10 Things to do in Spring in Copenhagen
After a long, grey winter, Copenhagen is a city that comes alive in the springtime. Color abounds, the sun shows itself (well, at least more often than it cares to do in the winter), people come out of their hibernation, and the daylight lasts well into the evening hours on the march towards summer. It’s simply a lovely place to be on the flip side of the winter.
Spring in Copenhagen usually begins in mid-March and lasts through the end of May, with temperatures slowly, but surely, rising, different blooms lasting throughout the months and daylight savings time beginning on the last weekend of March.
Let’s explore some of the best things to do in spring in Copenhagen.
1. Spot daffodils at Frederiksborg Slot
Potentially my favorite spring-in-Copenhagen tradition, this is a must if you love flowers or castles. The castle gardens burst into life in mid to late March with purple and white ground flowers and literally thousands of daffodils blooming. The bright yellow beauties are life-giving for the winter-weary and make such a beautiful sight with the castle in the background. From Copenhagen, take the A line train towards Hillerød. The castle is a short, scenic bike ride or walk from the train station. Walk through the castle grounds, explore the many corners of the garden and end the adventure with a coffee and pastry on the walking street in Hillerød. The perfect spring afternoon.
2. Spend an afternoon in H.C. Ørstedsparken
A picture perfect little park in the heart of the city, this is a great spot to spend a spring day. Throughout the spring months different flowers are in bloom in the gardens, my favorite being tulips in April. A beautiful pond with a crossing bridge joins playgrounds that are tucked into both corners of the park. A short 5 minute walk from Torvehallerne (an iconic CPH marketplace with food stalls and produce vendors), this is a great place to grab some food, stop for a picnic, play and enjoy the flowers. It’s also un to enjoy the contrast of the green space with the urban jungle that is its neighbor, Israelsplads. Swing through on your way to Torvehallerne to take in more city-life vibes.
3. Stroll The Lakes and absorb CPH atmosphere
When the sun is out, much of the city can be found strolling one or all of the The Lakes, or, in Danish, Søerne. A series of rectangular lakes cuts through the city and offers a space for running, walking or sitting near the water. Cafés and beer gardens line the walking paths, as well as the famous Copenhagen benches which will be full of people stopping for conversation. If you’re interested, rent a swan-shaped paddle boat and take to the water. Personally, I think paddle boats are a scourge, so I’ll wave to you from the bridge, but they sure look pretty heading out into the sunshine. My favorite place to stop is The Artisan on the corner of Sørtedam Sø for amazing coffee and pastries.
4. Take in Tivoli Gardens in springtime
Tivoli is the loveliest, coziest little theme park you’ll ever visit. Tucked into the very heart of the city, it’s small, easy to do in a day and contains the most beautiful spring gardens, full of a wide variety of blooms. In early spring you’ll see large swaths of daffodils, but the real star of the show are the masses of tulips that bloom in April. The gardens here are really a show-stopper and the kids will love the rides. If you just want to visit the gardens, the entry fee is fairly affordable and will allow you to see gardens, performances happening in the park and visit any of the onsite restaurants. Ride passes begin to make the visit pricey, but it’s really the only way to go if you’re with kids. It’s a special treat, but really wonderful in the springtime.
5. Hang out under the city’s cherry blossom trees
The best blooms can be found at Bispebjerg Cemetery, where a dedicated cherry blossom tree lane is strolled by hundreds each day for one to two weeks each year. Cemeteries in Denmark are open areas where people enjoy walking and enjoying lovely green spaces, so don’t feel weird about the cemetery part. Come early or late in the evening to avoid the crowds and have the trees to yourself. From the gate, just follow the signs pointing the way to the cherry blossom lane.
You’ll also spot some lovely blooms at Langelinieparken, close to the famous Little Mermaid statue. If you’re here for the blooms, take note of the Copenhagen Sakura Festival, which is held in April every year. Massively popular with locals, come early to get a spot under the cherry blossom trees and take in the festivities.
6. Påske (Easter) at Frilandsmuseet/The Open Air Museum
This outdoor museum explores Denmark throughout the ages and, at Easter, puts on some fun events and performances that are worth checking out. Baby farm animals are also abounding at this time of year, which is a delight for my children every single time. At the museum entrance and around the walking paths that go by and through the old buildings you’ll spot maps that detail where special events and performances are taking place on the museum grounds. The performances are in Danish, but usually so geared towards children (read slapstick) that it really doesn’t matter what language you speak.
7. Ride one of the city’s incredible bike routes
Copenhagen is a city that centers around bikes, so don’t miss the opportunity to ride through while you’re here. If you catch a beautiful day and you have access to a bike, you will probably end up creating one your favorite Copenhagen memories.
My favorite ride circles the Copenhagen canals and bridges that are so unique to the city, but a close second is Nørrebroruten, which runs through the heart of the city. In May, beautiful pink blooms fill Den Sorte Plads (The Black Square). They will stop you in your tracks! Check out more incredible biking routes here and read up on traffic rules here.
8. Visit Kastellet/The Citadel
A striking park in the Østerbro neighborhood, this fortification is open to visitors. Walk the outside paths through lovely flower-heavy green spaces and then cross the moat and climb the ramparts for really nice views of the harbor and back into the city. A short five minute walk from Østerport Station, Kastellet is an easy morning or evening adventure on a beautiful spring day.
9. Venture out to the forest
The new leaves on trees in this country after the long winter are the most vibrant green I’ve ever seen. Being out amongst them in the spring is a favorite activity of my family. We head to Hareskov or Skodsborg (both easily accessible by car or train from Copenhagen) to walk endless forest trails or play in the woods. Mountain biking is also a popular pastime. Nothing is better than loading up for a picnic and afternoon spent in nature in the spring time. Most forests also have designated fire pits that are free for use if you want to make a whole production of it.
10. Post up in Øregårdsparken
This park is located in Hellerup, just north of Copenhagen, and is home to purple and white crocuses that cover the park in March.
While those are beautiful, I come back in May for the HUGE and gorgeous rhododendron bushes that go completely insane at the end of the month. Creating a pink and purple jungle, my children also love to spend time at this park. You’ll also find on site a really cool playground, swans, ducks and the small art focused Øregårdsmuseum.
If you have plenty of time and warm weather, you can head up the street towards Charlottenlund Beach Park, take in the calm and clear Baltic and, if you’re brave, take your first spring dip.
Do you have any spring favorites in Copenhagen? If we’re missing something, let us know! We would love to hear your favorites.
Looking for more Copenhagen favorites? Check out this post…
