Copenhagen is known by many for being a great place to kick back and relax. And how could it be anything other than that? The Danes work some of the fewest hours in Europe, and few places on the planet place as much of an emphasis on wellbeing. One of the best activities for improving mental health is walking, and parks in Copenhagen are plentiful.
Within the city of Copenhagen itself, you’ll find several green spaces to relax, go for a walk, or enjoy a run. And in some of its nearby outer suburbs, you’ll discover several larger nature reserves that are open for recreational purposes.
Regardless of where you live or choose to stay on a visit to the Danish capital, you’ll never be far away from a large park. But which are the best parks in Copenhagen?
Let’s take a deep dive and find out.
What’s the most famous park in Copenhagen?
Perhaps one of the most famous parks in Copenhagen is just outside the city perimeters. Dyrehaven, also known as Deer Garden, is a vast area of natural beauty in Klampenborg — a high-end suburb to the north of the capital’s traditional core.
Dyrehaven is a local favorite, and many Copenhageners bike, drive and take the train here to enjoy a day in nature during their free time. Inside the park, you’ll find several wild deer roaming; you can get much closer to them than you would in most parts of the world.
Dyrehaven has acres of walking trails, along with a café and places to go for a bike ride. Each November, you can watch the Hubertus Jagt — an annual race that celebrates the end of the hunting season. You don’t need to pay an entrance fee to do so and will be joined by tens of thousands of locals.
Getting to Dyrehaven is easy; it’s a two-minute walk or so from Klampenborg Station.
What’s the largest park in Copenhagen?
The largest public park in Copenhagen’s main districts is Fælledparken, a huge green space just north of the city center in Østerbro. The park is right next to Telia Parken, which is where the Danish national team plays its home games in soccer.
Fælledparken is where Copenhageners of all backgrounds and interests come together to enjoy a warm summer’s day. You can enjoy several outdoor activities here, including running and playing football.
However, if you’re not feeling particularly active, you can always grab a beer or two with some friends and find somewhere to sit for a few hours.
Fælledparken is pretty big and stretches toward the outer perimeters of Østerbro, along with Nørrebro. The park goes along Jagtvej and Nørre Allé and somewhat culminates at Trianglen Metro Station — which is just off Østerbrogade.
Inside Fælledparken, you’ll also find a playground featuring smaller versions of some of Copenhagen’s most famous landmarks. You can also go skateboarding here, along with finding a place for children to learn about traffic just outside.
To get to Fælledparken, your best bet is to take the metro to Trianglen. Alternatively, you can cycle here from the heart of Copenhagen in 10-15 minutes.
What are the other best parks in Copenhagen?
Okay, so we’ve covered the largest and most famous parks in Copenhagen. Both are worth checking out, regardless of whether you live here or are simply visiting.
But these parks aren’t the only places worth visiting in the Danish capital; below, we’ve listed a selection of other fantastic green areas in Copenhagen.
Bispebjerg Kirkegård
Cemeteries in many countries are somewhat dour and depressing when you enter. In Denmark, however, this isn’t the case in most instances. One of the most beautiful green areas in the Danish capital is Bispebjerg Kirkegård, which is in the neighborhood of Bispebjerg — also known as Nordvest.
Spring is the best time to visit Bispebjerg Kirkegård. For a couple of weeks, the cemetery turns a shade of bright pink as the Sakura trees blossom. If you come here at this time, you’ll probably feel like you’ve suddenly been transported to Tokyo.
But regardless of when you visit, Bispebjerg Kirkegård is worth checking out. The area is pretty large, and you’ve got another great place to take in nature nearby, in the form of Utterslev Mose.
Bispebjerg Kirkegård is close to the iconic Grundtvigs Kirke, and the neighborhood is quite far out of Central Copenhagen. You can get the S-train to Bispebjerg but will still need to walk for a few minutes after doing so.
