Copenhagen Denmark becomes a winter wonderland when the cold arrives. This Danish city doesn’t stop when temperatures drop – it gets even better with glowing lights, warm cafes, and that special Danish coziness called hygge.
Planning a winter trip and wondering what to do in Copenhagen Denmark? This guide shares the best spots, local favorites, and practical tips to make your visit unforgettable.
Copenhagen Guide: Things to Do in Copenhagen Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital mixes old-world charm with modern style. Copenhagen Denmark things to do range from visiting castles to eating amazing food in cozy restaurants.
Winter makes this city special. Holiday lights brighten the streets, Christmas markets fill squares with laughter, and locals show you how to enjoy life even when it’s freezing. You’ll see why Danish people are known as some of the happiest on Earth.
Where is Copenhagen Denmark?
Copenhagen Denmark sits on Denmark’s eastern coast, right between the North Sea and Baltic Sea. This Scandinavian city has been an important trading hub for hundreds of years.
The city spreads across two islands – Zealand and Amager. Sweden is so close you can see it across the water on clear days. Norway lies to the north.
Here’s something cool: Copenhagen, Denmark in winter sometimes shows Northern Lights. While it’s not common, clear winter nights between September and April might treat you to this natural light show. Pack a camera just in case!
How Do You Get to Copenhagen Denmark?
Most visitors fly into Copenhagen Denmark Airport, which connects to cities worldwide. SAS airline even serves traditional Danish pancake puffs called Æbleskiver on flights – your first taste of local culture.
Coming from Europe? You have more options. Trains run from Copenhagen Denmark Central Station to London, Amsterdam, Munich, Florence, and Brussels. These rail trips offer beautiful countryside views along the way.
Check Seat 61 for train route details and booking help. Many people love overnight trains – you sleep during travel and wake up ready to explore.
How to Get Around Copenhagen Denmark?
Walking works best in Copenhagen’s center. Most attractions sit close together, making it easy to explore on foot even during Copenhagen Denmark in December.
Biking is huge here. The city has special bike lanes, traffic lights just for cyclists, and everyone follows the rules. Unlike busy cities where biking feels dangerous, Copenhagen Denmark makes it safe and fun.
Buses and metro trains reach areas beyond walking distance. Taxis are easy to find on streets or at taxi stands across the city.
Compass Roam Tip: The Copenhagen Card
The Copenhagen Denmark Card saves money if you’re visiting museums and using public transport. It includes free entry to 89 attractions, unlimited buses and trains, and airport rides.
Kids under 11 go free with adults. Check your plans first – if you’ll visit several museums and ride public transport often, this card pays for itself quickly.
Copenhagen Denmark Winter Weather
Copenhagen Denmark in winter runs from November through February. Temperatures stay between 27°F and 40°F. These numbers might sound okay, but Nordic cold feels different – it’s damp and cuts right through you. Serious layers are necessary.
Snow starts falling around November. January and February get the most snow, but don’t expect huge amounts. The city only gets about 6 inches total each year, spread across 20-25 days.
Daylight gets short in winter. The sun rises around 8am and sets by 3:30pm. Bright sunny days are rare. This worries some visitors, but the city lights everything beautifully at night.
Despite cold and darkness, winter visits are worth it. Danes don’t let weather stop them from having fun. Streets stay busy, restaurants fill with happy people, and the city glows beautifully. Plus, hotels cost less in winter – great for your budget.
What to Pack For Winter in Copenhagen Denmark
Good clothing makes exploring much easier. Layer everything to stay warm during long walks outside.
Start with warm, waterproof boots. You’ll walk for hours on cobblestone streets. Sorel boots or similar waterproof options keep your feet happy all day.
Bring two winter coats if your suitcase allows. Wear one on the plane and pack another for variety. Both should actually keep you warm – this isn’t the place for thin fashion jackets.
Pack warm sweaters and long-sleeve shirts for layering. Wear a base layer topped with a thick sweater each day. Wool clothing from brands like Unbound Merino works great.
Thermal underwear or leggings go under your jeans. This extra layer makes a huge difference. Warm socks, like wool or Bombas brand, keep feet comfortable.
Bring gloves, a hat, and a scarf. Exposed skin gets cold fast in Nordic winter, so cover everything.
Is it Worth Visiting Copenhagen Denmark in Winter? Fifteen Things to Do
Yes! Winter shows Copenhagen’s real personality. The city loves cold weather and creates special experiences you can’t find in summer.
