Copenhagen in October: 12 cosy spots for autumn colour in Copenhagen

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Copenhagen comes into its own as the golden hues of autumn start to descend in October. The famous term ‘hygge’ starts to fit the increasingly autumnal atmosphere, where warmth and cosiness are prioritised. October is the perfect time to visit Copenhagen as the autumn colour complements the hues of the architecture and beautiful parks.

I visited Copenhagen in mid-October of last year, and it was perfect — autumn sunshine, fall foliage, and pumpkins on doorsteps made it such a picturesque autumn getaway. Here are my favourite spots I found to embrace October in Copenhagen and find autumn colour.

Halloween at Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens is a must-visit in any season, but it becomes particularly magical in October. As one of the world's oldest amusement parks, Tivoli is transformed into an autumn wonderland with thousands of pumpkins, lanterns, and seasonal decorations.

It is like a mini-Disneyland, and delightfully retro in its design, which lends itself to the perfect autumn aesthetic. From giant pumpkins grown at farms around the country to riding on a witch’s broom in the air, Tivoli can entertain children for hours or can even be a cosy evening activity for adults who aren’t too keen to go on rides.

You can buy a ticket and ride pass to to Tivoli here.

I debated going to Tivoli, since it is a little bit expensive and I knew I wouldn’t go on the rides. But I ended up buying a city pass, which offered entrance to Tivoli as included, so it became good value. I found it so magical to walk around in the perfect autumnal scene — it was almost cinematic!

Here’s a fuller preview of Tivoli at Halloween if you’d like to take a further look.

Nørrebro

Nørrebro, one of Copenhagen’s most vibrant neighborhoods, is an eclectic mix of cultures, independent shops, and charming bakeries. I spent a few hours walking around this area while in Copenhagen in October, and everything was so picturesque and cosy.

The streets and churchyards were quiet but golden with the autumn leaves, creating so many beautiful scenes. There are several specific spots in Nørrebro that I recommend you visit, which are outlined below. But it is worth having an aimless wander around the area as well, or even doing a bakery crawl as I did.

Assistens Kirkegård (Cemetery)

Assistens Kirkegård, the famous cemetery in Nørrebro, is particularly noteworthy for its serene beauty during this season, where the golden leaves gently fall on historic gravesites, including that of Hans Christian Andersen. The cemetery is so serene, and the beautifully maintained grounds create gorgeous layers of autumn colour in October.

Superkilen Park

Superkilen Park in Nørrebro is a unique urban space that celebrates diversity with its multicultural design. It’s a famous spot for photo opportunities, perhaps most notably for its undulating paved hills with graphic white lines. I like visiting here in October as the leaves start to change; it adds that extra contrast to the aesthetic of Superkilen.

Jægersborggade

Jægersborggade is one of Copenhagen's trendiest streets, known for its artisanal shops and cosy cafes. I loved wandering this street as there were so many cute shops to explore and pumpkins on nearly every doorstep! At the end of the street is Meyers Bageri, the perfect spot to grab a warming cinnamon bun on this scenic walk.

Kunsthal Charlottenborg

Located near Nyhavn, Kunsthal Charlottenborg is not only a hub for contemporary art but also a beautiful spot to witness autumn in the city. It’s just off of Nyhavn, the most visited spot in Copenhagen, yet a totally quiet hidden gem. The courtyard is covered in ivy which turns red and orange in October against the brick facade, creating a gorgeous autumn scene. You can pop in to see the exhibitions if you’d like (again, it was included in the city pass so I made sure to have a look!) or just visit the gorgeous cafe.

Torvehallerne

Torvehallerne, Copenhagen's famous food market, is the perfect place to indulge in seasonal treats while soaking in the autumn vibes. The market stalls in the centre feature seasonal produce, arranged so aesthetically that I couldn’t resist taking a slew of photos while there. Don’t miss the tacos at Hija de Sanchez!

