Best time to travel to Copenhagen

Baby Swans in Copenhagen

Little fuzzy and grey cygnets that inspired Andersen's famous "The Ugly Duckling"

Best time: May–July

Baby Swans
Baby Swans
Baby Swans
Baby Swans

You'll see a lot of grown swans around Copenhagen's lakes throughout the year. But there's something special about the city in spring because it's spring when the little cutie cygnets are hatching. Usually, in May they make their first steps, learn to swim and be a swan. They remain gray and fuzzy generally till July-August, then they start to grow feathers just like their parents. Be attentive and maybe you'll get lucky enough to spot some.

Practical info

What is the typical period when baby swans are born in Copenhagen?

Baby swans are usually born in Copenhagen between May and July. They can be seen during the spring when they start learning how to swim and communicate with their family. Normally, they remain grey and fuzzy until July-August when they start growing feathers like their parents. As a result, spring and early summer are the perfect times to catch a glimpse of the baby swans and enjoy a memorable experience in Copenhagen. Show more

Which areas in Copenhagen have a good chance of seeing baby swans?

To have the best chance of seeing baby swans in Copenhagen, you should look towards the water bodies in the city, and especially the lakes. Places such as Peblinge Sø, Sortedams Sø, and Ørstedsparken are popular places where you can spot swans. When observing them, take care not to get too close or disturb them, as swans can be aggressive when they feel threatened, especially while protecting their young ones. Show more

Why are baby swans culturally significant in Copenhagen?

Baby swans, known as cygnets in Copenhagen, have a cultural significance that resonates with the famous Danish fairytale writer, Hans Christian Andersen. His story 'The Ugly Duckling' was inspired by cygnets and has since become an essential part of Danish culture. Also, swans are an integral part of Denmark's lakes, and observing their growth and development as they mature into graceful adult swans is a popular part of Danish life that both locals and tourists appreciate. Show more

When do baby swans start growing feathers similar to their parents?

Baby swans, commonly called cygnets in Copenhagen, begin to grow feathers similar to their parents around July-August. Before this period, they remain grey and fuzzy. Over time, their feathers begin to develop, and they start to resemble adult swans. The process is gradual and allows you to observe their metamorphosis from fuzzy cygnets to elegant swans in their natural habitat. Show more

Can people safely interact with baby swans in Copenhagen?

It is not appropriate to interact with baby swans, or cygnets, in Copenhagen. While they can be captivating to watch, it is essential to keep a safe distance to avoid causing stress to the birds or their parents. Moreover, adult swans are known for being protective of their young ones, so it is crucial to avoid their territory if they consider them or the cygnets to be under threat. Show more

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