Writing about day trips from Copenhagen is almost a painful experience for me. After all, the Danish capital’s a thriving, vibrant metropolis. There are hundreds of fun things to do in Copenhagen. From Amalienborg Palace to Natural History Museum.
But outside the capital, there’s a smorgasbord of fresh adventures throughout Denmark. Rarely visited villages, soft sandy beaches, pristine islands, harrowing adventures above the trees, and towering castles, all of which are begging for you to come to explore.
If you’re looking for a short escape from Copenhagen, we’ve got you covered. Many of the entries on this list are within an hour of downtown Copenhagen. However, a select few are a little further.
Let’s embark on a quest around Denmark and unearth the best day trips from Copenhagen.
55 Best Day Trips from Copenhagen
North Zealand
North Zealand (Or North Sealand, if you are Danish) refers to the Danish Riviera. As the name implies, this lies on the northern coast of the country.
One feature that sets North Zealand apart from other rivieras in Europe, like the Italian or the best French Riviera beaches, are fewer tourists, and better prices. (although Denmark isn’t the cheapest country to visit.) The Danish Riviera also retains its rustic appeal, and natural charm, and hasn’t lost its soul to mass tourism.
North Zealand doesn’t have clearly defined borders. However, many consider the Danish Rivera starting near Sejerø Bay and stretching east to the Sound.
The area has an abundance of day and half-day trips from Copenhagen. There are UNESCO nature parks, picturesque seaside towns, castles, adventures, and family outings. We will go more in-depth on some of these outings below. However, just driving around North Zealand without a plan and living in the moment is one epic day trip.
Helsingør
The most well-known day trip from Copenhagen to the Danish Riviera is to the city of Helsingør.
Helsingør’s a city in the North of Zealand, though you wouldn’t know it at first glance. This quiet city retains a quaint charm and atmosphere. It’s an eminent city to walk around. There are seaside pathways and stony streets where you can lose yourself exploring for hours.
Helsingør has a few notable attractions and museums that will take up most of your day away from Copenhagen. Most prominently, Hamlet’s Castle (Kronborg Castle); there’s also the Maritime Museum and the Oresund Aquarium. And let’s not forget the lesser-known Marienlyst Castle and the Danish Museum of Science and Technology.
I’m a fan of the peculiar, yet remarkable, art scattered around the city like the Garbage Fish or the Dancer’s fountain. The city has a lot of things packed into a tiny space, making it a wonderful day trip from Copenhagen.
If you are feeling frisky, you can hop on the Helsingør ferry, and after 30 minutes, you’ll arrive in Helsingborg Sweden (Where you can answer the question, what Sweden is famous for?) . (My adopted home.) Here you can explore the old town and castle of this Southern Swedish city. But more on Helsingborg later.
Helsingør’s just 45 minutes by train from Copenhagen central.
Hamlet’s Castle (Kronborg Castle)
Kronborg Castle is recognized as Elsinore in Shakespeare’s Hamlet and the dominant site in Helsingør. Towering over the sea in the northern part of the city, you’ll see the castle as soon as you leave the train station. Before heading to the castle, take a second to look across the Øresund, and get a glimpse of Sweden on the other side.
Kronborg Castle’s influence reaches far beyond the fact that it’s immortalized as Hamlet’s castle. Throughout history, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was one of the most vital Renaissance castles in the Northern part of Europe. And used as a strategic stronghold built by King Eric VII in the early 15th century. Sitting at the narrowest point of the Øresund, Kronborg was a base to collect tolls from ships sailing into the Baltic Sea. Although since then, it has been burned down and rebuilt.
But enough history! Why should you visit Kronborg?
Well, any fan of the play will want to embark on this day trip from Copenhagen immediately. Inside the castle, you can explore the Kronborg dungeon, the Kronborg chapel, and the crypts. Take note of the statue of Holger the Dane (and the myth that goes with it), and the splendid views of the ocean. All in all, the castle has a wealth of tales and history to uncover.
If you are visiting in the winter, there’s the Kronborg Castle Christmas Market as well. Kronborg’s one of the best castles in Denmark and well worth a visit.
For those Shakespeare hamlet lovers (like myself), there are guided hamlet tours. Shakespeare festivals in the summer with live productions by the renowned Shakespeare Company.
Frederiksborg Castle
Without question, Frederiksborg Castle’s one of the best castles in Denmark for travelers to visit. The size and wealth of Frederiksborg Castle are hard to describe without seeing it yourself. Sitting on the three small islands on the Castle Lake in Hillerød, this castle was built to show off the wealth and power of Christan IV. The towering red walls and tall towers are surrounded by lush gardens. However, the real treasures Frederiksborg-Castle lie inside the walls and keep and in the interior design and cultural attractions. The interior is covered in elaborate gold trim, ornate paintings, and intricate ceiling cravings just to paint a small picture.
There’s a lot to see and explore in Frederiksborg-Castle, which is why it’s good that this day trip from Copenhagen only takes 35 minutes to reach.
Roskilde
At one point and time, Roskilde was the bustling Viking capital of Denmark, And because of this, the city holds a lot of cultural heritage and history. For a moment, let’s forget the Viking Stuff and talk about the other things to do in the city. (after all the Roskilde Viking Museum offers so much to see that it gets its own entry next on the list.)
The Roskilde Cathedral plays an important part in Denmark’s past and present. Built in 1275, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was the first Gothic Cathedral Built in Scandinavia, and its style soon becomes popular all over Europe. The Cathedral boasts a handful of chapels, elaborate sarcophagi, and a towering Nave. The Cathedral also acts as a mausoleum for the royal family, with over 39 Danish Kings and Queens buried within its grounds.
