It's no secret that the weather can be pretty rough in Copenhagen during the winter months. The temperature gets way below zero, and sometimes the city is covered in both ice and snow. It can be a bit of a challenge for those Copenhageners who don't own a car. However, it takes more to scare off local bike enthusiasts. They wrap up in warm clothes, defy the snow and jump on the iron horse to race through the city like they always do.
Sometimes when the snow is falling beautifully over Copenhagen and it gets really, really cold, the lakes freeze. Some years the ice get so thick that Copenhageners bring their own ice skates and dance around on the ice. Ice skating enthusiasts don't need to worry if the lakes don't freeze though. There are several official ice skating rinks throughout the city that offer hours of fun, games and hot chocolate.
Many people think that an urban city equals a lack of wildlife. However, in Copenhagen you don't have to go very far before you can experience wild animals jumping around in the nature. North of Copenhagen you'll find Dyrehaven, which offers wild deer en masse frolicking in the snow and the 1000 acre cultivated forest.
The winter is rough on the green patches in the city, but when spring is just around the corner, the colours are slowly starting to show. The leaves on the trees are on their way back, and here, there and everywhere the colourful flowers are popping up. Rosenborg is one of the many places in Copenhagen that has a beautiful garden where you can really soak up the spring. Crocus and other spring flowers are gracing the lawns.
Spring means that warmer days await. The trees are starting to get leaves, the grass is getting greener and fresher, and as the temperature rises parks and gardens are filled with happy Copenhageners. The majority of locals live in apartments, which means that very few have their very own garden. Therefor the city's green oases are a popular gathering point for Copenhageners in all ages and they're used as a common backyard. Places like Frederiksberg Garden, King's Garden and Fælledparken are used for fun and games.
We might be a little biased, but Copenhagen is a pretty city - especially during the summer. Not only does the city have lots of green spots; there's also lots of water. Øresund, the lakes by Nørrebro and the canals around the city. The water entices to different kinds of active and social activities in the summer. Many people choose to go on the canal tours, while others rent rowing boats or kayaks to sail around in the canals on their own.
Not all urban cities are lucky enough to have a beach, but Copenhagen is! Only 5 km from the city centre you'll find Amager Strandpark, which is a 4,6 km long beach. It's very popular among Copenhageners during the summer months. They bring inflatable water toys on their bikes, they pack sunscreen, sunglasses and great books in their bags, and they put on their swimwear. Just like Copenhagen's parks, the beach is a popular gathering point for young students, families with children, older couples - well, basically every single Copenhagener.
The beginning of autumn in Copenhagen usually offers some nice, warm days where all you want to do is enjoy life and the city. Many Copenhageners sit outside to have a sip of coffee or a cold beer. Even though there are lots of great cafes around town, Copenhageners often meet up in public spaces that weren't intended as "hangouts" - like canals on Christianshavn and Dronning Louises Bro (Queen Louise's Bridge).
Anyone who has been to Denmark knows that the weather can be pretty unstable - that goes for autumn as well. Some days are dark and grey and the rain is pouring down. Other days are mild, the sky is blue and the autumn sun is brightening up the city and its old buildings in a very special way.