Last Updated on March 20, 2025 by Amitylux

Copenhagen in Autumn: The Best Visiting Tips

Autumn in Copenhagen is a season of transformation. The city slows down—just a little. The summer crowds thin out. The air turns crisp. Leaves in Ørstedsparken and the King’s Garden shift from green to fiery shades of gold, red, and orange. And suddenly, everything feels cozier.

It’s not just the weather. Autumn is when Copenhagen fully embraces hygge, that untranslatable Danish concept of warmth, comfort, and well-being. You’ll find locals wrapped in scarves, sipping steaming cups of coffee at outdoor cafés, undeterred by the cooler temperatures. Candles appear in windows. Mulled wine starts showing up on menus. Museums, galleries, and festivals kick into high gear.

This season isn’t about hibernation—it’s about experiencing Copenhagen differently. It’s about wandering through historic streets bathed in autumn light, discovering the city’s best comfort food, and making the most of shorter days and longer nights. It’s about soaking in the atmosphere, whether that means cozying up in a bookshop or catching a live jazz performance in a candlelit basement bar.

And let’s talk practicalities—because let’s be honest, Copenhagen in autumn is unpredictable. Some days are brisk but sunny, perfect for a bike ride along the canals. Others are chilly and misty, making indoor escapes even more appealing. Pack smart. Layer up. And get ready to experience Copenhagen at its most charming, most atmospheric, and most unapologetically Danish.

Let’s explore exactly how to make the most of it.

Autumn Festivals and Events

Copenhagen’s autumn calendar is packed with festivals that bring the city to life with food, culture, and music. One of the highlights is the Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival, held in late August to early September. This event celebrates Denmark’s culinary scene with everything from street food markets to fine dining pop-ups, offering a chance to taste seasonal Nordic flavors.

In October, Kulturnatten (The Night of Culture) takes over the city for one night, opening up museums, theaters, churches, and historic buildings for exclusive late-night access. It’s a rare opportunity to see Copenhagen’s cultural side in a new light, with special exhibitions, performances, and interactive events.

For film lovers, the CPH PIX Film Festival (late September – early October) showcases independent and experimental films, while the Blues Festival fills the city’s bars and music venues with soulful live performances.

No matter your interests, autumn in Copenhagen offers a range of events that make the season even more special.

Seasonal Danish Cuisine

Autumn in Copenhagen isn’t just about crisp air and golden leaves—it’s also a time for hearty, seasonal food that warms you from the inside out. Danish cuisine shifts towards rich, comforting dishes featuring root vegetables, game meats, and foraged ingredients like mushrooms and berries.

A must-try is flæskesteg (roast pork with crispy crackling), often served with caramelized potatoes and pickled red cabbage. Stews and soups become popular, especially kartoffelsuppe (potato soup) and vildtgryde (game stew), both of which are common in traditional Danish restaurants during the colder months.

If you have a sweet tooth, look out for æbleskiver—small, fluffy Danish pancake balls dusted with powdered sugar and served with jam. And of course, gløgg (mulled wine) makes its way onto menus as the temperatures drop.

For the best seasonal produce, head to Torvehallerne, Copenhagen’s premier food market, where you’ll find everything from freshly baked rye bread to organic vegetables and locally made cheese. Whether dining out or exploring local markets, autumn flavors in Copenhagen are an experience in themselves.

Dress Code

“There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”– this saying is famous all across Scandinavia and for good reasons. Of course, when the weather is murky, windy, and rainy, our first instinct is to stay indoors and avoid the cold at all costs. But that is not an option for those living in colder climates; otherwise, nothing would get done for seven months of the year!