On a lighter note, Rockilde’s also the home of the RAGNAROCK Museum. This entertaining museum (which has an odd exterior) continues to be one of the top things to do in the city. The museum takes you on a wild journey from 1950s rock and rolls through the pop culture of the 1980s.
How to Get to This Day Trip From Copenhagen? Roskilde lies only 25 minutes west of the city by train. The Cathedrals are within walking distance from the train station.
Pro Trip: With the Copenhagen Card entry to the Roskilde Cathedral, and RAGNAROCK Museum is free.
Roskilde Museum
The Roskilde Cathedral and RAGNAROCK museum are all well and good. But the premier attractions of the city are the Roskilde Museum and Viking Ship Museum. And these two sites can easily take up your entire day away from Copenhagen.
The Roskilde Museum takes visitors on a journey through the history of the city. During the middle ages, Roskilde was the epicenter of the Viking world in Denmark. See remnants of the past and learn the stories that helped shape Denmark into the country we know today.
Roskilde Viking Ship Museum
No trip through Danish history‘s complete without venturing into the world of the Vikings. And the Roskilde Viking Ship Museum has a wealth of Viking artifacts to discover. Here you can see 5 ORIGINAL Vikings ships. Get up close to them, and you’ll see the scars of war they still bear. And your imagination runs rampant wondering at the moments of history that these ancient ships have seen. It is incredible. During certain times of the year, they also have replica Viking ships that you can sail on.
And the nearby Roskilde fjord is also beautiful.
Dyrehaven
Looking to see some of Denmark’s nature, without straying too far from Copenhagen? Then Dyrehaven, or deer park, might be the perfect day trip for you. Here you’ll find verdant forests and open fields. The gorgeous landscapes are ideal for a day of walking, biking, or relaxing with a picnic.
The park’s open year-round; however, the best weather’s during the summer months. Savvy travelers know that pleasant weather brings larger crowds. But the nice weather also means more things to do like horseback riding and scenic carriage rides.
Here in Deer Park, you’ll escape the noises of the city, the sound of cars, and crowds. The park’s a calm place, an area to get some space, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy a beautiful day in Denmark.
If spending a day wandering a park sounds boring, don’t worry! Dyrehaven lies in a key location and can be combined with other day trips on this list, like Bakken. And spicing up your day trip from Copenhagen’s a viable option.
A short 20-minute day trip from Copenhagen via train will leave you in the footstep of Dyrehaven nature reserve.
Bakken
Bakken never seems to get its due. Mainly because Tivoli Gardens – and its key location in central Copenhagen – steals a lot of attention as one of the world’s oldest theme parks.
However, head 10- 20 minutes outside the city, and you’ll find Bakken, the oldest theme park in the world.
Isolated in the Deer Park woodlands, this long-forgotten theme park offers a hefty dosage of nostalgia. The park many caters to kids these days. But even without little ones, it’s still invigorating to wander the place that brought theme parks to the world. The park still offers a small variety of rides and games to enjoy.
There are two special seasons of the year to visit. The first is during Harvest Week (where they have Halloween frights, hay bale mazes, and food tours. Christmas is also a fantastic time to visit the park, or head to some of the best parks in France . During the holiday season, the parks transformed into a winter wonderland complete with snow, decorated trees, and lights.
Brakken had a tremendous impact on the world. Don’t believe me? Well, Bakken inspired Tivoli Gardens (without a doubt of the best things to do in Copenhagen). Tivoli Gardens inspired Walt Disney when building Disney World. And we all know the planet-spanning impact of Disney Theme Parks. So following the thread, it’s easy to see the impact Bakken has had on the entire planet.
Tree Top Experience
Nature lovers and adventure addicts gather around! You’ll love our next-day trip from Copenhagen. Only an hour away from the Danish capital – this towering walkway takes you soaring above the forests of Gisselfeld Klosters Skove. The newly opened, heart-pounding venture is unforgettable. The tall spiraling track takes you to the top of a 148-foot-high observation deck. Here you get pristine views of the entire region. Some travelers claim that on a cloudless afternoon, you can see across the sea to Malmö, Sweden.
The structures’ exceptional architecture and treetops walkways make this one of the most iconic adventures in Denmark. Opening in 2019, the Denmark TreeTop Experience is the newest day trips from Copenhagen. But also a quick way to conquer a fear of heights. Tickets to the tower cost a reasonable 125 Danish Krone. (The current exchange rate, at the time of writing, equals 18 USD.)
Aarhus Denmark
Many travelers aren’t even aware that Aarhus exists, surprising considering that it’s the second-largest city in the country. Aarhus is also an up-and-coming city and comes into its atmosphere and identity.
The city has a deep history, great nightlife, a bunch of off-the-beaten-path sites, and an annual Viking Festival. A few highlights include the large open-air museum of Den Gamle By, one of Europe’s largest art museums, the ARos, and another amusement park of Tivoli Friheden.
Aarhus’s makes a solid choice for day-trippers looking to check out another Danish City.
And why it might not be an “enormous” city by Western Standards (Aarhus population is just over 330,000.) an Aarhus day trip from Copenhagen is worth the time.
Whether by car or train, Aarhus to Copenhagen takes around 3-hours.
Day Trips from Copenhagen to Dragør
Dragør is a quick day trip from Copenhagen, which is a slight part of its appeal. But the tiny village, on the island of Amager, overflows with charm, pizzazz, and panoramic views. Dragør brims authenticity and appeal that travelers will eat up.
This vibrant fishing village is easily reached by bike from the city. The quaint village is filled with charming, thatched roofs and colorful homes, stony streets, and alleyways. Many of the houses are adorned with colorful flowers. Head to the seaside for expansive views, and or the harbor for waterside cafes, Dragør devices, and local wine. Without a doubt, Dragør claims a spot as one of the prettiest villages in Zealand.
