GoBoat Guides: Winter break in Copenhagen

In search of Fastelavnsboller

The ever-recurring buyer's paradise trend must be the hunt for the perfect fastelavnsbolle. Every year, sales seem to start earlier and earlier. It's as if we've only just managed to remove the glitter from New Year's Eve before the first bakers advertise their version of the fastelavnsbolle for 2026. And even though many of them actually have a rather broad definition and are probably more like cakes than actual fastelavnsbolle, there's no point in complaining about “legitimate” reasons to eat sweets at any time of the year. But hang on, because there are many to choose from, and they vary greatly in both price and taste.

Popular suggestions for places worth visiting include Andersen Bakery, Hart, Original Coffee, Ard Bakery, Alice, and many, many more.

Copenhagen Light festival

Between January 30 and February 22, the Copenhagen Light Festival will illuminate the city with a series of spectacular light installations that transform streets, squares, and harbor areas into living works of art. The festival is an excellent opportunity to spend your winter vacation experiencing Copenhagen from a new and atmospheric perspective.

Most people choose to walk around the city to see the many works, but there are also more unusual and memorable ways to experience the festival. One of them is to take a boat trip and see the light installations reflected in the water as the city glides by. Both GoBoat and Strömma offer boat trips after sunset, when darkness really brings out the light art. This is a peaceful and enjoyable experience, where you can enjoy both the art and the city's winter atmosphere from the water.

A trip to the sauna

Over the past few years, interest in winter swimming and sauna bathing has really taken off among Danes. More and more people have discovered the combination of cold dips and hot sauna experiences, which both provide renewed energy and a mental break from everyday life.

As its popularity has grown, a host of new places have sprung up in Copenhagen offering sauna sessions in various forms and settings. Here you will find everything from intimate saunas tucked away in backyards to larger facilities with direct access to the water and places that are a little more hidden but offer very special experiences.

Among the popular spots are Winter Island, Sauna85, and Plugin, each offering their own unique approach to sauna bathing and winter swimming.

Stay warm with a visit to the museum

When the cold weather sets in and you need a break from down jackets and mittens, visiting a museum is always a good idea. Copenhagen is a city rich in culture and history.

Several museums in Copenhagen bring art, history, and knowledge to life through interactive exhibitions and child-friendly activities, making a visit to the museum enjoyable for the whole family. The National Gallery of Denmark offers colorful paintings, exciting sculptures, and family activities where children can try their hand at art themselves. The National Museum of Denmark tells the story of Denmark in a lively way with Vikings, interactive exhibitions, and exciting stories that make it fun for children and adults to explore together. Thorvaldsens Museum offers a sensory experience with impressive sculptures and beautiful details, and the museum's manageable size makes it perfect for families with small children.

Shopping in the streets of Copenhagen

Copenhagen offers plenty of shopping experiences for young and old alike, and while Strøget is often the preferred destination for many, it can be worthwhile to venture away from the city center. The most charming finds are often found in the city's small, cozy streets. Streets such as Kompagnistræde, Pilestræde, and Ny Østergade are home to unique specialty shops, local designers, and small concept stores where you can find everything from handmade jewelry to Scandinavian ceramics and vintage finds.

In Vesterbro and Nørrebro, small streets entice visitors with trendy clothing stores, independent cafés, and exciting lifestyle shops, while Christianshavn and Frederiksberg offer quiet streets filled with arts and crafts and specialty goods. Here you can enjoy a truly different shopping experience, far from the big chains, where every visit feels like a voyage of discovery.