How to Survive Winter in Denmark: Tips From a Local
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I’m going to be honest: I don’t think that winter in Denmark (or Scandinavia, for that matter) is anywhere near as bad as lots of people make it out to be. But at the same time, I do understand that it can be a challenging time of the year for many. One of the reasons why I don’t think that winter affects me so badly is because I actively prepare for it.
I’ve lived in Denmark for four winters at the time of writing, so I’m very well-versed when it comes to dealing with the cooler, darker months. The cold isn’t really an issue because it’s nowhere near as cold as in most of Norway, Finland, or Sweden, but the darkness can certainly get to people (ditto for the wind).
If you’re moving to Denmark (or any country where it’s grey and windy for most of the winter), the tips I share today should hopefully help you prepare accordingly.
Accept That Winter Is Coming and Change Your Mindset
Unless you move further south, you can’t really do a huge amount about the fact that winter in Denmark will arrive every year. So, you’re already in a better position if you accept this and prepare accordingly.
I always see people look at the negatives of winter, though I think this happens more outside of Denmark than here. Using terms like “depressing”, “miserable”, or “dreary” does not help, and I honestly think that a lot of how we view the weather is not through independent thinking. Instead, I recommend looking at the positives of winter:
- You get to wear nice turtlenecks.
- It’s nice to walk everywhere without sweating.
- No insects.
- The morning darkness is peaceful.
- Winter is cosier.
I could go on and on, but those are just a few benefits to get started. Reminding yourself of what’s good about each season will go a long way in changing your attitude. This is something I still need to work on myself, but I have made progress and can recommend based on that.
Wake Up Earlier (but Get Proper Sleep)
This might not work for you, but I find that waking up earlier in the winter is much better for my mental health. My explanation is that the sun rises in Copenhagen just after 08:30, so the days for some reason feel longer if I get up a few hours before sunrise.
I also like getting up earlier because it means I can prepare for the day without distractions. As a result, I’m in more of a proactive mood and less reactive—meaning that I get more of the important stuff done.
Again, this works for me largely because I’m very much a morning person. Your mileage may vary, but I would recommend at least trying. You should also consider getting a sunrise alarm clock; I have this one by Philips, and it has been an absolute game-changer.
While I recommend waking up early, I also think you should aim to get at least eight hours of sleep. This should be a non-negotiable, too. This sleep chronotype test can be useful for determining your best get-up and shuteye times.
“Have You Taken Your Vitamin D?”
One of the first things you’ll hear during your first winter in Denmark is whether you’ve taken your Vitamin D or not. Because we’re so far north, you only get vitamin D from the sun for a few months each year (not, contrary to popular belief, whenever the sun is out). I thought I could get away without using vitamin D supplementation when I initially moved to Copenhagen, and that experiment lasted a grand total of two months before I realised how dumb of an idea it was.
You can find vitamin D supplementation in pretty much every grocery store. I would also recommend consuming fish oil throughout the year, as I’ve noticed a huge positive difference when I do that. If you’re like me and have darker skin, you’ll probably need more vitamin D than others.
Go Outside First Thing in the Morning
If you’re into self-improvement podcasts like I am, you’ll probably have heard Dr. Andrew Huberman talking about the importance of getting morning sunlight.
Getting outside first thing in the morning will, at the very least, help you get some fresh air—and you’ll probably feel much better than if you’re inside all day. I truly can’t think of anything worse than being indoors all day in January and then looking outside at 4pm, only to see that it’s dark and the whole day feels wasted.
If you cycle to work, that can help. Going for a walk or run is also fine, and so is simply getting outside your house and standing there for a few seconds.
Make the Most of the Various Winter Events
While winter in Denmark can feel quite dreary, the good news is that there are plenty of winter events to keep you entertained. My absolute favourite is the Light Festival, a free outdoor light display in Copenhagen that lasts for almost the whole of February.
It’s also worth checking out the ice skating rinks if your city has them, along with enjoying the Christmas markets in December each year. You should also look at indoor events that may interest you, and if none of them do, there’ll almost certainly be an art gallery or museum that does.
Try Winter Bathing 🙂
I’m not joking here. Winter bathing is brutal the first few times you try it, and the next few hundred times as well. But it’s a great way to meet people if you join your local bathing club. Moreover, you’ll develop resilience, and it becomes weirdly enticing after a while. You also feel great after you’ve gotten out of the water and warmed up.
Many of Denmark’s cities have several free winter bathing spots, and you will have no problems at all if you’re in Copenhagen especially.
Spend As Much Time Outside as Possible
As I mentioned earlier, you’ll probably feel a lot worse if you spend all of your time indoors during the winter. I last about a day before I get fed up and want to do something. While the winter weather in Denmark isn’t always optimal, you should still seek to spend as much time outside as possible.
Going for a walk is always good, and you can use winter as a good opportunity to explore your local area. For example, if you’re moving to Copenhagen, tourists are much thinner on the ground compared to the summer.
Going to your local park will also help, and so will cycling and being active outdoors. There’s something wonderful about the crisp winter air, too.
Engage in Your Hobbies
If you’re not a big fan of the winter, you should do whatever you can to take your mind off it. Engaging in hobbies that you find fun is the perfect way to do that, especially if they’re outside.
Joining sports clubs is great for this, and they’re also ideal for making new friends. You can also look at playing football, doing photography, and anything else you love doing. If you can’t find a club that meets your interests, be proactive and start your own—you’ll probably find others in your local area with similar interests to you.
Exercise and Diet Are Essential to Your Wellbeing
I’ll forever be an advocate for exercise and healthy eating year-round, but both are especially crucial during the winter months. It’s tempting to reach for sugary treats all the time, but your mood will be worse—and your energy levels will drop—if you do. The same goes for alcohol.
Making meals from the base ingredients (i.e. potatoes instead of buying ready-made fries) has worked for me. I’d also recommend making sure that you’re getting as much of your nutrients as possible from whole foods and not supplements (these are, as the name suggests, meant to supplement your diet and not act as meal replacements).
Regular exercise is also crucial. I enjoy high-intensity training, but going for a walk, run, or bike ride is also good. Rigorous exercise is also ideal for building resilience to the harsh outdoor conditions.
Consider a Sunny Getaway in Late December or Early January
While I have no problem with winter in Denmark most of the time, I will admit that the few weeks after Christmas aren’t so nice. Many people in the Nordics book a vacation to somewhere sunny in the winter, and you might find that a week in Thailand or Tenerife does wonders for your mood.
You’ll find lots of “solferie” deals online, and you can use booking.com and other operators to find decent prices on accommodation.
Even if you don’t go somewhere sunny, a change of scenery can also benefit your mood. For example, I really enjoy visiting Norway and Sweden during the winter—and the differing landscapes are ideal for a total reset.
Use These Tips to Help You Deal With Winter in Denmark More Effectively
The Danish winter can be challenging for many; we usually don’t have the snow that you’ll find in the other Nordic countries, and the constant grey skies are sometimes not the most fun to look at. But it’s inevitable every year, and preparing for winter in Denmark is therefore crucial.
Try these tips and see how you get along. And if you have any other suggestions for dealing with winter in Denmark, feel free to drop a comment.