The village has a fantastic open-air market that goes on all year. Here you can buy the catch of the day from the fishermen or locally sourced vegetables. If you want to see local daily life in Denmark, then Dragør’s a glorious day trip from Copenhagen.
Day Trip from Copenhagen to West Zealand
Taking a day trip from Copenhagen to the west of Denmark gets you away from the coastal area and into the lush and diverse nature of the country. Here you can enjoy rolling hills, a tiny forest, and a landscape that the Vikings once called home.
Today, they use much of this land for winemaking (Denmark has wine worth checking out). If you go farther west, you can catch a ferry that connects the isle of Denmark. Check out the harbor town of Rørvig or hop across the water to picturesque Hundested. We’re about to go into more detail on places in West Zealand.
However, West Zealand’s a beautiful part of the island to drive and stop wherever the road takes you.
Rørvig
Rørvig, an off-the-beaten-path, compact town, marks a charming spot in the west of Zealand.
Known for the ferry port to the Hundested, many people – wrongly overlook Rørvig. Local boutiques line roads, boasting handmade goods and wares; bakeries waft the smell of homemade sweets like strawberry and rhubarb cakes onto the street.
And don’t forget the bright yellow churches of Rørvig Kirke and Kongestenen. The shoulder-to-shoulder houses in the old city boast thatched roofs and timber houses. Follow the narrow streets up the hill, and you’ll soon find yourself standing at a windmill.
Looking for a beach? Head to the coastal area of Korshage and make sure to visit the historical landmark of Danmarks Midtpunkt.
Rørvig’s charming, but it might not be an ideal day trip for all travelers. Rørvig’s travelers are looking to get a glimpse of everyday small-town life in Denmark. If that isn’t you, and your end in the area you can still enjoy spending a couple of hours wandering the small shops and sightseeing around the city. Rørvig might be small, but it holds a lot of charm and fun.
Hundested
Another lesser-known day trip from Copenhagen is to the small town of Hundested. This city’s easily reached via ferry from Rørvig; or via train from the capital.
The salt-sprayed Hundested Harbour, lying along the bay, might be my pick for the most scenic area in West Zealand. The harbor showcases the old port, art galleries, the glass factory, and a brewery. In Hundested, you can step into the watery shoes of a fisherman and try your hand at crab catching.
Around Hundested, there’s the Knud Rasmussen House, the iconic Lighthouse at Hesselø, and the archaeological site at Carlsten.
Hundested’s also a bustling city with a lot of fun festivals like the sand sculpting festival that takes place every June. There’s also the harbor festival and fish festival that takes place during the summer.
The region’s full of magnificent ocean scenery. The peppered hills, compact forest, and sweeping beaches dominate the region.
An ideal day trip is to take the Rørvig, spend a few hours there, and hop on the ferry to Hundested. Here spend the afternoon before taking the train back to CPH ( Copenhagen Central).
The Island of Fyn (Funen)
I hate to use vague adjectives like atmospheric, magical, or majestic. But those three words flood my brain when I picture the Island of Fyn. The island holds a majority of day trips from Copenhagen, but also some of the coolest things to see in the country.
Fyn’s home to some of the best castles (slots in Danish) in Denmark. The best castles to visit on Fyn are Nyborg Slot, Broholm Gods, Harridslevgaard Slot, Egeskov Slot, and Holckenhavn Slot. On this tiny island, there are 123 castles!
A handful of towns (which we will talk about next) peppered across the island are as historic as they are exciting. And as charming as they are unique, it’s easy to lose yourself in them.
And don’t get me started on the landscape of Fyn! The island’s home to towering white cliffs, famous beaches in Denmark, vast meadows, still lakes, and thick forest. There are a couple of spots on Fyn, that lack so much light pollution that you can see the arms of the Milky Way.
There’s no denying it, Fyn’s awesome, and an island well worth your time.
Odense
Odense, the capital on the island of Fyn, has numerous reasons to visit. You could spend your entire day here and still only see a fraction of what the city offers travelers. Odense could span this entire list of day trips from Copenhagen.
Odense’s first claim to fame; it’s the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen. The famous author was born and raised in Fyn. And his experiences in this charming fairytale Esque town played a part in shaping his world-famous stories. You can visit his childhood home, and five museums to learn about Denmark’s most famous author. And since all entries are included on a single ticket, there is no reason to.
For you foodie’s out there – don’t think I forgot about you – there’s the Odense’s Street Market. Here locals and tourists come together to celebrate the fabulous cuisine that the city has to offer. The food market is located in the Storms Pakhus’ raw industrial warehouse (in the harbor area). Inside your taste buds will light up as you wander through over 24 food stalls and take part in the 12 creative workshops. This market is a must for anyone in gastronomy.
You could spend a week exploring the island of Funen, but it’s also a wonderful day trip from Copenhagen.
Head to Southern Zealand, cross onto the South Sea Islands, and you’ll soon discover the sprawling Cliffs of Møn. Jutting up from a narrow beach space, these immaculate white cliffs are a sight to behold. The brooding summits of cliff Mon stand at over 300 feet. Making Møn, the biggest cliff in Denmark.
The region is often referred to as the cold Caribbean of Denmark, a protected part of the country. Partly because of the wide variety of beautiful flora and fauna (there are 18 different uncommon orchid species). But also because of the geological landscape rare.
Affected by a meteor impact – that happened on the other side of the planet – the cliffs are rife with over 7 million years of history. Visit the activity center that will take you on a journey through time, starting with the Cretaceous Period over 70 million years ago.
