Atlantic House.
The North Atlantic House promotes cultural exhibits from Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands. Just to the right is Kroyers Plads, where contemporary apartments create a sharp contrast against the historic harbor setting.
As I crossed back toward the original side of the harbor, I saw kayakers paddling beneath the bridge. The inner harbor was full of activity, with small boats and people enjoying the water.
Continuing Toward Langelinie and the Little Mermaid
From the bridge, I followed the harbor north toward Langelinie. The Copenhagen Opera House sits across the water, and the waterfront walk is flat and easy. The distance to Langelinie is about one mile and took me roughly 15 minutes.
The Royal Pavilions mark the beginning of Langelinie. Just past them is Københavns Toldbod, a restaurant with views across the harbor.
I continued walking through Langelinie Park. One of the sights I most wanted to see during my 7.5-hour layover in Copenhagen was the Little Mermaid statue, and the path through the park leads directly to it.
After nearly another mile of walking, I could see a crowd gathered ahead.
Seeing the Little Mermaid Statue in Copenhagen
The Little Mermaid statue is one of Copenhagen’s most famous landmarks. Sculpted by Edvard Eriksen in 1913, it was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s story The Little Mermaid.
The statue itself is smaller than many people expect. What makes it memorable is the setting — positioned on a rock along the water with open views across the harbor.
After reaching the statue, I realized I had walked nearly two miles from Nyhavn. As daylight began to fade, I decided to backtrack toward the city center so I could explore Strøget before heading back to the airport.
Walking Back Toward Nyhavn
On the return walk, I saw a float plane landing near the harbor terminal, which was an unexpected sight.
I also stopped to photograph several offshore windmills. Denmark is well known for its use of wind power, and seeing them from the waterfront was a reminder of how integrated renewable energy is in the region.
Instead of retracing my steps through Nyhavn, I took a quieter route along the flower-lined Sankt Annæ Plads, which offered a different perspective of the area.
Strøget Street and Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square)
As the sun set, I walked along Strøget, Copenhagen’s pedestrian-only shopping street in the heart of the city. Many stores were beginning to close, but I managed to pick up a few small souvenirs: a backpack pin, a Little Mermaid statue, and three wooden Nyhavn buildings for my showcase.
At the end of Strøget is Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square). Without a tripod, capturing night photos was difficult, but the square still looked impressive.
Just across the street stands Industriens Hus (Danish Industries Building). Its modern façade, illuminated with shifting lights, creates a futuristic contrast to the historic city surroundings. I really wished my tripod hadn’t been packed away.
Passing Tivoli Gardens on the Way to Copenhagen Central Station
On my way toward Copenhagen Central Station, I passed Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks. Tivoli opened in 1843 and remains one of the city’s most visited attractions.
Even without going inside, it was interesting to walk past the entrance and see the lights and atmosphere beginning to glow for the evening.
Returning to Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
By this point, I was several miles from Kongens Nytorv. Instead of taking the metro back, I walked to Copenhagen Central Station and boarded a train to Copenhagen Airport.
The train ride took about 20 minutes and made only a few stops. Since I had already checked in and was traveling with just a carry-on, the return process was smooth.
Back at the Airport
With time to spare, I walked around CPH Airport before my flight. I noticed an Air Greenland Airbus A330 parked at the gate, operating flights between Copenhagen and Greenland.
After taking a photo, I found my gate and spent the remaining time working on my website before boarding.
While I was exhausted, I was glad I had taken advantage of the opportunity. In just under five hours of actual sightseeing, I was able to walk through some of Copenhagen’s most recognizable highlights and return to the airport comfortably.
Copenhagen Tours
I personally did not feel that a guided tour in Copenhagen was necessary for a short visit. The city was easy to navigate using public transportation, and many of the major sights along my layover walking route were free to explore on my own.
That said, I understand that some travelers prefer a Copenhagen walking tour or a guided experience led by a local expert — especially if time is limited or if you want historical context along the way.
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