Celebrate Valentine's Day in Copenhagen
Try Copenhagen for a Valentine short break and combine romance with one of the city's biggest annual events, the WonderCool Festival.
The symbol of Copenhagen itself, the Little Mermaid from Dane Hans Christian Andersen' romantic fairytale, is known and loved by all. This alone is indeed proof that Danes are real romantics at heart and that 'Romantic Denmark' is something you and your loved one can experience for yourselves in its capital.
What can be more romantic than strolling through a city hand in hand, discovering a new place together? This is easy in Copenhagen as the city is just around 90 minutes away by air from the UK, giving you lots of time to explore this fantastic capital. The city is compact with just around 1 Million inhabitants and most sights can be reached on foot from your city centre hotel.
With Valentine's Day falling on a Tuesday this year, it makes it just the perfect time for that romantic long weekend away. February is also a particularly good time to be in Copenhagen as you will join in with the locals in their annual WonderCool Festival, a time when the capital is buzzing with both romance and more than 100 cultural events. See the full programme on wondercoolcopenhagen.com.
Let candles set the mood
The tiny streets and alleyways around main street Strøget, offers the best when it comes to shopping for local designs, fashions and crafts. You will soon notice that everybody uses candles everywhere; in windows, on tables and even outside on the pavements just to create that perfect romantic atmosphere. Danes know about candles and the positive effects of candle light, so why not buy some Danish designed candle holders to bring home as the perfect Valentine souvenir?
Cupid's arrow
A hot chocolate with a heart shaped cake in one of the many cosy cafes will set you up for a visit to one of the most fascinating museums in the city; Thorvaldsen's. This museum opened in 1848 and is a dedication to the works and collections of Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. The highlight for your visit will be to stand before the work named 'Cupid and Psyche' and as you might know, Cupid is the God of Love and this mischievous little archer has the power to send his arrow through the intended's heart, making him or her fall in love with you...
Hand in hand
A stroll in the park is another favourite for lovers. Head for the waterfront by Amalienborg Royal Palace as at this tiny Amalienborg park, you find a magnificent large fountain and sculptures but most of all, from here you will have an amazing view across the water to the new Opera House. If the mood takes you, you may wish to stroll along further to see the Little Mermaid herself sitting on her rock.
If music is the food of your love, play on
Book seats for a night at Copenhagen's outstanding Opera house or at one of the many great music venues. As part of the WonderCool Festival, the tragic love story, 'La Traviata', will be showing in the Opera House, while the rest of the city is 'jamming' with both jazz and rock.
Steamy atmosphere
For warming up, there can be no better place than the glorious winter garden inside the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. In this steamy atmosphere you can admire huge palm trees reaching for the light descending from a glass domed ceiling and spreading across sculptures and water features in this splendid museum, housing Danish and international works. This is a truly romantic setting in an arty atmosphere.
'Love Seats'
A date often involves a trip to the cinema. In two cinemas in Copenhagen; the Empire and Falkoner you can enjoy the benefits from purpose built love seats right at the back. These are seats specially made for two who like to sit very close together.
Gaze at the stars
There are no love seats at the Planetarium sadly but nevertheless, this is the place to sit and stare at the stars. Even on a cloudy day you can look at the awesome 1000 square meter domed screen, showing the never-ending movements of planets and the universe. Nearby, Europe's oldest functioning observatory, The Round Tower, lights the candles and sets the mood for a truly romantic Valentine's Evening. Treat your loved one to and evening of stargazing in the observatory and live music.
A romantic meal for two
Take the lift up to the 20th floor of the SAS Royal Hotel, from where you have the absolute best view of the capital. The hotel is designed by Arne Jacobsen and is northern Europe's first true designer hotel or stroll along the picturesque Nyhavn with its charming old buildings and stop by the popular waterfront restaurant, Cap Horn. The restaurant offers a sensuous four-course Valentine's Day menu accompanied by the romantic tale of Isabella which once upon a time took place on this historic quayside.
Alternatively, invite your loved one to "My Funny Valentine - tour de l'amour" at restaurant Custom House. Together you can enjoy a special Valentine dinner overlooking the water. A perfect end to a perfect day.
Getting there
Flight time to Copenhagen is less than two hours. SAS Scandinavian Airlines offers direct flights from Aberdeen, Manchester, Birmingham, London Heathrow and Dublin.
Easyjet offers daily flights from both Stansted and Gatwick.
Where to stay
For a wide choice of accommodation, please visit Brøchner Hotels and Arp Hansen Hotel Group.
More travel information
For all information on travelling to Denmark, visit visitdenmark.com.
For all aspects of a great weekend in Copenhagen, visit visitcopenhagen.com.
