Get out of the city during winter break and live the simple life

Here are our top five recommendations for things to do outdoors during this cold but beautiful season—and, of course, they’re all 100 percent COVID-safe.

1. Take a dip in the ocean

Follow in the footsteps of those who’ve been doing this since the late 1800s, when the first Danish winter bathing facility was established on Heligoland. Just as today, there was a growing interest in health and outdoor life sweeping through Denmark back then. Since the late 1980s, Finnish researchers have studied the effects of winter swimming on the body. They’ve found that the body releases endorphins, giving you a “kick” followed by a sense of physical well-being immediately after swimming in cold water. Combine it with a relaxing sauna session for an extra boost of well-being.

Always follow the Danish Council for Greater Bathing Safety’s eight tips for winter swimming.

2. Gaze at the stars from a wilderness bath

Appreciate the slow process of keeping the fire going all day to heat up the wilderness bath. Take turns reading a good book. Once darkness has fallen outside, turn off all the lights in the cabin and lower yourself into the warm water. Gazing at the starry sky away from the city’s light pollution is a truly magnificent experience.

3. Watch the sun rise

Take advantage of the fact that at this time of year, you don’t have to get up very early to see the sunrise. Stroll down to the beach in your bathrobe with a cup of homemade coffee in hand and enjoy it as the sun slowly rises above the horizon. Then stroll back and take the homemade rolls out of the oven—the ones you put in before you left. The best recipe for a great start to the day, if you ask us.

4. Get Into Nature

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that nature has nothing to offer during the winter months. It’s just a matter of knowing what to look for. That’s why you should equip yourself with a field guide to nature and seasonal wildlife. Then you’ll discover that there’s plenty to see, such as the rare kingfisher and the woodcock.

Read more about winter in Danish nature at the Danish Nature Agency.

5. Get a breath of fresh air on a walk

Put your cell phones away, link arms, and head out into the fresh air. Whether your vacation home is near a forest or the sea, there are always fantastic opportunities for walks in the Danish countryside.

Check out our guide to hiking trails in scenic surroundings near our vacation homes.