🎇🛡️🚶 Fireworks and safety: where to watch, what to avoid and how to get back to your hotel

✨Beautiful — when done right

Midnight in Denmark means lots of private fireworks and improvised launch sites. It's beautiful when you see the lights, not the smoke, when you have free space and clear access to warmth. The secret is simple: choose a spot downwind, keep your distance from those setting off fireworks, and decide in advance how to get back — on foot, by underground or by taxi, away from the ‘hot spots’.

🧭 Where to watch: three types of venues

🌊 Open embankment/harbour — lots of air and panoramic views

Pros: wide view, reflections in the water, easy to control the distance to the launchers.

Cons: the wind is stronger, smoke drift depends on the direction. When to arrive: 30–45 minutes in advance (earlier on Saturday during peak hours).

🛶 Sheltered canals/“pockets” by the water — soft sound and less wind

Pros: warmer, cosier, convenient for families.

Cons: denser crowd, less visibility of high volleys. When to arrive: 30 minutes in advance, immediately choose a free exit to the street.

🌉 Bridges/squares — spectacular, but ‘crowded’

Pros: festive atmosphere, ‘centre of the picture’.

Cons: draughts, narrow passages, crowds in ‘waves’. When to arrive: 60–75 minutes in advance, otherwise you will be on the edge with no way out.

🧠 Life hack: do not stand next to those who are launching. Keep 50–100 metres away from the ‘homemade point’ and do not occupy the ‘wind corridor’ from it.

🌬️ About the wind — so you don't stand in the smoke

• For visibility: choose the windward side relative to the expected launches (wind in your face, smoke away from you).
• For warmth: stand behind a wall/pavilion to cut the gust, but don't go into the ‘bag’ of smoke.
• Quick test: see where the first volleys/smoke from the pipes/flags are going — adjust your position by 10–20 metres.

🙅‍♂️ What to avoid

• Narrow courtyards/passages without side exits.
• Under trees, under overhanging balconies, close to the water (splashes, slipping).
• Close to ‘homemade launchers’ (boxes/tripods on the ground).
• The edge of bridges, steps, metal decks (slippery and draughty).
• Glass containers in a crowd — take light glasses.

🏨 Where to stay to return on foot

• Indre By/Nyhavn — ‘step outside and you're by the water,’ but ask for a quiet side and a 4+ floor.
• Christianshavn — ideal for canals and quick bridge crossings.
• Islands Brygge / Amagerbro / Nordhavn — quieter, 5–10 minutes by metro, quick retreat to warmth.
• Vesterbro to the harbour — convenient for the train station and morning departure.

🚇 Night transport, bars and taxis — how not to get stuck

• Metro/night lines are usually reinforced on New Year's Eve, but after midnight the stations are overloaded. Plan A: walk 10-15 minutes to a less central station.
• Taxis/car sharing: call not by the water/square, but 2-3 blocks inland — they will arrive faster.
• Re-entry to bars/clubs: many have stamps/bracelets and ‘last entry’ before midnight. Don't count on guaranteed re-entry — plan one ‘base’ for the evening.

🧤 Children, pets and those sensitive to noise

• Choose covered canals/quiet embankments away from mass launches.
• Earplugs/earmuffs for children; for pets — away from the front line (preferably at home).
• Rhythm: 20–30 minutes by the water → 10–15 minutes in the warmth.

🧩Fireworks Planner: choose a spot, factor in the wind, and return home

🧰 Safety checklist (before leaving)

• Layers + wind protection, non-slip shoes, glove liners.
• Power bank, torch/headlamp, tissues, rubbish bag.
• Lightweight glasses, water, small first aid kit.
• Exit plan: walk to the station/street to call a taxi 2–3 blocks away.
• Distance 50–100 m from ‘homemade launchers’ and windward position to them.
• For children/sensitive people: earplugs/headphones; pets are better off at home.

📌 Summary

• Location: open embankment (panoramic view), sheltered canal (cosy), bridge/square (impressive, but denser).
• Wind: stand upwind of the expected launches — breathe air, not smoke.
• Distance: keep 50–100 m away from ‘homemade launch sites’ and do not stand under overhangs.
• Logistics: plan to walk + take the underground or a taxi away from the crowd; re-entry to bars is not guaranteed.
• Accommodation: stay within walking distance of the water or 5–10 minutes from the underground — this will save your energy and nerves on the noisiest night.