DECEMBER 13TH • IN COPENHAGEN CANALS SINCE 2006 Kayak Lucia in Copenhagen.
Lights on the Water.
A Floating Holiday Magic. From a local initiative in 2006 to one of Copenhagen's most beloved holiday traditions. Experience hundreds of illuminated kayaks gliding through the canals to live choir performances at Nyhavn, Christianshavn, and Christiansborg. 2006 Tradition Began Started as a local initiative by a handful of passionate paddlers. 300-500+ Kayaks on the Water Clubs, private paddlers, and guests from all over gather in the parade. Hundreds Spectators on Land Following the parade along the quays and across the harbour footbridges. 16:30 Departure from Kalvebod Bølge Kajakhotellet's shared launch site with hot coffee, tea, and warm gløgg. Co-Founders Since the Beginning Kajakhotellet & KajakPiloterne: A Key Cornerstone Since 2006 "Kajakhotellet (and our club KajakPiloterne) has been an indispensable part of this tradition right from the very beginning over 18 years ago." Starting Point at Kalvebod Bølge: Every year, Kajakhotellet launches a large fleet of kayaks from our location at Kalvebod Bølge (Kalvebod Brygge). Gathering & Warm-up: Before heading out, paddlers meet at Kalvebod Bølge to gear up, decorate their kayaks with fairy lights, and enjoy hot coffee, tea, and mulled wine. From here, we paddle out together at approx. 16:30 to join the grand parade. Join from Kalvebod Bølge Preparation & Gear How to Get Ready for the Parade Everything you need for kayak rental, winter apparel, and route information in one place. Kalvebod Launch  Kayak Rental Rent Kayak & Gear Book a complete package including sea kayak, paddle, life vest, and spraydeck directly from our base at Kalvebod Bølge. Book Kayak → Safety & Warmth  Drysuits & Merino Wool Stay Warm December waters require the proper equipment. We offer rental and sale of breathable drysuits, neoprene, and warm merino wool. View Winter Gear → Børsen Canal  Choir on the Water Main Gathering The main procession gathers at Børskanalen / Kayak Bar, where a Stromma canal boat with a live choir leads the singing. See the Partnership → KajakPiloterne  Kayak Denmark & Training Courses & Preparation Night paddling in a dense fleet requires balance and confidence. Refresh your paddle strokes and rescue techniques before December 13th. Read About Courses → Helpful Advice 3 Golden Rules for Kayak Lucia 01 Drysuits are Mandatory Water temperatures in December hover close to freezing. A waterproof drysuit with warm merino wool (such as Aclima) underneath is an absolute requirement for your safety. 02 Fairy Lights & Pine Use only battery-powered LED fairy lights designed for outdoor use. Secure them firmly with duct tape or zip ties to your deck so they do not interfere with your paddling. 03 Stay in Formation & Follow the Leads With up to 500 kayaks in confined canals, maintaining a steady, relaxed pace, giving room, and following instructions from the lead safety boats is essential. Copenhagen's Most Magical Winter Event History, Origins, and the Canal Route 1. History and Origins: Started in 2006 The tradition of a floating St. Lucia parade in Copenhagen's canals began back in 2006. What originally started as a small, local gathering for a handful of dedicated kayak paddlers wishing to celebrate St. Lucia Day (December 13th) with light on dark winter waters has grown tremendously over the years. Today, the parade brings together between 300 and 500+ kayaks from kayak clubs, independent paddlers, and visitors from across the country. Simultaneously, thousands of spectators line the harbour quays, bridges, and city squares to watch and sing along, aided by Copenhagen's newer pedestrian and bicycle bridges (such as the Circle Bridge and Inner Harbour Bridge) that make it easy to follow the route on foot. 2. Kajakhotellet's Role: There From the Very First Paddle Stroke Kajakhotellet (and our club KajakPiloterne) has been a cornerstone of this tradition since its inception in 2006: - Starting Point: Kajakhotellet launches a large group of kayakers from our harbour location at Kalvebod Bølge (Kalvebod Brygge).
- Gathering & Setup: Before launching, participants gather at Kalvebod Bølge to prep, wrap kayaks in bright holiday lights, and warm up with coffee, tea, and steaming Danish gløgg.
- Group Launch: From here, we paddle out as a fleet at approx. 16:30 to join the wider procession in the main harbour.
»Gliding past Nyhavn's brightly lit historic facades surrounded by hundreds of glowing lanterns and hearing spectators on the bridges join in the St. Lucia song – it is an unforgettable holiday experience.« – Kajakhotellet & KajakPiloterne 3. Partnership with Kayak Bar / Kayak Republic and the Route The main parade is today a collaborative celebration organized across the harbour's community – primarily between Kajakhotellet (Kalvebod Brygge) and Kayak Bar / Kayak Republic (at Børskanalen): - Central Rendezvous: The entire fleet meets by Børskanalen / Kayak Bar, serving as the official start of the combined parade.
- Choir on the Water: A Stromma canal boat follows the kayaks carrying a live choir (often Tritonus) that leads the singing across the water.
Scheduled Singing Stops: The procession pauses to perform the traditional Santa Lucia hymn and classic Christmas carols at selected iconic spots: - Nyhavn: The bustling Christmas market with exceptional acoustics reverberating along the old townhouses.
- Christianshavn Canal: By Christianshavns Torv / the canal boat dock under the quaint historic street lamps.
- BLOX / Frederiksholms Canal: Where modern architectural Copenhagen connects with historic water passages.
- Højbro Plads / Gammel Strand: With picturesque views of Christiansborg Palace and the city lights.
- Kayak Bar: The grand festive finale with warm drinks and holiday celebrations.
At Kayak Denmark, we look forward to welcoming you out on the water. Whether you need to rent a kayak, require a winter drysuit, or want to join our fleet from Kalvebod Bølge, we make sure you have a safe, warm, and unforgettable St. Lucia experience! |