The lack of light pollution makes for great stargazing at the Cliffs of Møn – fall and winter are the best months to visit. During these interminable winter nights, the sky’s ablaze with the light of millions of stars. And on a clear night, you may even catch a glimpse of the arms of the Milky Way. The Cliffs of Møn are in the top two places in Denmark for stargazing.
If you don’t have time to make it to Møn, then Stevns Klint (which we talk about soon) is closer, and another great option.
Stevns Klint
Want to see some massive cliffs, and swirling seaside but don’t have the time to journey all way the to Møn Klint? Well, visiting Stevns Klint’s is a close alternative.
Lying off the coast of Zealand, these massive cliffs aren’t quite as grand as Møn. But that’s not to say they don’t warrant a visit. Most of the crenelated coastline is made up of peaceful, rocky beaches, encompassed by white cliffs, rising from the icy sea swells, offering up expansive ocean views.
The Stevns Klint UNESCO World Heritage Site is bursting with historical significance, but also holds fun adventures for the entire family.
What’s cool about this site is that it shows the history of a meteorite impact that crashed into Mexico over 65 million years ago. Amazingly the site retains a well-preserved record of the ash cloud, created after the devastating impact. The Stevns Klint meteor left a detailed fossil record that shows the sequence of fauna and micro-fauna. Giving us a timeline after the mass extinction. The Stevns Klint geology site stretches for 15 km. To this day, the areas remain rich in fossils – who knows you may even find one. Stevns Klint, a fantastic outdoor day trip from Copenhagen! And one that every type of traveler will enjoy.
Wondering what type of rock is Stevns Klint made of? These cliffs are made out of limestone.
Day Trips from Copenhagen to Sweden
Copenhagen sits on the border of the two countries, meaning you have a few different options to take a day trip from Copenhagen to Sweden. In fact, by train from Copenhagen, you can pass the border within 30 minutes and be in Malmö.
Within an hour by train, and ferry you can find yourself walking through the stony streets and castle ruins of Helsingborg.
Whether you choose a day trip from Copenhagen to Malmö and Lund or Helsingborg, visiting Sweden’s worth it.
Here are a few of the best day trips to Southern Sweden (Skåne) from Copenhagen.
Pro tip: Even though both countries are in the EU when traveling from Denmark to Sweden via train or ferry, there’s a good chance that immigration will check your passport, make sure you bring it.
Malmo
Hop on the train and head across the Øresund Bridge (That connects Sweden and Denmark), and you’ll arrive in Malmö. Malmö’s The quickest day trip from Copenhagen to Sweden is Malmö.
Malmö also has a scenic old town, a good food scene, and historic sites. There’s the Malmö hus Castle (Which is one of the oldest renaissance castles in Scandinavia.
There is also the Malmo Castle to explore!
Malmö’s also known for its cool atmosphere, shopping, art scene, and dancing. The Lilla Torg – a small neighborhood outside the main square – is my favorite area of the city.
Malmö’s a day trip for those who want to see what a Swedish city is like, do some shopping, and try Swedish cuisine! Many people consider
Many people consider Malmö a half-day trip from Copenhagen
Helsingborg
If I could give out an award for the most beautiful city in Southern Sweden, I’d give it to Helsingborg. The more time I spend in the city, the more I fall in love with it.
Helsingborg, on the other side of the Oresund sound from Helsingør’s, is a great introduction to Sweden. The city has cool cafes, a long beachfront, good shopping, castle ruins, a new cultural house, the largest park in Southern Sweden, and a cozy old town.
The major attraction is the Kärnan medieval castle. Helsingborg’s a little city, but a city with a lot of charm, and an excellent day trip from Copenhagen to Sweden.
You can get to Helsingborg, Sweden, in a few different ways. Taking a direct train straight from Copenhagen central station to Helsingborg is the quickest, but most expensive. If you can’t find a direct train, you can train from Copenhagen to malmö and hop on the Helsingborg train there. There’s also a
You can also grab the train from Copenhagen to Helsingør, and from there, jump on the ferry to Helsingborg. The route takes twenty more minutes, than the direct train, but will save you $10.
Helsingborg things to do
- Sofiero Palace
- Kärnan
- Helsinborg Beach Area
- Church of Saint Mary
- Frediksdal Open Air Museum
- Botanical Gardens
Sofiero Palace
When day-tripping to Helsingborg, Sweden you could easily spend most of your day at this royal mansion. Sofiero Palace’s a top tier tourist attraction in Helsingborg. Built in the late 1800s, the palace was a country mansion for the royal family for over a hundred years. Much of the palace we see today was refurbished by Gustaf VI Adolf and Crown Princess Margaret in the early 1900s.
The royal couple received this palace as a wedding present. Their biggest contribution is the elaborate Sofiero rhododendron they planted.
These gardens, which have around 500 different varieties of flowers, rival the mansion for elegance. And to tell the truth, are the main draw for most visitors. The Sofiero gardens are commonly called the most beautiful palace gardens in the entire world.
The Swedish royal family still owns the palace and sometimes stays on the upper levels. However, Sofiero’s mainly a tourist attraction these days. The palace has the Sofiero restaurant, cafe, and contemporary art exhibitions.
Lund
Lund’s the third, and final Swedish city that makes this list of day trips from Copenhagen. Throughout history, Lund has had a reputation as a religious center. It was the seat of the archbishopric who held sway over all of Scandinavia. And even though Sweden’s, not very religious anymore, the Romanesque Lund cathedral still stands as evidence of its past.
Today, Lund’s known as a university town and has that vibe to it. The most popular things to do in Lund are the open-air museum of Kulturen, Lund Cathedral, the Drotten Church ruins, and the Botanical Garden.
Lund’s has a young vibe – because of Lund University, as well as great museums, and historic sites. It’s a solid choice for a day trip to Sweden.
