Waterfront · City · Scenic
Copenhagen Harbour & Lakes Half
Havnen og Søerne, halvmaraton
- Distance
- 20.8 km
- Time
- 1 h 50 – 2 h 20
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Terrain
- Flat
- Surface
- Paved, gravel & cobbles
A self-guided half marathon: the Little Mermaid, Holmen, Christiania, Christianshavn, both sides of the harbour and a lap of the Lakes.
This is our favourite long run in the city, and it covers most of what makes Copenhagen special. From the Little Mermaid, run out along the Langelinie pier and back, then south along the harbour to Nyhavn.
Cross Inderhavnsbroen to the Opera and the old naval island of Holmen, then wind through Christiania and along the ramparts of Christianshavn. Cirkelbroen and the Islands Brygge quay take you south to Bryggebroen, and Kalvebod Brygge brings you back past the Black Diamond to Christiansborg.
The second half heads west to the Lakes, runs the whole chain from Sankt Jørgens Sø to Sortedams Sø, and returns via the ramparts of Kastellet to the Little Mermaid. At 20.8 km it is close to a half marathon; add a lap of Kastellet for the full 21.1.
Highlights
- The Little Mermaid and Langelinie
- The Opera and Holmen
- Christiania and the Christianshavn ramparts
- Cirkelbroen
- The Lakes
Practical notes
- Water and toilets at cafés and harbour baths along the way, but carry a bottle in summer.
- Busy around Nyhavn and the Little Mermaid from mid-morning.
- Christiania has its own rules: no photos in the Pusher Street area.
Getting to the start
S-train to Østerport, then a 10-minute walk through Kastellet.