Our recommendation is to follow the locals and dress appropriately for the rainy autumn in Denmark:

  • Dress in layers – a good rule of thumb is to have three layers of clothing that allow airflow between the layers. You can always take off the top or middle layer if you get too toasty.
  • Wear warm and sturdy footwear that will keep your feet dry.
  • Wear waterproof outer layers – whether a simple raincoat or a full-on rain suit, it is always a good idea to protect yourself from the rain. An umbrella is an excellent last resort, but make sure it’s sturdy enough to withstand windy Danish weather.
  • Protect your extremities – a pair of gloves, a hat, and socks covering your ankles can do more to keep you warm than you think.
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Copenhagen In Autumn | Copenhagen in Autumn: The Best 4 Visiting Tips

Indoor Activities

Copenhagen has a lot to offer in terms of entertainment indoors – from music venues like the DR Concert Hall or The Royal Theater to luxurious department stores like Illum or Magasin. If you want to read more about Copenhagen’s museums, you can do so here.

Glyptotek | The Best 4 Tips For Visiting Copenhagen In Autumn | | Amitylux Tours | Scandinavian Guided Tours | VIP & Luxury Experiences in the Nordics

Glyptotek | Copenhagen In Autumn

Copenhagen in Autumn | Warm Yourself Up With “Hygge”

This Danish and Norwegian word has taken the world by storm in the last few years, yet it is difficult to find a word-to-word translation. In essence, hygge is about creating a feeling of cosiness and warmth surrounded by good company. Sounds perfect for a cold, rainy autumn day, right? You can create this feeling in many ways, but here are some ideas:

  • Enjoy a glass of wine or Danish craft beer at a bar wrapped in a blanket (almost every bar, café, and restaurant provides blankets and warming light fixtures for tables outside).
  • Indulge in a cup of hot coffee or chocolate and delicious Danish pastry at a cosy café in the inner city.
  • Get closer to nature by walking along the beach or in a park, such as the famous Jægersborg Dyrehaven, where you can find large populations of deer.
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Enjoying Coffee | Copenhagen In Autumn

Take a Private Tour With a Car

Finally, if you don’t want to miss out on seeing everything Copenhagen has to offer, but are not keen on walking around in the rain, a guided tour with a private car can be an option for you. Contact us and let us tailor your private sightseeing tour and show you the best of Copenhagen and Denmark, all planned in accordance with your interests and time.

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A Luxurious Mercedes Car | Copenhagen In Autumn

Conclusion

Copenhagen in autumn isn’t flashy. It doesn’t demand attention like summer’s endless daylight or winter’s Christmas markets. Instead, it invites you in—subtly, warmly, effortlessly. It’s the kind of season that sneaks up on you, filling your days with quiet beauty and unexpected moments of joy.

Maybe it’s the way Nyhavn’s colorful houses reflect off the water under a low autumn sun. Maybe it’s the first sip of hot chocolate after a long walk through Frederiksberg Gardens. Or maybe it’s that feeling of stepping into a warmly lit café while the city outside settles into dusk.

There’s no wrong way to experience autumn here. You can chase golden leaves in the parks, immerse yourself in Copenhagen’s world-class museums, or simply slow down and embrace the season the way Danes do—with good food, good company, and a deep appreciation for the simple things.

One thing’s for sure: once you’ve seen Copenhagen in its autumn coat, you’ll want to come back every year.

P.S.: Last tip, I promise. Have you ever seen the Tivoli park in Autumn? Enjoy the Halloween in style.

Autumn in Copenhagen runs from September to November. Temperatures gradually drop, and the city transitions from late summer warmth to crisp, cool weather.

Yes! October offers mild autumn weather, vibrant fall foliage, fewer tourists, and seasonal events like Kulturnatten (Culture Night). Expect temperatures around 10-15°C (50-59°F).

Explore Tivoli Gardens’ Halloween decorations, visit Frederiksborg Castle, hike in Dyrehaven, experience Copenhagen’s café culture, and enjoy autumn food festivals like Copenhagen Cooking.

The best spots for fall foliage are The King’s Garden, Ørstedsparken, Frederiksberg Gardens, Dyrehaven (Deer Park), and Assistens Cemetery. These parks turn golden and red in peak autumn.