Visit Copenhagen During the Winter

Why visit Copenhagen during the winter?

Right now, you are probably asking yourself, why on earth would I visit Copenhagen during the winter? And, that’s a fair question. Yes, it’s cold. Like really, really cold. However, it’s still not as bad as you think. We aren’t talking about the winter gusts that blow through Finland and Sweden on the regular. Translation, if you dress accordingly, you will be fine. Here are some things to do in Copenhagen during the winter!

Less people visit Copenhagen during the colder months

Denmark is an incredibly clean and beautiful country. Such attributes have made it popular with tourists.

And, if you visit Copenhagen during the offseason, the crowds thin out a lot.

Unfortunately, the chilly conditions don’t really lead to a break in prices on anything. The Nordic countries are expensive, end of story. But, please don’t let this discourage you. Just realize that you won’t be incorporating deep discounts in your travel budget and plan accordingly.

Friendly locals

Some cities slowdown in the face of inclement weather; however, the locals here don’t kowtow to plummeting temperatures. In fact, pretty much everyone I spoke with was unfazed.

Obviously, the residents are accustomed to bundling up by now. But, it’s more than that. I got the feeling that they collectively refuse to give in to the whims of things beyond their control, i.e. the weather. Copenhagen locals are going to have a good time no matter what.

The bars are always full, arguably a little too full (click here for more on that). So, you won’t be hurting for ways to spend your time.

Art much?

If you enjoy exploring random art galleries, then you should definitely visit Copenhagen. Among the countless installations I walked into, the funkiest place I discovered was a repurposed barge in hot pink in the middle of the city.

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Locals told me that the art scene changes within the blink of an eye. It’s visually stimulating, and no matter what is on display, it is sure to make a statement. 

If you enjoy modern art, just wander around the city and pop into whatever speaks to you. That’s what I did. Whether you like it or not isn’t the point. A lot of the exhibitions were not my taste. However, I found all of it interesting and ultimately thought provoking.

Tivoli is off the table

The only noticeable exception I found was that Tivoli, the amusement park, was closed. But, that was as much about refurbishment as it was about the chill in the air. Honestly, I really didn’t care, but everyone insisted that this place is a must do when you visit Copenhagen.

I hoped that I would be able to hop the fence and walk around. Something about exploring a closed amusement park appeals to me. Regrettably, I couldn’t get past the fenced off perimeter, but I still managed to get an idea of what Tivoli actually looks like. Cooler than I originally gave it credit for, there is a historical, old school vibe happening that is oddly compelling. However, I don’t think that your vacation will be negatively impacted if Tivoli is closed. Mine was not.

Overall

While summer certainly has its charms, I maintain that you won’t be disappointed if you visit Copenhagen (one of the prettiest cities in Europe) during the winter. Quirky art galleries, killer nightlife and fabulous restaurants more than make up for the temperature. Just don’t forget to pack your warmest coat!

Looking to combine Copenhagen and Malmo? Check out this city guide!