Jewish Walking Tour of Copenhagen and Danish Jewish Museum

A Closer Look at the Jewish Walking Tour of Copenhagen and the Danish Jewish Museum

This sightseeing experience offers a fascinating glimpse into Copenhagen’s Jewish community, history, and culture. While we haven’t personally walked the streets, the reviews and itinerary suggest it’s a well-rounded way to understand this vibrant part of the city.

What we love about this tour is its combination of outdoor exploration and museum visits, giving you both a sense of place and a chance to see significant artifacts. The knowledgeable guides seem to bring the history alive, and the skip-the-line tickets for the Danish Jewish Museum mean more time immersed in exhibits rather than waiting in queues.

A potential drawback? The price point of $247 per person may seem steep for some travelers, especially given the 2-3 hour duration. But for those interested in Jewish history and Copenhagen’s cultural landscape, it could be worth the investment.

This tour is perfect for visitors who want a deeper understanding of the Jewish community’s role in Copenhagen, especially if you’re curious about WWII stories, religious sites, and local traditions. It’s also a good fit if you prefer guided walks, detailed narratives, and a mix of outdoor and indoor sights.

Good To Know

• In-Depth Cultural Experience: Combines walking through historic sites with a museum visit, enriching your understanding.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides are praised for their interesting facts and clear explanations.
• Skip-the-Line Tickets: The 3-hour tour includes reserved museum access, saving you time.
• Flexible Tour Options: Choose between a 2-hour overview or a 3-hour detailed experience.
• Focus on WWII and Jewish History: Highlights Danish efforts during WWII and Jewish contributions to Copenhagen.
• Well-Organized and Personal: The small group size allows for better engagement and questions.

Why This Tour Appeals

This tour offers an authentic and engaging way to learn about Copenhagen’s Jewish heritage without feeling rushed. It covers key elements like the Great Synagogue, Nyhavn, the Round Tower, and the Danish Jewish Museum, making it suitable for history buffs, Jewish culture enthusiasts, or anyone interested in Denmark’s wartime resilience.

The inclusion of a skipped line at the museum is particularly valuable—more time exploring exhibits like Mitzvah traditions and modern Jewish history, which really helps contextualize the community’s current presence. The guides are described as “excellent” and well-informed, a crucial factor for making the tour engaging and educational.

However, you should be aware that entry to the Great Synagogue isn’t included, and the museum tickets are only included in the 3-hour option. The 2-hour tour offers a good overview but skips the museum visit, which may be a consideration for those wanting a more comprehensive experience.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Meeting Point at Hotel D’Angleterre: Starting precisely outside this iconic hotel, your guide will be waiting to begin the journey. Remember, this is just a meeting spot, not an entry point, and staff aren’t briefed about the tour—so keep an eye out for your guide.

Nyhavn: Your first stop is at Copenhagen’s famous harbor, near the Memorial Anchor, which commemorates WWII sailors. Here, your guide begins by discussing Denmark’s brave rescue efforts during the Nazi occupation. This historic site sets a powerful tone for the tour, linking the city’s past to its Jewish community.

Historical Context: You’ll hear about how Jewish residents were welcomed by King Christian IV in 1662, which is a key part of Copenhagen’s welcoming attitude toward Jewish people. The guide will highlight their contributions, from science to arts, giving a well-rounded picture of their integration into Danish society.

The Round Tower: Passing by this 17th-century observatory, you’ll get insights into Denmark’s scientific history. The Danish Collection—founded by a Jewish-descended figure, C.H. David—is another highlight. Expect to see an iconic landmark with a story, blending architecture and history.

Københavns Synagoge: The tour’s centerpiece, this synagogue is the heart of the Jewish community in Copenhagen. While entry isn’t included, viewing it from the outside provides a sense of its importance. The guide will share stories about the community’s resilience and traditions, along with nearby sites like the University and Cathedral.

Danish Jewish Museum: In the 3-hour option, you’ll skip the queue with pre-booked tickets, gaining more time to explore exhibits. The museum covers Jewish rituals like Mitzvah and discusses Denmark’s modern Jewish history, enriching your understanding of their ongoing story.

Practical Details and What They Mean for You

Tour Duration and Flexibility: The 2-hour version offers a quick but meaningful overview, perfect for those on a tight schedule or preferring a brief taste. The 3-hour option allows for a more in-depth experience, especially with museum access included.

Price Point and Value: At $247, this tour is on the higher end, especially considering the 2-hour option doesn’t include museum tickets. But reviews indicate that the guides’ knowledge and the skip-the-line access to the museum make it worthwhile for history enthusiasts.

Group Size and Personal Attention: Limited to 23 guests, the small group size means your guide can answer questions clearly and tailor the experience. Larger groups can be accommodated with additional guides, ensuring everyone gets the attention they need.

Accessibility and Convenience: The meeting point is near public transportation, making it easier to access. Most travelers should find it straightforward to join, but do note that entry to certain sites isn’t included — plan accordingly if you wish to see them inside.

Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour allows some flexibility if your plans change unexpectedly.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One reviewer, Jackie L., described the guide as “excellent,” emphasizing how the interesting facts and engaging narration made the experience enjoyable. She also appreciated the historical context, calling the tour “something everyone should do.” Conversely, another traveler, Mindy G., found the price high for the 2-hour experience and felt it was not very focused on Jewish topics — highlighting the importance of choosing the right option for your interests.

These honest perspectives underscore the importance of selecting the tour length and museum inclusion based on your expectations. If you’re looking for a well-informed guide and cultural depth, the 3-hour tour will likely deliver more value.

The Sum Up

This Jewish walking tour of Copenhagen offers a thoughtful, well-organized look into the city’s Jewish community, history, and contributions. It balances outdoor exploration with a meaningful museum visit (if you opt for the 3-hour version), making it an excellent choice for history lovers and those wanting to understand Denmark’s wartime resilience.

While the price might seem high, the inclusion of skip-the-line museum tickets and expert guides means you’ll get more than just a walk — you’ll gain insights that stick with you. It’s especially suited for visitors who value context, expert storytelling, and a slightly more in-depth cultural experience.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer to focus solely on outdoor sights, this tour might feel a bit pricey for the scope of what’s included. Still, with its engaging narratives and authentic sites, it’s a meaningful way to connect with Copenhagen’s Jewish past and present.

FAQ

Is entry to the Great Synagogue included in this tour?
No, entry to the Great Synagogue isn’t included, so you might view it from the outside or choose to visit separately if you wish to go inside.

Are museum tickets included in the 2-hour tour?
No, the skip-the-line tickets are only included in the 3-hour tour option. If you want inside access, the longer tour is the way to go.

How long does the Danish Jewish Museum visit take?
The museum visit is approximately one hour with the skip-the-line tickets in the 3-hour tour.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

What is the group size for this tour?
The group is limited to 23 guests for a more personal experience, though larger groups can be accommodated with extra guides.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins in front of Hotel D’Angleterre at Kongens Nytorv and ends back at the same meeting point.

What are the main highlights I will see?
Expect to see Nyhavn, the Round Tower, Københavns Synagoge, and if you choose the longer option, the Danish Jewish Museum.

Is this suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but consider mobility needs if planning to walk and visit museums. The tour is designed to be engaging for a wide audience.

In essence, this tour is an enriching way to explore a vital part of Copenhagen’s fabric, perfect for those eager to connect history and culture with their sightseeing.