14 Epic Day Trips from Copenhagen You Shouldn’t Miss
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Looking for the best day trips from Copenhagen to explore beyond the city? You’re in the right place.
While Denmark has plenty to offer, many travelers visit only the city center and miss out on the beautiful destinations you can easily reach in just a few hours from Copenhagen.
After living in Copenhagen and taking several day trips over the years, I’ve carefully curated this list of nearby places that are genuinely worth your time.
The best part is that most of them require very little planning and are easy to reach by public transport.
If you want to see more than just Copenhagen and experience scenic spots nearby, I’m here to help you find day trips that are worth adding to your Copenhagen itinerary.
So, let’s get started!
1. Helsingør
Helsingør is a historic port town along Denmark’s Øresund coast, and I visited it every summer on a day trip from Copenhagen.
Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the main attraction. It is famous as the castle that inspired Shakespeare’s Hamlet, which is called Elsinore.
It is admired for its beauty, but also built as a strong fortress guarding the Øresund Strait.
Kronborg Castle entry is free with the Copenhagen Card, but you can also walk around the castle grounds and admire the fortress from outside for free.
Throughout the year, short 15-minute introductions take place in the courtyard, and from May to August, guided tours are also available.
During July and August, from 11 AM to 4 PM, actors perform scenes from Hamlet in the ballroom and courtyard, which makes the visit even more memorable.
Besides the castle, you can also visit the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark, the Danish Museum of Science and Technology, or just relax by the beach nearby.
From the ferry terminal next to Helsingør Station, you can also take a quick ferry ride to Helsingborg in Sweden.
No Planning Needed! – Go for this easy-paced Kronborg and Frederiksborg castle tour from Copenhagen
How to Get to Helsingør from Copenhagen?
Direct trains run from Copenhagen Central Station to Helsingør, and it takes about 55 minutes. Kronborg Castle is a short 15-minute walk from the station.
2. Hillerød
Hillerød is a quiet residential town north of Copenhagen. I visited Hillerød mainly for Frederiksborg Castle.
Frederiksborg Castle
Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød (often confused with the Frederiksberg Castle in Copenhagen) was built in the 1600s. This Renaissance castle sits on three small islands surrounded by Castle Lake and beautiful gardens.
Inside the castle, you’ll find the chapel, the Museum of National History, and the Danish National Portrait Gallery. I personally spent several hours here because there’s a lot to explore, both inside and outside. The rooms, ceilings, artwork, and lake views are really impressive.
The castle is open all year, and during the summer, free 30-minute guided tours in English/Danish take place every weekday at 1 PM from 28 June to 10 August. Download the free official audio guide for a more immersive experience.
You can even take the small ferry across the lake, which gives a nice view of the castle from the water.
Both the castle entry and ferry ride are included with the Copenhagen Card.
Fredensborg Palace
Another nearby royal residence is Fredensborg Palace, located about a 15-minute walk from Frederiksborg Castle.
This 18th-century Baroque palace is one of the Danish royal family’s most-used residences outside Copenhagen and is often used for royal events and official visits.
The palace gardens are open to the public year-round. But only in July, you have the special chance to go inside the palace on a guided tour lasting 1 hour and 20 minutes, conducted in Danish.
Tickets must be purchased online before visiting Fredensborg Palace.
I didn’t get a chance to visit Fredensborg Palace myself yet, but I really enjoyed spending time in the palace garden, and I would absolutely recommend Hillerød as a Copenhagen day trip.
The Ultimate Copenhagen Castle Day Trip: Kronborg, Frederiksborg & Roskilde
How to Get to Hillerød from Copenhagen?
You can easily reach Hillerød by taking a direct S-train from Copenhagen Central Station. It takes around 40 minutes to reach Hillerød, and Frederiksborg Castle is just a 15-minute walk from the station.
3. Roskilde
Roskilde is one of my favourite day trips from Copenhagen, on the west side.
I’ve visited Roskilde several times over the years — during the famous music festival, for a nature hike, and also on quieter days outside festival season.
The city is best known for Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and active brick cathedral that holds the tombs of many Royal Danish kings and queens, including Harald Bluetooth from around 987 AD. Entry is included with the Copenhagen Card.
Another must-visit attraction in Roskilde is the Viking Ship Museum. It displays five original Viking ships recovered from the fjord and does a great job explaining Viking life, shipbuilding, and sailing traditions. There is also an active boatyard, where traditional Nordic wooden boats are still built using old techniques.
From May to October, the museum offers free 50-minute English guided tours every day, and I highly recommend joining one. From May to September, you can also take a traditional Nordic wooden boat trip on the Roskilde Fjord. Tickets need to be booked online in advance.
