Denmark in February

What city will you be visiting? Denmark is actually not as cold in winter as you'd imagine. In February it's probably the coldest - temps hover around freezing - and you should be prepared for wind and rain (sometimes when you least expect it) - but days can be quite mild sometimes. I'd pack for winter, but not as though you were going on an arctic expedition! And bring a brelly. If you will be in Copenhagen, then yes, Tivoli will be closed, but everything else should be open. I don't recall not being able to get into things just because it was winter. Copenhagen's a very cosmopolitan, bustling city. If you will be somewhere remote (a decidedly relative term in Denmark) then maybe things will be closed.... but I can't say for sure without know where you will be.

I appreciate your response. My daughter is moving to Aarhus for her Ph.D., and is going early to make sure all is settled before the semester starts. I'm tagging along in a somewhat transparent effort to see her as much as I can before I have to say goodbye for three years. I imagine we'll have about a week to roam around - I've only been in Denmark once before, in June, so I really have no idea what to expect. I can't pack much, either, as my baggage allowance is going to my daughter for moving her belongings. So the answer to your question is: mostly Aarhus, but would like to go to the maritime museum in Esbjerg, the Hans Christian Andersen museum on Odense, the Danish Handcraft Guild in Copenhagen - and anywhere else that looks interesting. Any suggestions?

(Post #1) Aarhus is great! What a cool adventure to do her PhD. there! And yes, there will be tons to do. It's a college town, so there's always something going on. The city is a mix of modern and olde timey – it's very cute. There's a "Latin Quarter" with lots of cool little boutiques, and a Strøget where you can stroll and window shop and eat and drink, and for a more "traditional tourist" experience, you can check out the cathedral – the Danes do Gothic really well. Actually, I prefer the cathedral in Roskilde, if I am honest – it has great creepy décor. If you can get to Roskilde, check it out. Roskilde is also worth it for the Viking Ship Museum, which is kind of mind-blowing. Actual Viking ships – and they aren't all that big! It's great. It's a few hours from Aarhus – but very close to Copenhagen, if you plan to go there. Okay, back to Aarhus! Den Gamle By (Old Town) is one of the most famous attractions there, and it's open all year. I've only been in summer, but it is definitely open year-'round. It's exceedingly cool – set up like a town during Hans Christian Andersen's lifetime. In summer there's all sorts of stuff going on that might not be available in winter (working kitchens, horse-drawn carriages, and whatnot), but it will nevertheless be well worth checking out. And there is a textile museum included in the permanent exhibition. The toy museum is enchanting – and great people-watching, because it is generally stuffed with adorable kids. And there's an English language web portal, so you can check opening hours, which vary by season: http://www.dengamleby.dk/eng/den-gamle-by/

(Post #2) The fisheries and maritime museum in Esbjerg will be open - there's stuff to see inside as well as outside, so if it is pouring down rain, you will still have a good time. The aquarium is very thoughtfully laid out and there are wonderful and weird forms of sea life to gawk at. I'm a big boat nerd – I loved the boat exhibition. Legoland is about an hour from Esbjerg, but will, alas, be closed when you are there! The Hans Christian Andersen museum in Odense will be open – they've got a good English language website with all the details: http://museum.odense.dk/museums/hans-christian-andersen-museum.aspx I'm afraid I don't know anything about the Handcraft Guild in Copenhagen... sorry. :-( Winter clothing - unbrella - waterproof shoes if you can. You'll definitely be able to find a place to do laundry if you don't have much of a baggage allowance. And don't worry about the weather too much - Denmark is ALL about the coziness. There's always somewhere to duck in and have a warm drink and a sandwich or something. Have a great time!

Thank you, Kira, for all the information! It sounds lovely - and since my favorite form of travel, really, is from coffee house/pastry shop to coffee house/pastry shop, even if it's pouring rain I'll be fine! You made me smile; your enthusiasm is infectious!