The 20 TOP Things to Do in Copenhagen in Winter (100% worth doing)

Where to Stay in Copenhagen

If you are going to Copenhagen at the last minute, these recommendations will make it easier for you (for all of them, the location is central & amenities are great, you can’t go wrong with any of them):

✅ Best Hotel – Motel One Copenhagen: this is the perfect place to stay for a 100% Danish-quality atmosphere

💰 Best Budget Hotel – Wakeup Copenhagen: you won’t feel like you’re on a budget in this hotel (Nesrine & I stayed there during our Copenhagen winter trip, and we were thrilled!) 

✨ Best Luxury Hotel – NH Collection Copenhagen: this place is 5-star, so expect a very complete and high-standard service, with an incredible view as a bonus.

For more insights about the best areas to stay in Copenhagen and more hotel options, check out this post.

Is Copenhagen Worth Visiting in Winter?

Yes, Copenhagen is definitely worth visiting in winter!

Despite the colder temperatures and shorter days, the city offers a unique and enchanting winter atmosphere, with vibrant light displays, inviting cafes, and charming holiday markets you’ll love experiencing.

Additionally, this season brings about a lesser influx of tourists to popular attractions, giving you a chance to explore and enjoy them more calmly and intimately. Copenhagen winter activities are also endless: you can try ice skating, skiing, and even dipping into the icy waters of the Copenhagen harbor.

So, as long as you’re warmly dressed and well-equipped, you’ll have a wonderful time in Copenhagen, one of the best places to go in Europe in the winter.

To get around Copenhagen, I recommend taking either the City Pass or the Copenhagen Card. If you intend to visit several attractions, the Copenhagen Card would be the most cost-effective option as it offers free access to public transport & 80+ attractions.

Full List of the Best Things to Do in Copenhagen in the Winter

Before starting this list, you should be aware Denmark has shorter days during the winter season, averaging only 7 hours of daylight, with the sun setting between 3:45-5 pm. Once darkness falls, the temperatures quickly decrease. It’s therefore essential to plan your visit accordingly and consider this time limitation.

1. Stroll along the colorful quays of Nyhavn

If there’s one place not to be missed in Copenhagen (whatever the season), it’s Nyhavn!

Although it’s one of the most touristic districts of the city, it’s one of the most beautiful with its 2 rows of multicolored buildings that stretch along the canal where old sailing ships anchor. Classified as a museum port since the 1970s, the area has managed to keep its unique charm, particularly enhanced by the Christmas decorations in November-December.

With plenty of bars and restaurants alongside the canal, the atmosphere here is always vibrant and perfect for capturing picturesque moments.

2. Tour Copenhagen’s Christmas markets

Christmas markets are set up in Copenhagen starting mid-November on the main pedestrian squares of Kongens Nytorv, Nyhavn, Højbro Plads, H.C. Andersen, or in the free city of Christiania for a more alternative option.

Kongens Nytorv Christmas market

Touring these markets is a chance to experience the traditional Danish Christmas and local specialties like the gløgg, a mulled wine with cloves, star anise, cinnamon, orange with raisins, and slivered almonds for texture. If you don’t like the traditional mulled white, there’s a white wine version with ginger.

And to keep your head from spinning, you can pair your drink with æbleskiver, small pancakes in the form of a ball sprinkled with powdered sugar. 

3. Enjoy the magic of Christmas at Tivoli Gardens

Nestled in the heart of the city, Tivoli Gardens is an extraordinary place not to be missed, whether you’re a thrill seeker or not.

This amusement park, one of the oldest in the world still in operation, puts on its winter coat to offer a pure moment of magic at Christmas. In addition to offering no less than 38 attractions, Tivoli Gardens has its own Christmas market where you can find all kinds of crafts, snowballs, warm clothes, all in a delicious smell of mulled wine and waffles floating in the air.

Note however that the park isn’t open all year round. In winter, it only opens from mid-November to December 31 so keep this in mind when planning your Copenhagen itinerary.

