Frederiksberg · Copenhagen
Things to Do in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen
Welcome to Frederiksberg, the green heart of Copenhagen and the little part of the city I call home.
Frederiksberg sits right in the middle of Copenhagen, yet it is its own municipality with its own atmosphere. It is green, elegant and pleasantly local, with parks, cafés, beautiful streets and everyday city life all mixed together.
Ugly Duckli grew from here too. My little creative universe is based in Frederiksberg, surrounded by the Danish traditions, stories and everyday details that continue to inspire what I do.
Frederiksberg, Copenhagen. Photo: Colourbox / Wonderful Copenhagen.
What to see and do in Frederiksberg
If you are wondering what to do in Frederiksberg, I would begin by slowing down a little. It is a lovely part of Copenhagen to explore on foot, without trying to turn every hour into an attraction.
Walk through Frederiksberg Gardens
Frederiksberg Gardens is one of Copenhagen's loveliest green spaces. Walk beneath the old trees, follow the paths beside the canals or simply find somewhere quiet to sit for a while.
Walk along Frederiksberg Allé
The broad, tree-lined avenue is one of the streets that gives Frederiksberg its particular character. There are theatres, cafés, beautiful buildings and plenty of small details to notice along the way.
Explore Gammel Kongevej
Gammel Kongevej is a good place to browse local shops, stop for coffee and get a feel for ordinary Frederiksberg life away from Copenhagen's busiest visitor routes.
Leave a little room for wandering
Some of my favourite parts of Frederiksberg are not really attractions at all. Old houses, little streets, gardens, cafés and the feeling of being in a real neighbourhood are a large part of its charm.
A little glimpse of Frederiksberg
This short film gives you a feeling for the neighbourhood we call home.
A Danish tradition in Frederiksberg
Frederiksberg is also where I welcome small private groups into the Ugly Duckli universe.
My Private Paper Heart Experience is a two-hour experience for one private group of 1 to 6 guests. We sit around my table and weave traditional Danish Christmas hearts while I share some of the story behind the tradition, Hans Christian Andersen and Danish Christmas.
It is deliberately small and unhurried. You do not need any previous craft experience. I help everyone along the way.
Private Paper Heart ExperienceAnd if you are bringing people together in Copenhagen
The Danish Christmas-heart tradition does not have to take place in my home.
I also bring the experience to companies, international teams, organisations, universities and communities in Copenhagen. People sit together, learn to weave the traditional heart and hear a little of the story behind it.
The format can be arranged for a defined group or adapted for a larger event, and I can bring additional helpers when the group size requires it.
Christmas Heart Experience for GroupsWhy I love Frederiksberg
Frederiksberg has the pleasures of Copenhagen without always feeling quite as busy.
There are beautiful streets and buildings, but also old trees, gardens and ordinary neighbourhood life. It is elegant without needing to show off.
If you are staying in central Copenhagen, I think it is worth giving yourself a few hours to wander this way and see another side of the city.
More Frederiksberg inspiration
Frederiksberg has much more than I could ever fit into one little guide. If you would like more ideas, these local resources are useful places to continue.
A few questions about Frederiksberg
Is Frederiksberg part of Copenhagen?
Frederiksberg is its own municipality, but it is completely surrounded by Copenhagen. For visitors, it feels like a distinctive neighbourhood within the city.
What are some of the best things to do in Frederiksberg?
Frederiksberg Gardens, Frederiksberg Allé and Gammel Kongevej are good places to begin. I would also leave time simply to walk through the neighbourhood and enjoy the cafés, streets and local atmosphere.
Can I experience a Danish tradition in Frederiksberg?
Yes. Ugly Duckli's Private Paper Heart Experience takes place in my home in Frederiksberg and introduces guests to the Danish woven Christmas-heart tradition through weaving, storytelling and conversation.
Do you also offer the Christmas-heart experience for larger groups?
Yes. I can bring the Danish Christmas Heart Experience to companies, organisations and other groups in Copenhagen, with the format and staffing adapted to the size of the group.
Is Frederiksberg far from central Copenhagen?
No. Frederiksberg sits directly within the Copenhagen urban area and is easy to combine with the rest of a visit to the city.
A little more about the heart behind Ugly Duckli
If you are curious about the woven Danish Christmas heart itself, I have gathered its story, its connection to Hans Christian Andersen and a free illustrated weaving guide in one place.
Discover Danish Christmas Hearts
Rikke is the founder of Ugly Duckli in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen. She shares her love of the Danish tradition of woven Christmas hearts and the stories, memories and people connected to them.
Ugly Duckli is built around a simple idea: When we weave hearts, we weave ourselves into each other’s lives.
Rikke creates Ugly Duckli’s own paper heart designs and welcomes international guests into her Frederiksberg home for the Private Paper Heart Experience, where they learn to weave traditional Danish Christmas hearts.