Four things to love about Denmark in autumn

Fewer insects

While late summer might occasionally feel like autumn has already arrived in Denmark, temperatures are still warm enough for windows to be open and for balconies to feel inviting.

But this is also an invitation for the masses of insects that have hatched and are still flying and crawling around Danish gardens in late summer.

Several insect species have, by August, spent the entire summer forming and hatching, meaning there may be twice as many as a month or two prior.

Come September, however, their numbers are waning fast, but it’s still warm enough to be outside (okay, maybe not in the evenings).

Regardless of this, you’ll probably be relieved at the lack of attention from wasps, flies, slugs and various other creepy crawlies.

You’ll sleep better

Long daylight hours in summer can make getting a good night’s sleep a challenging prospect, especially on warmer nights (most Danish homes don’t have air conditioning).

If you wake up at, say, 3:30am in June, it’ll be broad daylight outside so short if you don’t have black-out curtains, you might be starting your day early.

In September, daylight isn’t fully broken until almost 7am, even at the start of the month. The dark mornings of winter are still a way off but the night is back to feeling like the night.

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Mushroom foraging

Autumn is prime mushroom foraging season in Denmark. The forests come alive with a variety of mushrooms, and many locals take to the woods to collect these edible delights.

Chantarelles are especially popular, so don’t be surprised if you start noticing people stepping out of forests close to cities and towns with bags full of delicious yellow and orange mushrooms.

Mushroom-picking groups become especially active, and you’ll likely be able to find one operating in or near your town on social media sites.

While foraging, be sure only to pick edible mushrooms that you can identify accurately.

READ ALSO: How to pick mushrooms in Denmark like you’ve been doing it all your life

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You can enjoy both the indoors and outdoors

Hygge might be the biggest Danish cliche this side of Carlsberg and Vikings. Nevertheless, there is some truth to the conception that the colder seasons are when Danes come into their own when it comes to creating a homely atmosphere.

Autumn marks the return of cooler temperatures when mornings are crisp and evenings grow noticeably chillier.

This is the perfect time to cosy up with a warm drink and watch the world transform outside your window, and Denmark’s forests and other natural areas don’t disappoint.

Danes embrace the changing season by creating a cosy atmosphere in their homes and cafes, complete with candles, warm blankets, and comfort foods like cinnamon buns.

Conversely, Danes aren’t adverse to getting outside at this time of year – indeed, many prefer it to the warmer weather in summer. Temperatures have yet to reach the aching cold of winter and the forests are alive with yellows and browns, meaning it’s a great time of year to be both indoors and out.

What do you like best about autumn in Denmark? Let us know in the comments.