Copenhagen holidays

How to reach Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a city that prides itself on its accessibility and efficient public transport system, making it an ideal destination for travellers from the UK.

• Flight Time: Direct flights to Copenhagen from London typically take around 2 hours.

• Transfer Time from the Airport to the City Centre: Copenhagen Airport is well-connected to the city centre via the metro, with a journey time of approximately 15 minutes to Norreport Station. The train service to Copenhagen Central Station takes about 13 minutes.

• Price of Different Transport Options: A single metro or train ticket from the airport to the city centre costs around 36 DKK. Taxis are available, costing about 250-300 DKK to the city centre.

Best time to visit Copenhagen

The best time to visit Copenhagen depends on your expectations, as the city has something to offer in every season.

• Spring (March to May) brings longer days with average temperatures between 2°C to 15°C, perfect for enjoying the blossoming parks and outdoor cafes.

• Summer (June to August) is the high season with warmer weather, averaging 11°C to 22°C, ideal for harbour swims and cycling around the city.

• Autumn (September to November) sees cooler temperatures, ranging from 5°C to 17°C, and fewer tourists, making it a good time to explore cultural sites without the crowds.

• Winter (December to February) is low season with shorter days and colder temperatures, averaging -1°C to 3°C, but the city is beautifully lit up and less crowded.

Practical information for Copenhagen holidays

• Spoken Languages: Danish is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

• Local Habits and Customs: Danes are generally punctual, respectful of personal space, and place a high value on environmental consciousness. It is polite to wait for a green light before crossing the street.

• Tips: Tipping is not a common practice in Denmark as service charges are typically included in the prices, but it is always appreciated for exceptional service.

• Security: Copenhagen is considered a very safe city, but standard precautions apply as in any major city.

• Health: Tap water is safe to drink. There are no special vaccination requirements for Denmark.

• Papers and Visa: UK nationals can enter Denmark for short stays without a visa. Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay; no additional period of validity beyond this is required.

• Currency: The Danish Krone (DKK) is the currency. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are readily available.

• Getting Around: Cycling is one of the best ways to explore Copenhagen. Public transport is reliable and comprehensive, including buses, trains, and metro services.

• Electricity/Plugs: The standard voltage is 230 V with type K sockets. If your plug doesn't match, you'll need an adapter for UK appliances.

Equipped with this information, visitors from the UK can enjoy a hassle-free holiday in Copenhagen, experiencing all the cultural richness, scenic beauty, and hygge the Danish capital has to offer.

The best beaches in Copenhagen

Copenhagen may not be synonymous with beach holidays, but the Danish capital offers some surprisingly delightful seaside experiences, perfect for those sunny days.

• Public Beaches: Amager Strandpark is a popular public beach that boasts a long sandy stretch and a lagoon, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. It's easily accessible by metro, making it a favourite for both locals and tourists.

• Private Beaches with Charges: While most beaches in and around Copenhagen are public, some beach clubs and private resorts may offer exclusive areas where you can rent sunbeds or cabanas for a fee, providing a more secluded and upscale beach experience.

• Beaches with Sunbeds and Facilities: Bellevue Beach in Klampenborg, just north of Copenhagen, is renowned for its beautiful white sand and clear waters, complete with lifeguards and facilities during the summer months.

Nearest beaches to Copenhagen

• Svanemølle Beach: Located close to the city centre, this beach offers a 130-metre-long pier and a large sunbathing area. It's a relatively new addition to Copenhagen’s beach scene and is well-facilitated for a comfortable visit.

• Charlottenlund Beach Park: A bit further up the coast, this beach provides a picturesque setting with green areas, a sandy beach, and calm waters, making it perfect for families and leisurely swims.

• Ishøj Beach: South of Copenhagen, this beach forms part of a larger beach park and is well-loved for its wide sandy beach and dunes, as well as modern facilities, including a marina and beach pavilion.

Whether you're after a quick dip and sunbathing or a whole day of relaxing by the sea, Copenhagen's beaches offer a refreshing escape from the urban buzz, providing a taste of the laid-back Danish summer lifestyle.

Embracing Sports in Copenhagen

Copenhagen, Denmark's vibrant capital, is not only a hub of cultural attractions but also a beacon for sports enthusiasts. The city's love for active living is evident in its well-maintained parks, numerous cycling paths, and state-of-the-art stadiums. Whether you're a spectator or participant, Copenhagen offers a plethora of sporting options to immerse yourself in the local scene.

Local sports events during Copenhagen holidays

• Local Sports Culture: Football reigns supreme in Copenhagen, with the local teams FC Copenhagen and Brøndby IF having a loyal following. Experiencing a match in the city is to feel the pulse of Danish sportsmanship.

