Although February is cold, it's also a month of dawning light in the winter darkness. The days are getting longer and you can start to emerge from your winter hibernation after hiding from the darkness indoors in December and January.
With the winter holidays just around the corner, there are even more free daylight hours to enjoy nature and the brighter days - perfect for shaking off the winter blues and re-energizing. In this post, we give you inspiration for outdoor experiences near Bernstorff Castle.
War history excursion in the Memorial Grove
The memorial grove is a memorial to the resistance fighters who lost their lives during the German occupation of Denmark during WW2. World War II. But even though the cemetery rests on a heavy past, it's also a dazzlingly beautiful area to wander around.
Located on the border between Ydre Østerbro and Hellerup, Mindelunden offers a scenic breathing space in the middle of its otherwise urban surroundings. For those interested in history, Mindelunden also offers on-site history lessons in the form of QR codes with information about the area's points of interest.
The memorial grove is open every day between 10 am and 4 pm in February. You can read more practical information on the Memorial Grove's own website.
The center of the memorial grove
Deer safari in the Deer Park
Even though Bakken is closed for the winter, nature itself is reason enough to head out into the Deer Park - and we're talking about both flora and fauna. With its large woodlands, small lakes and open plains, Dyrehaven not only offers beautiful nature, but also the opportunity for a local deer safari.
The name says it all, and the zoo lives up to its name with around 2000 wild deer of different species that you can encounter during a stroll in the garden - from the small sika to the medium-sized fallow deer to the impressive red deer.
In fact, the deer population is the reason why Dyrehaven looks the way it does. The deer eat the vegetation on the forest floor, helping to create the garden's open plains and the clear view under the treetops.
We highly recommend a trip to Dyrehaven in February, even though the beech forest is not yet in its bright green spring outfit. The garden's winter coat makes it a little harder to spot the deer, as their winter fur blends in with the muted winter colors of the garden - an extra little challenge that makes the experience even more exciting.
You can read practical information about the Deer Park on the Danish Nature Agency's website.
The beautiful nature in Dyrehaven with the impressive red deer
180 degree view of Øresund from Charlottenlund Fort
Charlottenlund Fort was part of Copenhagen's fortifications and as such is a point of interest for history buffs - but it's also a great place to experience the wintry views over Øresund.
From the fort's high position, you can look out over the open sea and get an impression of the fort's strategic importance over time. Weather permitting, on a clear winter day you can see all the way to Sweden and the islands in the Øresund, while the Copenhagen skyline and the Øresund Bridge loom on the horizon.
With the fresh winter air and calm waves as a backdrop, Charlottenlund Fort is the perfect place for a cozy walk during the winter holidays. Pack a thermos of hot chocolate, bring a blanket and enjoy a quiet moment with 180-degree views of the sea.
You'll find Charlottenlund Fort at Strandvejen 150, and you can't miss it if you're driving along Strandvejen either on your way in or out of the city.
View of Øresund at Charlottenlund Fort
Walk in Bernstorff Castle Gardens - for both two and four-legged friends
We can't mention local attractions in nature without also mentioning the historic and scenic Castle Gardens that surround our own Bernstorff Castle.
Bernstorff Castle, built in 1765, is one of the earliest neoclassical buildings in Denmark and is steeped in history - perfect for a winter break excursion. Today, the castle is open to the public and serves as a training and conference center, but it's also a great destination for a cozy winter holiday trip.
Discover the beautiful architecture, take a walk in Slotsparken and bring your dog along. The park is also a popular meeting place for dog walkers, as many places in the park allow dogs to run free. This creates a cozy atmosphere where both two-legged and four-legged friends can enjoy a wintry stroll in the beautiful surroundings.
There is free parking at Bernstorff Castle, and the castle is accessible via both S-train and bus.
The beautiful Bernstorff Castle Gardens
Get more tips for winter holiday experiences
We hope you've found some inspiration for nature experiences during your winter vacation. Want more inspiration for experiences in the Bernstorff Castle area? Then read or re-read our previous posts about attractions near Bernstorff Castle.