Visit The Christmas Markets
Copenhagen Denmark in December means Christmas markets everywhere. Small wooden huts decorated with lights and pine branches fill public squares.
Nyhavn Christmas Market lines the famous harbor with colorful buildings behind the stalls. Vendors sell handmade gifts and local crafts.
Højbro Plads Christmas Market sparkles with thousands of lights. Kids can meet Santa while parents shop and drink warm spiced wine called gløgg.
Tivoli Christmas Market sits inside an amusement park – a unique setup. Enjoy traditional treats while watching rides zoom by with Christmas lights everywhere.
Kongens Nytorv Christmas Market has gløgg and crafts, but the real star is wood-fired salmon. This slow-roasted fish melts in your mouth. Don’t skip it – it’s amazing.
Compass Roam Pro Tip
Go to the Illum department store rooftop for the best view of Højbro Plads market. From up there, you’ll see the whole festive scene and take great photos.
Experience the Hygge Spirit
Danes use the word hygge (say it like “hoo-gah”) to describe cozy comfort. It’s that warm feeling when you’re laughing with friends over hot drinks, reading by candlelight, or wrapped in blankets on a cold day.
This feeling fills Copenhagen Denmark , especially in winter. You’ll find hygge in cafes where locals relax over coffee, in Christmas markets around fire pits, and in hotel lobbies designed for comfort.
Just let it happen naturally as you explore. Step into warm bars when cold, enjoy long restaurant meals, or watch how locals create comfort everywhere. It’s about enjoying the moment and feeling content.
Take Photos of Nyhavn Harbor
Nyhavn Harbor shows up in almost every Copenhagen Denmark photo. Bright colored buildings – yellows, reds, and blues – line the water. Old wooden ships float in the canal, creating perfect picture scenes.
Photographers love this spot because it looks beautiful from every angle. Winter adds frost and holiday decorations for extra charm.
Want to see more? Take the one-hour boat cruise. Tours run regularly and pass famous spots like the Little Mermaid statue and Amalienborg Palace. Dress warmly – wind on the water makes it colder.
Compass Roam ClassRoom
Nyhavn looks beautiful now, but it has a wild history. This harbor was Copenhagen Denmark. Red Light District until the 1960s. Built in 1670 as the main port, sailors came here to drink and party.
The area had a rough reputation for almost 300 years before cleaning up in the 1970s. Today’s pretty buildings would shock people who knew it back then.
Fun fact: Famous author Hans Christian Andersen lived here for three years. Maybe the busy harbor inspired his story The Little Mermaid!
Devour a Traditional Danish Lunch
After walking in the cold, warming up with smørrebrød hits the spot. These open-faced sandwiches use thick rye bread topped with fish, meat, cheese, or vegetables.
Brooklyn Bar serves great traditional versions. Try pickled herring for authentic taste, or fried cod if you prefer mild fish. They also have vegetarian options like avocado and potato.
The place feels casual and friendly – perfect for a quick lunch while sightseeing. Add a local beer or warm drink to complete your meal.
Wander Down Picturesque Pedestrian Streets
Just walking around ranks among the best things to do in Copenhagen Denmark. Strøget and Købmagergade are the main shopping streets with both big brands and local shops.
In December, these streets turn magical with holiday lights stretching overhead. Decorations connect buildings across the walkways, creating glowing tunnels.
For quieter walks, try side streets like Magstræde. This old lane – actually Copenhagen’s oldest street – has colorful buildings and cobblestones without tourist crowds.
Visit One of the Oldest Amusement Parks in the World: Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens surprises everyone. This third-oldest amusement park in the world sits right in the city center, mixing thrilling rides with beautiful design and gardens.
The rides look like art pieces. Unlike typical carnival rides, Tivoli’s attractions feature fancy designs kept beautiful for generations. Walt Disney visited here and got ideas for his own parks.
During winter, Tivoli becomes a Christmas wonderland. Markets fill the space, rides sparkle with lights, and everything feels magical despite the cold.
Tivoli Tips
Plan carefully since Tivoli only opens during certain seasons – summer, Halloween, and Christmas. Check dates before booking your trip.
Entry tickets and ride tickets are separate. Buy a combo ticket if you want to ride things, not just walk around.
Get tickets online ahead of time. Lines move fast anyway, but having tickets ready saves a few minutes.
Skip lines by entering through the food court near Nimb Hotel. Most people use the main gate, so this entrance stays empty.
