Copenhagen packing Guide: Summer edition
Are you planning a summer trip to Copenhagen, Denmark or somewhere else in beautiful Scandinavia? As a local, below are my best packing tips and a suggested packing list for a trip to Copenhagen.
The days are long, and in late June, early July the sun doesn’t set until 11. This means the sun is high in the sky for most of the day and evening, and it can get hot. Sunburn isn’t necessarily the first thing you think of when planning a trip to Denmark or Scandinavia - but you can, I promise.
- To protect you from the Sun: Sun glasses, sun block and a hat (if you’re a hat person).
Swimming the sea is a big part of Scandinavian culture in all seasons, but in the summer it’s especially popular. And on a hot day - all of the best swimming spots in the city are buzzing with swimmers and sunbathers (To join in, just head to Nordhavn, Islands Brygge and Ofeliaplads).
- Don’t forget to pack a bathing Suit & towel (A small towel can also double as a picnic blanket, in case you fancy an impromptu picnic)
Because the days are long during the Scandinavian Summer, the nights are of course short. And if you don’t plan accordingly - or have 100% black our blinds you’ll struggle to fall asleep before midnight or be rudely awakened at 4am by daylight.
- Don’t forget an eye mask!
When you’re in Copenhagen in the summer, you can easily spend the entire day outside: eating on patios, sitting by the water, and exploring the city. You’ll likely do this by foot (or bike). So make sure you pack comfy shoes, that you’d be happy to wear all day. (Luckily Denmark is a pretty casual place - and locals wear sneakers everywhere, so you don’t need to change shoes for dinner, like you might do in some fancier places.)
- Pack (at least one pair of) comfy shoes, like sneakers or Birkenstocks (also a local favorite, and generally popular again in 2023).
While the Danish Summer can be incredibly beautiful and hot - you still need to prepare for the opposite.
- Pack layers. Layers are your best friend during a Scandinavian summer. Cotton T Shirts / Tanks, Sweatshirts/Hoodies, a scarf/wrap and light coat. And pack both shorts and jeans. And you never know when an impromptu rain storm might appear. Pack an umbrella or light rain coat - just in case.
Last by not least - if you’re prone to a summer cold, pack a precautionary pack of Dayquil or Lemsip. In Denmark you cannot buy this type of cold medicine over the counter, so it’s better to be prepared. Worst case scenario, you actually need it.
Download and Print the Copenhagen Packing Guide
