Considering a trip to see the Copenhagen northern lights?
Denmark is the land of fairytales, castles, and colorful houses by the water – and of course, the Northern Lights!
If you’re a travel enthusiast with a heart set on witnessing the magical dance of the Northern Lights, you may be wondering if Copenhagen is the right place to chase this elusive spectacle.
Luckily for you, this post will cover everything you need to know about Copenhagen Northern Lights possibilities, timeframes, and more.
Can You See the Northern Lights in Copenhagen?
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is a natural phenomenon that occurs in the polar regions when charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth’s atmosphere, creating a spectacular display of colorful lights in the night sky.
Usually, it’s best to see them in Northern Europe. Copenhagen is, of course, located in Northern Europe, but it is not typically known as a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights.
While it is possible to see the Northern Lights in Copenhagen on very rare occasions, it is not a common occurrence.
You will, of course, have to visit Copenhagen in Winter at the peak of the darkest days around December and early January to attempt a sighting.
Be sure to pack well for your trip. As they say in Denmark, there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.
To have a higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights, you would typically need to travel much farther north, closer to the Arctic Circle, where the chances of clear skies and optimal viewing conditions are higher.
That’s why there are more popular destinations for viewing the Northern Lights like Norway, Sweden, Finland, or Iceland, where the Northern Lights are more commonly visible due to their proximity to the magnetic pole and optimal weather conditions.
If you are specifically interested in seeing the Northern Lights, it would be recommended to research and plan a trip to a location that is known for offering good chances of Northern Lights sightings, rather than relying on Copenhagen as a primary destination for this natural phenomenon.
But it’s not all bad news, it is a rare occurrence, but that means it still happens from time to time.
To increase your chances of catching the Northern Lights in Copenhagen, it’s recommended to keep an eye on Aurora forecasts – yes, they’re a real thing – and be prepared to be flexible with your travel plans.
If you happen to be in Copenhagen on a clear night with minimal light pollution, you might just get lucky and spot the elusive auroras dancing across the night sky.
It’s important to remember that patience and luck are key when it comes to chasing the Northern Lights, and even if you don’t see them, there are still plenty of other exciting things to experience that make Copenhagen worth visiting.
If you don’t see the northern lights, you can at least see the beauty of Copenhagen!
But to summarise, is it possible to see the Northern Lights in Copenhagen?
Yes.
Is it likely?
No.
While Copenhagen may not be the most reliable destination for Northern Lights viewing, it’s always worth keeping an eye out for any potential sightings if you happen to be in the city during the right conditions.
After all, travel is all about embracing the unexpected and being open to the wonders of the world, and who knows, you might just get lucky and witness the Northern Lights painting the Copenhagen sky with their mesmerizing colors, what an unforgettable experience that would be!
Seeing the Northern Lights in Copenhagen may be a slim chance, but there are other places around Denmark and this region where you have a better chance of seeing them.
When Can You See the Northern Lights in Copenhagen?
If you are planning a trip to Copenhagen regardless of the Northern Lights, you may wonder when the best time of year is, when the (slim) chances are at their highest.
Winter months, from November to February, are typically the best time to see the Northern Lights in Copenhagen.
During this time, the nights are longer, providing more darkness for the auroras to be visible.
However, it’s important to note that weather conditions can play a significant role in your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, as the weather does in every country where seeing the lights is possible.
Clear, cloudless nights are ideal for aurora viewing, as clouds can obstruct the view of the spectacular, free, light show.
During the winter, you can sometimes see the Northern Lights as far south as Ireland or France, so if you are visiting Copenhagen in January for example, your chances are ever so slightly higher.
Of course, as made clear throughout this article, the chances are slim, so don’t get your hopes up too much, particularly if you aren’t staying for more than the recommended amount of days in Copenhagen which is three. The chances are slim year-round, but in the winter, the chances are just less slim.
But if you’re super determined to see Copenhagen’s Northern Lights, you also need to consider the level of light pollution in Copenhagen.
As a city with a considerable amount of artificial lighting, finding a spot with minimal light pollution is crucial for optimal Northern Lights viewing.
Consider heading to less populated areas outside of the city, such as Amager Beach Park or the outskirts of Copenhagen, where you can escape the city lights and increase your chances of seeing the auroras.
Copenhagen is such a cool city to visit, especially in the winter. It would just be the icing on the cake of you could see Copenhagen northern lights as well!
Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Denmark
As Copenhagen isn’t the best place in the world to see the Northern Lights, you may wish to visit other locations in Denmark where the chances of seeing the phenomenon are higher.
So here are five of the best places in Denmark to see the Northern Lights.
What’s good about staying in Copenhagen, is that the city connects most transport in Denmark so you can get anywhere in the country relatively easily.