4. Say Hello to the Little Mermaid

Seeing the Little Mermaid is a must when visiting Copenhagen, despite it being a very touristy spot.

Erected in 1923, this statue taken from the famous Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale has become the symbol of the Danish capital. And although tourists are usually disappointed because it is not very imposing, it is part of the unmissable more for the myth that it conveys than for the work itself.

Visiting the Little Mermaid statue is also an opportunity to take a walk along the Oresund Strait and explore the Kastellet, this very bucolic star-shaped citadel with a very rustic atmosphere.

5. Soak up the city’s vibe on Strøget

Strøget is the heart of Copenhagen’s city center, made up of large shopping streets bordered by three- and four-story buildings, sometimes in brick, sometimes with colorful facades in the classical style. It is one of the longest pedestrian shopping avenues in the world!

Quiet and lively at the same time, this is where you can exude the vibrant energy of Copenhagen. You can easily stumble upon beautiful stores, delightful cafes, charming squares, covered passageways, street performers, and more when wandering in the area.

Whether you want to go window shopping, purchase a souvenir to commemorate your trip, or explore the Lego Store, Strøget is the perfect place to do so.

6. Watch Amalienborg’s Changing of the Guard

Amalienborg is a castle in the heart of Copenhagen, a few steps from Nyhavn, serving as the main residence of the Danish royal family who lives there almost all winter.

At noon each day, the large square on which the palace stands becomes the stage for an unchanging show, the Changing of the Royal Guard. The Den Kongelige Livgarde departs on foot from Gothersgade at 11.30 am and arrives at Amalienborg Square for a performance that lasts about an hour, depending on whether or not Queen Margrethe is in the palace.

Watching this show in winter is a privilege because in summer, the crowds are very large and you may not see much.

7. Take a Hygge break in a cozy café

Hygge is a typically Danish way of life that preaches happiness and a deep feeling or atmosphere of coziness, warmth, comfort, and contentment. A modern-day form of carpe diem.

Winter in Denmark is a gloomy period, where the lack of light, the early nightfall, and the cold can negatively affect the mood. Thanks to the Hygge method, the Danes come to warm up their hearts finding comfort in life’s simple pleasures such as a cozy interior, a warm and comforting atmosphere, a hot cup of tea, fuzzy socks, a comfortable blanket…

Having a Hygge break on Strøget

Experience this lifestyle in one of the many relaxing coffee shops in town, where you can enjoy a heartwarming cafe latte and a delicious Danish cinnamon roll.

Tip: Here are some nice addresses for a Hygge coffee break: Torvehallerne Food Market, Lagkagehuset, Expresso Coffee, Darcy’s Kaffe, The Living Room.

8. Visit Christiansborg Castle

There are several magnificent castles to explore in Copenhagen, ideal to warm up a bit while marveling at their decorations and learning more about the history of the country.

Christiansborg Slot stands out for the richness of its tour elements: you can indeed discover the castle, but also the ruins of the first foundations, the kitchens, and the stables. And although it has a somewhat austere facade, the interior is lavish and definitely worth a look.

As a little bonus, the castle tower provides one of the highest views of the city, for free! Perfect to discover Copenhagen covered in white.

9. Enjoy the outdoor skating rinks

During the winter months, outdoor skating rinks are set up around Copenhagen, providing a perfect opportunity to relive childhood memories!

Broens ice rink

There are 3 ice rinks to choose from: Broens in the city center, Enghaveparken in the Vesterbro district, and Frederiksberg. They open in early December and stay open all winter. The hourly rental fee is about 7€.

The Broens ice rink located right behind Nyhavn is the largest, covering 600 m2. However, my personal favorite is the Frederiksberg rink, even though it’s situated outside the city center. It can be conveniently reached within a few minutes by bike or metro and provides a truly authentic ambiance.

10. Get some height at the Round Tower

The Round Tower, known locally as the Rundetårn, is definitely one of Copenhagen’s best attractions. Located in the heart of the city almost inside Strøget, this is Kev’s & my favorite monument!

Towering almost 35 meters high, the Round Tower has on its top an observation deck, accessible through a white winding ramp, and offers panoramic views of the city, which are especially breathtaking when everything is white and crisp outside. The floors before the observatory often host exhibits that are fun to see.

The Round Tower is also home to a historic astronomical observatory, which is open to the public, making it a great visit for anyone interested in science and history.

11. Try Danish craft beer

In every city in Europe, you can always find a good craft beer bar. But in Copenhagen, it’s another level: it’s the kingdom of craft bars! We rarely came across a city where craft beer is so widespread.

You can’t miss Mikkeller & Friends, a group that owns many beer bars & restaurants around the city, all with a purely Danish design. But with Nes, we loved TAPHOUSE, a bar on Stroget offering an impressive selection of 61 drafts from Denmark and around the world.

For those interested in beer, the Carlsberg Brewery is also worth checking out, with the option of a drawn carriage ride to get there.

12. Warm yourself in a museum

Copenhagen offers a wide range of museums to explore, which is particularly appealing during the winter season when the cold weather can be a bit challenging.

Ny Carlsberg Glyptoteket

Even if you’re not a museum enthusiast, there’s something for everyone. Some of the popular museums in Copenhagen include the National Museum of Denmark, Ny Carlsberg Glyptoteket, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Thorvaldsens Museum, and Designmuseum Denmark.

Most of them are included in the Copenhagen Card, and some offer free access, such as the Glyptoteket on Tuesdays. Alternatively, you can take a quick free tour of the Black Diamond, a majestic library that is a perfect example of Danish design.

13. Take a delightful canal tour

One of the best ways to get a glimpse of Copenhagen is to take a boat ride on its canals. In winter, the experience is particularly charming.

The city’s canals are not frozen during the winter months and the boats are heated and have a glass hull, so you can enjoy the beautiful scenery without getting too cold. The winter atmosphere adds a magical touch to the visit, with the possibility of seeing the city’s monuments covered in snow and the Christmas lights and decorations reflected in the water.

Departing from Nyhavn, taking a canal tour is a great way to see the city from a different side and learn more about its history and culture.

14. Step inside the churches

It’s also interesting to venture into one or 2 churches when exploring a city. Not only does it offer a brief break from the chilly Danish winter, but also a chance to discover hidden gems of architecture.

I strongly recommend visiting the Frederiks Kirke located just behind Amalienborg as one of Copenhagen’s must-see sites. This 19th-century Rococo-style church boasts a remarkable dome measuring 31 meters in diameter!

Another exceptional church worth visiting is the Church of Our Saviour located in the Christianshavn neighborhood. This church is renowned for its spiral spire and unique external spiral staircase, which are truly remarkable sights to behold.

15. Try skiing at CopenHill

Even though Copenhagen doesn’t have any mountains, you can still partake in winter sports activities!

CopenHill, also known as Amager Slope, is an innovative artificial ski resort set up on top of a massive incinerator that converts waste into electricity. There, you can enjoy skiing all year round while also taking in a magnificent view of the city since you’ll be between 10-85 meters at altitude.

The CopenHill slope is only a 30-minute bus ride from the city center, and the building’s design is truly captivating. A one-of-a-kind experience awaits you!

16. Go on a day trip to a Scandinavian fairytale castle

Northern Europe means fairy tale castles! The atmosphere of these castles in winter is really magical and fascinating, so don’t miss your chance to visit one.

Not far from Copenhagen, only 1 hour by train, you can visit either Frederiksborg Castle or Kronborg Castle. Frederiksborg Castle is home to the National History Museum, while Kronborg Castle is famous for inspiring Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Whichever castles near Copenhagen you choose to visit, go as early as possible as they close quite early in winter.

Read more: Full guide to disocver Frederiksborg Castle from Copenhagen

17. Unwind in a hot sauna

If you want to relax and unwind, especially on a gloomy day, give yourself a moment of relaxation by trying a 100% Danish spa. Of the many options, CopenHot is without a doubt the most unusual and Danish of all.

CopenHot offers hot and cold baths filled with water from the Baltic Sea on the quays of Refshaleøen, in the north of the city. While soaking in your bathtub, you can enjoy an exceptional view of the harbor, the city, and the Øresund.

You can complete the experience with a dip in the sea and then warm up in a sauna. Another option is to board a floating jacuzzi that will take you on a tour of the canals. Ideal for an outing with friends!

18. Attend the Copenhagen Light Festival

Every year in February, the city lights up every night with its Light Festival.

Nearly 40 sites are subtly illuminated by light specialists: monuments, parks, the port, the roofs of houses, and train stations are illuminated, offering a unique cityscape like no other.

The festival creates a cozy and magical atmosphere in the gloomy winter season by showcasing the city’s cultural diversity through the use of light as an art form. The festival is free to attend and is much appreciated by both locals and tourists.

19. Take a bike tour

Copenhagen has earned the title of the most bike-friendly city in the world twice already! The city is indeed arranged for cycling, with kilometers of bike paths and bikes for rent everywhere. It’s a real institution, maybe even more than in Amsterdam – which says a lot!

Winter isn’t an obstacle for Copenhageners who continue to use it daily. If you want to do like them, you’ll have to dress warmly and wear appropriate clothing to tackle the cold. But the experience is really worth it as you’ll be able to wander around the city smoothly, like nowhere else. Several self-service bicycle systems are available everywhere in town, using a simple app.

However, note that there may be some snow and ice on the roads in winter, so ride carefully and slowly. For a safer option, prefer taking a guided bike tour.

20. Indulge in Danish cuisine

Copenhagen offers plenty of delicious and hearty foods that you can enjoy during a Danish winter. In case you didn’t know, Copenhagen is a foodie’s paradise with many flavors, so your taste buds will be delighted.

Smørrebrød

If you like trying new food, make sure to try the national dish, stegt fæsk med persillesovs, a fried pork belly served with a creamy parsley sauce, and boiled potatoes. Flæskesteg is another traditional Danish dish with pork roast often served with caramelized potatoes and red cabbage.

If you’re a little picky, opt for simpler but equally iconic Danish specialties like the smørrebrød (open-faced sandwich), the pølster (traditional hot dog), or the grød (porridge).

Tip: Eating at restaurants in Copenhagen can be pricey. If you’re on a budget, prefer eating in food halls and markets like TorvehallerneKBH or Boltens Food Court.

 
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Here it is, the list of the best things to do in Copenhagen in the winter. I hope you’re now able to plan your trip easily.

But before you go, find out below more info that will certainly be helpful to you. 👇

Copenhagen Winter Weather Information

Winter in Copenhagen starts in December and ends in mid-March.

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Denmark is somewhat exempted from typical Scandinavian weather and has a reasonably agreeable climate, with winter temperatures hovering around 0°C (32°F). However, the climate is often wet and windy, and snowfall is quite common, although not abundant.

Below, discover the winter weather in Copenhagen, month by month.

Copenhagen in December

In December, Copenhagen experiences cold and dark weather with an average high temperature of 5°C (41°F) and an average low of 0°C (32°F). The days are shorter, with only about 7-8 hours of daylight, and the nights are longer. There is also a higher chance of precipitation, with rain or snow being common.

Copenhagen is particularly festive in December, with the city coming alive to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The entire city is decked out for these celebrations, creating a magical vibe.

Copenhagen in January

January’s weather is really similar to December’s, with slightly lower temperatures, between -1°C (30.2°F) to 4°C (39°F), making it the coldest month in Copenhagen. However, there are fewer rainy days and a little bit more daylight, even if the days are still very short.

Copenhagen in February

Weather in February remains chilly and dark with average temperatures equivalent to those of January. Snow or rain are still common, but the days start to get a bit longer, with an average of 8 hours of daylight.

February in Copenhagen is an exciting time, with the city celebrating the famous Danish holiday of Fastelavn.

Copenhagen in March

In March, Copenhagen starts to emerge from the winter season, with slightly milder weather and longer days. The average high temperature is around 7°C (44.6°F), while the average low is around 1°C (34°F).

The days get significantly longer, with an average of 10 hours of daylight towards the end of March. And while snow and rain can still occur, they become less frequent compared to the previous months.

What to Pack for Copenhagen in Winter

As seen above, winter weather in Copenhagen is cold with temperatures ranging from -1°C (30.2°F) to 7°C (44.6°F). So to make sure you stay warm and comfortable, it’s important to pack appropriately.

Here are some essential things to consider packing, with recommended items we have personally tested:

• Warm layers: pack warm sweaters, thermal underwear, and fleece-lined leggings to layer under your outerwear

DANISH ENDURANCE Thermal Base Layer Set, Men & Women, Long Johns & Shirt, Black, Small

• Recycled Materials: Our unisex thermal base layer set is made of premium recycled materials. Its...
• Comfy Thermal Set: Our thermal underwear has flat seams and ribbing on the sleeves and neck to...
• Designed In Denmark: Our baselayer line is developed with Danish Everest-climber Rasmus Kragh....

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Columbia Men's Fast Trek II Full Zip Fleece Jacket, Black, Medium

• SOFT FABRIC: This Columbia Men's Fast Trek II Fleece Jacket is crafted of ultra-soft 100% polyester...
• ULTIMATE COMFORT: With a collared neck and full zippered closure plus a drawcord adjustable hem, you...
• REGULAR FIT: A modern classic fit and with a soft, lightweight feel make this fleece jacket a staple...

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• Accessories: a warm bunny, gloves, and a scarf will protect your head, hands, and neck from the cold winds

Unisex 100% Pure Cashmere Beanie, Ribbed Cuffed Hat Warm Soft with Gift Box for Women and Men (Gray)

• 【Premium Quality】Made from 100% Best Quality Mongolia Cashmere. Heavenly soft, warm, and...
• 【One Size Fits All】This warm winter pure cashmere hat beanie has an all-around classic fit for...
• 【Classic Design】 This fashion beanie hat is made of a high-quality cashmere that makes it last...

$29.99

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• Waterproof walking boots: make sure to bring comfy shoes allowing you to walk all day, without getting your feet cold or wet, and wear them with warm wool socks

• Waterproof and windbreaker jacket: having an appropriate and effective jacket can be a lifesaver, especially to survive Copenhagen’s winter

Orolay Women's Thickened Down Jacket Black 2XS

• Polyester with a density 60% higher than usual in the market. It has excellent windproof and...
• The bottom of the eiderdown garment adopts unique crumples. This was coupled with fashion design and...
• Featuring a warm fleece-lined hood, special side zippers, and 6 big pockets, it is warm and cute for...

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• Umbrella: because of the wet weather, bringing a compact and sturdy umbrella is always handy to have

Lesoom Travel Umbrella Windproof Withstand Powerful Gusts Sun Umbrella with Teflon Coating and 12 Reverse Designed Resin-reinforced Fiberglass Ribs

Buy on Amazon

• Moisturizer and lip balm: the cold and dry air can quickly dehydrate your skin, so bring a good quality moisturizer and lip balm to keep your hands and lips hydrated.

L'Occitane Mini Hand Cream Shea Butter

• Nourishes and softens
• Immediately soothes skin
• Helps to protect skin from dryness

Buy on Amazon

More Copenhagen Resources

Find below several other posts about Copenhagen to help you prepare for your upcoming trip:

➡️ Here are complete itineraries for Copenhagen, tailored to the length of your stay::

• How to Spend 24 Hours in Copenhagen
• 2 Days in Copenhagen Itinerary
• 3 Days in Copenhagen Itinerary
• 5 Days in Copenhagen Itinerary

➡️ And here are other posts to better discover Copenhagen and beyond, along with travel tips:

• Best Places to Stay in Copenhagen
• Best Train Trips from Copenhagen
• Most Beautiful Copenhagen Castles
• Day Trip to Frederiksborg Slot
• Must-Eat Food in Copenhagen
• Free Things to do in Aarhus

I hope you enjoy visiting Copenhagen in winter; if you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.

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