The easiest way to get to this day trip is by train, to the cities nearby across the Øresund Bridge.
Sweden. And takes around 30 minutes from downtown Copenhagen.
VALLØ CASTLE
Vallø Castle (Or Vallø Slot) is located south of Copenhagen – a few miles away from Køge. Vallø doesn’t resemble a castle in the traditional sense of the word. Rather it looks like a manor house that someone squashed between two towers – I absolutely love the design of Vallø. Vallø’s a fantastic example of a 16th-century renaissance building in Denmark. Sadly the castle endured a disastrous fire in the late 1800s; however, it was rebuilt to retain its plush renaissance style.
Even with its unique design, Vallø isn’t a well-known castle in Zealand, and there’s a good chance that you’ll have Vallø Castle all to yourself. But the castle holds an air of strength and beauty, and the castle has historical significance. Nestled amidst a massive forest, you can also spend hours strolling the castle estate.
And because this off-the-beaten-path castle rarely attracts a crowd, it’s a perfect escape from the Danish capital.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
The tiny yet charming coastal town of Humlebæk holds one of the best collections of modern art in the world. Surprised? I was too.
The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art has a large and impressive permanent collection like the impressive Lights of the Souls installation. Six more exhibits feature everything from crazy lighting effects to bronze sculptures. The museum’s been open since 1958 and houses from all over the world. The entire museums take you on a wild ride of art, architecture, and nature.
Not sold yet? Head to their website and check out the virtual “wing” of the museum where you can see over 750 portraits and art pieces as well as interviews with artists and writers.
The museum has earned a reputation as the leading international museum. And become a major tourist attraction in Denmark, luring visitors from all over the world.
Located in North Zealand in the humble town of Humlebæk. Art isn’t the only thing you’ll find here. The setting’s equally breathtaking. This museum lies in a picturesque park overlooking the churning water of the Sound.
The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art events are constantly being updated, so make sure to check the website.
Lyngby Open Air Museum
Head to the northern part of Copenhagen for a fun-filled day. Known as Lyngby, only 30 minutes outside downtown Copenhagen. Lyngby’s an immensely immersive experience that leads you through daily life in Old Denmark.
This open-air museum features over 100 different architectural buildings. From barns to manor houses, you can experience Denmark through the ages.
Ready to have your mind blown? All the buildings are original homes throughout time. Each building was deconstructed from somewhere in Denmark. They were then moved to the open-air museum where it was put back together perfectly. These fully furnished houses encompass more than 300 years of design.
Lyngby is massive, and covers 86 acres of land and over 50 farms. It represents the history of almost every corner of the country. The project’s sheer size and scope are mind-blowing.
The National Museum of Denmark is cool. But at this family favorite day trip from Copenhagen, history comes to life.
A fun fact about Denmark’s Lyngby Museum. Lyngby’s one of the biggest, and oldest open-air museums in the entire world.
Lolland-Falster
Lolland-Falster, an epic day trip from Copenhagen, offers monumental outdoor activities, indelibly wild landscapes, salt-washed bays, and charming small towns.
Lolland-Falster, Denmark has something to offer every type of traveler. Nature lovers soak in outstanding adventures like sailing, hiking, cycling, golfing, and angling. Or head to the uncrowded beach, if you’re looking for a more relaxed trip-the small town of Nakskov, is a perfect base to explore the area.
Those traveling with a family will find the peaceful atmosphere of Lolland Kommune (region) welcoming. Take the little ones on an unforgettable safari around Knuthenborg, the biggest safari park in Northern Europe. Don’t forget the Labyrinth Lolland-Falster, which offers an entire day of fresh air, and entertainment. The entire family will have a blast trying to navigate the maze, and testing your trivia skills for helpful clues through the labyrinth.
Other highlights of Looand are the massive Stonehenge/ Easter islandesque monument of Dodecalith. There are historic manners, art galleries, lakes, and Fjords.
If that’s not enough, then there’s the smaller island of Smålandsfarvandet sitting to the north of Lolland,
But to be honest, there’s so much to do in Lolland that the next five entries will focus on this area.
Knuthenborg
We touched on Knuthenborg Safari Park a little bit above, but the park deserves its own entry. This is a favorite among both locals and travelers in the Lolland-Falster area. Located in the former medieval manor of Arsmarke, this park covers 7km north of Maribo and acts as one of the biggest draws to the region.
At Knuthenborg you can get up close and personal with rare animal species and head out on an African Safari. See larger-than-life animals such as Siberian Tigers, Wildebeest, Rhinos, Arctic Wolves, and Giraffes.
Many of these animals roam the grounds at their own leisure.
Little ones will love the giants that call the Dinosaur forest home.
Knuthenborg’s also home to Denmark’s largest nature and water playground. They are also building the largest elephant plant in Europe to help former circus elephants; they will soon have the elephants move in.
This thrilling park’s great for couples, friends, and families – who knows this could even be in the best adventure book for couples. .
Marielyst Beach
Marielyst Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Denmark. The pristine white sandy shores overlook the calm ocean. The entire area is captivating. In fact, Marielyst Strand has been voted the best beach in Denmark for multiple years running.
Imagine pristine white sandy stretching for 10km. Small, icy rollers of the sea break across the coast.
Nearby are summer cottages, hotels, and small campsites. Marielyst Beach acts as a peaceful day trip for Copenhagen. You might even decide to rent a Marielyst sommerhus (summerhouse) and stay longer.
The downside for swimmers is that the waters are shallow. Although this is a plus for families with little ones. Another perk of Marielyst Beach is that the lifeguard towers are open every day during the summer months from 11 am to 7 pm.
Part of the landscape is flanked by cliffs, which makes it a magnificent spot to seek out refuge in the shade.