The easiest way to get here is by bike, though we should warn you that the terrain can get quite hilly.
Kongens Have
If you don’t fancy venturing outside the heart of Copenhagen, don’t worry — you’ll find a series of parks in close proximity. One of the most famous and central green areas in Denmark is Kongens Have.
It forms part of the grounds of the Rosenborg Castle, so if you’ve ever visited that particular building, you’ll definitely have been past.
Kongens Have is the perfect spot to take in those seemingly-endless summer evenings or for a romantic walk if you’re in Copenhagen with your lover. The park is particularly popular with students; you’ll find an international crowd of young people speaking several languages and playing all kinds of games.
If you’re somewhere else in Copenhagen’s inner city or Østerbro, getting to Kongens Have is very straightforward. It’s roughly a 5-10 minute walk from Nyhavn, and the park is also close to various shopping streets.
Kongens Have is also just across the street from the outer part of the National Gallery of Denmark. If you’re taking public transport, you can go to either Kongens Nytorv or Nørreport station. The latter is metro only, whereas Nørreport serves both the metro and S-train.
Frederiksberg Have
Also known as Frederiksberg Garden, Frederiksberg Have isn’t officially in the Copenhagen municipality. However, you could easily walk around Frederiksberg without knowing you’re not in Copenhagen proper; the municipality is surrounded by Copenhagen in all areas.
If you ask any Frederiksberger for recommendations on what to do in their neighborhood, you’ll quickly realize that Frederiksberg Have is a local favorite. In the center of the park, you’ll find Frederiksberg Palace — a beautiful yellow building that stands prominently over the remainder of the area.
Frederiksberg Have is also right next to Copenhagen Zoo. When you’re in the park, you can see the elephants from a free viewing area.
Away from culture and wild animals, Frederiksberg Garden has plenty of things to do. It’s home to the Chinese Pavilion, which was one a tea house for Denmark’s royal family. You’ll also find numerous running routes, along with plenty of green spaces to have a picnic with friends on a sunny day.
To get to Frederiksberg Have from Central Copenhagen, you can cycle here in around 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can get the metro to Frederiksberg Allé and walk up the slight hill; the park entrance is at the top.
Kalvebod Faelled
Amager is a dream for anyone that loves outdoor activities, and one of the island’s greatest appeals is its vast area of greenery. Kalvebod Fælled forms part of this, and you’ll quickly forget that you’re in a capital city when you enter the park’s boundaries.
Also known as Vestamager, Kalvebod Fælled is right next to Ørestad — a new district of modern apartments that’s within easy reach of the city center.
You’ll go through here if you go on the scenic Amarminoen walk, which will take you down to the pretty fishing town of Dragør next to Copenhagen Airport.
At Kalvebod Fælled, you’ll find a bird protection area; however, the public isn’t allowed to enter this particular part. You can, however, check out a stranded Viking ship that is just within the park’s perimeters.
Kalvebod Fælled is easy to get to from Central Copenhagen. Get the metro to Vestamager and walk from there.
Ørstedsparken
A little closer to the heart of Copenhagen is Ørstedsparken, a scenic park that dates back to the 19th century. The park is close to The Lakes that cut through the city center and not far from H.C. Andersens Boulevard — one of Copenhagen’s most important streets for connecting its various districts.
Ørstedsparken is a small but beautiful park with a good range of activities. The nicest thing you can do here is simply strolling among the trees, regardless of the weather.
During the winter, it’s not uncommon for the pond inside to freeze when the temperature drops below freezing — even if it doesn’t do so for long.
The park also has a playground for children, making it excellent for a family outing. To get here, you can get the train to Nørreport or Vesterport and walk.
Sydhavnstippen
Sydhavnen is a revitalized district that’s a little off the beaten path but closer to Central Copenhagen than you think. The neighborhood features a high-end waterfront district with several fancy modern apartments, in addition to an older and more working-class quarter.
