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Can you walk on the ice in Copenhagen harbour or on the sea?

Harbour and sea ice in Copenhagen stays off-limits.

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Short answer

No, you should never go out on the ice in Copenhagen harbour or along the coasts, because it will never be safe. The City of Copenhagen only opens ice on 11 selected lakes, and only when a blue sign says "Færdsel på isen er tilladt". Until then, all traffic on the ice is forbidden. Even on approved lakes the ice must be 16–18 cm thick, and the weather can weaken it quickly.

Weather and seasons

Why

  1. Harbour ice is not on the city's list of ice that can be opened.
  2. All traffic on ice is forbidden unless a blue sign allows it.
  3. Weather can change ice thickness and strength quickly.

Details

The same rule covers the coast: ice along the shore in Copenhagen is never declared safe.

Tip

Enjoy frozen harbour views from the quays and bridges, and look for an open lake or a skating rink if you want to go on the ice.

What may differ

Which lakes are open can change from day to day, so the list on kk.dk is updated daily in winter.

Common misconception

After a long cold spell, the harbour ice becomes safe to walk on.

What actually happens

Harbour and coastal ice in Copenhagen is never safe, however long the frost lasts.

People also ask

  • Is the ice safe on the Copenhagen lakes?
  • Can you swim in Copenhagen harbour in winter?
  • How cold does it get in Denmark in winter?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Weather varies a lot from year to year, so check the DMI forecast before you travel.

Weather and seasons
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