University Post
University of Copenhagen
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Culture

Winter is coming: Where to go in Copenhagen's dark season(s)

Guide — Winter is just around the corner, but there are plenty of cool events coming up. The University Post shows you where to go for the short days and the cold weather.

It seems that summer is gone before it even started. The streets are less crowded, and the locals seem to have disappeared. Welcome to Denmark.

But if you should find yourself wondering what to do during the dark months, don’t despair.

We have picked a couple of upcoming events which are definitely worth a visit and a great opportunity to mingle with other internationals or locals. So button up your fear of winter, grab a friend, and check out the following events.

Vor Frue Kirke – Københavns Domkirke

Natkirke: GOD GOES DEEP

Vor Frue Kirke is situated in the heart of Copenhagen and is probably one of the most well-known cathedrals of the city. Back in the days, DJ Palmalova started the event series called GOD GOES DEEP. The events are always for free and everybody is welcome. Since 2011, GOD GOES DEEP has gained in popularity and has evolved into a well attended event for locals and internationals.

Every other Friday starting from September, Natkirke invites you to a getaway from your daily life. You can recharge your batteries in breathtaking surroundings while enjoying a unique musical experience. You will listen to the sound of some nice DJ’s while watching matching light installations. If that sounds good, visit their Facebook Page for more detailed information about the upcoming events.

Free entrance

Natkirke: FILM KLUB

Another recurring event at Københavns Domkirke is its FILM KLUB. Those movie nights are also free of charge. The age limit is 16 years though.

FILM KLUB wants to welcome you to watch a high quality movie on four big screens in the attic of the church. The movie of the night is always kept a secret until the screening starts at around 7 pm. If you are lucky you will watch an award-winning Hollywood blockbuster or one of the international classics.

So, make yourself comfortable and sit down on one of the long cushioned benches or find yourself a cosy bean bag.

TIP for both events: We recommend wearing something warm and comfortable to make yourself feel like home when lying down and enjoying Natkirke’s events. #danskhygge

Free entrance
Contact: Vor Frue Kirke, Nørregade 8, 1165 København

Dyrehaven

In 2015, Dyrehaven was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a must-visit for every nature lover and is only a short trip north from Copenhagen. Dyrehaven is a natural resort with several small lakes, wide and open landscapes with deer sneaking around. The area covers 11 km² and is perfect for anybody who is longing for a peaceful walk, a cosy picnic or a nice bike ride through nature.

The so called Hubertus Hunt is one of Dyrehaven’s winter highlights. Hubertus Hunt is a cross country horse race which takes place every year on the first Sunday of November. It was first held in 1900 and has become a popular event with up to 40,000 spectators. Fill your lungs with fresh Nordic air while watching 160 riders participating in a 13km long race which includes 35 obstacles.

TIP: Don’t forget to bring your camera to get a cool shot of one of the riders or one of the 2.000 beautiful deer strolling around the park.

Free entrance
Contact: Dyrehaven, 2930 Klampenborg

Statens Museum for Kunst

SMK Fridays: København i kunsten

SMK, also known as the National Gallery of Denmark, offers a large selection of art. You will find everything from European classics of the Renaissance to modern and contemporary art. Seven Fridays a year, SMK opens their doors from 4pm – 10pm for you to enjoy a mix of art, talk, music, street food and drinks. Discover SMK for free and at a casual and relaxed event.

TIP: Try and come early to escape the queue. It is a popular event and definitely worth it. So, grab a friend and experience some unique after-hours at one of the SMK Fridays!

For more detailed information, please visit their website.

Free entrance
Contact: SMK, Sølvgade 48-50, 1307 København K

Frederiksberg Runddel

During the winter months Copenhagen offers plenty of outdoor skating rings. We recommend you to go and check out the one at Frederiksberg Runddel. It is located in front of the Frederiksberg Gardens and will open its doors on the last Saturday of November. Bring your own ice skates or a rent a pair of skates for DKK 50 up to an hour before closing time.

TIP: Make sure to skate counter clockwise to avoid crashes.

Free entrance – though you have to pay to rent skates
Contact: Frederiksberg Runddel, 2000 Frederiksberg

Glyptoteket

The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is located in the inner city of Copenhagen and is a total eye catcher of impressive architecture. The museum has a diverse set of ancient and modern art. So take a stroll through, say, their antiquities section, and enjoy unique collections of Greek, Egyptian, Roman and Etruscan art. The modern section is also worth visiting. If you like Danish paintings and sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries as well as French art from the same period, than this might be the place to be.

We all know that at some point we want a place to sit down. Check out Café Glyptoteket with its lovely Winter Garden. Treat yourself to a piece of cake, a small lunch or a hot cup of coffee.

TIP: Go and visit the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek on a Tuesday. There won’t be any entrance fee.

For more information, please visit their website.

Free entrance on Tuesdays

Contact: Ny Carlsberg Glyptoteket, Dantes Plads 7, 1556 København V

Christmas Markets

Starting November there will be Christmas markets popping up all over Copenhagen. To get the full Nordic Christmas atmosphere we recommend visiting the one at Tivoli. Another good, but more unconventional, Christmas market is located in Christiania.

Tivoli

The Christmas market in the Tivoli Gardens cannot be missed. Even though there might be alot of tourists, it is one of the most charming and magical markets in Copenhagen. The whole area will be decorated with wooden houses, snow-covered trees and plenty of Christmas lights. Next to Tivoli’s numerous roller-coasters, restaurants and other eating spots you should also try and see one of Tivoli’s illuminations or fireworks in the evening.

For more information please visit Tivoli’s website.

Entrance Fee
Contact: Tivoli Gardens, Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 Copenhagen V

Christiania

When it’s getting too cold to stay outside, you should go and visit the indoor Christmas market at Christiania. It was founded in 1971 and has loads of stalls with special gifts such as hand-made jewellery, wrought iron candle holders or other handcrafted items. So, if you are looking for a more discreet Christmas market with a cosy atmosphere and a unique collection of Christmas presents – that’s the place to be!

Free entrance
Contact: Den Grå Hal, Refshalevej 2, 1432 København K

TIP for both Christmas markets: Make sure to try the typical danish Gløgg. Skål!

 

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