Off the beaten track fun for your fall break exploring
FIND SEASONAL FLAVORS, COLORFUL ART AND WILD ANIMALS
It’s almost week 42 here in Denmark. Don’t work in weeks? Neither did I until I moved to Copenhagen, but the Danes definitely do. And week 42 is always fall break – or efterårsferie in Danish. Historically, this was a scheduled time off from school, so the kids could go home and help with the annual harvest. Nowadays, not as many families working on farms, but we still get the autumn pause.
For many living here, fall break is a brilliant time to travel abroad – when prices are off-peak and places less crowded. But this year, exploring looks decidedly different with ever evolving safe travel recommendations and changing border restrictions. With lots of us locals staying in Denmark for most of this year, maybe you’ve run out of creative ideas about what to do around here.
I’ve rummaged, foraged, and found some fun, off-the-beaten-path ideas to stay around town and still get the most of the season. From finding art to fall fruit to stalking wild animals, you may know a few of these spots. But have you tried these activities or explored them this way? Check it out. Hopefully I’ve piqued your fall spirit and you’ll find something new and fun for a day out in Denmark. Cheers from here.
1 | Explore Vesterbro on an urban art treasure hunt
Download a street art treasure map that takes you through the Vesterbro neighborhood seeking colorful corners and some seriously impressive murals. Creatively photograph your street art finds and submit to win prizes and potentially have your snaps curated in an exhibition afterward. Organized by Urban Explorer CPH and supported by Vesterbro Lokaludvalg, Nikon, Swapfiets, and Løs Market.
WHEN: October 10 – 20th, 2020
WHERE: Around the Nørrebro neighborhood
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: Urban Explorer CPH
2 | Forage for berries and wild food in Sydhavnstippen
South of the city and surrounded by water, the Sydhavnstippen is a beautiful example of reclaimed natural land. Formerly the “dump” or “tip” (not since the 70s), now a wild nature park where sheep and alpaca graze freely. In autumn, you can find havtorn (sea buckthorn), wild apples and more for foraging. Check out the Vild Mad app and let your little naturalists learn about what foods you can find and safely consume.
WHEN: All fall
WHERE: Sydhavnstippen, Fragtvej 9, 2450 København
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: Vild Mad app
3 | Pick your own pumpkins at Kildebrønde Frugtplantage
This was an autumn ritual for our family, but until recently, it was near impossible to find a patch to pick your own pumpkin in Denmark. Thankfully the Kildebrønde orchard and farm in Greve, south of Copenhagen has us covered. Check out their facebook page to see exactly what you can selvpluk (self-pick) when you want to head out.
These græskar are perfect for carving and toasting the seeds. And for those who feel fall isn’t complete without a curated collection of decorative gourds to adorn your abode, don’t worry, the farm boutique has a cornucopia of pretty squash options.
WHEN: All October
WHERE: Kildebrønde Landevej 41, 2670 Greve
COST: Pay for the produce you pick
MORE INFORMATION: Kildebrønde Frugtplantage’s Facebook page
Highlighting more selvpluk spots across Denmark, in this month’s article for The International – an English language newspaper for internationals living in and exploring Denmark. Read online here or pick up a copy in print near you.
READ MORE: CARVE A NEW AUTUMN RITUAL IN COPENHAGEN | PUMPKIN PICKING AT KILDEBRØNDE FRUGTPLANTAGE
4 | See art in the historic Sophienholm manor house
Perched on a hill above Bagsværd Lake in Lyngby, the former Sophienholm country home is a pretty place for a picnic and walk around the lake. Enjoy the outdoor sculpture park for free or take in the colorful Henrik Vibskov exhibit inside. Famous Danish designer and multi-media artist offers a whimsical experience for all ages.
Here is an exhibition that speaks to the senses and curiosity, and to an enriching extent, the viewer draws into Vibskov’s world of imaginative, visionary and sensual artistic formations and works.”
– Sophienholm.dk
WHEN: Vibskov exhibition | 5 September – 15 November 2020
WHERE: Sophienholm, Nybrovej 401, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby
COST: Adults 70 DKK, Children under 16 free
MORE INFORMATION: Sophienholm
5 | Enjoy the Halloween season at the Frilandsmuseet
Halloween in Denmark has been all but cancelled this year, but you can still experience the holiday around town. Tivoli Halloween will still be happening and park will be decked in pumpkins and ghouls beginning October 9. But for something a little more country and cozy – check out the Halloween offerings at Frilandsmuseet, the historic Open Air Museum in Lyngby.
“During the autumn holidays, creatures from the Nordic folklore have taken over the open-air museum’s village, and the villagers need your help to overcome trolls, goblins, witches and ghosts. Meet wise wives, frightened villagers, witches and wizards who will show you how to make amulets so you can protect yourself from the sorcery. There will also be fun breaks from the spooky with magic, obstacle courses and dangerous snacks, such as toxic candy floss, moldy popcorn and much, much more.”
– Frilandsmuseet
WHEN: 13 – 20 October, 2020
WHERE: Frilandsmuseet, Kongevejen 100, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby
COST: Entrance Adults 80 DKK, Children under 18 free,
20 DKK per seasonal activity or buy an activity card online for a discount to try all the festive fun.
MORE INFORMATION: Natural History Museum
6 | Go horseback riding and see the deer rutting in Dyrehaven
Everyone should do a day out in the Jægersborg Dyrehaven in autumn. The changing leaves afford stunning scenery and the deer rutting impressive to witness. Just be careful and steer clear, you definitely don’t want to get too near the enormous racks on those randy deer. You can simply enjoy the scenery on the miles of paths, perfect for walking, running or mountain biking. Or for something a little special, hop atop a pony. Rides available every day for kids between 09.00 – 16.00. Older horse lovers can ride with the group tours, call ahead to ensure space.
WHEN: Week 42
WHERE: Fortunens Ponycenter, Ved Fortunen 33, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby
COST: 120 DKK for 1/2 hour pony ride or 180 DKK for 1 hour
MORE INFORMATION: Fortunens Ponycenter
7 | Make wood-fired pizza in a green city garden
BaneGaarden, literally translated means train garden, describes themselves as the green Narnia in the middle of the city. Inside the old wood storage houses for the DSB trains is a new social enterprise looking to inspire visitors about living life more sustainably. But don’t worry, it’s not all eco warrior social justice here and learning can be fun.
How about a little walk about their gardens and then making your own pizza to fire in their ovens. Littles will love the “green monster” workshops making figures with vegetables all fall break. Or take a workshop to make your own beeswax wraps and kombucha. Check out all the autumn offerings on their Facebook page.
WHEN: All Fall break
WHERE: Banegaarden, Otto Busses Vej 45, 2450 København
COST: Green Monster workshops 50 DKK, Wood fired pizza 65 DKK
MORE INFORMATION: BaneGaarden.com
8 | Take a leaf-peeping tour of the capital
While travel and trick-or-treating might not be on tap this year, the leaves will still be doing their beautiful fall dance. And guess what? Leaf-peeping? It’s free. Don’t know where to go? I’ve got a hygge filled self guided tour to get your started and lots of other spots around town to fill your buckets and brain with lots of great fall color.
WHEN: All fall y’all
WHERE: Throughout Copenhagen
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: Copenhagen Color: Where to get your autumn on
I grew up in Copenhagen (well, the suburbs) and moved away 20 years ago. So much has changed in the city since then. Your posts make me feel like a tourist in my old home town.
It’s awesome. Keep it coming 🙂
So happy I can jog your memory! It’s a beautiful place to be from. Cheers from here.