What’s more, a stone’s throw away from the beach is Marielyst, Denmark. This small, seaside town has all the necessities you’ll need for your Danish Holiday.
Nakskov Fjord Nature Park
Those on the hunt for untouched terrain will fall in love with Nakskov Fjord. The Fjord’s compilation of 10 islands embodies a bit of Lolland’s – maybe even Denmark’s – most captivating vistas.
The cove has lively adventures, surf spots, exquisite nature, and distinct flora, fauna, and wildlife- the shallow water makes the park a hotspot for water birds. Spend your time exploring via boat trips, guided tours, and biking tours. All of which lets you dive headfirst into this unspoiled, vast nature.
There’s also public access to the largest island on the Fjord, Enehøje.
Nakskov Fjord Nature Park covers 4 miles (8km) of the long inlet of Indrefjorden – on the west of Lolland. And an outdoor lovers’ perfect day trip from Copenhagen.
Nature Park Maribosøerne
Nature Park Maribosøerne, or Maribos Islands National Park, is another one of the best day trips from Copenhagen.
The conservation area, sitting in the middle of Lolland, marks another of Denmark’s best areas for nature. Those traveling to Lolland, shouldn’t miss it. The park has a plethora of birds and wildlife. Want a wide variety of landscapes? Well, there are marches, meadows, and forests. What other landscape could you want?
Notably, the park’s famous because of its four lakes; Søndersø, Røgbølle Lake, Hejrede Lake, and Nørresø. But there are also manor houses as well.
The diverse landscape, lakes, and historical houses make Nature Park Maribosøerne a great day trip to explore the beauty of Denmark.
Maribo
Not feeling all the nature, animals, and beaches mentioned above. Then head to Maribo. This charming city arguably has the most things to do on the entire island. There’s the Museum Train (Museumsbanen, if you can pronounce it). There’s also the 700-year-old castle of Ålholm Castle, just twenty minutes outside of Maribo in the town of Nysted.
Two other notable sites are the U-359 Submarine and the Green World Zoo. To the north and south are the lakes of Nørresø and Søndersø respectively.
When it comes to things to do, the small town of Maribo -a population of almost 6,000 – punches well above its weight class.
Nykøbing
One last place we need to talk about in Lolland-Falster Komme is the largest town on the island of Falster, Nykøbing. Nykøbing’s an old fortress town with castle ruins, tall towers, and crumbling ruins. The city sits on the banks of the Guldborgsund and has a charming marina area.
Head downtown Nykøbing to discover two fantastic museums in the City Museum, and the Middle Ages Center. But also lovely pedestrian streets filled with cafes, restaurants, and local shops.
Egeskov Castle
Egeskov Castle’s hailed as one of the most iconic Renaissance castles in the whole of Europe. Surrounding the castle grounds is a large moat that envelops the splendid castle and lavish gardens. The Castle dates back to 1554 and was built by Friends Brockenhus-Schack. Oak pillars make up the foundation of these pilings and have led to the legend that this castle took an entire oak forest to build.
Much of the castle has remained untouched by time for the last 400 years; however, the banquet hall was reconstructed in 1975. The opulent rooms, garden maze, and massive halls are open to the public daily.
Bornholm
It’s feasible to take a day trip from Copenhagen to Bornholm. However, the island works much better as a weekend getaway. The “pearl of the baltic” is an island that’s home to laid-back beaches, magnificent views, and captivating small towns. Bornholm’s the sunniest place in Denmark and many Danes refer to it as the sunshine island.
The Bornholm beaches are the biggest lure to the island. And there’s no shortage of them.
Bornholm has a couple of charming towns on which to base your getaway.
There’s the major town, Rønne, home to hundreds of timber houses and a wonderful port area. There’s Gudhjem, the summer hotspot, and a fun small town. And we can’t overlook the colorful village of Svaneke.
A few remarkable things to do around the island include, visiting Dueodde Beach, the ruins of Hammershus, the inspiring round church of Østerlars Kirke, and the still waters of Opal Lake.
Need more reasons to visit? Well, Bornholm’s making a name for itself as a foodie hotspot.
Bornholm worth visiting! Many Danes consider the visit a pilgrimage that every person in Denmark should undertake at least once.
Den Blå Planet
At first, Den Blå Planet might seem like a minor Copenhagen day trip. I mean, it’s only around 20 minutes from the central station and close to the airport.
While it’s not far from Copenhagen’s city center, Den Blå Planet (Or the National Aquarium Denmark), the sheer volume of activities will they offer will take up your entire day.
Den Blå Planet’s the largest aquarium in Scandinavian. It houses over 50 exhibits and aquamarines and holds over 7 million liters of water. The star of the show, the underwater tunnel, lets you get up close and personal with aquatic life. Den Blå Planet has a varied amount of species from the Giant Pacific octopus to hammerhead sharks.
The Aquarium also has learning areas set aside for youngsters. And an equatorial rainforest complete with frogs, piranhas, and unusual flora and fauna.
Spending the day at Den Blå Planet’s one of the best things to do in Copenhagen for couples, and families.
Church of Our Lady Kalundborg
We’re treading tricky ground here as Denmark has several churches called the Church of Our Lady. In fact, if you just google Church of Our Lady Denmark, it will bring up the Copenhagen Cathedral. But wait, before you go off googling let me tell you about the Church of Our Lady Kalundborg.
This church, around an hour from Copenhagen, sits in the town of Kalunborg. And while I don’t think the long trip is worth that church alone. But when it’s combined with Kalundborg’s old town and the museums makes for one epic day trip from Copenhagen.
The precise date of the church’s contraction is unknown; however, most believe it dates back to the 12th century. This red-brick church features tall octagonal towers standing at over 120 feet. The interior’s adorned with a baroque-style altar and granite palm motifs. It’s a stunning church.
