It was a random weekday when my best friend Laura gave me a call - "do you want to go to Copenhagen at the end of January?" she said. That was in two weeks. One thing my friends and family can generally depend upon is that I'll always be up for an impromptu adventure abroad. By the end of the day, we'd booked the plane tickets.
Copenhagen, as it turns out, was the perfect Winter girls weekend getaway. We three girls were in hygge heaven - from the beautiful architecture, the multitude of cozy cafes and bakeries, and beautiful sights, as long as you bundle up warm (think: gloves, scarves, the warmest jackets you own!), I truly believe this gorgeous city is a fantastic off-season option for a European holiday.
Here are my must see's, do's, and try's for a long weekend in Copenhagen!
CopenHot
One of the first things I knew I wanted to book in Copenhagen was a traditional Danish sauna experience. CopenHot fit the bill perfectly - it's Denmark's largest outdoor Nordic Spa, and we were able to book their panoramic sauna for 1300DKK (about £150). The sauna can seat 12 people, and the booking lasts for an hour. It's also recommended that you try out the cold plunge in between stints in the sauna to invigorate your body - it can help with inflammation, cardiovascular health and mental health!
Freetown Christiania
Christiania is a truly unique experience to Copenhagen. It's a anarchist community in the city, known to house artists and hippies. Their main rules are "have fun, no photos, and no running", and in the summer time, locals offer tours for visitors. It's also home to the Church of Our Savior tower, which is a 400-step tower with an external spiral staircase, offering fantastic views of the city.
Smørrebrød
You can't come to Denmark without sampling a bit of their famous local dish, smørrebrød. It is essentially an open faced sandwich on rye bread, and comes in many different varieties, often times with smoked or pickled fish, meats, or potatoes. I personally love the versions with salmon on them - a true Danish classic!
Nyhavn
The iconic harbour is on all of the postcards from Copenhagen for good reason. Pronounced "ne-hawhn", it's a waterfront harbour lined with colorful 17th century buildings, featuring restaurants, cafes, and bars. This is one of the most photographed parts of the city, so make sure you come early to get your snaps!
Copenhagen University Library
One of the most beautiful libraries in Europe, but far lesser known than others, this library was founded in 1482, and features some of the most stunning architecture in Copenhagen. It costs 75 DKK (Just over £8) for tourists to enter.
Cardamom Buns
Copenhagen is known for its delicious cardamom buns - a fluffy and light pastry not unlike a cinnamon roll, except flavored with cardamom, giving it a sweet and slightly savory taste. You can find them at pretty much any Copenhagen bakery, under the name "Kardemummabullar". Do yourself a favor and get yourself a warm one with a tea or coffee - and thank me later.
Sunset Canal Cruise
One of my favorite parts of the trip was our sunset canal cruise, along Copenhagen's beautiful waterways.
Rosenborg Castle
Rosenborg Castle, while not the largest castle in Europe or even Denmark, has such an iconic Renaissance style, and is easily accessible just in the centre of town. The castle, which was built in 1606, also has some lovely gardens that you can wander through.
The Round Tower
If you're looking for beautiful views of the city, this is it. The tower does not have traditional steps (like the previously mentioned Church of Our Savior), but rather one continuous ramp all the way up. As it's positioned right in the middle of downtown, it offers a birds eye view of the city! It's also very affordable, at 40 DKK (about £4.50) per person.
Tivoli Gardens & Food Hall
Tivoli Gardens is possibly one of the most famous amusement parks in Europe - and is the world's second oldest operational amusement park! It feels like stepping back into time, with its antique roller coaster and architecture from 1843. Not to be missed is its food hall - a series of indoor street food stalls with options suitable for all tastes!
Is Copenhagen on your list of places to visit? I absolutely recommend this city for an off-season trip, as it's a beautiful destination in the winter, and not at all overrun with tourists!
Make sure to follow along with me at @elise.abroad on Instagram for more travel inspiration, as well as tips and tricks! I look forward to seeing you there!
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