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By Lara Hather 

A double degree in a Bachelor of Commerce and Politics, Philosophy and Economics 

2024 Semester 1, Exchange at the Copenhagen Business School, Denmark  

Sauna  

Truth be told, before I moved to Copenhagen I found the idea of saunas mostly strange and slightly suffocating. To sit in a hot room with other sweaty bodies did not seem like an ideal way to wind down. But, given it’s the Nordic way, I gave it a go and I must say it’s honestly one of my favourite things to do to relax. In Denmark, people sauna the way Aussies might go to the gym—as a regular activity done for wellness and mental wellbeing. Saunas are often quiet, decked out with wooden decor, and are placed in scenic spots so that you almost meditate whilst in there. Winter Island (or Green Island as it’s called in spring) is my favourite place in Copenhagen to sauna. It’s around $2530 for an hour-long session, the saunas fit 8 people and sit right on the water in the main canals. All in all, it’s truly relaxing. For an extra tip, the Danish way is four 15minute saunas broken up by a 5-minute break to stand back in the crisp Copenhagen air or, if you’re feeling brave, to plunge into the frigid waters just outside. This leads me to recommendation number 2…  

Cold Plunge   

…the cold plunge. People who swim all year round in Denmark are called ‘vikings’, and for good reason too. In the peak of winter, water temperatures are in the single digits and air temperatures aren’t much better. I can’t say I’d recommend diving into the water when it’s snowing in Copenhagen, but it’s still a must do. Whether it’s a quick dive off the jetty at La Banchina, a duck down the ladder after a sauna at Winter Island, or a dip at the scenic pools of Nordhavn, a swim (this is a loose term, it’s more of a plunge) in Copenhagen is a must do. The water is crisp and the rush of dopamine that a winter dip gives is amazing. Make sure to bring dry clothes and rug up right after you get out!  

Run & Bun 

Much like Australians, the Danes have recently succumbed to the run club phase. This is made even more impressive by the fact that in wintery Denmark the sun has barely risen at 8am so these runs are often lit by, well, nothing. But they’re pretty great. The run clubs in Copenhagen are sponsored by the classic names we all know (think Nike, Adidas etc etc) but also smaller local Copenhagen brands. My favourite run clubs are Bareen, Saysky, and Exercere (Exercere runs outdoor workout classes over running but the principle is still the same). The runs range from 5-7kms and end with a (free!!!) BMO. Now, what is a BMO you ask? BMO stands for bolle med ost, meaning “a bread bun with cheese”. To call it a cheese sandwich would be unfair, they’re unreal—think crispy sourdough bun with thinly sliced cheese—and there’s nothing better to finish a run with. Everyone at the run clubs are lovely and social so it’s a great way to meet some Danes, get some exercise in, and try a delicious Danish food. Remember though, run clubs are often limited in numbers so be sure to follow the brands on Instagram so you don’t miss out!  

Frederiksberg Park   

Frederiksberg Park is one of those beautiful gardens in the middle of a city that don’t quite feel real. It’s incredibly scenic and quiet and it’s one of the nicest places to relax, have a picnic and, most importantly, see baby elephants!! The Copenhagen Zoo backs onto a section of the park so at the right time of day, you can see baby elephants frolicking in their enclosure. But, anyway, the park is special on its own. You can grab some cheese and crackers, strawberries and other bits and bobs, settle down with some friends and watch the sunset streak across the Copenhagen sky. It’s simple, but lovely.  

Road Trip   

It might seem a bit odd that in my Copenhagen recommendations I suggest leaving, but seeing other parts of Denmark outside the city is a must-do. Some friends and I went to Bornholm for a week toward the end of my exchange and whilst it took a little while to get to (including a 21km bike ride because we had too many bikes to fit on a bus) it was one of my favourite trips I’ve ever done. Bornholm was quiet, with beautiful expanses of glaringly yellow canola flowers, rocky beaches, and the sweetest panelled traditional Danish houses. We spent the week cooking, jumping of the nearby jetty, hiking, playing lots of cards and exploring nearby towns. I couldn’t recommend it enough. Safe to say, whilst you’re surrounded by incredible European countries, don’t overlook the beautiful smaller cities in Denmark.