The church’s an impressive sight, and when put together with everything else Kalunborg offers, it makes for one incredible day trip from Copenhagen.
The Six Forgotten Giants
Did you know that on the outskirts of Copenhagen, there lurk six massive Giants? They dominate their domain, and who knows where you’ll find them? You might stumble upon them while wandering the thick forest. Or perhaps one is napping by the cool waterside, pondering their next meal on a hillside, or taking over a meadow. Who knows what these behemoths are up to?
In reality, these giants are impressive works of art by Thomas Dambo. There’s one for each of the six municipalities outside Copenhagen. What’s cool – and typical Danish fashion to be honest – is that these giants are entirely made out of recycled wood.
These lesser-known pieces of art are mind-blogging projects. For off-the-beaten-path adventurers, seeking to wander away from the popular art galleries, and famed museums, it doesn’t get better. These artisan treasures are a memorable way to spend a day traipsing far off Copenhagen’s quintessential tourist trail.
Lejre Land of Legends
Catapult yourself back in time and into the middle of the Viking age. Lejre Land of Legends is unlike other day trips from Copenhagen. It’s a stunning reconstruction of history. History is brought to life in this open-air museum.
You’ll find no roller coasters here in this theme park. They are replaced with Iron Age Battles, watery canoes, and a preindustrial society.
Walkthrough the largest Viking hall in Denmark, while enjoying all the painstaking detail put into every nook and cranny. Paddle down the lake on a dugout canoe, test your skills in a battle with a bow and arrow and walk through the thatched-roof houses and artisan shops.
At Lejre Land of Legends, thousands of years of history come to life, and let you be a part of it.
Lejre Land of Legends is part reenactment park, part archaeology project, and part family theme park. It’s one crazy combination, but somehow it works out beautifully.
Hornbæk
Hornbæk’s a beloved day trip from Copenhagen during the summer months. During the scorching days, it welcomes visitors to relax, cools down, and appreciate the seaside charm and white sandy beaches. This coastal village is perfect for laying on the beach and window shopping. Imagine wandering through the small town, eating homemade ice cream while looking through the handmade goods at the local shops.
Hornbæk isn’t just a summer hotspot though, the city has a wealth of amazing adventures that span the entire year. Whether you are looking for beach hikes, forest, sailing, food, or a small glimpse of local life, you’ll find it at Hornbæk.
Hornbæk’s has had a glorious explosion of street food over the last few years. Now, the cities are considered one of the best places to eat in the entire country! Making it a great summertime day trip for foodies.
Tulip Festival
Gavnø’s Tulip Festival differs from a lot of the other entries on this list, as the festival is a seasonal event. However, if you’re traveling to Denmark at the right time, then promise me you won’t miss it.
Located in Gavnø Slot Park, sit these famous tulip gardens, and from mid-April through late May, hold the largest tulip festival in the country. Here you’ll find a rainbow of countless colors, as thousands of tulips overtake the entire area. They plant these tulips in October, and each year features a distinct style, theme, flower formations, and color combinations.
The sheer amount of love, care, and creativity is breathtaking.
Hven Island
On paper, Hven Islands are small, around 7.5 km2. Or 2.5 Kilometers Wide, and 4.5 Kilometers long. Only 360 people call this island home, year-round.
But you’d be wrong if you judged Hven by its size. These charming islands are packed with sites and experiences that travelers love. The islet has the salt-sprayed nature reserved along the coast. As you walk the paths and climb 120 feet to take in a marvelous view of the enclave, don’t forget to check out the rock carvings that date back to the bronze age.
Hven also has the extraordinary Sankt Ibb’s old church, the Tycho Brahe Museum, the forested canopy of lovers’ lane, a whiskey brewery, the rare durum wheat bread, and even alpacas.
Hven (Or Ven in Swedish) works as both a day trip from Copenhagen and as a weekend getaway. The untouched island lies between Sweden and Denmark in Öresund.
Stargazing on Nyord
Nyord’s an island of Denmark, lying in the Baltic sea, not to far from some of the best things to do in Estonia.. It’s close to Møn – which we mentioned earlier.
The location is not the only thing it has in common with Møn. If you remember, I mentioned that Møn was one of two places for the best stargazing in Denmark. Well – yep, you guessed it – Nyord’s the other one.
In fact, Nyord is only one of two places I know in Europe where you can experience the “Dark Sky.” Nyord lets you see the sky with no light population. A dark sky devoid of man-made light breathtakingly opens the heavens. You’ll see millions of stars in the sky, and reflect in the sea hundreds of feet below you. On a cloudless night, you might even catch a glimpse of the Milky Ways arms.
The best time to see the dark sky is during the winter when the nights are longer. There is also dark sky hiking guides, and photo safaris that open the sky in an entirely fresh way.
If you have time, I highly suggest a stargazing night trip to Nyord.
The Island of Nyord
Stargazing isn’t the only draw to Nyord. The island has bird reserves, spacious meadows, and a carefree charm.
The famed store, Noorbohandelen, offers an impeccable selection of hard alcohol from all over the world. Nyord’s also known for whiskey, schnapps, and bitters.
Hotel Frederiksminde
You might think it odd that a hotel has made a list of the best day trips from Copenhagen. But wait, hear me out for a second. This isn’t an ordinary hotel. There are two main reasons to head here for a day trip. First, it’s set in a pristine (and historical) setting. The hotel’s beside a spectacular section of Præstø Fjord (more detail on that soon), as well as a nice beach.
The second reason to visit Hotel Frederiksminde is for the cuisine. This hotel hosts some of the best gastronomy in the southern half of Denmark. They focus on local produce and ingredients and have held a Michelin star since 2016.
