Winter casts its shadows at 4:00 pm, the hygge at its peak, the winter decorations light up. The atmosphere of Copenhagen is very different in winter, but just as warm. Copenhagen transforms during the winter and Christmas in particular is personified by vintage decorations and a feel-good aura… Christmas markets pop up around the city, the gløgg is never ending, the lights brighten the atmosphere and stores dedicate everything to their decorations… Visiting Copenhagen in winter is bound to be magical, and even more so on a Donkey Republic bike!
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Covid-19 in Denmark: Since Nov. 29th, wearing face masks is mandatory in public transport, in shops and both in outdoor and indoor events. Note that nightclubs are closed until January, and both bars and restaurants should close their doors at mignight. You can find more info on this page.
Visit the Christmas markets in Copenhagen
The smell of spices in the mulled wine (which Danes call “gløgg”) and cinnamon buns, the Christmas playlist in the shopping streets and around the Christmas markets, the atmosphere of Copenhagen will transport you to a magical world. This is one of the many reasons why visiting Copenhagen in winter, especially in December, is a great idea! You can find quaint Christmas markets scattered all over the Danish capital. Inside these ephemeral villages of chalets, you will find local and international handicrafts and lots of good eats. The main Christmas markets in Copenhagen are:
- The King’s New Square Christmas Market (Julemarked Kongens Nytorv)
- The High Bridge Square Christmas Market (Julemarked Højbro Plads)
- H.C. Andersen Christmas Market (HC Andersen Julemarked)
- Tivoli Market
- Freetown Christiania is famous for its Oriental-like atmosphere
Why not take a bike tour of Copenhagen’s Christmas markets? Winter should not slow you down! Look at the locals, no matter what the weather is, they don’t change their travel habits, just their attire. With its 350 km of secure bike paths, the Danish capital offers tourists an ideal playground to hop on a Donkey bike and ride to each Christmas market.
If you want to discover the best Christmas markets, you should give a chance to Budapest or Amsterdam!
Visit one the palaces in Copenhagen
Of all the treasures to visit in central Copenhagen, the 17th century Rosenborg Castle is by far one of the most beautiful in the city. Built in the early 17th century in the Kongens Have (or King’s Gardens) in the north of the city, it is a must-see for all local culture lovers and those who wonder what to do in Copenhagen. Originally built by King Christian IV as a royal residence, it opened to visitors in 1830 as a museum. Today, Rosenborg Castle still houses a magnificent collection of royal objects, various pieces of furniture and art.
Hop on a Donkey and ride towards the next palace, Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Danish rulers. Amalienborg consists of four identical buildings surrounding a large square with a statue of King Frederik V. At the Amalienborg Museum in Christian VIII’s palace, you can learn about royal life in the past and today. The museum showcases the private interiors of the most recent kings and queens and an exhibition about the present monarchy along with their traditions. Amalienborg is also known for its royal guard, called Den Kongelige Livgarde. You can spot it everyday at 12:00 pm (noon) to perform a codified and iconic show. If you are a castle lover, you should also have a look at Christiansborg Palace, Frederiksberg Palace or Bernstorff Palace, all easily accessible by public transport or even by bike!
Enjoy ice skating at Frederiksberg Have
The beautiful entrance of Frederiksberg Garden welcomes guests every winter with a great ice rink that allows you to show off your skills and have fun on the ice. Frederiksberg Runddel is free for everyone, you would only have to rent a pair of skates for DKK 50 (7€).
Traditionally, people skate counterclockwise for a mysterious reason, so be aware! On some days, the ice rink can be as busy as Dronning Louise Bro during rush hour. The ice rink opens around the last Saturday of November and closes on the last Sunday of February, all depending on the weather. So no matter when you are visiting Copenhagen during the winter season, you will always have a fun outdoor activity to do with friends and family!
