The Day the Soldiers Came: A Self Guided Copenhagen Walking Tour

Copenhagen , Denmark

The Day the Soldiers Came: A Self Guided Copenhagen Walking Tour

Active

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Denmark’s World War II story began in darkness, with an invasion that caught a nation asleep.

On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll follow the dramatic events of April 9, 1940 – the day Nazi Germany seized Copenhagen in a lightning-fast operation that unfolded in just a few hours. From the first German troops disembarking silently at the harbour to the final stand at the King’s palace, you’ll experience this pivotal moment in Danish history as it happened, location by location.

This tour starts at the memorial to Danish civilian sailors who died in World War I. You’ll trace the steps of German soldiers as they advanced in the dark from Langelinie quay to capture the historic Citadel fortress. Walking through Churchill Park, you’ll hear how Danish defenders were at first taken completely by surprise but quickly rallied to stage a dramatic fight back. At the same time you’ll find out how tragic this moment was for Denmark.

Available options

The Day the Soldiers Came: A Self Guided Copenhagen Walking Tour

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

A bronze winged female stands atop a white stone block on which there is a sculpted frieze depicting seafaring calamities. It is a memorial to the Danish civilian sailors who perished in World War One.

Stop 2 Pass by

The large fortress grounds, enclosed by a pentagon shaped high grass embankment, are one of the best preserved of their type, filled with historic barracks and other buildings. The listener on this tour will walk right through it and hear about its dramatic capture by German troops.

A green space next to Kastellet with lawns, trees and memorials. The listener will walk through this park and learn how it commemorates the fight back to come against German occupation.

This museum tells the story of life in Denmark under German occupation and how acts of resistance to German rule developed. The listener walks past this museum on the route and is encouraged to visit it after the tour.

Stop 5 Pass by

The four fine Rococo mansions from the late 1700s enclose a square to form Amalienborg Palace, home to the Danish Royal Family for over 200 years. It is here that the listener stands right in the middle of the dramatic final battle before Denmark surrenders to the Germans.

An equestrian statue of King Christian X, King during the German occupation of World War II, showing him in military uniform mounted on a marble pedestal. The listener will hear at this spot how he becomes a symbol of Danish identity by his daily rides on horseback through the streets of Copenhagen during the years of occupation.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

Food and drink

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions

Meeting point

This tour starts at Maritime Monument, Copenhagen. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
───
Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

───

Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
───

You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
───
For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Copenhagen

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is a charming city known for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. It seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern innovation, making it a unique and appealing destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens is one of the world's oldest and most famous amusement parks, offering a mix of thrilling rides, beautiful gardens, and live entertainment.

Entertainment 3-5 hours Moderate (150-250 DKK for entry and rides)

The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid is a famous statue inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, located by the waterside in the Langelinie park.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Castle is a 17th-century castle that houses the Danish Crown Jewels and offers a glimpse into royal Danish history.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate (115 DKK for entry)

Nyhavn

Nyhavn is a picturesque waterfront district known for its colorful 17th-century townhouses, canals, and lively atmosphere.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore (costs vary for canal tours and dining)

Christiansborg Palace

Christiansborg Palace is the seat of the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister's Office, and the Supreme Court. It also houses the Royal Reception Rooms and the Royal Stables.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate (135 DKK for entry to the Royal Reception Rooms and Royal Stables)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Smørrebrød

An open-faced sandwich typically served on rye bread, topped with ingredients like pickled herring, roast beef, or shrimp.

Lunch Can be vegetarian or vegan with appropriate toppings

Frikadeller

Danish meatballs made from a mixture of pork and veal, served with potatoes and gravy.

Dinner Contains meat

Æbleskiver

Small, spherical pancakes traditionally served during the Christmas season, often dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by jam and whipped cream.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy

Rødgrød med Fløde

A traditional Danish dessert made from berries, usually raspberries or red currants, served with cream.

Dessert Contains dairy

Popular Activities

Biking Kayaking Hiking Spas Saunas Picnicking in parks Museum visits Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Copenhagen, offering long daylight hours, pleasant weather, and a variety of outdoor activities. The city comes alive with festivals, outdoor dining, and vibrant nightlife.

15°C to 23°C 59°F to 73°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Danish
Widely spoken: English, German
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Danish Krone (DKK)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Copenhagen is generally a very safe city with a low crime rate. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Copenhagen Airport • 8 km from city center

By train

Copenhagen Central Station

By bus

Copenhagen Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Metro is efficient, clean, and easy to use. It operates 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays, making it convenient for late-night travel.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Taxa 4x35, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Indre By (Inner City) Vesterbro Nørrebro Østerbro Frederiksberg

Day trips

Malmö, Sweden

35 km from Copenhagen • Half day to full day

Malmö is a vibrant Swedish city just across the Øresund Bridge from Copenhagen, offering a mix of historic sites, modern architecture, and a lively cultural scene.

Kronborg Castle

40 km from Copenhagen • Half day

Kronborg Castle is a historic castle and UNESCO World Heritage Site, best known as the setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

50 km from Copenhagen • Full day

The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is a renowned art museum located in Humlebæk, just north of Copenhagen, offering a stunning collection of modern and contemporary art.

Festivals

Copenhagen Jazz Festival • July Copenhagen Pride • August Copenhagen Christmas Markets • December

Pro tips

Consider purchasing a Copenhagen Card for unlimited public transportation and free entry to many attractions
Use a bike to get around the city, as Copenhagen is known for its bike-friendly infrastructure and culture
Try local specialties like smørrebrød, frikadeller, and æbleskiver for a true taste of Danish cuisine
Visit the city's many museums and cultural institutions, which offer a wealth of knowledge and history
Explore the city's vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions