Winter Activities in Copenhagen: Embrace the Cozy Danish Hygge
Lately, there’s been a lot of buzz about Hygge, the Danish concept of enjoying cozy, feel-good moments. Imagine being snuggled up by the fire with a glass of mulled wine or catching up with friends in a candle-lit café. If you’re planning a winter trip to Copenhagen, you’ll find plenty of warmth in the city’s food and friendly atmosphere.
When it’s cold and dark outside, you might enjoy reading “The Little Book of Hygge” by Meik Wiking. This bestseller celebrates life’s small pleasures, like savoring a fresh cinnamon bun or having a relaxing meal with friends. By the way, Hygge is pronounced “Huuu-ger” with a hard “g” like in “gold.”
I’ve visited Copenhagen in both summer and winter, and there are many fun activities to get that cozy Hygge feeling. Here are some of my top recommendations for a weekend in Copenhagen:
The Torvehallerne market halls are a lively spot to grab fresh food and lunch. You can try everything from Danish open sandwiches (smorrebrod) to sushi, Paleo dishes, cakes, and coffee from the famous Coffee Collective. If the weather is nice, there’s outdoor seating around the glass-sided halls. I always stock up on delicious chocolate Lakrids or licorice balls.
For sightseeing, consider getting the Copenhagen Card, which offers free public transport and free or discounted entry to around 80 museums and attractions.
Visit Rosenborg Castle, located in the King’s Garden (Kongens Have). This 17th-century castle was originally a summer palace for King Christian IV and now houses the Royal collections. The rooms offer a fascinating walk through Danish history, and the treasury in the vaults below contains the impressive Crown Jewels, still worn by the Danish royal family on state occasions.
The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek art museum is a must-visit any time of year. Built to house the art collection of brewing magnate Carl Jacobsen, the museum features spacious halls filled with white marble statues by Danish neo-classical sculptors. The impressionist galleries include works by Renoir, Van Gogh, and Monet, as well as Degas’ “Little Ballerina” sculpture. The museum’s winter garden, with its glass roof and greenery, has a lovely café that’s perfect for lunch. The museum is free on Tuesdays or with a Copenhagen Card.
For a cozy place to stay during your winter break, the Hotel Kong Arthur is ideal. Located at the end of a cobbled courtyard near the Copenhagen lakes, this historic building was once an apprentice’s residence. Inside, you’ll find a warm fire in winter, comfy sofas, and window seats with stacks of books. The 155 rooms are all unique, combining luxury with modern style. The atmosphere is welcoming yet informal, and there’s even a “Cosy Hour” from 5 to 6 pm when guests are treated to a little something in the lobby.
Best Served Scandinavia is an independent tour operator specializing in tailor-made holidays to Scandinavia. Their travel consultants have explored Copenhagen’s cobbled streets, stayed in the recommended hotels, and experienced wintry excursions. They offer customized trips to Denmark and Copenhagen, including visits to castles, charming towns, and luxury boutique hotels, or following Denmark’s Viking trail on a self-drive holiday.
For more ideas on things to do in Copenhagen in winter, check out the Wonderful Copenhagen website. For additional activities in Denmark, visit the Visit Denmark website.