GoBoat near Nyhavn: rent a boat and steer it yourself

On a sunny day, Copenhageners rent a small electric boat, pack a picnic and steer it around the harbour themselves. Here is where GoBoat sails from, what it costs, the rules on board and a route that takes you past Nyhavn.

Rent a GoBoat and steer it yourself: where the boats sail from, why you can't sail into Nyhavn, what it costs, the rules on board and a two-hour route.

The boats sail from Islands Brygge, not Nyhavn

GoBoat's Copenhagen base is at Islands Brygge 10, across the harbour. From the anchor at the end of Nyhavn it is about 1.9 km, roughly 25 minutes on foot. GoBoat's own directions: bus 5C or 68 to Klakvigsgade, or the metro to Islands Brygge station and a ten-minute walk.

You can't sail into Nyhavn

GoBoat's harbour map marks the Nyhavn canal as a prohibited area, so you see the coloured houses from the harbour, by Inderhavnsbroen and Ofelia Plads. If you want to sail through Nyhavn itself, take one of the canal tours that leave from the quay. Canal tours from Nyhavn

What it costs

A boat costs from 549 kr on GoBoat's website (October 2026) and takes up to 8 people, children and babies included. Split between eight, that is from about 69 kr each. The price depends on the day and time, and the longer you rent the boat, the less each hour costs.

No licence, but a sober skipper

You don't need a boating licence. The person steering must be 18 and stay sober, and the crew shows you how to sail before you leave, so arrive 15 minutes early. The electric boats travel at 5–7 km/h.

**GoBoat instruction video** · GoBoatPlays from YouTube when you press play.

A picnic on board – within the rules

Bring your own food and drinks – there is a table in the middle of the boat. Alcohol is limited to two drinks per person, nothing over 15 % and no spirits, and speakers and swimming from the boat are not allowed. Dogs are welcome.

A two-hour route past Nyhavn

Head north up the harbour, past the mouth of Nyhavn to Amalienborg, opposite the Opera; GoBoat's map puts it about 30 minutes from base. On the way back you can take Christianshavns Kanal: follow the one-way arrows on the map, and remember that stopping in the canal is not allowed. Map of Nyhavn

Book ahead – or let a captain steer

GoBoat is often fully booked and has no waiting list, so book ahead. If you would rather not steer, GoBoat Harbor Tours is a one-hour trip with a captain that passes Nyhavn, for 209 kr per person. Nyhavn in summer

Can you sail a GoBoat into Nyhavn?

No. GoBoat's map marks the Nyhavn canal as a prohibited area. You see Nyhavn from the harbour, by Inderhavnsbroen and Ofelia Plads.

Do you need a licence to rent a GoBoat?

No. The person steering must be 18 and stay sober, and the crew shows you how to sail before you leave.

How much does a GoBoat cost?

From 549 kr per boat for up to 8 people (GoBoat's website, October 2026). The price depends on the day and time.