Winter is slowly coming to an end, and Copenhagen is gearing up for the annual February glow-up: the Copenhagen Light Festival. In 2024, the city is set to dazzle with 35 light installations, turning the streets into a romantic wonderland. As the sun dips around 5 PM, the city transforms into a cozy and enchanting atmosphere. With Valentine’s Day around the corner here are some of our tips on what romantic things to do in this amazing city.

Lighting Up the Night: Copenhagen Light Festival

The festival runs from February 2nd to 25th, turning on its lights at 17:00 and dimming around 23:00. Each year, new installations grace the city, offering a fresh perspective on the interplay between light and art. To embark on your own illuminated adventure, you can grab a map from the Copenhagen Light Festival website or use the festival app for detailed information about each artwork.

While enjoying the light festival is free for everyone, there are curated experiences to enhance your visit. Join a guided tour, complete with warm drinks and informative headsets, or add a dash of excitement with the Light Run—a 7.7 km race past 16 stunning installations. Families can opt for the Family Light Run, a stroller-friendly route filled with the festival's magic.

Opening Concert and Special Premieres:

The festival kicks off with a beautiful concert at Holmens Kirke by the Mogens Dahl Chamber Choir. This musical celebration includes world premieres like "Light, oh light" by Swedish composer Per Gunnar Petersson and a unique piece for clarinet, harmonica, and choir by Danish composer Mathias Heise. It's a harmonious start to your romantic journey through the city's lights.

Dance, Beer, and Wine Tours:

For a unique experience, consider the Dance Tour, where you can dance amidst the illuminated art with ballet dancer Sebastian Pico Haynes from the Royal Theatre. Alternatively, indulge in the Social Beer Walk or the Wine & Walk tour, combining your love for art with a delightful tasting experience.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

Escape the city's hustle and bustle by heading to Dyrehaven, a large park just north of Copenhagen. Climb aboard a horse-drawn carriage for a romantic ride through this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the peaceful journey among ancient oak trees and catch a glimpse of red and fallow deer in their natural habitat. It's a simple and serene way to spend some quiet time together in a beautiful setting.

Canal Cruise

Hop on a calm canal cruise to explore the best of Copenhagen. Enjoy the views of famous spots like the Opera House, Christiansborg, Amalienborg Palaces, and the Little Mermaid. You can either join a guided tour or try something more adventurous by renting a kayak to paddle your way through the canals. It's a relaxed and fun way to see the city together.

Winter Swimming

Experience the Danish tradition of winter swimming at locations like Helgoland Badeanstalt or Islands Brygge Havnebad. After a refreshing dip, warm up at one of Bryggen's cozy cafes. For a unique combination of swimming, dining, and sauna, head to La Banchina.

And for something special, don't miss CopenHot's Little Siberia. It's on Refshaleøen in Copenhagen and has hot tubs, saunas, and cold plunge tubs. The view overlooks an old shipyard, and it's called Little Siberia because it used to be the coldest spot on the whole island. The story adds a cool touch to this urban garden, making it a unique and relaxing place for you and your loved one.

King's Garden Stroll

Discover a different kind of charm with a leisurely walk through the King's Garden by Rosenborg Castle. It’s the countries oldest royal pleasure garden, established in the early 1600s, and offers a romantic ambiance with its herbaceous borders, rose gardens, and artful sculptures.

So, grab a warm coffee in one hand and your partner’s hand in the other and stroll through this magnificent garden and castle.

Romantic dining

Elevate your evening at Meyers in the Tower, a hidden gem within Christiansborg Palace in the heart of Copenhagen. This Danish restaurant, celebrating Nordic kitchen traditions and seasonal ingredients, provides a picturesque setting with panoramic views of the city's towers. Enjoy a delightful dinner while savoring the flavors of the region.

For a cozier setting, experience the Danish tradition of "hygge" with a candlelit dinner at Il Buco. This charming restaurant offers delightful Italian cuisine with a Danish twist. Using local ingredients and crafting homemade pasta, Il Buco ensures each dish is bursting with flavor, adding an extra layer of romance to your evening in the heart of Copenhagen.

Stargazing at the Round Tower

End your romantic day with a magical touch at the Round Tower, Europe's oldest observatory. Whether you go during the day for breathtaking views or in the evening for stargazing, the Round Tower adds a sprinkle of enchantment to your Valentine's experience.

 

For a year-round romantic experience in Copenhagen, explore art museums, visit the Botanical Gardens, and, when Tivoli is open, immerse yourselves in the fairy-tale surroundings of the park.