Why Renting a Boat Was Our Favorite Thing to Do in Copenhagen

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One of the most unique ways to experience Copenhagen is by renting your own boat and exploring the city’s picturesque canals at your own pace. If you’re looking for a fun activity that combines sightseeing, relaxation, and a little adventure, a GoBoat rental was easily one of the highlights of our trip.

What is GoBoat Copenhagen?

GoBoat is a self-drive boat rental company that lets visitors captain their own electric boat through Copenhagen Harbor—no boating license required.

Instead of joining a crowded canal cruise, you’ll have the freedom to explore the waterways on your own schedule.

While taking in some of the city’s most iconic sights.

Rows of GoBoat electric boats docked at Copenhagen Harbor before visitors begin their self-drive boat rental.
The GoBoat dock in Copenhagen, where visitors can rent an electric boat and explore the city’s canals

One of my favorite parts about this experience is that you’re encouraged to bring your own food and drinks aboard.

Making it perfect for everything from a picnic lunch to an afternoon with a bottle of wine while cruising through the canals.

Booking Our GoBoat Experience

We booked our rental through GetYourGuide, which made the entire process incredibly easy.

After arriving at GoBoat, we simply scanned our voucher, checked in, and were taken directly to our private boat.

The GetYourGuide app displaying a Copenhagen boat rental reservation before check-in at GoBoat.
We booked our Copenhagen boat rental through GetYourGuide, making check-in quick and easy

The staff was friendly and made the check-in process quick, so we were out on the water in just a few minutes.

Learning to Drive the Boat

Before setting off, the team gave us a map of Copenhagen Harbor and explained where we could and couldn’t go during our rental.

They also showed us how to operate the boat using a small throttle lever.

I’ll admit it felt a little intimidating at first, especially since neither of us had driven a boat before.

A visitor using the throttle to steer a self-drive electric boat through Copenhagen's canals.
Driving a self-driving boat in Copenhagen is surprisingly easy. After a quick safety briefing, you’ll be cruising through the canals in just a few minutes.

But after just a few minutes, it became surprisingly easy.

The boats move at a relaxed pace, making them beginner-friendly and allowing you to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Cruising Through Copenhagen’s Canals

Once we got comfortable driving, we spent the next couple of hours slowly cruising through Copenhagen Harbor.

Seeing the city from the water gives you an entirely different perspective than walking the streets.

A ferry crossing Copenhagen Harbor while exploring the city's canals on a self-drive boat rental.
Cruising through Copenhagen Harbor offers beautiful waterfront views

You’ll pass colorful waterfront neighborhoods, modern architecture, charming bridges, and plenty of locals enjoying the harbor.

Because you’re driving yourself, you can stop to take photos, enjoy your snacks, or simply float for a while before continuing your route.

Bring Your Own Food and Wine

One of the things that makes GoBoat stand out is that you can bring your own picnic onboard.

We packed wine and snacks for the ride, and it honestly made the experience even more memorable.

A bottle of wine and snacks on a self-drive boat during a GoBoat rental in Copenhagen Harbor.
One of the best parts of renting a GoBoat in Copenhagen is bringing your own wine and snacks

Instead of rushing through another sightseeing activity, we were able to relax, enjoy the views, and take our time exploring Copenhagen from the water.

A visitor relaxing on a self-drive boat while exploring the canals of Copenhagen with a bottle of wine.
Renting a boat in Copenhagen is one of the best ways to experience the city’s canals at your own pace.

If you’re visiting during the warmer months, I’d highly recommend bringing a small picnic to enjoy during your cruise.

Is GoBoat Copenhagen Worth It?

Absolutely!

Out of everything we did in Copenhagen, this ended up being one of our favorite experiences.

It offers a unique way to see the city while giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Historic waterfront architecture viewed while cruising through the Copenhagen canals on an electric boat rental.
One of the best parts of exploring the Copenhagen canals is seeing the city’s beautiful waterfront architecture

Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or as a family, renting a GoBoat is a memorable activity that feels much more personal than a traditional canal tour.

If you’re looking for one experience to add to your Copenhagen itinerary, this would be near the top of my list.

Watch My Experience

Want to see what this experience is really like?

I filmed our entire visit so you can see exactly what to expect before you go!

Book Your GoBoat Experience

If you’re planning a trip to Copenhagen, I highly recommend adding a GoBoat rental to your itinerary.

It was one of our favorite experiences during our visit and offered a completely different perspective of the city than exploring on foot.

We booked our experience through GetYourGuide, and the process was quick and seamless from start to finish.

If you’d like to book the same experience, you can use my GetYourGuide link below:

👉 Book Your GoBoat Experience Here!

Tips Before You Go

  • Reserve your boat in advance, especially during the summer.
  • Arrive about 15 minutes before your reservation.
  • Bring snacks, drinks, or even a picnic.
  • Don’t worry if you’ve never driven a boat before—the staff explains everything.
  • Wear layers since it can be cooler out on the water.
  • Charge your phone before boarding because you’ll want plenty of photos.

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