Designmuseum Gardens

The gardens of the Designmuseum Denmark are a hidden gem for those looking to enjoy some peace and quiet amidst beautiful autumn scenery. The well-maintained gardens burst into color during October, with the leaves creating a stunning contrast against the museum’s classical architecture. It’s totally hidden away from the streets of Copenhagen, and I felt like I discovered a perfect autumn spot when I visited here.

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek Gardens

Another gorgeous museum garden is the one behind the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. I was stunned at how full of colour the garden was in October, with pink dahlias still in bloom against yellow berries and bright greens. The museum itself is a cosy place to spend a few hours and its famous interior garden brings a bit of green when the weather is grey. I found a place called Café Kopenhag across the street when I was killing time before my flight, and was surprised at how excellent and affordable their smørrebrød was.

Rosenborg Castle and Kongens Have

Rosenborg Castle, set in the beautiful King’s Garden (Kongens Have), is a must-see in October. The gardens are a popular spot for both locals and tourists, and they become even more enchanting as the leaves turn into brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. The castle itself, surrounded by this autumnal display, creates a picturesque scene straight out of a fairy tale. The lanes lined with trees turn golden in October, and the smaller gardens throughout the park are so beautiful in the fall.

Area around Københavns Universitet

Many of Copenhagen’s landmarks are around this area, for example the Round Tower and Church of Our Lady. The landmarks led me to the area, but the beautiful streets lined with golden trees and buildings painted with golden colours kept me there. Have a wander!

Louisiana Museum

One of my favourite spots, the Louisiana Museum is outside of Copenhagen, so requires a half-day trip. The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art offers not only world-class exhibitions but also breathtaking views of the Øresund strait and surrounding gardens. In October, the museum grounds are enveloped in autumn colors, making the outdoor sculptures and landscapes even more striking.

Additional information about Copenhagen in October

Copenhagen weather in October

Copenhagen in October is characterized by cool, crisp weather with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 13°C (45°F to 55°F). Rain is common, so it’s wise to carry an umbrella or raincoat. The days start to shorten, with daylight hours decreasing as the month progresses.

I visited in mid-October, and was lucky with sunny days and clear weather which emphasised the beautiful colours of autumn in Copenhagen.

What to pack for autumn in Copenhagen

Layered clothing is essential for visiting Copenhagen in October. Bring a warm jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a scarf or hat to stay cozy during your explorations. Don’t forget a camera to capture the stunning autumn colors!

October events in Copenhagen 2024

Culture Night - 11 October 2024

Kulturnatten, or Culture Night, is one of Copenhagen's biggest annual events, where the city comes alive with cultural activities. Museums, theaters, libraries, churches, and historical buildings open their doors to the public, often staying open late into the night. It's a fantastic opportunity to experience Copenhagen's rich cultural heritage, with many places offering special exhibitions, performances, and tours. The city's streets and public spaces are also filled with music, art installations, and other activities, making it a vibrant and exciting night.

Copenhagen City Pass

I am dubious about city passes most of the time, as I’m not sure sure they always save money, however I ended up deciding to get the Copenhagen City Pass on my trip because all of the museums I wanted to see were included, and I got some extra bonuses with it such as visiting Tivoli. I thought it was great value for Copenhagen, so I would recommend getting one, which will get you into all the paid places mentioned in this post, as well as cover public transport.

Have a look at the pass here: Copenhagen City Pass.

Copenhagen in October is the perfect blend of autumn colour and cosy atmosphere. From the vibrant neighborhoods to the serene parks, the city offers plenty of spots to enjoy the season's beauty. Whether you're wandering through Tivoli Gardens, exploring Nørrebro, or visiting cultural landmarks like Rosenborg Castle and the Louisiana Museum, there’s something special about experiencing Copenhagen in the fall.

With cool, crisp weather and plenty of seasonal activities, October is an ideal time to visit. So, pack your layers, bring a camera, and enjoy the unique autumn charm that Copenhagen has to offer.

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