The Historic Charm of Nyhavn 71: From Spice Warehouse to Luxury Hotel
Step into two centuries of Copenhagen's maritime history at Nyhavn 71, where luxury meets legend. Once home to precious spices from the Far East, this beautifully preserved 1804 warehouse has been transformed into Arp-Hansen's flagship hotel. Discover how cinnamon and pepper once filled the rooms where you'll now find modern comfort, and why staying here means becoming part of Copenhagen's most captivating trading story.
Standing majestically at the corner of the iconic Nyhavn canal, Hotel Nyhavn 71 offers more than just accommodation – it provides a journey through two centuries of Copenhagen's rich trading history. This isn't merely a place to rest your head; it's a living piece of Danish heritage where the aromatic ghosts of exotic spices still seem to linger in the ancient timber beams.
A Tale of Two Warehouses
Your stay at Nyhavn 71 places you within the walls of not one, but two historic warehouses that have witnessed Copenhagen's evolution from a bustling 19th-century trading hub to the modern capital we know today. The story begins in 1804-1805 when the red warehouse facing the canal – known as "Det Suhrske Pakhus" (Suhr's Warehouse) – was constructed by the merchant Ole Berendt Suhr and his business partner Ludvigsen.
Imagine the scene over 200 years ago: ships from the Far East would dock right outside these very windows, their holds filled with precious cargo. Suhr's warehouse served as the storage facility for exotic spices imported from distant Asian markets – cinnamon from Ceylon, pepper from India, and nutmeg from the Indonesian islands. These weren't mere seasonings; they were treasures as valuable as gold, stored in the secure chambers where you might now be enjoying your morning coffee.
The original brick warehouse spans an impressive 14 bays along Nyhavn and extends four stories high above a substantial cellar, testament to the serious business conducted within its walls. Two distinctive dormer windows crown the façade, standing as silent sentinels that have watched over the canal for more than two centuries.
Expanding Empire
The success of Suhr's trading enterprise led to the addition of a second warehouse in 1850 – Puggaard's Warehouse – built directly behind the original structure. This expansion reflected Copenhagen's growing importance as a Northern European trading center, where Danish merchants competed with their Dutch and English counterparts for control of the lucrative spice trade.
Connected at street level, these two warehouses formed a complex storage and distribution center that helped fuel Denmark's Golden Age prosperity. The buildings you'll explore during your stay represent the entrepreneurial spirit that made Copenhagen one of Europe's most important commercial ports.
From Warehouse to Heritage Hotel
The transformation from spice warehouse to luxury accommodation began in 1971 when visionary hotelier Alf Arp-Hansen recognized the potential of these historic buildings. Rather than demolishing them, he chose to preserve their character while adapting them for modern hospitality – a decision that would establish the foundation of what became the Arp-Hansen Hotel Group.
The building's protected status, granted in 1918, ensured that any renovation would respect its architectural integrity. This commitment to preservation means that today's guests can still experience the authentic atmosphere of a 19th-century merchant warehouse while enjoying contemporary comfort and luxury.
Modern Renaissance
Following a comprehensive renovation completed in 2018, Nyhavn 71 emerged as Arp-Hansen Hotel Group's flagship property. The restoration project was a masterclass in heritage preservation, carefully maintaining the building's rustic charm while introducing modern amenities. Original structural elements remain visible throughout the hotel, creating an authentic connection to the building's commercial past.
The renovation resulted in 150 elegant rooms that blend period character with contemporary luxury. Exposed beams, thick masonry walls, and original architectural details serve as constant reminders of the building's fascinating history, while modern amenities ensure your comfort matches that of any world-class hotel.
Your Stay in Living History
When you choose Nyhavn 71, you're not just booking a room – you're becoming part of a story that spans over two centuries. From your window, you'll gaze out over the same canal where spice-laden ships once unloaded their precious cargo. The cobblestones beneath your feet have been worn smooth by countless merchants, sailors, and traders who built Copenhagen's prosperity.
The hotel's location at the heart of Nyhavn places you within steps of Copenhagen's most beloved attractions, yet the thick warehouse walls provide a peaceful retreat from the bustling canal-side atmosphere. As evening falls and the colorful buildings reflect in the canal waters, you'll understand why this corner of Copenhagen has captivated visitors for generations.
Experience Authentic Copenhagen
Nyhavn 71 offers more than accommodation; it provides an authentic Copenhagen experience rooted in the city's maritime heritage. Every creaking floorboard, every weathered beam, every glimpse of the canal from your window connects you to the generations of adventurous souls who built this remarkable city.
Whether you're drawn by the romance of Copenhagen's fairy-tale charm or the allure of staying in a piece of living history, Nyhavn 71 promises an unforgettable experience where the past and present converge in perfect harmony. Here, surrounded by the ghosts of spice traders and the comfort of modern luxury, you'll discover that some stories are best experienced from the inside.
Book your stay at Nyhavn 71 through Golf Travel Denmark and become the latest chapter in this remarkable building's more than 200-year story. Stay in Copenhagen city center next to famous Nyhavn.
