How we get around is one of the biggest adjustments we have faced since moving to Denmark. We knew it would be different than the states, and, personally, I think it's way better. 

We don't own a car. We don't want to own a car. (ok, sometimes DJ does. But I don't!!!) We don't NEED a car. The public transportation system is incredible, and bicycling is the preferred method in this city. This is an interesting video that gives a glimpse about getting around in Copenhagen.

Most of all, we use the train. Our town is on a train line that travels along the coast, straight down to the center of the city. So it's EASY. It's about a 700m walk to the station from our house, and the trains have cars created for strollers and bicycles. We can easily get on, and if it's not crowded, the kids love sitting in their own seats and looking out the windows.

I think my favorite thing about riding the train vs driving a car is that I am WITH the kids. We sit together, I can talk with them, we can eat snacks, I can relax (sometimes!) rather than having to focus on driving around. Plus the kids are free to move... no restraints of a carseat. It just feels so much better than before...


Typically I am traveling with the kids, but the rare time I am out by myself, I REALLY love the train. I bring my headphones and a book and can truly just relax for 20-30 minutes while the train takes me where I'm going. And when it's just me, I can sit in the regular train cars with really comfortable seats!

We also take the bus quite often. The trains cover a lot of ground in the city, but sometimes (especially on a rainy day) it's easier to hop on a bus at the station and ride for a few blocks than walk to the final destination. 

I'm honestly not a big fan of the busses. They serve their purpose, but I find them stressful. There is a spot on the bus for strollers, but it's not a lot of space and if the bus is crowded, it's hard to get on and off. I spend the whole time holding on tight to the stroller because every stop is jerky and the brakes don't hold well in those conditions. It's just not fun or relaxing. It's a means to get us around, so I guess that's ok.

If the weather is decent, my preferred method of transport is just walking. In Nivå, there are cycler/pedestrian paths to get all over the town, so we never have to go on a road with cars at all to get around. In the city, walking means we get to see the beautiful city, and we can stop at the parks & playgrounds that are scattered ALL OVER the city on random streets. I love it. And I always feed GREAT on the days I have walked several km and don't even realize how far we've gone!

The only thing missing from our lives right now is a bike. We still need bikes. We're saving our money now, but know that the day is coming soon to join the Danish way of transport. I am looking into my options of traveling with the kids - either getting a bike with one child seat and teaching Colin to ride HIS bike alongside me, or getting a bike with TWO child seats (which, I am still trying to find out if it's allowed??!). We'll see. It'll be fun though, and I look forward to traveling back and forth even faster than my feet can carry me!