Jump into the Tivoli fairyland
Inaugurated in 1843, Tivoli is one of the oldest theme parks in the world! Nestled in the heart of the city, it’s an extraordinary place not to be missed, whether you’re a thrill seeker or not. And… One of the nicest times to enjoy the park is certainly Christmas, as Tivoli puts on its winter coat to offer you a pure moment of magic! The park is covered with a coat of artificial snow, the alleys are filled with small Nordic chalets where you can find all kinds of crafts, snowballs, furs, warm clothes and the delicious smell of mulled wine and waffles fill the air. The best time to walk around is in the middle of the afternoon, as night falls at 3:30 pm during the winter season in Denmark. If you are running late – or riding late on your Donkey bike/s – you will be one of the lucky ones to enjoy a grandiose light show thanks to all the Christmas lights that cover the trees and structures of the park.
Among the attractions are roller coasters, boat rides, rifle shooting, fairground rides, a Scandinavian area and an Asian inspired area with a pavilion. In short, Tivoli is one of the must-sees in Copenhagen!
Experience the hygge in a cosy café
Visiting Copenhagen in winter is also a good excuse to take many breaks in cafes and stores to warm up. One of the local favorite areas for coffee or tea is Christianshavn – not to be confused with Christiania, the free-town. Once a working class neighborhood, Christianshavn has transformed itself into a lively and trendy area with its own distinctive personality. All walks of life reside by the cool cafes, affordable restaurants and beautiful 19-century houses along picturesque canals. We recommend Café Wilder, where you can sit on the terrasse, thanks to the outdoor heaters, Cafe Månefiskeren in Christiania for a hygge experience or Færgecafé for a tasty coffee.
Do you want to explore the best cafés in Copenhagen this winter? Do it on a Donkey bike!
Admire the collections at the National Art Museum
There are so many museums in the Danish capital that it is hard to choose just one. Nevertheless, Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK) is a museum that should be on your list, especially during the winter season. This museum of fine arts has several thousand works from the 12th century to today. The museum has a large focus on life scenes, landscapes and portraits from all epocas. It’s a good way to discover Danish artists who have left their imprints in the art world such as Jens Juel and Laurits Andersen Ring. You can also discover the work of great masters of classical art like Rubens, Rembrandt, Picasso, Modigliani…
Cool down like the Vikings in a Nordic bath
If, while touring the museums things start to heat up, no doubt you can think about cooling down by kissing the waves like real Vikings. Don’t worry, if winter swimming isn’t in your wheelhouse, there are alternatives! Why not get comfortable in a warm floating tub while you enjoy the view and sail around the capital’s harbor? Or how does taking off your bathing suit and enjoying a sauna in a barrel sound to you? If you are already enthusiastic about the idea, stop by one of the best spots to swim during winter in Copenhagen:
- Kalvebod Bølge at Islands Brygge
- Svanemøllen : Svaneknoppen 7
- Strandbad in Norhavn, Sandkaj 27
- Kastrup Søbad: Amager Strandvej 301 in Kastrup
- Vinterbadstue, Strandparksvej 44 in Hellerup
- Havnebadet in Sluseholmen (Sydhavn)
- Bellevue beach and pontoons in Klampenborg
- A platform, pontoons and even a sauna at Refshalevej 141 (next to the restaurant Banchina).
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Copenhagen
Fireworks and parties: these are the keywords for a successful New Year’s Eve in Copenhagen. The main attraction takes place at midnight in the City Hall Square when people gather towards the square to ring in the New Year with their friends and families. As soon as the clock turns to midnight, you will see fireworks lighting up the sky everywhere. Head to Islands Brygge or on the Lakes or find a spot nearby Tivoli to appreciate the show.
You are also allowed to enter the New Year with some sense of hygge, live-streaming the happenings with friends around a delicious meal from the warmth of your living room. As you can see, Copenhagen has many activities to offer during the winter. Go explore the city on a fashionable Donkey bike and feel the magical atmosphere you can find in the different areas of the capital.
