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Noctourism: Exploring after dark in and around Copenhagen
Magical Christmas markets around Copenhagen
Hello
Below are 3 magical Christmas markets just outside of Copenhagen that are easy to access from the Copenhagen Central Train station (København H). If you have more days in Copenhagen I would warmly recommend that you try at least one of those.
1. Kronborg Castle (or more commonly known as Hamlet`s Castle) in the town of Helsignør: a very cosy Christmas market that is great for the whole family. Children under the age of 4 have free entrance and thus access to Santa. The castle is also great for history lovers and by buying the entrance ticket one gets access of course to the castle halls. One can also shop last minute unique Christmas gifts to surprise loved ones. I have myself this year bought some hand-crafted candles and soaps for my family from another Christmas market. Kronborg Castle is easy access by train and then walk from the Copenhagen Central Train station with a 55 mins train trip. One can purchase an Orange ticket by DSB for only 39 dkk (one direction) if booking in advance via the DSB app (pay attention that Orange ticket means fixed departure and if that specific train is missed the ticket is non refundable). For further practical information have a look at the website Kronborg Christmas Market – Discover the Best Christmas Market in Denmark
2. Roskilde Christmas Market at Stændertorvet in the old Danish capital of Roskilde: this market is open only on 6 and 7 December from 10 – 17 and is free to attend. It is going to be located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Roskilde Cathedral which is the royal burial church of the Danish monarchs. The town of Roskilde used to be the Danish capital from the 11th century until 1443. Another big attraction that is good for families with children is the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, located by the waters of the Roskilde fjord. The train trip from Copenhagen Central train station takes a bit less then 30 mins and one can get there for as little as 20 dkk (Orange ticket and one direction) by purchasing in advance on the DSB app and sticking to the time slot for train departure. For more information in English have a look at Roskilde Christmas Market | Copenhagen Visitor Service
3. Dragør`s Christmas market: Dragør is a place that is one of a kind – located on the island of Amager (where Copenhagen`s airport Kastrup is located too). The town was founded back in the 12th century and grew quickly as a fishing port – hence the very maritime atmosphere and charming ochra coloured houses. The town has Dutch ancestry as in fact most of the island of Amager itself. Dutch farmers were invited by King Christian II in order to settle the area and produce food for the royal household (Dutch were at the tome more advanced into agriculture than Danish farmers). There were also a lot of Dutch architects and craftsman who build many of the old buildings on Amager. In fact Dutch was still spoken in the area until the 19th century. For more practical information visit Dragør Christmas Market – VisitDragør
If you wish to get more ideas on Christmas markets do not hesitate to 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!
Noctourism or exploring the world after dark is a growing trend in 2025 and seems it will stay that way in the coming year too. 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 Light Festival 2026
The 9th edition of the Copenhagen Light Festival will take place in the central parts of the Danish capital from January 30 to February 22, 2026. The theme will be “Peace in Europe”, with a focus on sustainability and inclusion (we are in Denmark :)) . The main attractions are of course the artistic art installations lightening the winter sky of the city. However there are also interactive experiences, and guided tours on foot, by canal boat or on segways. The event is of course free to attend by anyone. Below are some photos from the 2025 event. My favourite was the light beams by the Christiansborg Palace.
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
Meeting / Starting Point:
H.C. Andersen’s statue by H. Luckow-Nielsen
(Next to Copenhagen City Hall and H.C. Andersen’s Boulevard)
End Point:
Kongens Nytorv
🕒 Time Options:
– Morning: from 10:00
– Afternoon: from 13:30
Distance: 6 km
⏳Duration: Approx. 3 hours
🗣 Languages: English or Bulgarian
💶 Price: 750 DKK per person (100 EUR)*
Free for anyone aged 17 and below
*Includes Stripe tax. Stripe being the payment method used for our tours and other services.
* Only a stop on a Wednesday, where a cinnamon roll (onsdagssnegle) from the bakery is included in the tour for every full paying Customer.
Maximum group size: 5 people
NB! This is an example tour and can be fully tailored to your interests.
If you’d like to visit other attractions in Copenhagen connected to H.C. Andersen’s life, let me know via the Contact Form.
Note: Price for a custom tour may differ from the listed price.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of your experience. Read the Terms of Use for further information.
Email: info@yourtailoredtrip.dk
First 5 paying customers receive a beautiful, hand-crocheted bookmark!