Nyhavn 20, Historic canal house in Nyhavn, Denmark
Nyhavn 20 is a three-story brick building with a light blue plastered facade, red tiled roofs, and two dormers facing the waterfront canal. It now functions as part of Hotel Bethel, offering accommodations to guests wishing to experience this historic waterfront neighborhood.
The building was constructed between 1778 and 1779 by merchant Andreas Bodenhoff following a royal property auction along the canal in 1770. This development helped establish the waterfront as a commercial hub attracting traders and residents over the following centuries.
The building carries the legacy of Hans Christian Andersen, who lived here and created some of his earliest fairy tales that would influence children's literature worldwide. Visitors today recognize it as a place connected to this significant literary moment in the house's story.
The building sits right along the Nyhavn waterfront, making it easy to find and view while walking the canal or from the water. Visitors can admire the facade and architectural details from outside or stay in the hotel rooms if seeking overnight accommodations.
The house was home to the Danish writer during the 1830s, a time when the waterfront was still dominated by merchants and sailors. Many visitors overlook that several of his early works were created within these walls, making it a birthplace of stories known worldwide.
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