Christianshavn

Old Part of the Town, Built Around Canals

Description

Christianshavn harbour was founded by Christian IV in the area between Slotsholmen and Amager. In the early years the people of the Christianshavn were given freedom from taxes in return for reclaiming the land and building houses on this bit of swampy land outside Copenhagen. The oldest houses, as for example Strandgade 30, go as far back as 1630. The well-known painters P.S. Krøyer and Wilhelm Hammershøi lived at this address. In the nineteenth century a lot of industry moved into Christianshavn, the most famous factory being Burmeister and Wain (B&W). Today Christianshavn is a very hip place to live. In the summer, a nice, simple life is led along the many canals, especially at Overgaden Oven Vande and Overgaden Neden Vande. Many of the people of Christianshavn have a boat of their own and a mooring for it. Houseboats can also be seen here. Tourists have the opportunity of dicovering this side of Christianshavn by taking a trip with one of the canal tours.