Hotel Frederiksminde works great as a vacation getaway from Copenhagen as well as a day trip.
Præstø Fjord
Since we already mentioned Præstø Fjord, let’s take this opportunity to go more in-depth. The fjord’s a magnificent area of Denmark filled with outdoor adventures. Spend your day fishing, swimming, diving, kayaking, or kicking back and relaxing. There’s even a chance you’ll spot seals as you wander the beaches by Roneklint and Fedhavnen.
Præstø Fjord’s a striking area of Denmark. And a wonderful day trip from Copenhagen. A day spent in the flawless landscape of the inlet might be one of your most treasured souvenirs.
Faxe Limestone Quarry (Faxe Kalkbrud)
Lying just east of Faxe, you’ll find this famous limestone quarry. The quarry’s a little deceiving, as 60 million years ago it was a seabed. If we could time travel back all those millions of years ago, we would find quarries teeming with endless sea creatures like sharks, crocodiles, squids, coral, and thousands of other sea animals.
Rent a hammer and chisel and head into the quarry on your own personal quest. A quest to find shark teeth, muscle shells, and other fossils that date back before recorded time. Or check out the found fossils at the Faxe Geological Museum.
Once you’re done, head into Faxe for some great local shopping, and minor sightseeing.
Næstved
Næstved is a city that sits in the southern part of Zealand (Sjælland). The city’s roots date back to 2500 years ago. Nestled on the bank of the Suså River, this city has some remarkable medieval sites that visitors will fall in love with. There’s the Benedictine monastery, Sankt Peder Church, and the vestiges of a medieval hospice – which now doubles as the local museum. There’s also nearby Rønnebæksholm and Gavnø Castle. We will talk about both later.
Næstved around an hour from Copenhagen. Today the city is an integrated commercial and shopping center in Southern Zealand.
Rønnebæksholm
Rønnebæksholm, the most popular site in Næstved will take up the majority of your day trip to Southern Zealand. Rønnebæksholm’s. Sitting just outside the city, this old manor house is surrounded by a lovely green landscape. The house also has old art, all of that features four exhibits (which focus on modern art).
The manor grounds are perfect for wandering, the milky white mansion house is built in a neo-gothic style. There also have a workshop, cafe, and shop.
Gavnø Castle
We touched on Gavnø Castle ( Or Gavnø Slot) a little when we mentioned the tulip festival. However, this fairy tale castle deserves its own entry as the tulip festival isn’t year-round.
Gavnø Castle was formerly used as a convent for noble virgins. The foundations of the castle date back over 600 years ago and the castle was built in the Rococo style. The castle has interesting art installations and the largest private selection of paintings in Northern Europe. Of course, being the home of Denmarks Tuilps Fesitval – the castle grounds are nothing short of spectacular. One site in Gavnø Castle that can’t be missed si Slotskapellet, the castle’s most vivacious chapel in Denmark.
Vallø Slotskro
Another foodie day trip from Copenhagen is to Vallø Slotskro. Recently mentioned in the White Guide as one of the best restaurants in Denmark. The food severed with a delicate touch and a lot of love. The castle restaurants are known across the country for their amazing wine selection – which is always a perk. As a bonus, the restaurant also offers a perfect view of the Vallø Castle. All of this comes together to form a magical experience.
Råbylille beach
Located close to Mon and Elmelunde, Råbylille beach teeming with beauty, space, and atmosphere.
Råbylille beach has emerged as one of the most family-friendly beaches in Denmark. Those who want to head to a beach with little ones should consider Råbylille beach. Space isn’t an issue at Råbylille beach. This beach is wide and long, giving everyone enough room to spread out.
dragsholm castle
This imposing and stunning castle is located just an hour outside of Copenhagen and makes for a perfect day trip. Dating back to the 13th century, the castle is now a popular tourist destination with plenty of history to explore. There is also a lovely park on the grounds which is perfect for a relaxing stroll.
møns Klint
Møns Klint is a chalk cliff on the east coast of the Danish island of Møn.
Møns Klint is over 120 meters high and extends for 6 km. The cliff was created by the erosion of the chalk rock by the sea and is one of the most spectacular sights on the island.
There are a number of walking trails along the cliff and there are also a number of viewpoints where you can enjoy the view. There is a visitor center at the cliff where you can find out more about the history and geology of the cliff.
Rosenborg castle
Rosenborg Castle is a renaissance castle located in the center of Copenhagen. The castle was originally built in 1606 by Christian IV and has been used as a royal residence ever since. The castle is open to the public and contains a number of interesting exhibits, including the Danish crown jewels.
hillerød station
If you’re looking for something to do on a day trip from Copenhagen, consider visiting Hillerød station. Hillerød is a small town located about 34 miles north of Copenhagen. The town is best known for its impressive Renaissance-era castle, Frederiksborg Palace. The palace is home to the Danish National Museum, which features exhibits on Danish history and culture.
fredensborg palace
Fredensborg Palace is located in the north of Zealand, in the town of Fredensborg, 30 kilometers from Copenhagen.
The palace was built in the early 18th century by Frederick IV and was used as a summer residence. Today, the palace is used by the Danish Royal Family for official events and state occasions. The palace is open to the public, and visitors can explore the palace gardens and the staterooms.
The palace gardens are a beautiful park with a lake, a rose garden, and a maze. The staterooms are furnished with paintings, furniture, and other objects from the royal collection.
Copenhagen is an amazing city, from its world-class museum, Christiansborg Palace, to the statues of characters created by the beloved Hans Christian Andersen.
But there is more to explore beyond the øresund sound from a maritime museum. And any of these day trips from Copenhagen are worthy of being added to your Copenhagen Itinerary.