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27th Nov 2024 - 1st Dec 2024
5 days/Denmark /Moderate
Join us for an unforgettable experience combining the sheer joy of swimming, the excitement of a city break, and the true spirit of Christmas in the heart of wonderful Copenhagen!
Surrounded by water, Copenhagen is just perfect for swimmers thanks to the many urban beaches and well-organized waterfront swimming spots in the pristine harbour. The area is sometimes lovingly referred to as the “living room of Copenhagen” because many locals use the area to gather and enjoy a host of water activities.
As well as invigorating swims, you will relish the pleasant experience of soaking in a hot tub and sauna, all while savouring the picturesque view of Copenhagen right by the water. You may even take up the chance of an optional trip across the border into Sweden – dip in two countries on the same day! There will also be time to wander the dazzling Christmas-decorated streets of Copenhagen, and perhaps you will be tempted to try a sip of hot spicy gløgg – the traditional Danish Christmas drink – an unforgettable and heartwarming adventure awaits you.
The Bluetits Chill Swimmers is a social enterprise committed to empowering an inclusive community of cold water dippers. They now have more than 100,000 Bluetits across the globe.
(Photo credit: Emily Wilson Photography)
This trip has been graded as moderate, our lowest level of difficulty. You do not need to be a member of the Bluetits Chill Swimmers or a great swimmer to take part in this adventure. The Bluetit ethos is about encouraging people to enjoy the water, even if it is just dipping your toes in!
This is not a challenge, just a chance to meet some like-minded individuals for a fun weekend.
You do not need to be a Bluetit or have any experience of wild swimming to take part in this adventure. It is advised that you know how to tread water to be able to get the most enjoyment out of the trip.
This trip has been graded as moderate for someone of good fitness. A Bluetit motto is ‘No Bluetit Left Behind!’ so what is most important is that you feel able to enjoy the weekend.
You will never be pressured to go out of your depth or beyond your comfort zone when it comes to swimming but you must be able to tread water in order to get the most out of this wild swimming adventure.
Temperatures can typically peak to around 8°C during the day and drop to around 3°C at night however you must be prepared for variations to this which are out of our control. Weather during the adventure will be dry with light winds but rain is possible.
Please note: the temperatures and conditions above are historically accurate but climate change can impact the seasons so you may experience uncharacteristic conditions during the trip which are out of our control. The guides will assess the situation and make decisions to ensure the best enjoyment and safety of the group.
The average sea temperature in November is around 6-11°C.
We encourage you to take part in ‘The Bluetit Chorus’, which involves plenty of singing, shouting and the odd swear word to help your breath to acclimatise to the cold. Only you know your body, and we advise that you take things easy and allow your body and mind to acclimatise to the cold gradually.
You will be provided with plenty of hearty Copenhagen meals which typically include fish and pork and continental style breakfasts and will keep your energy levels high for each day of discovery. Please note that dinner is not included on days 2 and 3 and lunch is not included on days 1, 4 and 5.
Please inform us in advance if you have any dietary requirements or preferences.
Anyone aged 18+ can take part in the adventure. You must have a good level of fitness, able to self-manage (e.g. you know how to keep hydrated, nourished, warm and dry) and be in good health. You will enjoy the trip to the fullest if you enjoy being outdoors and want to gently challenge your limits with a supportive group of people. The Bluetit values are Trust, Fun and Inclusivity, and if you share these, you will love this holiday!
Please also note that all participants must be able to swim and tread water comfortably.
Accommodation will be in a centrally located 4* hotel on a twin-share basis. There may be single rooms available, please enquire about costs and availability.
You will need to wear comfortable city walking shoes/trainers. We advise you to bring waterproofs given the inclement weather we can experience in Denmark.
Normal swimwear is adequate for swimming. A tow float, swim shoes and brightly-coloured hat are essential for safety reasons. Other swimming accessories, such as wet suits, rash vests, swim shoes, gloves, goggles etc., are not essential but may make you feel more comfortable.
You will also need to bring some dry clothes to change into after your swim. Your body temperature continues to cool for 20-30 minutes after you exit the water and warming up immediately is essential. Loose-fitting clothes, such as big fleecy pyjamas and oversized jumpers, are easier to put on with numb hands and fingers. A wooly hat and big gloves or mittens are also helpful.
Please see the full suggested kit list below.
UK – Copenhagen
Fly from London to Copenhagen and transfer to the central Hotel Phoenix. (If flight times permit, we may be able to embark on a local independent swim this afternoon).
Meals: Dinner
Copenhagen
After breakfast, we set off on our first swim adventure! We will take in 2 local swim spots today. First stop is Kastrup Sobad for a dip in the sea before warming up over lunch. We then head over to Kalvebod Bridge for our second dip in a ‘harbour bath’. This afternoon is free for you to explore beautiful Copenhagen. At this time of year the Christmas Markets will be in full swing, and the beautifully-lit gardens at Tivoli are also worthy of a visit.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Copenhagen
This morning we will walk a short distance from the hotel (800m) for a stunning harbour swim at Havnegade Havnebad. An option for this afternoon could be a trip across the border to Malmo, in Sweden! Trains take just 30 minutes and depart regularly from Copenhagen’s Central Station. On arrival it is a walk of around 20 minutes to a lovely lido (this would be an independent excursion, at your own cost). There would be no rush to return, as dinner is at your own arrangement this evening, so perhaps stay on for a bite to eat before heading back to the hotel this evening.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Copenhagen
This morning, we are invited to join with the local Copenhagen Bluetits at Skovshoved Havn, a short train ride from the hotel. (This will be a regular Bluetit swim, at your own risk).
This afternoon we head off for our final cold water swim at Sondre Refshalbassin before warming up in a complex of saunas and hot tubs, with stunning views over the city as the sun sets! This evening we will gather for a farewell dinner at a lovely venue, the Nvhavns Faergekrro, close to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast and farewell dinner
Copenhagen – UK
Transfer to the airport for the flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
N.B. This itinerary may change due to weather, the ability of the group and so on. We will do our best to keep to the itinerary but we cannot be held responsible for changes outside of our control. In all circumstances your guide and tour leader will have the final say in the interest health and safety.
Deposit: £340
and then…
Balance: £1450
If you’ve a question about this challenge that you can’t find the answer to within the given information then complete this quick form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
