Winter boat trip in Copenhagen: 5 good reasons
When the temperature takes a dive, stepping outside can be a rather chilly experience. Not all of us are born Vikings, and that's exactly why we've put together 5 compelling reasons to brave the cold and set sail. With our convenient boat rental service, you can easily enjoy a refreshing boat trip even on the coldest days
Below we have listed the 5 good reasons why to go sailing during winter.
- You can easily keep warm even if it’s cold
- You can bring provisions to help keep you warm
- You have the harbor to yourself
- It gets cozier we move closer together
- Safety is still on top
Sail under cover in GoBoat Pod
The best way to go sailing in winter is in GoBoat Pod, our covered boat, which sails from October to April. Behind the panoramic windows you are sheltered from wind and rain, while the rain drums on the roof and the city glides by. Blankets, cushions and cosy lighting are included, so you stay warm for the whole trip.
You sail yourself, with no boating licence needed, and there is room for up to 8 people including children and babies. Dogs are welcome too. From Islands Brygge you sail out into the main harbour and choose whether to head towards Sydhavnen or north past the Black Diamond, Nyhavn, the Opera and Amalienborg. The Pod stays in the main harbour because the bridges in the narrow canals are too low for it.
Bring your own food and hot drinks, or order open sandwiches and sandwiches from T.S. Smørrebrød. In November and December you can also add æbleskiver and mulled wine, and for the full Christmas feeling, join our Christmas tour with mulled wine and pakkeleg.
1. How to keep warm outside
Do not fear the cold! There’s always ways to keep warm, even when you’re on the water. Read along and learn how to keep the warmth the best you can.
When temperatures drop to something close to the freezing point it’s quite normal that we lose some of our body heat through the head. At the same time both our ears and nose are very sensitive to cold weather. Therefore it’s important to buy a nice warm beanie to keep your head from freezing. It’s not only the head you must take care of when being outside. Your neck is also very important to protect and keep shielded from the cold. To keep warm hands and feet must always be protected. Get yourself a nice pair of gloves and some lined boots. To learn more about how to dress the best way for each season, read this article: here.
Sit comfortably and keep the warmth while being on the water
During your sail you can bring cushions and blankets to keep the warmth. At GoBoat there’s taken care of both if you go sailing in one of their boats. Blankets make sure you keep your warmth during the whole sail. In winter you can also add our Heated Seats, cushions with built-in heating. The seats secure a soft and warm experience since it’s heating your bottom and back. The seat has 3 different heat settings.
Read more about what to wear on a boat
Temperature in Denmark in the winter
Denmark's climate is warmer than other geographical areas at the same latitude. This is due to the North Atlantic Current that starts at the tropical sea off the east coast of the USA.
December in Denmark is on average coldest at 0 degrees and warmest at +4 degrees Celsius while January's coldest is -2 and warmest is +2 on average. It is generally coldest in the middle of Jutland.
Read more about winter break in Copenhagen
The coldest total year in Denmark was so far 1879, which is the only year with an average temperature below 6 degrees. The absolute lowest temperature measured in Denmarks was -31.2°C in Thy in January 1982.
Source: DMI.
2. When the cold bites, treat yourself
Change the cold tap water with either coffee, tea or hot chocolate to drink on the way. Drinking something nice and hot can help you keep warm.
If you’re sailing with GoBoat in Copenhagen there’s a lot of small cafés at Islands Brygge near GoBoat. You can also buy drinks and snacks in our pavilion at Islands Brygge.
Read more about GoBoat around the world
Remember to eat before sailing
According to Spejdersport It’s important to eat when it’s cold. Your body starts the combustion when it’s cold, and therefore it’s extra important to keep your stomach full. It’s about consuming more calories than you burn when it’s cold. When temperature drops your body will automatically increase the combustion which will make your body temperature rise. And that’s why you need to ensure that you go sailing with a full stomach or at least that you bring food.
3. You have the harbor to yourself
If you sail during winter it’s limited how many other vessels there’s in the harbor, which means you’ll have the harbor almost to yourself. During summer time the harbor teems with life along the waterfront and in the harbor.
Read more about boat rental in Copenhagen
The calm surroundings makes it a very pleasant place to go sailing in a slow tempo without being disturbed by any other boats. Together with family and friends you’ll be able to completely relax and just enjoy the moment without any stress.
Why is it important to relax?
When you relax your body and mind recover and in this way you’ll build up renewed energy. If you forget to relax your body is constantly working overtime and you risk ending up stressed. Health authorities such as Sundhedsguiden recommend that you make sure to relax once in a while. When you relax and find yourself in calm surroundings your blood pressure drops and so does your pulse. This happens because you will automatically breathe deeper and slower. If you think this sounds interesting, you can always read more here about why it is important to remember and relax.
4. Only good vibes while sailing
When it’s cold we tend to squeeze closer together, which is quite nice. Residents in Denmark are happier than people in most other countries. But why? It can best be described with one word: hygge. Hygge is a part of Danish culture. A quite comprehensive term which is deeply integrated in most Danes. Hygge is about personal well being, unforgettable moments with the ones you love and also the small things in life that bring joy. If you ask a dane what hygge is, it will definitely be a question that puts a smile on their face. Most Danes think that hygge is a defining way of living. We connect hygge with socializing and a feeling which is quite intangible.
5. Safety on the water
It’s always quite essential that safety is on top when you’re out on the water. The same safety precautions apply during summer and winter. At GoBoat, safety is a high priority. Whether you’re embarking on a boat trip Copenhagen or another adventure, our crew ensures you receive all the necessary safety guidelines to be a responsible captain. Always make sure that there's a life vest for all passengers on board. At GoBoat, there are life jackets for everyone on board, including children and babies, even though wearing one is not a legal requirement.
As a captain it’s important to keep an eye and to be alert in order to avoid collisions As a captain, it’s important to stay alert to avoid collisions with other boats. Use your common sense and assess the risk of collision. Never take any chances. That’s the best way to take care of yourself and your fellow passengers.
GoBoat’s port regulations
At GoBoat we have 4 no go’s that must be followed by all sailors.
- Not everyone has the same taste in music as you. The harbour should be a pleasant place for everyone, so you may not bring speakers on a GoBoat Classic. GoBoat Cruise has built-in speakers that you are welcome to use.
- We know the water can be tempting, but it is not allowed to go swimming from a GoBoat.
- It is strictly prohibited to use the harbour as a toilet. If you need a toilet along the way, there are places on the route where you are allowed to stop. They are marked on the map in the boat.
- You don't need alcohol to have fun. Passengers may have no more than two drinks per person, spirits are not allowed, and the person steering the boat must stay sober.
GoBoat's 4 no-go's
FAQ
How do I keep warm on the water during winter?
When you're on the water you can keep warm in different ways. Firstly it's important to wear warm clothes and bring more just in case. You can also borrow a blanket or rent one of our Heated Seats.
What is the harbor rules?
Not everyone has the same taste in music as you. The harbour should be a pleasant place for everyone, so you may not bring speakers on a GoBoat Classic. GoBoat Cruise has built-in speakers that you are welcome to use.
We know the water can be tempting, but it is not allowed to go swimming from a GoBoat.
It is strictly prohibited to use the harbour as a toilet. If you need a toilet along the way, there are places on the route where you are allowed to stop. They are marked on the map in the boat.
You don't need alcohol to have fun. Passengers may have no more than two drinks per person, spirits are not allowed, and the person steering the boat must stay sober.
Can I go sailing when it's raining?
Yes, no problem. Just remember to wear rain clothes.
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