Hi - I'm a Southern Californian traveling for the first time to Copenhagen next month. I've seen that it's already cold and snowing there. Looking forward to Christmas and the excitement of the international UN Climate Conference (which is why I'm going, although I hope to do some sightseeing as well in that beautiful city). I need tips for footwear, though -- I don't want to lug heavy boots, and I don't even own a pair of boots. I grew up in Michigan and all I remember is that boots are HEAVY and would take a lot of room in my luggage. DOes anyone have any good advice for what to wear on my feet that would be as lightweight as possible to carry around but would provide protection and warmth (and be waterproof, too, as sometimes December snow is slushy!)? And comfortable! Because I plan to be doing a lot of walking! Should I bring an umbrella as well - does it rain in Copenhagen in December? Can you tell that this Californian has forgotten how to deal with winter?? Mary
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Unless you plan to spend hours on end outside (without any breaks indoors), in my opinion, winter boots are unecessary for most urban travelers. Better to wear thick, water resistant socks. And yes, an umbrella is always a good idea in NW Europe, at any time of year.
Posted by
Seattle, USA
120 posts
Hi Mary,
A couple of options:
There are quite a few brands that make waterproof/water-resistant walking shoes including Keen, Ecco, Rockport, Merrell, etc. (Make sure you try them on with the presumably thicker socks - Smartwools are good - you'll be wearing on the trip.)
Or you could coat/spray whatever walking shoe(s) you're bringing with something to make it waterproof or water-resistant. Nikwax has some good products for that.
As for umbrella, well, I always pack a small lightweight one when I travel.
Posted by
Copenhagen, Denmark
70 posts
We haven't had snow in Copenhagen yet, and snow is not very common in December, but it can rain alot (and it's dark and grey). I realise that boots are heavy and take up much space, but you need something more sturdy than indoor shoes if you go out walking alot. Take some good sturdy walking shoes, preferably waterproof (Gore-tex lined or similar).Also bring scarf and gloves. An umbrella can be good, but is sometimes useless as the wind is too strong (so the umbrella folds around), so also bring or buy a light-weight raincoat or a waterproof jacket.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5519 posts
Mary, I lived in Scandinavia for a couple of years and I wore lightweight hiking boots with light wool socks all winter. They were very practical. I don't know about Copenhagen, but in Sweden they use a lot of sand on the sidewalks when they ice up. The good soles of boots were very practical for sand, ice, and cobblestones ... plus they were waterproof.
I would take a small umbrella although a coat with a hood can be more practical. Make sure to bring gloves and a hat.
Posted by
OP
Orange, CA, USA
9 posts
Thanks so much for the ideas and information, everyone!!