Arrive by 2-3pm to see Tivoli in daylight, then watch it transform when darkness falls and lights turn on. Both look amazing in different ways.
Book dinner ahead, especially at Gemyse, a vegetarian restaurant in a greenhouse setting. Everything tastes incredible, especially the fried polenta.
Take a Photo with the Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid statue sits on every Copenhagen must-see list. This bronze sculpture honors Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale.
The location surprises first-timers. Instead of sitting in the main harbor with city views, she’s on a rock outside the center. Factory smokestacks sit in the background, not charming buildings.
Still, visit anyway. The sculpture is beautiful up close, and the story behind it is sweet – a wealthy brewer commissioned it after loving a ballet performance.
Dress warmly since the waterfront gets super windy during Copenhagen Denmark in winter.
Bike Through The City
Biking shows you how Danes really live. Locals ride bikes all year, no matter the weather – through snow, rain, and darkness. They truly love cycling.
Join them for a real local experience. Rent bikes for about 60DKK per day and explore on your own, or book a guided tour for history and stories.
Segway Tours Copenhagen runs excellent two-hour rides. Routes include Christiansborg Palace and Amalienborg Palace, where guards change shifts. Guides share interesting facts about everything you pass.
Eat Your Way Through Torvehallerne Market
Torvehallerne Market is Copenhagen Denmark food hall, packed with vendors selling everything. Restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, and flower stands create busy, fun energy.
The indoor setup gives you a break from cold weather while keeping authentic market vibes. Outside sections sell fresh produce and flowers even in winter.
Popular spots include Grod for porridge, Hallernes for smørrebrød, Gorm’s for pizza, and Ma Poule for sandwiches. The duck confit sandwich is famous but sells out fast.
Climb to the Top of the Church Of Our Saviour
The Church of Our Saviour offers a unique climb. The first part goes up super high wooden stairs inside. Then the final section spirals along the outside of the building next to the spire.
People who make it to the top get amazing views across Copenhagen. The outside spiral creates dramatic photos and memories.
Check times first – the tower closes completely in January and February. Even when open, bad weather sometimes stops climbing for safety.
Explore the Streets and Canals of Christianshavn
After Church of Our Saviour, walk through the Christianshavn neighborhood. King Christian IV built these islands and canals in 1617 to look like Amsterdam’s waterways.
Colorful buildings and boathouses line the water everywhere you look. The area feels more like a real neighborhood than tourist zones.
All kinds of people live here peacefully. You’ll see artsy cafes, parents with strollers, artists working, and young professionals walking dogs. This mix creates a welcoming, real feeling.
Eat at the Most Unique Michelin Star Restaurant – Alouette
Alouette offers dining unlike anywhere else. Your taxi stops at an unmarked building. You’ll check the address twice, confused.
Someone appears to guide you through graffiti hallways and into an old freight elevator. It feels weird – not what you expect for fancy dining.
Then the elevator opens to a warm, glowing restaurant that feels like a friend’s kitchen. Your guide puts on an apron and starts cooking – surprise, he’s the chef!
Alouette’s menu changes constantly, so every meal brings surprises. They handle dietary needs including vegetarian and pescatarian diets. Dishes show amazing skill, like beetroot soaked for a week then smoked, or special egg custard.
Dessert might be plum ice cream with poppy seed sauce. The meal ends with a poem folded like origami – a beautiful artistic touch.
Go Back in Time to Buy Tea at A.C. Perch
A.C. Perch is one of the world’s oldest tea shops. Walking inside feels like traveling to the 1800s. Workers still use old-fashioned scales to measure tea, then wrap it in vintage containers.
Every tea lover in Copenhagen knows this place. Expect a line, but it moves fast. Watching the traditional methods and choosing from countless teas makes the short wait worth it.
Tea fans must visit – it’s a real piece of living history that hasn’t changed.
Try a Cafe a Day
Danish pastries deserve their fame worldwide. Making “a cafe a day” your goal ensures you taste the best.
Andersen and Maillard opens at 3am so bakers can make perfect croissants for breakfast. A coffee expert and former Noma chef run this amazing spot.
Conditori La Glace opened in 1870, making it one of Copenhagen’s oldest bakeries. Lines wrap around the block because everyone loves it. The hot chocolate alone is worth waiting for.
Andersen Bakery has a cool story – a Japanese tourist learned Danish baking, opened shops in Japan, then came back to open one in Copenhagen. Locals highly recommend it.