Another hidden spot worth visiting is St. Laurentius Church, where you can explore the underground medieval ruins beneath the city. You can also climb the tower for aerial views over Roskilde.
Don’t miss the Roskilde Museum, which is included with the Copenhagen Card. The museum covers the history of Roskilde from prehistoric times to the present day.
I’d also suggest spending some time around Stændertorvet, the city’s main square and the Roskilde harbour.
How to Get to Roskilde from Copenhagen?
From Copenhagen Central Station, direct trains take only around 25 minutes to Roskilde. Almost all westbound trains from the station stop in Roskilde, so connections are frequent throughout the day.
4. Dragør
Dragør is a short day trip from Copenhagen. Dragør is a small fishing village located just south of the city near the airport.
You can visit all year round, and I’ve been there several times — while hiking the Amarminoen, during the Danish Fastelavn celebrations in Store Magleby, and on casual weekend trips.
Personally, I think cycling to Dragør is the best experience. You can watch planes landing and taking off right above you.
The highlight of Dragør is its beautiful Gamle By (Old Town), filled with narrow streets and well-preserved yellow houses from the 18th and 19th centuries.
I’d also recommend climbing up Dragør Fort for views over the village and the Øresund Bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden.
For seafood, stop by Dragør Røgeri for fresh fish and chips or traditional Danish fish cakes called fiskefrikadeller. Dragør is also well known locally for its ice cream. Grab one near the harbour. The harbour area is also lovely for a slow walk, especially during summer.
There’s also the small Dragør Museum if you want to learn more about the town’s fishing and maritime history.
How to Get to Dragør from Copenhagen?
Getting to Dragør from Copenhagen is easy by bus. Bus 250S runs from the city centre, while Bus 35 connects Dragør directly with Copenhagen Airport. No trains available.
5. Malmo and Lund
Malmo – Copenhagen day trip is definitely worth it and is popular for a reason. I personally visited Malmo for a weekend trip, but you can explore both Malmo and Lund in a day.
Malmo is Sweden’s third-largest city and has a relaxed coastal atmosphere. In just around 30–40 minutes, you can travel from Denmark to Sweden by crossing the famous Øresund Bridge.
Malmö is very bike-friendly, so rent a bicycle to explore.
If you are visiting for only one day, must-visit places include Malmöhus Castle, a 16th-century Renaissance castle that also houses Malmö Museum, and Gamla Väster, known for its colourful cobblestone streets and old buildings.
You’ll also notice the Turning Torso, which stands twisted from the rest of the city skyline. Along with that, Malmö has art galleries, parks, churches, shopping streets, cafés, food halls, and beautiful harbour views, making it easy to spend a full day there.
If you have extra time, continue another 10 minutes north by train to Lund. This small university city has a beautiful old-town feel and is home to Lund Cathedral, Sweden’s most visited church.
Save the hassle of planning! Take this most popular day tour to Sweden’s cosiest town Malmo and Lund
How to Get from Copenhagen to Malmo and Lund?
Direct trains and buses run frequently from Copenhagen to Malmö via the Øresund Bridge.
I’ve written, how to travel from Copenhagen to Malmö guide if you want more information in detail.
6. Odense
Odense is Denmark’s third-largest city and the biggest city on the island of Funen. If you are a fan of Hans Christian Andersen, Denmark’s famous fairy-tale writer behind stories like The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling, then visiting his birthplace, Odense, is a must.
Honestly, after seeing so many references to Andersen around Copenhagen, I became curious to visit his hometown myself.
Odense also has a modern tram system, which makes getting around the city very easy.
The main attraction in Odense is the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, where you can see original objects, drawings, paper cuttings, and exhibits based on his fairy tales.
Don’t miss Andersen’s childhood home, where he lived between 2 and 14 years. It’s located only about five minutes from the museum.
If you have extra time, you can explore the sustainable Funen village and also visit Egeskov Castle. Families traveling to Odense with kids will also enjoy Odense Zoo.
How to Get to Odense from Copenhagen?
Getting to Odense from Copenhagen is simple. Direct trains from Copenhagen Central Station take around one hour, and the Hans Christian Andersen Museum is only a 10-minute walk from Odense Railway Station.
7. Stevns Klint
I visited Stevns Klint with friends for the first time, then solo hiked from Rødvig to Køge and camped along the way on a weekend.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its 17-kilometre white limestone cliffs and a rare fish clay layer containing iridium-rich sediment, commonly found in meteorites.
