Copenhagen’s Royal History: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Copenhagen’s Royal History: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Imagine wandering through Copenhagen at your own speed, soaking in the sights and stories of the Danish royal family and the city’s historic landmarks. For just $7.99, this self-guided audio tour offers a flexible way to explore key sites like Amalienborg Palace, Nyhavn, and the Royal Danish Theatre, all within about two hours. Starting at Kongens Nytorv and ending at Christian IX’s Palace, it’s a compact yet comprehensive glimpse into the city’s regal past.

What we find especially appealing about this experience is its lifetime access to the audio guide—meaning you can revisit the stories anytime—and its offline usability, so you won’t rack up roaming charges as you stroll. Plus, the turn-by-turn directions keep you on track without the need for a guidebook or group. On the flip side, some travelers note that navigation can be a bit challenging at times, especially if you’re used to automatic start features. Still, this tour is an excellent choice for those who enjoy wandering independently and learning as they go.

This experience suits anyone who appreciates history, architecture, and royal stories but doesn’t want to be tied to a tight schedule. It’s perfect for independent travelers, history buffs, or casual visitors looking to add depth to their city walk without the expense of a guided tour. If you prefer a flexible, cost-effective way to discover Copenhagen’s royal side, this tour could become a favorite.

Key Points

• Flexible self-guided format allows you to explore at your own pace
• Includes essential sites like Amalienborg, Nyhavn, and Charlottenborg
• Offline access helps avoid data charges and works without Wi-Fi
• Lifetime access means you can revisit the stories anytime
• Cost-effective at under $8, offering good value for an educational experience
• Navigation may require some attention due to mixed auto-start performance

Exploring Copenhagen’s Royal Heritage on Your Terms

This self-guided tour makes it easy to uncover Copenhagen’s history without the pressure of a scheduled group or the expense of a private guide. For just under $8, you get audio commentary that paints a vivid picture of the city’s royal past and architecture. The tour’s starting point at Kongens Nytorv places you right in the heart of the city, with modern shops and historic surroundings that set the scene for your journey.

What the Tour Covers

The first stop inside King’s New Square introduces you to the tour’s logistics. The narration explains how VoiceMap works, setting a relaxed tone for your exploration. From there, you’ll wander past Charlottenborg Palace, home to Denmark’s Academy of Fine Arts, and hear about Queen Charlotte Amalie of Denmark and Norway. We loved how the guide provides context about the architecture and royal figures without overwhelming you—perfect for a casual stroll.

Next, the Royal Danish Theatre offers a glimpse into Denmark’s performing arts history, with a short discussion about its cultural importance. Walking down Strøget, the bustling shopping street, you’ll hear about its significance as one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, giving a sense of the city’s vibrant daily life.

Crossing Nyhavn, you’ll see the iconic waterfront filled with colorful houses and historic ships. The narration recounts the harbor’s past as a lively trading hub, while you admire the picturesque scene. As you reach Amaliehaven, a tranquil garden with great views of the harbor, you’ll hear about its creation and role as a royal leisure space.

The grand finale takes you around Amalienborg, the royal residence where Denmark’s monarchs still live today. Walking outside the palaces, you’ll learn about the history of the Danish royal family and their residences. The narration provides enough detail to feel connected to the royal story without overwhelming.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise the guide’s engaging narration and educational content. One reviewer from Theresa in May 2025 called it a “great self-guided audio walk,” highlighting how the app worked flawlessly and allowed her to go at her own pace. Meredith appreciated the interesting commentary about architecture and modern royals, although she wished there was less standing still—understandable since audio guides tend to pause for narration.

Amanda found it “the perfect solution to fill an afternoon,” noting how the GPS feature let her wander freely without needing to constantly check her map. She sums it up as “highly recommended,” especially for those who prefer walking at their own speed and want a richer experience than just window-shopping.

Ellen, on the other hand, pointed out that navigation can sometimes be tricky as the auto-start function doesn’t always work seamlessly. She had to manually trigger the audio, which might be a downside for some. Still, she found the length and level of detail quite suitable for a casual exploration.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The biggest value is the lifetime access to the audio guide, which works on both Android and iOS devices, offline, without needing an internet connection. This makes it practical for travelers concerned about data costs or Wi-Fi availability. The tour does not include entrance fees to any attractions, so if you want to step inside palaces or museums, plan ahead and buy tickets separately.

You’ll need your smartphone and headphones—the tour provides the content, but you’re responsible for your transport, food, and drinks. There’s no group, so it’s a private experience, ideal if you’re traveling with family or a small group. The starting point is easy to reach via public transport, with the tour operating daily from noon until late evening, giving you plenty of flexibility.

Walkthrough of the Itinerary

Kongens Nytorv: Your starting point, this grand square sets the scene with its regal connections. Here, you’ll get an overview of how the tour works and what to expect.

Charlottenborg Palace: From the outside, this neoclassical building is striking, and the narration adds context about Queen Charlotte Amalie’s influence and the architecture’s significance. We liked the balance of historical facts and colorful anecdotes.

Royal Danish Theatre: A short walk takes you to this historic venue, which has hosted performances since the 18th century. The guide shares stories about its cultural importance and some famous performances.

Strøget: As you pass by this lively pedestrian street, you’ll hear about its evolution from a royal shopping street to a modern hub. It’s a great place for people-watching and soaking in city life.

Nyhavn: Perhaps the most photographed spot in Copenhagen, the canal is lined with charming, colorful houses and historic ships. The narration recounts its days as a busy port and trading center.

Amaliehaven: A quiet oasis with views over the harbor, this garden was created as a royal retreat. The guide explains its history and the significance of the royal influence on public spaces.

Amalienborg: Your final stop, this is the Danish royal family’s modern residence. Walking around the outside, you’ll hear stories about the palace’s history, the changing of the guard, and royal traditions still alive today.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is best suited for independent travelers who want the freedom to explore at their own pace without sacrificing educational content. History lovers will appreciate the detailed narration, and those interested in architecture and royal stories will find plenty to enjoy. It’s particularly good for families or couples looking for a flexible, fun way to add context to their walk through Copenhagen.

If you’re the type who prefers guided groups, this might not be your best option. But for anyone who enjoys audiobooks, self-paced exploration, and authentic city streets, this tour offers excellent value and a memorable way to connect with Copenhagen’s royal heritage.

The Sum Up

This Copenhagen self-guided tour blends flexibility, affordability, and solid content into a package that’s hard to beat for independent explorers. It’s an accessible way to understand the city’s royal sites without the cost or scheduling constraints of a guided tour. The lifetime access and offline capability mean you can revisit the stories long after your walk is over, which adds real value.

While navigation issues may occur, they’re manageable with a little patience, and the overall experience is enriched by the detailed narration and well-chosen stops. The tour offers a nice balance of history, architecture, and royal tales, making it especially appealing to history buffs, architecture lovers, or anyone wanting a more meaningful walk through Copenhagen.

Ultimately, whether you’re looking to fill an afternoon or want to learn more about Denmark’s royal history at your own pace, this tour delivers a practical, engaging, and cost-effective experience—well worth considering for your Copenhagen itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it’s designed to be accessible for most travelers. The narration is engaging and straightforward, making it suitable for both history enthusiasts and casual visitors.

Do I need a special app to use this tour?
You only need the VoiceMap app, which is available for Android and iOS. Once downloaded, the tour content is stored offline, so no internet connection is required during your walk.

Can I start and stop the tour whenever I want?
Absolutely. The tour is self-guided, so you can pause, restart, or skip sections as it fits your schedule. Just keep in mind that navigation might require some manual intervention if auto-start features don’t work perfectly.

Are there any additional costs I should know about?
Yes, entrance fees to attractions like palaces or museums are not included. You may want to budget separately if you plan to go inside any sites.

Is this tour available year-round?
Yes, the tour is available from August 2021 through June 2026 and operates daily from noon to late evening, offering flexibility regardless of the season.

Will I need to carry my phone all the time?
Yes, since the tour uses your smartphone for audio and navigation, you’ll want to have your device handy during the walk. Headphones are recommended for a better listening experience.