About Nyhavns Færgekro
Welcome to Nyhavns Færgekro
Classic Danish cuisine in historic surroundings
Nestled in the heart of Copenhagen, where Nyhavn’s rich history meets the charm of the harbor, you’ll find Nyhavns Færgekro — where Danish tradition, authenticity, and maritime heritage come together. We are housed in one of Nyhavn’s oldest buildings, and our restaurant embraces the spirit of the past while offering a warm and inviting atmosphere for all who step through our doors.
Traditional Danish dishes made with quality ingredients
At Nyhavns Færgekro, we serve classic Danish dishes in historic and cozy surroundings. The taste and quality are rooted in traditional Danish cooking and prepared with care, experience, and respect for craftsmanship. Whether you visit us for lunch or dinner, you can count on honest food that is seasoned with love, from pickled herring to meatballs with pickles.
For lunch, we offer freshly prepared open-faced sandwiches and a variety of homemade herring specialties, while our evening menu consists of simple and traditional Danish dishes, made from the best seasonal ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and we invite you to enjoy both a relaxed lunch and a cozy dinner.
House specialties – Herring and aquavit
We take great pride in our homemade specialties, which make our menu truly unique. In addition to our beloved classics like crispy pork belly, whole fried plaice, and traditional tartelettes, we also offer a selection of specialties you won’t find anywhere else.
Denmark’s largest herring selection – served daily for lunch
Do you love herring or want to try the very best of this Danish specialty? Then you’re in for a treat. Our herring table is served daily for lunch and features up to 10 different homemade herring varieties. From classic mustard herring to our unique “kronesild” and “drømmesild,” there's plenty of opportunity to explore herring in all its flavorful forms. The herring table is served buffet-style, and we make sure it’s always well stocked with our homemade specialties, so you can take your time and enjoy tasting the many varieties at your own pace.
Homemade spiced aquavit
Another specialty is our homemade aquavit, which is the perfect pairing for open sandwiches, herring, and traditional Danish dishes. At Nyhavns Færgekro, we brew and infuse our own aquavit with the finest herbs and berries of the season, such as St. John’s wort, sweet woodruff, and yarrow, carefully selected from nature. We offer up to 20 different flavor varieties and proudly guarantee that you'll find an aquavit that pairs perfectly with your meal.
Our brewmaster, Rigmor, has spent over 40 years developing and refining our aquavits, and a few times a year she still experiments with new recipes. That’s why you’ll find both well-loved classics and new, surprising combinations on our list – including seasonal aquavits served especially for Christmas and Easter.
A place with character, history, and a welcoming atmosphere
Nyhavns Færgekro is more than just a restaurant; it’s a piece of Copenhagen’s living history. With its exposed beams, historic artifacts, and a setting that transports you back in time, the ambiance is as much a part of the experience as the meal itself.
In the colder months, the crackling fireplace adds to the cozy, intimate atmosphere inside, while summer invites guests to linger on our spacious terrace, taking in the lively energy of Nyhavn with a view of the canal. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat from the city’s bustle or a place to gather with friends, our doors are always open.
A building with a unique history
Nyhavns Færgekro is housed in one of Nyhavn’s oldest buildings – a harbor house dating back to the 1600s, built when King Christian V established Nyhavn. Over the years, the interiors have been carefully restored with great respect for the building’s maritime heritage, allowing guests to dine in truly historic surroundings. The walls hold so much history and here are just a few of the unique and historic features:
The marble floor in the main dining area comes from the former Dagmar Theater, which closed in 1937.
The spiral staircase, which connects the restaurant to our bright private dining rooms on the first floor, originates from an old Frederiksberg tram.
And the most remarkable historical detail is found in the windows on the first floor. This very building once housed the offices of the White Star Line – the shipping company that sold tickets for the Titanic. On a sunny day, if you look closely, you can still see the destinations etched into the glass, including “New York” and other reminders of a bygone era.
Visit us for everyday dining or special occasions
Throughout Nyhavns Færgekro, we have preserved the building’s historic and maritime character. Our bright private dining rooms on the first floor, which can accommodate up to 100 guests, feature miniature ships hanging from the ceiling and maritime Golden Age paintings on the walls. Whether you are looking for a cozy lunch, a delicious dinner, or the perfect venue for gatherings and meetings, Nyhavns Færgekro is an ideal choice.
During autumn and winter, the fireplace creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, while in spring and summer, you can experience Nyhavn’s lively energy from our large terrace overlooking the canal.
Nyhavn has been a meeting place for Copenhageners, sailors, and travelers from near and far for centuries, and we look forward to welcoming you!