• Stadiums or Arenas: Parken Stadium stands out as the home ground for FC Copenhagen and the Danish national team, offering an authentic taste of the local football culture. The Royal Arena, aside from hosting concerts, is a go-to venue for top-tier sports events, including ice hockey and basketball games.

• Where to Go to Watch a Match: To watch a game with local fans, head to sports bars like The Globe Irish Pub or Southern Cross Pub, where the atmosphere is as lively as the stadiums themselves.

Sports facilities for travellers in Copenhagen

Copenhagen caters to the active traveller with numerous facilities:

• Swimming-Pools: The city boasts impressive public swimming pools like DGI-byen, with facilities for both serious swimmers and families.

• Yoga, Fitness, Dancing, Tennis: There are plenty of options for yoga and fitness enthusiasts, from local studios offering drop-in classes to larger gyms with a broad range of facilities.

Cycling in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is often cited as one of the world's most bike-friendly cities:

• Bike Rental: With services like Bycyklen, renting a bike is a breeze, and it's a fantastic way to explore the city's many sights.

• Popular Cycling Routes: Don't miss the chance to pedal along The Lakes or through the historic streets of the city centre. For a more scenic ride, the route from Copenhagen to the nearby town of Dragør offers picturesque views and a glimpse into Danish history.

Hiking around Copenhagen

While Copenhagen is a bustling city, it has several green spaces ideal for hiking:

• Hiking: Areas such as Dyrehaven, north of the city, offer a network of walking trails through ancient woodland and open landscapes.

Water sports in Copenhagen

The city's location on the coast makes water sports readily accessible:

• Water Sports: Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in the Copenhagen Harbour or along the city's canals are popular during the summer months.

Winter sports in Copenhagen

Copenhagen transforms into a winter wonderland with activities to match:

• Winter Sports: When the temperature drops, ice-skating rinks pop up across the city, such as the one at Frederiksberg Runddel, providing a festive activity for all ages.

Golf courses in Copenhagen

For golf enthusiasts, the city and its outskirts offer several courses:

• Golf Courses: With lush courses like Royal Copenhagen Golf Club and Copenhagen Golf Club, golfers can enjoy a round in beautiful settings just a short distance from the city centre.

A holiday in Copenhagen allows for a seamless blend of sightseeing and sports, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the full spectrum of what this active, outdoor-loving city has to offer.

Seasonal events during Copenhagen holidays

Copenhagen's calendar brims with a wealth of seasonal events that brighten the cityscape throughout the year, reflecting the Danish spirit of 'hygge' - a concept of cosy contentment and well-being.

• New Year: The city comes alive on New Year's Eve with fireworks illuminating the sky. The traditional gathering spot is at the Town Hall Square where the clock chimes in the new year.

• Christmas Shopping & Markets: As the festive season approaches, Copenhagen transforms into a Christmas wonderland with markets such as the one in Tivoli Gardens and along the streets of Nyhavn, where you can find unique gifts and seasonal treats.

• Easter: Though more subdued compared to the Christmas festivities, Easter in Copenhagen is marked by special menus in restaurants and Easter eggs in shops, with many locals heading to the countryside to enjoy the beginning of spring.

• Gay Events: Copenhagen Pride, usually held in August, is a vibrant celebration of love and diversity, culminating in a colourful parade through the city streets.

• Carnival: While not as prominent as in other cultures, Copenhagen does host a carnival event with music, dance, and costumes that bring a touch of the tropics to the Danish capital.

Festivals in Copenhagen

Copenhagen's festival scene is vibrant and diverse, with events that cater to a broad spectrum of interests, from music and food to art and culture.

• Copenhagen Jazz Festival: Every July, the city swings to the sound of jazz with performances in parks, cafes, and concert halls.

• Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival: A celebration of Nordic cuisine, this August event features tastings, workshops, and culinary experiences.

• Copenhagen Culture Night: In October, the city turns into a cultural hotspot with museums, theatres, and public buildings opening their doors for unique night-time events.

• Distortion: A week-long street and nightlife festival in early June, known for its progressive music and exuberant street parties.

• Copenhagen Light Festival: During February, the city is lit up with stunning light installations, bringing warmth and light to the dark Nordic winter.

• Copenhagen Documentary Film Festival (CPH:DOX): One of the largest documentary film festivals in the world, held in March, showcasing international films.

• Roskilde Festival: Just outside Copenhagen, this is Northern Europe's largest music and culture festival, usually taking place at the end of June or early July.

These events and festivals not only underscore Copenhagen's reputation as a cultural hub but also provide visitors with a myriad of opportunities to engage with the city's vibrant community life and rich traditions.