I don’t know about you, but I always get a little sad when summer ends. No more long, mild summer nights, no more swimming in the harbor bath or ocean (unless you’re a hardcore Danish “vinterbader”!), no more shorts and tops, no more fresh berries and ice cream, no more tans, no more iced coffees, … But let’s not forget that fall is pretty awesome, too! I can honestly get excited about any new season (except that horrible late-winter in February/ March, which is just one never-ending cold, dark, grey, rainy, muddy mess). Now that I’ve said goodbye to summer, I can fully embrace and look forward to everything that fall has to offer, and that is a lot. Copenhagen is especially nice during this time of year, so I’ve collected some of my favorite reasons to love Copenhagen in the fall!
1. Hygge
If you ask people about the most typically Danish thing they can think of, chances are they will say “hygge” (if they don’t say hot dogs). Many people have tried to explain what hygge means, but in short, it is the concept of coziness, warmth and comfort. Hygge means candles and a hot cup of tea, but it also means a dinner with your loved ones (for a more detailed explanation check here). While hygge has its high season during Christmas time, for me, fall is a great time to start “hygging”. When the days get shorter and there’s rain and wind, maybe even a full-blown autumn storm, outside, what better to do than cozying up with a warm blanket, a cup of hot chocolate and some candles? Skandinavisk makes amazing scented candles, one of which is even called “Hygge”!
2. Halloween at Tivoli
Are you a fan of all things scary and pumpkin? Then you should check out the famous Tivoli gardens during the annual, three-week Halloween phase. The gardens are decorated with hundreds and hundreds of pumpkins, there are some funny installations as well as a haunted house and shows for kids. There are also little cards selling coffee, waffles and hot chocolate with marshmallows. I think it’s definitely worth a visit! (10th October to 2nd November, more info here)
3. Enjoying the outdoors
Copenhagen has many green spaces and parks, which make for a lovely autumn setting. Cozy up in a big sweater and a warm coat and take a walk through the abundance of colors. Soak in the autumn sun and let the wind mess up your hair, before heading to a cozy café for a warm cup of coffee or tea. Apart from the many parks in the city center, a trip up North to Dyrehaven is always a great idea. Why not enjoy a ride in one of the horse-drawn carriages? You will even be able to spot some deer! Carriage rides cost 500 DKK for an hour, for up to 5 people (more info here, in Danish).
4. Cultural activities during autumn break
Copenhagen is a mekka for culture lovers. The annual Night of Culture (“kulturnatten”) takes place on 10th October this year, with around 250 muesums, art galleries, churches, and many other places keep their doors open. With a pass for 90 DKK, you get access to all events and participating venues (more info and full program on the website).
Further, during fall break (“efterårsferie”), many museums have special events for families with kids, which often include free entrance. Check here for more information.
5. The weather
Now this might seem counterintuitive, as I’ve spoken about cold winds and rain before. But fall also graces the city with some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets of the entire year, and I am an absolute fan of those beautiful fall days with the sun blazing through the crisp, cold air. You only find that type of weather in the fall.
Bonus reason: Pumpkin Spice Latte!
Now, I realize that this is a bit of a personal reason, which is why I didn’t count it! But it’s no secret that I am a coffee addict, and while I normally go with a simple latte, I am a sucker for Starbucks’ seasonal drinks. Every year, I’m looking forward to Gingerbread Lattes, and I was beyond ecstatic when I found out that Starbucks Denmark has added the legendary Pumpkin Spice Latte to their offer. Add to that the fact that there are now two Starbucks outside the airport (one at the Central Station and one near metro Fasanvej), and my pumpkin spice bliss knows no boundaries!
How about you? Do you enjoy fall? And what’s your favorite thing about fall in Copenhagen?