The Copenhagen Light Festival returns from January 29 to February 21, 2027, with around 50 light works across the Danish capital. Most public installations are free, while guided walks, canal tours, and the Light Run require advance booking through the official festival website.
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Copenhagen Light Festival 2027 dates and program
The 2027 Copenhagen Light Festival lasts 24 days. The central route will follow the harborfront from Ofelia Plads through Nyhavn and Havnegade, continuing toward Christiansborg and BLOX. Around 30 works are planned for this main stretch, with the remaining installations placed in other Copenhagen districts.
Installations are typically illuminated between 5 and 10 p.m., although individual operating times can differ. The official festival map is the place to check exact locations and schedules once the 2027 program has replaced the previous edition. Do not plan around an old map, since artworks move each year.
A practical Copenhagen Light Festival walking route
The best one-evening plan follows the confirmed waterfront route from north to south. Start at Ofelia Plads at about 5:30 p.m., then walk toward Nyhavn before following the harbor past Havnegade, Slotsholmen, Christiansborg, and BLOX. The direct line is roughly 2 kilometers, but artwork detours and photography stops can bring your total closer to 3 kilometers.
| Stop | What to do | Time to allow |
|---|---|---|
| Ofelia Plads | See the opening cluster and wide harbor views | 20–30 minutes |
| Nyhavn | Photograph reflections beside the colorful canal houses | 20 minutes |
| Havnegade | Look for interactive and family-friendly works | 30–40 minutes |
| Christiansborg | Check projections around Slotsholmen | 20–30 minutes |
| BLOX | Finish beside the water and Danish Architecture Center | 20 minutes |
Allow 2–3 hours rather than racing between numbered pins. Ofelia Plads, Nyhavn, and the stretch near BLOX offer room to step back for photographs, while Havnegade can become busier on Friday and Saturday evenings.
For a two-day visit, split the route at Christiansborg. Cover Ofelia Plads, Nyhavn, and Havnegade on the first evening, then begin at Gammel Strand on day two and continue toward BLOX. Add one outer-neighborhood cluster from the current festival map, grouping nearby works rather than crossing Copenhagen for single installations.
What the festival is all about and who it suits
The Copenhagen Light Festival brings together artists and designers to fill the city with light art: installations that glow, sparkle, move, or react to people walking past. You will find illuminated sculptures by the water, projections on historic buildings, and interactive pieces you can play with.
Past editions have featured:
- Giant glowing forms floating over the canals
- Bridges crossed by beams of laser light
- Buildings turned into moving projection screens
- Interactive lights responding to movement
Families can concentrate on the shorter Havnegade section, while couples and solo explorers may prefer the full harbor walk. Most installations stand in public streets and squares reached by ordinary sidewalks. A few locations may involve steps or restricted viewing angles, so wheelchair users should check each work on the festival accessibility page before setting out.
For photographs, use Nyhavn for colorful reflections and Ofelia Plads for open harbor compositions. Around Christiansborg, include bridge railings or passing bicycles for scale. Rain can help here: wet paving turns every light into a second installation.
Winter tips, transport, and budgeting
- Wear windproof outer layers. February averages about 2°C in Copenhagen, and the waterfront can feel colder. Add gloves that still let you operate a phone or camera.
- Take the train from Copenhagen Airport. It reaches Copenhagen Central Station in around 15 minutes, while the M2 metro suits Kongens Nytorv and other central stops. Buy a valid ticket before boarding.
- Pay in Danish kroner. Denmark uses DKK rather than euros. Cards are widely used, including at many cashless cafés and shops.
Copenhagen Light Festival 2027: FAQs
When is the Copenhagen Light Festival in 2027?
The Copenhagen Light Festival runs from January 29 to February 21, 2027. The 24-day program is planned to include around 50 light works across Copenhagen.
Is the Copenhagen Light Festival free to visit?
Most public installations at the Copenhagen Light Festival are free to see. Guided walks, canal tours, and the Light Run require advance booking through the official festival website.
Where is the best walking route for the Copenhagen Light Festival?
The main route follows the harbor from Ofelia Plads through Nyhavn and Havnegade toward Christiansborg and BLOX. The direct route is roughly 2 kilometers, while photo stops and artwork detours can bring the walk closer to 3 kilometers.
What time should you visit the Copenhagen Light Festival?
Installations are typically illuminated between 5 and 10 p.m. Start at Ofelia Plads around 5:30 p.m. for an evening walk toward BLOX, but check the official festival map for each artwork’s schedule.
How long do you need for the Copenhagen Light Festival?
Allow 2 to 3 hours for the main harbor route. A shorter visit can focus on Ofelia Plads, Nyhavn, and Havnegade, while a two-day visit allows time for Christiansborg and an outer-neighborhood cluster.
Which metro stations are closest to the Copenhagen Light Festival route?
Kongens Nytorv, Gammel Strand, Christianshavn, Nørreport, and Rådhuspladsen are useful metro stations for the central light works. The Copenhagen Metro operates 24 hours a day.
Is the Copenhagen Light Festival suitable for families?
Families can focus on the shorter Havnegade section, where interactive and family-friendly works are planned. The route uses ordinary sidewalks, although individual sites may have steps or restricted viewing angles.
Do you need to book Copenhagen Light Festival events in advance?
Advance booking is required for guided walks, canal tours, and the Light Run. Most public installations can be viewed without a booking, and exact locations and schedules should be checked on the official festival map.