If you live in this part of the city, it’s worth checking out Sydhavnstippen — a vast area of natural beauty on the outer edges of Sydhavnen towards the water. Inside this popular park, you’ll see alpacas roaming and a lovely view out toward the sea.
Sydhavnstippen is relatively small, and you can easily cover the area in little time. Inside the area, you’ll also find one of the many trolls hidden throughout parks in Copenhagen and its surrounding areas. We won’t reveal its name, though, as that would be cheating!
During the fall, you can forage for berries and apples in Sydhavnstippen.
Getting to Sydhavnstippen is relatively straightforward. Get the S-train from Copenhagen Central to Sydhavn Station and walk, or hop on the harbor bus to Teglholmen and do the same. Alternatively, you can cycle here from the city center in around 20 minutes.
Amager Strandpark
Amager Strandpark features one of the best beaches in and around Copenhagen, but that’s not all you can do here. This area is fantastic for all sorts of recreational purposes, including cycling, running, and water sports.
Amager Strandpark is perhaps best enjoyed during the summer months, but it’s also an interesting experience during the winter – even if it’s often unbearably windy. On a clear day, you can see all the way over to Malmö and its dominant Turning Torso (which, if you ever get the question in a pub quiz, is Scandinavia’s tallest building).
If you’re looking for more of a leafy area, you can go to the area around Kastrups Fort. A little further down, you’ll find Kastrup Søbad – an iconic area to go for a swim in the Copenhagen area.
Getting to Amager Strandpark from the city center isn’t too difficult. The metro to Amager Strand will get you here in around 25 minutes, and it’s roughly the same amount of time if you travel by bike.
Find out more about Amager Strandpark here.
Vestre Kirkegård
Another cemetery to feature on our list is Vestre Kirkegård, which is off the tourist trail but popular for locals looking to enjoy a peaceful weekend stroll. The cemetery is on the edges of Sydhavnen and also nestled closely to Vesterbro and the up-and-coming Carlsberg District.
Like its Bispebjerg equivalent, Vestre Kirkegård is a vast area with plenty of walkways and trees dotting these paths. In the inner part of the cemetery, you’ll find a small pond; on its outer parts is the small Nordre Kapel chapel.
Vestre Kirkegård is known for its unique tree shapes lining some of its walkways. Close to Ansh Graves, you’ll find some of the best examples. On the outer parts of the cemetery, you’ll bump into the tiny Østre Kapel — which also serves as a theater.
You can cycle through the park, but you must ensure that you’re respectful to others. Speaking of bikes, you can cycle here from Central Copenhagen in around 15 minutes. If you want to get public transport, you’ve got a couple of options.
You can get the S-train to any of these stations:
- Sydhavn
- Sjælør
- Carlsberg
From each station, you won’t need to walk far to get to the cemetery.
Assistens Kirkegård
Despite the beautiful park inside Bispebjerg Kirkegård, it’s arguably not the best-known cemetery in Copenhagen. That title probably goes to Assistens Kirkegård, which is right in the center of the multicultural Nørrebro district.
Assistens Kirkegård is the resting place for Hans Christian Andersen, who is one of many individuals that have put Denmark on the map and enabled this country to punch above its weight globally.
Inside, you’ll also find the gravestone for Søren Kierkegaard — a famous Danish philosopher who lived in Copenhagen for his short but eventful life.
Assistens Kirkegård is the perfect spot to go for a walk in Copenhagen on a sunny day. It’s pretty busy, but not as much as it could be since it’s away from the tourist trail. Getting here couldn’t be more straightforward; it’s right behind Nørrebros Runddel metro station.
If you want to take your bike, you can cycle up Nørrebrogade until you see a yellow wall; the park entrance is by the metro stop.
Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden
Many major cities have a botanical garden, and Copenhagen is no different. The area is in the green Parkmuseerne district, which takes up a small corner of the city center.
Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden is free to wander around if you only plan to stay outside the greenhouse, and you’ll find plants from all corners of the globe.
Inside the Botanical Garden, you’ll find several seating areas if you want to take some time to enjoy your surroundings. You’ll also find part of the Natural History Museum of Denmark in this area, along with an observatory nearby.
You can also go to the palm house, but you’ll need to pay an entrance fee. Adults go for 60 Danish Kroner (DKK), while children aged between three and 17 cost 40 DKK. Students go for the same price, but you’ll need to show your card.
Getting to Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden is easy; it’s a short walk from Nørreport. If you’re already in the city center, you can get here from Rosenborg Castle and the King’s Garden without too much hassle.
It’s also close to Nyhavn and The Lakes.
When visiting the Botanical Garden, keep in mind that you’re not allowed to bring dogs.
Tivoli Gardens
Whether you class Tivoli Gardens as a park or not is debatable — but for the sake of this article, we are. It’s also known as Pleasure Park, so we don’t think it’s totally inaccurate to do so.
Tivoli Gardens is one of the oldest theme parks in Copenhagen and the world. In fact, it’s the second-oldest amusement park on the globe. Inside, you’ll find plenty of roller coasters — but you’ll also discover a vast area of green space to walk around and enjoy.
Tivoli also has a large lake with leafy surroundings, plus playgrounds for your children to run around (if those theme park rides haven’t tired them out).
Getting here is straightforward; Tivoli is in the heart of Copenhagen and right next to Copenhagen Central Station. You’ll notice it as soon as you step onto the street.
Tivoli closes intermittently throughout the year so that the park can prepare for the next season. Your entrance fee varies depending on the time of the week you visit; everyone aged eight and above pays 145 DKK on weekends and 135 DKK from Monday to Friday.
Meanwhile, children under eight years cost 60 DKK on all days.
Østre Anlæg
To complete our list of the best parks in Copenhagen, we’ve included a bit of a peculiar one. Østre Anlæg is not far from the city center and pretty big, but it’s a little less explored than some of the other places we’ve mentioned higher up.
Østre Anlæg borders the wealthy Østerbro district and touches the borders of inner Copenhagen, serving as a natural boundary between these two parts of the city. Inside, you’ll find three lakes and spaces to walk and run. Unlike the Botanical Garden, you’re allowed to bring your dog in here.
Østre Anlæg also has places for children to play, in addition to toilet facilities.
At the park entrance for Østre Anlæg, you’ll find Statens Museum for Kunst — also known as SMK or the National Gallery of Denmark. If you go behind there, you’ll find tranquility and natural beauty to enjoy.
To get to Østre Anlæg, you’ve got two options, and both are roughly the same in terms of convenience. From Østerbro, you can go to Østerport Station — which is served by both the S-train and the metro. From there, you simply have to cross the street and head in the opposite direction of Marmorkirken.
Alternatively, you can go to Nørreport — also served by the S-train and metro. The walk is a little longer, but not by a drastic amount.
If you love green areas, you’ll find plenty of parks in Copenhagen
Many people around the world have lauded Copenhagen for its environmentally-friendly approach, and part of the reason it ranks highly for livability is that the locals can enjoy several beautiful parks.
From cemeteries to reclaimed industrial land, the Danish capital has numerous places to visit on your own or with friends and family.
Generally speaking, parks in Copenhagen remain open from sunrise to sunset. So, you’ll naturally have longer in the summer before you need to leave.
However, winter is a great time to get some fresh air and enjoy the smaller crowds; if you’re lucky, you might see a sprinkle of snow or two covering them.
Denmark regularly battles its Nordic neighbors for the top spot on the World Happiness Index. Having a lot of leisure time is one reason that the Danes are so content, but it’s not the only contributor to their wellbeing.
We’ve written a full article about why the Danes are so happy, so why not check it out and discover the secrets for yourself?
Scandification. Discovering Scandinavia.
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