1. Skagen
If you’re up for a unique twist on the classic Northern Lights viewing experience, head to Skagen!
This beautiful coastal town at the northernmost tip of Denmark is famous for its pristine beaches, and what could be better than witnessing the auroras while enjoying a beach bonfire with your toes in the sand?
The minimal light pollution and clear skies allow Skagen to offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity to admire the sky under the Northern Lights while listening to the soothing sound of waves crashing on the shore.
There are so many stunning places in Denmark, especially very north in Denmark, where you can see stunning sights and have a better chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
2. Faroe Islands
Although not part of mainland Denmark, for a truly awe-inspiring Northern Lights experience, look no further than the Faroe Islands.
This remote group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean is known for its dramatic landscapes and mystical allure.
Imagine the auroras painting the sky with vivid colors over the rugged cliffs and fjords, creating a breathtaking spectacle that seems straight out of a fairy tale.
It’s a moment you will truly never ever forget.
3. Møn
A less popular destination, providing a serene and secluded Northern Lights experience, is Møn.
This idyllic island in southern Denmark is known for its unspoiled nature and dark skies, making it a perfect spot for stargazing and catching the elusive auroras.
It’s a magical and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Copenhagen. Just picture yourself standing atop the iconic Møns Klint cliffs surrounded by the dancing Northern Lights and you will want to head there ASAP.
4. Bornholm
Bornholm, another Danish island in the Baltic Sea, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and Nordic charm.
When visiting Scandinavia, you want to feel like you are in Scandinavia, right? The sandy beaches, dense forests, and unique rock formations mean that Bornholm provides a stunning backdrop for a Northern Lights adventure.
There are few destinations where you can immerse yourself in nature and witness the Northern Lights in such a spectacular and untouched setting.
Seeing the northern lights is one of those bucket list travel things you just have to do once in your life if you can.
5. Råbjerg Mile
One of the most unique places to see the Northern Lights in Denmark and possibly the world is in Råbjerg Mile.
This massive migrating sand dune in northern Jutland offers an unchallenged vantage point for aurora viewing.
Climbing to the top of the dunes is an experience in itself, but combine this with the magical dance of the Northern Lights across the night sky and you have one of the best things you will do in your life.
Northern Lights Tour from Copenhagen
If you have a real passion for the Northern Lights, or a real desire to see them, you may wish to take a Northern Lights tour from Copenhagen.
The tour offers you multiple opportunities to see the Northern Lights, even taking you to Greenland, one of the best countries in the world to see the Northern Lights.
Taking this tour is as close of a guarantee as you can get, as it lasts eight days and visits some of the most likely places to see the auroras in the world.
Aside from the Northern Lights, you also get to visit some incredible destinations in Greenland (which is under the governance of Denmark). It’s an extremely underrated country.
So if you want to get a true Northern Lights experience, this is the tour for you. Book that tour here.
Sunsets during the winter in Copenhagen create a wonderful light in the sky, even if they aren’t the exact lights you’re looking for!
Copenhagen Northern Lights FAQ
Below are some common questions about Copenhagen Northern Lights along with their answers.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Copenhagen in February?
While it is possible to see the Northern Lights in Copenhagen in February, the chances are relatively low. The chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Copenhagen are relatively low all year.
That being said, the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Copenhagen usually occur during the peak winter months, but, of course, it’s not guaranteed.
Where to see the Northern Lights in Copenhagen?
In Copenhagen, the best spots to potentially see the Northern Lights are in darker areas away from the city lights.
Head to locations such as Amager Fælled, the southern part of Amager island, or the beaches along the coast of Øresund.
These areas offer darker skies with less light pollution, which can increase your chances of seeing the auroras.
Copenhagen. Not the best place to see the northern lights, but a beautiful place to explore.
Does Denmark have Northern Lights?
Yes, Denmark does have Northern Lights, also known as the auroras.
The northern part of Denmark, including areas like Skagen and the Faroe Islands, has better chances of seeing the auroras compared to Copenhagen and other southern parts of Denmark.
Final Thoughts: Copenhagen Northern Lights
And there you have it, a complete guide to Copenhagen Northern Lights.
Even though it is possible to see the Northern Lights in Copenhagen, it’s pretty rare.
So make sure to keep your expectations of a Copenhagen trip realistic in terms of Aurora viewing.
Nonetheless, enjoy your trip to Copenhagen. It’s a wonderful city!
About the Author
This post was written by Josh Band from A Backpacker’s World. Josh loves to write about backpacking all around the world. From Southeast Asia to Europe, and everything in between, Josh loves to explore and spend as little as possible while doing so. Who doesn’t love budget traveling, right?!