From the Højerup Old Church, you can walk down the steps to the sea and find the famous fish clay layer on the cliff, up close for free!
I love the scenic hiking trails overlooking the beautiful turquoise coast along the Baltic Sea. The beaches are also good for fossil hunting and slow walks.
Weekends and summer months can get busier. So, I’d suggest visiting on weekdays for a quieter experience.
Beyond the UNESCO cliffs, don’t miss places like the Stevnsfort Cold War Museum, Stevns Lighthouse, Stevns Klint Experience Museum, and Boesdal Kalkbrud, which are all worth visiting around Stevns Klint.
Read Next: What to Do in Copenhagen for FREE?
How to Get to Stevns Klint from Copenhagen?
There is no direct public transport from Copenhagen to Stevns Klint, so use the Rejseplanen app to plan your route.
Most people take the train from Copenhagen Central Station to Rødvig or Store Heddinge, and walk for one hour from there. Local buses are limited. On weekends and holidays in April and May, a free electric bus runs from Rødvig to Stevns Klint.
The easiest way to visit Stevns Klint is by car. It’s around 75 km from Copenhagen and takes about one hour to drive.
8. Forest Tower, Møns Klint and KALK Museum
Combining Forest Tower, Møns Klint, and the KALK Museum makes a perfect adventure-filled epic road trip from Copenhagen.
The first stop is the Forest Tower, located about an hour from Copenhagen.
Walk about 3.2 km through the woodland trails to reach the tallest observation tower in Scandinavia. A 650-metre ramp winds its way to the 45-metre-high viewing platform, offering stunning panoramic views over the forests and countryside.
The premises are also home to a climbing park and a flower farm.
About 15 minutes away is the Faxe Kalkbrud and KALK Museum. You can actually search for fossils yourself in the limestone quarry.
From there, continue toward Møns Klint, a UNESCO Heritage Site located on the island of Møn. These white chalk cliffs stretch for 7 Kms along the Baltic Sea and rise up to 128 metres above the sea level.
Discover Møns Klint & the Forest Tower on an Unforgettable Day Trip
I love the night sky at Møns Klint. The area is known for stargazing, and on clear nights you can even see the Milky Way.
I also recommend visiting the GeoCenter Møns Klint to learn more about the cliffs and the region’s geology.
How to Get from Copenhagen?
The easiest way to visit all three places is by car. The drive from Copenhagen is around 150 km one way, and public transport connections are limited.
If you do not want to drive, guided day trips from Copenhagen are also available, which makes planning much easier.
9. Forgotten Giants
One of the most fun and unique day trips is searching for the Thomas Dambo Forgotten Giants.
These giant wooden sculptures are hidden across the greater Copenhagen area and are made from scrap wood and recycled materials. Each giant is placed in forests, parks, hills, or quiet natural areas.
As someone who loves hiking and outdoor adventures, exploring all six Forgotten Giants was one of the first things I did after moving to Denmark.
The shortest route usually starts from Sleeping Louis and continues to Hill Top Trine, Oscar Under the Bridge, Little Tilde, Thomas on the Mountain, and finally Friendly Teddy (Teddy Venlig).
If you start from Sleeping Louis, the full trail is around 28 km. So make sure to carry water, snacks, and comfortable shoes.
You can visit the Forgotten Giants by bike, or combine walking with public transport. Personally, I believe cycling is the best way to enjoy the scenery and move easily between the wooden trolls.
Go with a group and have ultimate fun finding the forgotten giants!
10. Klampenborg
If you are looking for a short day trip close to Copenhagen, Klampenborg is a great choice.
Located just north of the city, it’s very easy to reach by direct train from Copenhagen.
The main highlight here is Dyrehaven, a UNESCO-listed nature park known for its large open landscapes and more than 2,000 free-roaming deer.
The park is beautiful in every season, and many people go walking, cycling, or simply slow down for a few hours. You can ride the traditional horse-drawn carriage through the forest from the Klampenborg Station.
Inside Dyrehaven, you’ll also find Bakken, officially the world’s oldest amusement park.
You can simply enter and walk around Bakken for free. You can pay for individual rides ot buy a ride pass. It has roller coasters, games, restaurants, bars, and live entertainment. Bakken is open only from April to October.
Another place worth visiting is Hermitage Palace, a small royal hunting lodge located inside the deer park. Back when royal hunts took place (now banned), kings hosted private meals for their guests at the palace.
Hermitage Palace can be visited only from May to October through their guided tours. Tickets need to be booked in advance.
After exploring the park, I’d recommend ending the day at Bellevue Beach. It’s a great place for a swim or relaxing by the water during summer evenings.
