Noctourism or exploring the world after dark is a growing trend in 2026. A Booking.com survey has found that 62% of travelers are interested in “darker sky” destinations, and a 25% increase in nocturnal excursions was reported by Wayfairer Travel in 2024. When hearing about experiences at night one probably immidiately thinks of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and a bit more northern countries like Norway, Sweden or Finland. However there is a lot to be offered by Denmark and especially the city of Copenhagen and the surrounding area. Below are just a few examples that I would warmly recommend.

Copenhagen Yearly Light Festival  

The 9th edition of the Copenhagen Light Festival took place in the central parts of the Danish capital from January 30 to February 22, 2026. The theme was “Peace in Europe”, with a focus on sustainability and inclusion (we are in Denmark :-)) . The main attractions were of course the artistic art installations lightening the winter sky of the city. However there were also interactive experiences, and guided tours on foot, by canal boat or on segways. The event is  free to attend by anyone. Below are some photos from the 2025 event. My personal favourite was the light beams by the Christiansborg Palace. Stay tuned for the Light Festival in 2027.

Bioluminescence or Morild 

During late summer (from July to early September) when the waters in the shallow Danish fjords are warm this natural phenomenon can be observed as a faint blue-green glow in the sea. It is best seen on windless nights, after sunny days and along calmer coastlines like Roskilde Fjord, Isefjord or the Kattegat coast. The light that comes out is actually produced by tiny organisms (algae) called Noctiluca scintillans that glow when disturbed, such as by the movement of waves or a swimming person. The light is created by chemical reaction between a substance called luciferin, the enzyme luciferase and oxygen. The process is known as bioluminescence, describing the production and emission of light by living organisms. Another organism that emits light in the late summer in Denmark is the comb jelly (Mnemiopsis leidyi) which can resemble stars in the water. So next time you visit Denmark during late summer take an evening stroll along the Danish coast and perhaps you will witness the morild. If taking a swim always ensure you are with someone who knows that you are taking a dip and never go in the water under any substance influence. Below photos are taken by me in early September 2024 at the small beach of Bautahoj Hotel by Kulhuse. Later that night I witnessed the soft blue-greenish lights in the waters of the fjord.

Dark Sky Park and Dark Sky Community, island of Møn

The small Danish island of Møn, only 1 hr 30 mins drive from central Copenhagen is Scandinavia`s first Dark Sky Park and Community. It offers world-class stargazing, Milky Way views and guided star presentations due to the minimal light pollution. The best time to enjoy this nocturnal activity is from September to March when the nights in Denmark are longer. However the Dark Sky phenomenon can of course be witnessed all year round. On a summer’s night one can observe the Milky Way as a broad, whitish band of light stretching across the entire sky. In the autumn you can spent the night looking at the Andromeda galaxy – tiny bit of misty fluff in the night sky.

If you wish to get more ideas on how to arrange any of the described above nocturnal experinces – for example any ideas for an unforgettable gastronomy evening in Copenhagen combined with viewing the best light art installations, then get in touch with me via info@yourtailoredtrip.dk. I am ready to help you create an unforgettable experince – the perfect one for you and your companions!

Sources:

1. https://copenhagenlightfestival.org

2. Morild: The natural phenomenon lighting up the Danish shoreline; The Copenhagen Post 

3. https://www.sydsjaellandmoen.dk/darksky