Hans Christian Andersen in Nyhavn

Hans Christian Andersen lived at three addresses in Nyhavn over his lifetime — and it was here, by the canal, that the fairy tales began. A short guide to the writer's Nyhavn, and how to walk in his footsteps.

Hans Christian Andersen in Nyhavn — he lived at Nyhavn 20, 67 and 18. Where the fairy tales began, where he lived longest, and where the myth about his death gets it wrong.

Three addresses, one life

Nyhavn was a constant in Hans Christian Andersen's Copenhagen. He lived on the quay three times — as a young, unknown writer, as an established author, and in his final years. The houses are still there.

Nyhavn 20 — where the fairy tales began

From 1834 to 1838 Andersen rented rooms at Nyhavn 20. It was here that, in 1835, he published his first collection of fairy tales — among them The Tinderbox, Little Claus and Big Claus, The Princess and the Pea and Little Ida's Flowers. The genre that made him world-famous began at this address.

Nyhavn 67 — seventeen years by the canal

From 1848 to 1865 Andersen lived at Nyhavn 67 — his longest stay in Nyhavn. A memorial plaque on the building marks it today.

Nyhavn 18 — one of his last addresses

From 1871 Andersen lived at Nyhavn 18, one of his final homes. Here a common misconception is worth correcting: he did not die in Nyhavn. He died on 4 August 1875 at the villa Rolighed outside the city, with his friends the Melchior family.

Walk in his footsteps

The three addresses sit along the same quay and can be seen on a short walk: start at Nyhavn 18 near Kongens Nytorv, continue to no. 20, and finish at no. 67 towards the harbour. See how to get to Nyhavn, and read our honest take on the area.

Did Hans Christian Andersen live in Nyhavn?

Yes — at three different addresses: Nyhavn 20 (1834-38), Nyhavn 67 (1848-65) and Nyhavn 18 (from 1871).

Where did he write his first fairy tales?

At Nyhavn 20, where he published his first collection of fairy tales in 1835.

Did Hans Christian Andersen die in Nyhavn?

No. He lived at Nyhavn 18 in his final years but died in 1875 at the villa Rolighed, with the Melchior family, outside the city.