12 fun things to do during winter in Denmark
Winter in Denmark is here and it’s time to look at some fun things to do in winter around here.
While most Danes hibernate in the cold, dark winter months, there are plenty of enjoyable activities to do with your family or on your own in Denmark – both indoors and out.
Let’s take a look.
Read next: 25 best places to visit in Denmark that’ll give you wanderlust
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1. Christmas market in Aarhus Old Town (Den Gamle By)
One of the best ways to enjoy winter in Denmark is by visiting the Christmas market in Aarhus Old Town.
Known locally as “Den Gamle By”, this open-air museum features 75 historical buildings from the last 500 years of Danish history and it houses a big Christmas Market in December.
All the traditional shops are open in the winter period and the streets are packed with locals in medieval clothing. It’s similar to the Old Towns in Tallinn and Riga.
Read next: 36 unique things to do in Aarhus (+ local tips)
2. Go winter swimming
If you’re feeling adventurous, hop on the winter trend here and go winter swimming.
I’ve never done it, but several of my friends do it every winter and love it. You basically jump into the ice-cold lake or ocean wearing nothing, spend a minute or two in the water and ideally head to a sauna right after, like at La Banchina on Refshaleøen in Copenhagen.
Winter swimming will boost your immune system and make you burn more calories because swimming in cold water makes your body work twice as hard to keep you warm.
It all sounds dandy and super healthy, right? Brr. I’m still going to pass.
3. Go ice skating
Ice skating equals winter, don’t you agree? Well, in several cities around Denmark, outdoor skating rinks are being set up for free use for kids and adults. You can bring your own skates or rent them on the spot.
The ice skating rink in Randers, where I live, is open from December to the end of February.
4. Christmas in Tivoli
For Danes, this is a must, and there’s a good reason for it. It’s so hyggeligt!
We have two Tivoli (theme parks) in Denmark: one in Copenhagen (Tivoli Gardens), which is the largest, and one in Aarhus (Tivoli Friheden).
Christmas is a season of magical adventure in both Tivoli, and inside you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied while keeping the cold at bay.
5. Rent a hot tub on the canals in Copenhagen
I bet you’ve never tried this one before.
With Copenhot, you cruise the Copenhagen canals in a spa boat or chill out in a fire-heated barrel spa at the harbor.
The 40-degree warm water will ensure you’re warm and toasty no matter the weather, and you can always step into the ice-cold barrel shower to cool down.
Read next: 2 days in Copenhagen itinerary (+ hidden gems)
6. Taste fastelavnsboller
Fastelavn is a carnival tradition in Denmark. Kids dress up and everyone eats fastelavnsboller: a sweet puff pastry filled with custard and marzipan, jam, or cream, topped with icing.
While Fastelavn is celebrated on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, you can find fastelavnsboller in bakeries the week up till Fastelavn. Try one. They’re delicious.
7. Visit castles
Denmark is a fairy tale land with castles around every hilltop, or so it seems. In December, you can experience how Christmas used to be celebrated at some of the castles back in the day.
Christmas trees and tables are set, and the halls and chambers are beautifully decorated. Several of the castles host Christmas markets with reindeer, campfires, and æbleskiver (sweet, puffy pancake balls).
Some of the most beautiful castles in Denmark are:
- Egeskov castle (on Funen)
- Frederiksborg Castle (close to Copenhagen)
- Rosenborg Castle (in Copenhagen)
- Gammel Estrup manor (on Djursland)
8. Experience hygge
Hygge is the epitome of winter in Denmark.
Hygge is found everywhere, from the Christmas exhibitions at the old castles to the candle-lit cafés in every city. Hygge is easy to find or create, no matter where you look.
9. Join the Copenhagen Light Festival
Denmark in winter can get dark, but if you visit Copenhagen in February, you can experience the festival that lights up the capital.
The annual Copenhagen Light Festival presents a wide range of installations, architectural lights, art, and more created by both established and upcoming light artists.
The festival lasts for three weeks in February.
10. Try skiing in the city
Skiing isn’t typically connected with Denmark seeing as the country is rather flat.
But if you’re spending winter in Denmark, you shouldn’t cheat yourself from experiencing skiing at Hedeland Ski Centre. It’s Denmark’s largest ski slope and ski resort, served by three lifts (two adult lifts and a children’s lift).
Just to keep expectations realistic: This is NOT like skiing in Norway, Austria, or Switzerland. It’s much smaller. But it’s a fun way to spend a day near Copenhagen if you feel like skiing. You can rent gear on-site.
11. Visit the North Sea (Vesterhavet)
The roaring North Sea is always a wonderful place to visit, whether you’re spending summer or winter in Denmark.
I recommend heading to Blokhus or Løkken, which are on the West Coast. Jutland’s West Coast stretches from Skagen in the north to Ulfborg in the west and it is by far the coldest, windiest, and most rugged place in Denmark!
I love it there. It’s so wild and untamed.
Read next: Top 12 things to do in North Jutland, Denmark
12. Your rainbow panorama
Last but not least, you can see the world in colors from the roof of ARoS – Aarhus Art Museum.
Your Rainbow Panorama is an elevated 360-degree walkway, glazed with rainbow-coloured glass. From here you can walk around on a 150-metre-long, circular path with panoramic views of Aarhus.
- Opening hours: 10:00 – 17:00 / 10:00 – 21:00 (from Sep-Dec)
Spending winter in Denmark? Ask me anything in the comments!
FAQ
What’s the temperature like in Denmark in winter?
Winter temperatures in Denmark usually range from –2 °C to 4 °C. It’s often windy and damp, so it can feel colder than it looks on paper. Snow falls occasionally but doesn’t stay long in the cities.
What are the best things to do in Denmark in winter?
Enjoy Christmas markets, go ice skating, visit castles and museums, explore small towns like Aarhus or Odense, and warm up in cozy cafés embracing that hygge feeling.
Which months are winter in Denmark?
Winter typically runs from December to February, though cold weather starts in November and linger into early April.
What’s Denmark like in December?
December is festive and full of light displays, Christmas markets, and traditional Danish treats. Days are short, with around seven hours of daylight, and temperatures sit near freezing.
What can you do in Copenhagen during winter?
Visit Tivoli Gardens in its winter setting, wander through Nyhavn’s lights, explore museums, enjoy the Christmas markets, and take a canal walk or cozy coffee break.
What are some free things to do in Copenhagen in winter?
Admire city lights around Nyhavn, stroll through parks and canals, visit street markets, explore Christiania, and enjoy winter decorations throughout the old town.
You’ll also love
- 10 Amazing Danish Christmas foods you have to try
- A merry Christmas in North Jutland
- This is Danish Christmas hygge
- Why the world would end without Danish Christmas food
- The beginner’s guide to Christmas in Denmark
- 36 unique things to do in Aarhus (+ local tips)
- 14 magical things to do in Aarhus in winter
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