Hi Forum-
I am a teacher (f 52) and my boys (23, 21) and we only have January for travel. We are planning 16-18 days January 2024 focused on Germany. We are considering taking the train from Hamburg to Odense, spending 1 day/night, and then a train to Copenhagen and flying back to Los Angeles from there. The price is right and we love an adventure. I was raised in New England, so we are okay with cold. Is that insanity? Is it doable? Other options are to save Denmark for another trip and just fly home from Berlin. I appreciate your thoughts.
Posted by
Bend, Oregon
2555 posts
It sounds like a great adventure! Just remember that the days will be short. Depending on where you go, some shops and restaurants may be closed for a break after the holiday season. It will be prime season for any ski resort areas.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7964 posts
Insane? No way! There won’t be nearly as many fellow tourists, so it’ll be less crowded. Some things may have shorter hours than in high season, but you can plan around that. That is, for things that are actually open.
They’ll have ways to keep you warm, and pass the shorter days and longer nights. And since the price is right, your adventure awaits.
Posted by
OP
Los Angeles, CA
8 posts
Thanks folks! I took the plunge. We will train into Odense early afternoon, then train to Copenhagen the next day and stay for two nights before an early morning flight. I appreciate the support!
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7964 posts
Sounds fantastic. Maybe you’ll see Northern Lights, or get a storm that requires cuddling up by a fire. Hot chocolate, anyone? Or something else for warming up?
Posted by
OP
Los Angeles, CA
8 posts
Thanks Cyn- Seeing Northern Lights has been on my bucket list a long time. That would be the highlight of the trip!
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
6999 posts
No, it's not madness. Visiting Denmark is in general a great idea. Just remember to be realistic about what you can expect. Someone mentioned ski resorts, there are none in Denmark. There is an artificial ski slope in Copenhagen, but that is more or less it. Denmark rarely gets enough snow for skiiing to be possible, and when it does you can't expect any downhill skiing as it is a very flat country.
And while the Northern lights certainly can be beautiful, the chances of seeing them in Denmark are negligible.
Posted by
OP
Los Angeles, CA
8 posts
Thanks Badger! We don't ski, so no problem! I appreciate your feedback
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
6999 posts
Great! The weather might be miserable in January, but there are plenty of things to do indoors if you get bored of the weather.
Posted by
Munich
560 posts
What a good idea :-) Especially in winter the north of Europe shows its rough side even more. Sure you will love it.
Northern Germany in January is at the top of my wish list. How fantastic to see everything in a different light that I usually know from spring or autumn. Everything is more quiet and there is this certain magic.