A guide for the habitual voyeur of what is known as parklife

In the words of H.C. Andersen himself: “Just living is not enough: One must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower…”

Ella Navarro, Jenna Kleinwort and Luisa Kyca

Aug 28, 2015

As relaxed as cycling-friendly Copenhagen feels at times, everyone living here on occasion feels like retreating from the hustle and bustle of city life, and there’s no better instant fix than seeking out a park.

The Danish capital is blessed with a number of handily-placed green oases, which in some cases are hard to see amidst the urban landscape of roads, waterways and buildings.

Whether you’re after a pleasant walk in the sun, a picnic with friends or family, recreational activity, playground fun for the kids, a nature ramble or some calm and collected moments in the shade on one of those rare swelteringly hot days, the city has a choice of parks to please all-comers.

It’s the perfect way to embrace nature and calmness after a hectic day at work or shopping on the city’s main shopping arteries.

Just like Blur’s song says, parklife gives you an ‘enormous sense of well-being’. (EN)

CITY CENTRE

Kongens Have

Cph KThe most sedate choice on this list, and most royal, are Rosenborg Castle’s gardens, Kongens Have (King’s garden).

Given its location close to touristy Nyhavn and the city centre, it’s no surprise to learn it’s the most visited park in Copenhagen.

Included in its 16 hectares, it offers a number of beautiful, historic buildings, including royal palaces and castles, barracks, pavilions and sculptures (the one of a boy riding a swan by EH Freund is a must-see).

Make sure you walk down the Knight’s Path and the Lady’s Path, diagonal lime tree avenues that intersect close to the centre of the park – take a moment to pause and you can imagine you’ve stepped back in time. (JK)

Botanical Garden

Gothersgade 128, Cph KFind a little calmness and peace in this big park in the heart of the city. Surrounded by well-kept flower beds and lot of lawns, in the centre of the park is a beautiful antique greenhouse.The two-storey glass building is filled with every kinds of exotic plants one could imagine and makes the park a perfect pick for a rainy day. The park is just down the road from Kongens Have. (LK)

Ørstedsparken- getaway just at a stone's throw form Nørreport — Ørstedsparken- getaway just at a stone’s throw form Nørreport

Ørstedsparken
Nørre Voldgade 1, Cph KWhen the sun is shining this park is bustling with locals sunbathing, playing crochet and having barbecues.Under large old trees there is plenty of space to play and relax, and if you get a little too hot there is a nice lake there too, ideal for cooling off your feet.

It’s barely a minute’s walk from Nørreport Station and the Lakes. (LK)

FURTHER OUT

Valbyparken offers a great alternative for those with children

Valbyparken
Valby

Valby Park is one of the biggest green areas in the city.Make use of the wide-open spaces for activities like football or kite flying, or alternatively opt for a leisurely cycle down avenues lined by tall trees that take you directly to the beach.Among its attractions are several playgrounds, a rose garden containing upwards of 12,000 flowers, and a special garden designed for the blind and people in wheelchairs. It might look like it’s far away on a map, but it’s only a 20-minute cycle from the city centre.

Rent a bike and you’ll be surprised by its charm. (EN)

Up for a game? Fælledparken has the open space

Fælledparken
Cph Ø

Near Parken stadium in Østerbro, you’ll find Fælledparken, a large area that includes wide-open spaces, lakes and woodland, pavilions and playgrounds, and 3.5km long paths to walk or jog on.

The park shelters specially tailored recreational areas for football, boules, dancing, outdoor gym training and the largest skatepark in Northern Europe.

It’s no surprise to find out it’s a popular location for events, from the relatively small (the African World Cup) to the massive (the five-day DHL race, the International Worker’s Day on May 1 and Carnival in the spring).

Who knows – it will probably be hosting something on the day you show up too. (EN)

Frederiksberg Have is ideal for animal lovers

Frederiksberg Have
Frederiksberg

In the winter, it’s a favourite haunt of ice-skaters, in the summer a mecca for fans of flora and fauna.

Bordering on Copehagen Zoo, of which it provides a great view of the elephant enclosure, the 31.7 hectare park offers plenty of waterways and woodland.

Its highlights include a splendid Chinese pavilion, lots of good birdwatching opportunities (the grey heron and Canadian goose are regular visitors) and, curiously, a tree where young children are encouraged to leave their dummies/pacifiers, after one last suck for old time’s sake. (JK)