Paludan Bog and Cafe combines an old-world feel with great food. Bookshelves full of classics line the walls. It’s Instagram-famous but still feels authentic.
Buka makes artistic hot chocolate and famous almond croissants. Even when those sell out, other options like fig pistachio croissants taste amazing.
Marvel at Frederik’s Church & Explore King Street
Frederik’s Church appears suddenly with its glowing green dome rising above other buildings. The outside looks magnificent, and the inside is equally stunning.
Located on Store Kongensgage (King Street), the church sits among nice shops and restaurants perfect for exploring after your visit.
Compass Roam Classroom: Frederik’s Church Took One Hundred Forty-Five Years to Build
Frederik’s Church has a crazy construction story. Started in 1749 using all marble, the project stopped when the architect died suddenly. It sat unfinished for decades.
In the 1800s, someone bought it and continued building using cheaper limestone instead of marble. The church finally opened in 1894 – 145 years after they laid the first stone!
Next Time I’m in Copenhagen
Three days only scratches the surface. Next time, try Copenhot’s floating hot tubs on the river, Rosenborg Castle’s old treasures, and Superkilen Park’s urban vibe.
Broen’s Ice Rink has harbor views and family skating. Copenhagen Botanical Garden holds 13,000 plant species across 27 glasshouses with a cool spiral staircase for photos.
December 13th brings the Santa Lucia Kayak Parade – thousands of decorated kayaks float down the harbor singing carols. It looks magical.
The National Gallery shows Danish art, while Huset cultural center has concerts, movies, and plays. Bastard Cafe inside Huset lets locals play chess and backgammon – pure hygge.
Take day trips to Frederiksborg Castle and Kronborg Castle (Hamlet’s home). Christiansborg Palace houses the Danish Parliament and offers tower views of the city.
Where to Stay in Copenhagen Denmark
Copenhagen Denmark has boutique hotels and historic properties instead of big chain hotels. Skt Petri (becoming Hotel 1 Copenhagen) sits between the old center and trendy Latin Quarter. The bright lobby welcomes guests, and breakfast with perfect omelettes and fresh pastries starts each day right.
Nimb Hotel gets great reviews and sits next to Tivoli Gardens. This location lets you enter the park early before crowds arrive – a big advantage.
Hotel D’Angleterre has operated since 1755 as one of Europe’s top luxury hotels. Located near Kongens Nytorv, minutes from Nyhavn Harbor and Strøget, the spot can’t be better. Excellent service and fine dining complete the experience.
That’s a Wrap
Denmark ranks among the world’s happiest countries, and Copenhagen shows why. Danes don’t let weather control their lives. Whether it snows or the wind blows, locals enjoy the outdoors, fill pubs with laughter, and keep positive energy.
Winter creates magical experiences here. Streets glow with beautiful lighting, Christmas markets feel warm and cheerful, and hygge fills every cafe. Friendly locals welcome visitors genuinely and share their city with pride.
Things to do in Copenhagen Denmark fill your days with great memories – biking like locals, eating world-class food, seeing fairy-tale buildings, and finding hidden spots. Winter brings a special charm you can’t get in summer, plus cheaper hotels help your budget.
This guide gets you started, but Copenhagen rewards those who explore beyond plans. Let the city surprise you, stay flexible, and find your own favorite spots in this charming Nordic capital.
FAQs
Is Copenhagen Denmark expensive to visit during winter months?
Copenhagen costs less in winter with lower hotel prices and smaller crowds. Restaurants stay expensive all year, so budget carefully for meals and dining experiences.
Can you see the Northern Lights from Copenhagen Denmark in winter?
Northern Lights sometimes appear over Copenhagen Denmark on cold, clear nights from September to April. Sightings are unpredictable and less common than far northern locations.
What’s the best time to visit Copenhagen Denmark Christmas markets?
Christmas markets run from late November through December. Visit mid-December for a full festive atmosphere while avoiding the busiest last-minute shopping days before Christmas.
Do I need to speak Danish to visit Copenhagen Denmark?
No Danish needed – most people speak great English. Signs, menus, and transportation show English. Learning basic Danish phrases is nice but not necessary.
How many days do you need in Copenhagen Denmark?
Three to four days covers main attractions comfortably. Add more days for castle trips, deeper neighborhood exploring, or just enjoying the relaxed Danish lifestyle.
Discover magical Copenhagen in winter! Christmas markets, hygge cafes, Tivoli Gardens & hidden gems. Your complete Denmark adventure guide awaits!
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