DECEMBER 13 • IN COPENHAGEN'S CANALS SINCE 2006 Kayak Lucia in Copenhagen.
Lights on the Water.
A Floating Christmas Atmosphere. From a local initiative in 2006 to one of Copenhagen's most beloved Christmas traditions. Experience hundreds of illuminated kayaks gliding through the canals to the sounds of a live choir at Nyhavn, Christianshavn, and Christiansborg. 2006 Start of Tradition Started as a local initiative for a handful of passionate paddlers. 300-500+ Kayaks on the Water Clubs, private paddlers, and guests from across the country join the parade. Hundreds Spectators on Land Following the parade along quaysides and across the Circle and Inderhavn bridges. 16:30 Departure Kalvebod Bølge Kajakhotellet's shared meeting point with coffee, tea, and warm mulled wine. Official Registration • Kalvebod Bølge Book & Order Here Secure Your Spot on the Water Tickets & Refreshments for the Trip Departure Kalvebod Bølge  December 13 • Kajakhotellet Join the most magical experience of the year as hundreds of illuminated kayaks glide through Copenhagen's historic canals with songs and glowing lanterns. Complete package including sea kayak, paddle, life jacket, spray skirt, lights, and guided group departure from our base at Kalvebod Bølge. Cozy Atmosphere  Warmth & Holiday Hygge No Danish Lucia without true holiday hygge! Before and after the tour on the water, we serve steaming hot spiced mulled wine, coffee, tea, and warm æbleskiver with powdered sugar and jam. Arrive early from 3:00 PM at Kalvebod Bølge to prepare your kayak and decorate with lights – we will provide the warm drinks and authentic holiday cheer. Co-founders Since the Beginning Kajakhotellet & KajakPiloterne: A cornerstone since 2006 "Kajakhotellet (and our club KajakPiloterne) has been an indispensable part of the tradition right from the start more than 18 years ago." Starting point at Kalvebod Bølge: Each year, Kajakhotellet launches a large fleet of kayaks from our waterfront location at Kalvebod Bølge (Kalvebod Brygge). Warm-up & Hygge: Before departure, paddlers gather at Kalvebod Bølge for preparation, mounting string lights on the kayaks, and enjoying hot coffee, tea, and steaming mulled wine. From here, we paddle out together at approx. 16:30 to join the grand collective parade. Join from Kalvebod Bølge Preparation & Equipment How to Get Ready for the Parade Everything you need for kayak rentals, winter paddling gear, and route information in one place. Departure Kalvebod  Kajakhotellet Rental Rent Kayak & Gear Book a complete package with sea kayak, paddle, life jacket, and spray skirt directly from our base at Kalvebod Bølge. Book Kayak → Safety & Warmth Drysuits & Aclima Wool Stay Warm December waters demand the right clothing. We offer rental and sales of breathable drysuits, neoprene gear, and Aclima merino wool. View Winter Gear → Børskanalen  Choir on the Water Main Gathering The main procession gathers at Børskanalen / Kayak Bar, where a Stromma canal boat with a live choir (Tritonus) accompanies the fleet and leads the songs. See the Partnership → KajakPiloterne  Kajakhotellet & KiteCPH Courses & Preparation Night paddling in a tightly packed fleet requires balance and confidence. Refresh your paddle strokes and rescue skills ahead of December 13th. Learn About Courses → Helpful Advice 3 Golden Rules for Kayak Lucia 01 Drysuits are Mandatory Water temperatures in December are near freezing. A fully waterproof drysuit layered with warm merino wool (such as Aclima) is an essential requirement for your safety. 02 Battery Lights & Pine Greenery Use only battery-powered LED lights approved for outdoor conditions. Secure them firmly with duct tape or zip ties on your deck so they don't get in the way of your paddling. 03 Stay Together & Respect the Marshals With up to 500 kayaks in tight canal spaces, it is essential to keep a calm pace, give space to fellow paddlers, and always follow directions from the lead safety boats. Copenhagen's Most Magical Winter Event History, Origins, and the Canal Route 1. History and Origins: Started in 2006 The tradition of a floating Saint Lucy's parade through Copenhagen's canals began in 2006. What started as a small, local initiative for a handful of dedicated paddlers who wanted to celebrate Saint Lucy's Day (December 13th) with light upon the dark waters has grown exponentially over the years. Today, the parade gathers between 300 and 500+ kayaks from clubs, independent paddlers, and participants from all over Denmark and abroad. Thousands of spectators line the docks, bridges, and city squares to watch and sing along, made even easier by newer pedestrian and cycling bridges (such as the Circle Bridge and Inderhavn Bridge) that make it easy to follow along on foot. 2. Kajakhotellet's Role: Part of the Tradition from Day One Kajakhotellet (and our club KajakPiloterne) has been a cornerstone of the event since its inception in 2006: - Official Launch Point: Kajakhotellet launches a large fleet of kayaks directly from our waterfront location at Kalvebod Bølge (Kalvebod Brygge).
- Gathering & Atmosphere: Prior to departure, paddlers gather at Kalvebod Bølge to prep gear, attach lights to kayaks, and enjoy warm coffee, tea, and steaming mulled wine.
- Group Departure: From here, we paddle together at approx. 16:30 to link up with the main collective parade across the harbour.
»Gliding past Nyhavn's festive Christmas facades with hundreds of lanterns and hearing spectators on the bridges join in singing Santa Lucia – it's an experience you'll never forget.« – Kajakhotellet & KajakPiloterne 3. Partnership with Kayak Bar / Kayak Republic and the Route The main procession is organized as a close collaboration between the harbour's kayak communities – primarily Kajakhotellet and Kayak Bar / Kayak Republic (at Børskanalen): - Main Gathering: The parade convenes at Børskanalen / Kayak Bar, which serves as the central hub for the joint departure.
- Choir on the Water: A Stromma canal tour boat leads the way carrying a live choir (frequently the Tritonus choir), leading the carols along the water.
Scheduled Song Stops Along the Route: The parade pauses to sing the Saint Lucy song and classic Christmas carols at key spots throughout the city: - Nyhavn: The bustling Christmas market with exceptional acoustics along the colourful historic facades.
- Christianshavns Kanal: By Christianshavns Torv / the boat rental under the warm lamplight.
- BLOX / Frederiksholms Kanal: Where modern waterfront architecture meets historical canals.
- Højbro Plads / Gammel Strand: Overlooking Christiansborg Palace and vibrant Christmas lights.
- Kayak Bar: The grand festive finish with hot gløgg and celebration.
At Kajakhotellet and KiteCPH, we look forward to welcoming you onto the water. Whether you need to rent a kayak, need a drysuit, or want to paddle as a team from Kalvebod Bølge, we will make sure you have a safe, warm, and truly unforgettable Lucia night! |
