Europe

Copenhagen, Denmark

See Also Our Guide to Malmo, Just Across the Öresund Bridge

Copenhagen is a city of 2 million people, sitting on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager. It’s a a major center of northern Europe, with a modern feel. A lot of the development has taken place along ‘five fingers’ stretching out of the city along rail routes. There’s a lot of scenic running in Copenhagen, taking advantage of the city’s  waterfront setting and numerous bridges. The new Øresund bridge connects to Malmö, Sweden. Note: For guided running tours in Copenhagen, we recommend our friends at Go! Running Tours.  Many thanks to Kent at the Marathon Sport running store for his help with this guide!

Some of the best places to run in Copenhagen are right in the city’s compact centre. Start with our runseeing tour of Old Town, Indre By. Also in the centre are a run along four lakes; a waterfront route in Nyhavn out to the Kastellet fortress, and a lovely run combining several parks & lakes. We also have an attractive route combining Christiantown & Freetown. On Amager Island, there are waterfront routes on the Amager Strand on the east side, and Kalvebod Fælled on the west side, and a parkrun along Fælled. South of the city is a three park run centered on Valby Park, and 20 km of waterfront running paths anchored by the Arken Museum. For a destination run, take the S-Bahn north of the city to Utterslev Mose or Dyrehaven forest park.

Weather is a factor here — it can often be rainy and unsettled. There’s not much daylight–or sun–in winter, and there can be snow and ice although average high temps are just above freezing. Summers are mild but not warm, and there are wonderful, long days. The city has a great public transportation system, consisting of a metro, trams,  local trains, and a Ferry along inner harbour, which makes for great one-way running opportunities! The infrastructure for cycling is fantastic.

Editor's Picks

Some of our favorite runs in Copenhagen, Denmark

Nyhavn and Kastellet

A fantastic waterfront and fortress combo run. Enjoy the Nyhavn, the 17th-century waterfront, canal and entertainment... more...

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Copenhagen’s climate is typical of northern Europe, heavily influenced by the water. This keeps the city comparatively mild in winter, with average temperatures above freezing. Still, it can snow and roads can be icy. Winters have short days and little sun. Summers are mild, with average high temps in July around 70F (21C) and cool nights. Days are lovely and long. Rainfall is common throughout the year, and there can be strings of cloudy days.

Most of the hotels well located in the city center, between then Ingerslevsgade main rail lines to the west and inside the 02 highway to the east, and then between The Lakes and the Harbor. There aren’t that many hotels in Christianshavn. There’s a cluster of business-y type hotels along the water and the 02 highway to the southwestern part of the city.

Stores

Marathon Sport has two central locations, one right on the Lakes.  Group Runs: Monday 17:00 and Wednesday 20:00   **Many thanks to Kent at the Marathon Sport running store for his help with this guide!””

Joyrun is another local running store, near the Botanical Garden.

Vivobarefoot concept store, centrally located.

Byman Sport is a triathlon store near Østre Anlæg.