Where to run in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is where we’re from and we know how to run every street, park and neighbourhood. This is a city that’s very running friendly and all the good spots are not too hard to come by. In fact, you can pretty much just run through the entire city in a single session, regardless of your level and shape.

So, here’s a guide composed by our community chief and passionate runner, Signe Øllgaard. She’ll take you through the following. Just scroll down below the picture:

1. Best scenic/tourist run
2. Best long run
3. Best tempo run
4. Best interval run
5. Best park run
6. Best soft surface run
7. Best hill run

Remember to also to check out the many other city running guides here.

1) Best scenic/tourist run

One of the most popular spots, located in the middle of the city, is the Lakes. You can’t pass a Dane without them knowing where the Lakes are. So, on this flat and mostly gravel road, you will feel the city buzz. The three rectangular lakes are divided into four basins and stretch 6.4 km (4 miles). This route will take you from Vesterbro, Frederiksberg, Nørrebro, and Østerbro, while being just outside the inner-city centre.  On this run you will get to see the Tycho Brahe Planetarium (Frederiksberg), Sortedams Sø and Dronning Louise’s Bro – the bridge that connects Nørrebro with the city centre.   

Another great tourist run, would be to run from Nyhavn and see the Old Habour, Toldbodgade and pass by Amalienborg Palace. Soon after Amalienborg, you will pass Kastellet and for those who are keen on continuing their run, you can pass by the Little Mermaid. This route is a great combination of waterfront and tourist attractions.

2) Best Long Run

The Deer Park (Dyreparken) located just outside of the city in Jægersborg, is the absolute best for long runs. This scenic forest covers 11 square kilometres and host more than 2,000 deer (as the name implies). Besides running in the forest, you can pass by the iconic amusement park, Bakken, the world’s oldest operating amusement park!  

Another great long run spot is Utterslev Mose, located just 6 km outside the city centre. Here you can run on the beautiful trails around the three lakes, which covers 9km in total around all lakes. Most of the route is run on gravel – which is perfect for long runs.

3) Best Tempo Run

There are a few places that are great for tempo runs in Copenhagen. One of them is Damhussøen, placed just outside the city centre, near Rødovre. Here you can run around the lake, which is flat and you can continue the tempo run on Damhus Engen (meadow), which is placed in extension of the lake. This place is not as busy as the Lakes can be, so here you can do your tempo run in peace.

Utterslev Mose would also be a great location to run your tempo run in.

4) Best Interval Run

You can basically run your interval runs on the same routes as mentioned above. And you can even go to one of the many stadiums located in Copenhagen and do your intervals here. Just remember to respect the track etiquette and check up on opening hours.

However, Fælledparken, located near Telia Parken could also be a great solution. This park hosts a lot of great running events during the year and is one of Copenhagen most visited parks. But don’t get scared, you will always get a chance to run by as there are gravel roads everywhere in the park.

Another good location for intervals could be Amager Strandpark. This park is a seaside public park located on Amager and offers a total of 4.6 km of beaches. What is great is that Amager Strandpark is straight and flat, which is great for intervals.

5) Best Park Run

Frederiksberg Have/Søndermarken is one of the largest and most scenic parks/gardens in Copenhagen. This beautiful park is a combination with Søndermarken (the Southern Field), only divided by a small road. The total green area of these two parks are 64 hectares. Frederiksberg Garden is especially unique, because it displays parts of Danish history through the baroque-style Frederiksberg palace (placed in the middle of the park) and other small houses around the park, which dates back to 18th and 19th century. Søndermarken hosts Cisterne, which used to be part of Copenhagen’s earliest water supply system. In 2001 it was converted into an underground venue for art exhibitions.

Another great aspect about Frederiksberg park is that you will run along the Copenhagen Zoo, where you will have a chance to watch elephants, flamingos etc.

6) Best Soft Surface Run

What is nice with many of the locations mentioned in this article, is that many features soft surface or gravel. Especially the parks and forests mentioned will feature soft surface.

If you are looking for a totally new park to run in – Kongens Have (The King’s Garden), the Botanical Garden, and the Østre Anlæg Park are great parks located in the city centre and right by Nørreport Station.

7) Best Hill Run

Copenhagen is a very flat city! So, if you are looking for a hilly route, Copenhagen might not be the place. But don’t get too frustrated – Copenhagen have one or two places with some serious vertical meters.

For hill sprints, you should seriously consider the two “hills” in Frederiksberg Garden. These will both take you up to Frederiksberg Palace but are an absolute killer on the way up! Try to run up and down 6 or 8 times – and you will definitely fell the burn!

If you are looking for a route with small hills (or a least the hilliest you will find in Copenhagen) Amager Fælled is a nice spot that will feature small lakes, meadows and marsh.