How to Get to Klampenborg from Copenhagen?
Klampenborg Station is just 25 minutes from Copenhagen Central Station by S-train. From the station, both Bakken and Bellevue Beach are only a 10-minute walk away.
11. Island of Hven (Ven Island)
If you are looking for a quieter and less touristy day trip from Copenhagen, Ven Island (also called Hven Island) is a wonderful choice.
Ven Island is a small Swedish island between Denmark and Sweden, north of Copenhagen.
The best way to explore Ven is by renting a bicycle. There are also local Skånetrafiken buses on the island.
The island itself is beautiful with its peaceful roads, sea views, farmlands, and quiet villages. I especially loved the viewpoint near St. Ibb’s Church overlooking the coastline.
The main attraction on Ven is the Tycho Brahe Museum, dedicated to the Danish astronomer.
Spirit of Hven Backafallsbyn is a distillery known for its Swedish whisky, gin, and vodka tastings. Their guided tours are very popular during the summer, so book in advance.
Since you are entering Sweden, remember to carry a valid photo ID or passport for border checks.
Note that the local currency is Swedish Krona, but most places accept cards and also Danish Krona (at an exchange rate of 1:1). There are no ATMs on the island, so card payments are the easiest option.
How to Get to Ven Island from Copenhagen?
During the summer, only between June and September, ferries operate from Copenhagen and Helsingør to Ven. But the island is accessible throughout the year from Landskrona, Sweden.
The ferry starts at 9 AM, and the journey takes about 50 minutes from Copenhagen. As there are limited seats and only one boat a day, it is better to book online in advance.
12. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is located in Humlebæk. It is quite huge and took me half a day to explore properly. I had a great time visiting and highly recommend.
Louisiana is the most visited museum for modern and contemporary art in Scandinavia. So, it can get quite busy during weekends and holidays.
Inside, you’ll find both permanent and temporary exhibitions featuring international modern art from 1945 to the present day, with more than 4,000 works in the collection.
The outdoor sculpture park features over 50 works, and the museum cafe has amazing sea views.
The Louisiana Museum is also included with the Copenhagen Card.
How to Get to the Louisiana Museum from Copenhagen?
From Copenhagen Central Station, it takes about 40 minutes by train to Humlebæk Station, followed by an easy 10-minute walk to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.
13. Legoland and Lalandia, Billund
For a fun family day trip from Copenhagen, visiting Legoland Billund and Lalandia Billund is a must for both kids and adults. The two attractions are only about a 5-minute walk apart.
LEGOLAND Billund is one of Denmark’s most famous attractions. The park has roller coasters, family rides, themed areas, LEGO workshops, LEGO stores, and the famous Miniland with detailed miniature cities and landmarks built entirely from LEGO bricks.
Lalandia Billund is Scandinavia’s largest water park and indoor family activity centre. Along with water slides and pools, there are play areas, workshops, mini golf, wellness areas, and activities for all ages.
Food options are available inside both attractions, so you can easily spend the entire day there.
How to Get to Billund from Copenhagen?
Direct FlixBuses run from Copenhagen to Billund, and the journey takes around three hours. If you prefer trains, you’ll need to change at Vejle and continue to Billund by bus.
If you are traveling from Copenhagen, start early in the morning to make the most of your day.
14. Gilleleje, Tisvilde, Hornbæk
Hornbæk, Gilleleje, and Tisvilde are some of the old fishing villages located in northern Zealand.
Most people come here for the beaches, coastal walks, seafood restaurants, and laid-back summer atmosphere. Many Danes own summer houses here, which says a lot about how peaceful these towns are.
I love spending time in this area, and I definitely recommend trying the homemade ice cream from Strandkiosken Tisvilde.
If you visit in winter, look out for the northern lights. Check the forecast and head to the far end of the north coast, away from light pollution.
How to Get to Gilleleje from Copenhagen?
The journey from Copenhagen Central Station takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes by train to Gilleleje. You might have to change trains at Hillerød Station.
To hop between the different coastal villages, use the Rejseplanen app.
Final Thoughts: Epic Day Trips from Copenhagen
This list of Copenhagen day trips gives you the chance to experience more of Scandinavia beyond Denmark.
If you have extra time to explore beyond the city, I’d definitely recommend taking at least one of these trips.
With well-connected transportation services from the capital city, many of these destinations can be visited within just a few hours of Copenhagen.
I hope this guide helps you plan a memorable trip and discover places you might not have considered before.
What’s your favorite day trip from Copenhagen? Let me know which place tops your list!
