Discover the wonders that lie just beyond Copenhagen’s city limits with our curated selection of unforgettable day trips. Immerse yourself in the rich history, stunning natural beauty, and charming cultural experiences that await you in the surrounding areas of the Danish capital. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat in the countryside, an adventure in the wilderness, or a journey through time in quaint towns, our handpicked day trips from Copenhagen are tailored to fulfill your wanderlust.
Best day trips from Copenhagen
1. Frederiksborg Castle
Frederiksborg Castle is a stunning Renaissance palace that sits on three small islands in the middle of a lake in the town of Hillerød. The castle was built by King Christian IV in the early 17th century and features lavish interiors, beautiful gardens, and a large collection of paintings and artworks from Danish history. Visitors can take guided tours of the castle or explore the grounds and gardens on their own.
2. Roskilde
Roskilde is a picturesque city that was once the capital of Denmark and has a rich Viking heritage. The highlight of any visit is the Roskilde Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century and is the burial site of many Danish kings and queens. The city also has a number of interesting museums, including the Viking Ship Museum, which features five original Viking ships from the 11th century.
3. Malmö
Malmö is Sweden’s third-largest city and is just a short train or bus ride from Copenhagen across the impressive Öresund Bridge. The city has a vibrant cultural scene and is known for its impressive modern architecture, including the Turning Torso, a 190-meter skyscraper that twists 90 degrees from bottom to top. Other must-visit attractions in Malmö include the Malmö Castle and the Ribersborgs beach.
4. Kronborg Castle
Kronborg Castle, located in the town of Helsingør, is one of Denmark’s most iconic landmarks and the inspiration for Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. The castle was built in the 16th century and sits on a narrow strait between Denmark and Sweden, making it a strategic location for protecting Danish interests in the region. Visitors can take guided tours of the castle, explore the ramparts and gardens, and even attend performances of Hamlet in the castle’s courtyard during the summer months.
5. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is one of Denmark’s premier cultural institutions and is located in the coastal town of Humlebæk, about 40 minutes north of Copenhagen. The museum’s collection features works by many of the world’s leading modern and contemporary artists, including Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Yayoi Kusama. In addition to the art exhibitions, the museum also hosts concerts, film screenings, and other cultural events throughout the year. The museum’s seaside location is also perfect for a leisurely stroll and enjoying the stunning views of the Øresund Strait.
6. Helsingborg
Helsingborg is a charming coastal town in southern Sweden that is just a short ferry ride away from Helsingør in Denmark. The town’s beautiful waterfront, picturesque old town, and interesting museums and cultural attractions make it a popular day trip destination for visitors to Copenhagen. Highlights of Helsingborg include the medieval tower of Kärnan, the beautiful gardens and sculptures of Sofiero Palace, and the interactive exhibits of the Dunkers Kulturhus museum. Visitors can also stroll along the harbor, take a dip in the sea, or enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the town’s many excellent restaurants.
7. Dyrehaven
Dyrehaven, or “Deer Park,” is a large forested park located just north of Copenhagen that is home to a large population of wild deer. The park’s extensive network of trails make it a popular destination for hiking and biking, while the tranquil natural surroundings provide the perfect setting for a peaceful picnic. Visitors to Dyrehaven can also enjoy a refreshing dip in one of the park’s many small lakes and ponds, or visit the historic Hermitage Palace, a small hunting lodge that dates back to the 18th century. The park’s abundance of wildlife and natural beauty make it an ideal day trip destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
8. Hillerød
Hillerød is a historic town located north of Copenhagen that is home to one of Denmark’s most impressive royal residences, Frederiksborg Castle. The castle, which was built in the 17th century, is surrounded by a beautiful moat and gardens and features ornate architecture and stunning interior decor. Visitors can explore the castle’s many rooms, including the Great Hall, the Chapel, and the Audience Chamber, which are all decorated with magnificent frescoes and paintings. Hillerød is also home to the Frederiksborg Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Danish art and artifacts. Other highlights of Hillerød include the charming old town, with its cobbled streets and colorful buildings, and the scenic Lake Esrum, which offers a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking and canoeing.
9. Helsingør
Helsingør, also known as Elsinore in English, is a charming town located in the northeastern corner of Zealand, just a short ferry ride from Helsingborg, Sweden. The town is best known for its impressive Kronborg Castle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the setting of Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet.” Visitors can explore the castle’s many rooms, including the great hall, chapel, and royal apartments, and learn about its fascinating history as a center of trade and military power. Helsingør is also home to a charming old town, with cobbled streets, historic buildings, and a range of shops and restaurants. Visitors can stroll along the harbor, enjoy a meal of fresh seafood, or take a dip in the sea at one of the town’s many beaches.
10. Gilleleje
Gilleleje is a picturesque fishing town located on the northern coast of Zealand, just a short drive or train ride from Copenhagen. The town’s scenic harbor is filled with colorful fishing boats and offers a range of fresh seafood restaurants and cafes. Visitors can explore the town’s charming streets, which are lined with historic buildings and shops selling handmade crafts and artisanal products. Gilleleje is also home to a number of beautiful beaches, including the popular Strandbakkerne Beach, which offers clear waters and soft sand. Those interested in history can visit the Gilleleje Museum, which tells the story of the town’s fishing heritage and its role in World War II as a center for resistance activities.
11. Dragør
Dragør is a quaint town located on the southeastern coast of Amager island, just a short drive or bus ride from Copenhagen. The town’s picturesque harbor is lined with colorful houses and boats, making it a popular destination for artists and photographers. Visitors can stroll along the cobblestone streets of the old town, which are lined with historic buildings and charming cafes and restaurants. Dragør is also home to a number of beautiful beaches, including the popular Amager Beach Park, which offers a range of water sports and activities. Those interested in history can visit the Dragør Museum, which tells the story of the town’s maritime heritage and its role as a center of trade and commerce in the region.
12. Stevns Klint
Stevns Klint is a dramatic coastal cliff located on the southeastern coast of Zealand, just a short drive or train ride from Copenhagen. The cliff, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its unique geological formations and stunning sea views. Visitors can hike along the cliff top trail, which offers sweeping vistas of the Baltic Sea and the surrounding countryside, or descend the steep staircase to the beach below, where they can explore the rugged shoreline and search for fossils. Stevns Klint is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Stevnsfort Cold War Museum and the Stevns Lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the coast and the surrounding area.
13. Skagen
Skagen is a charming town located at the northernmost tip of Denmark, where the North Sea and the Baltic Sea meet. The town is known for its scenic beaches, picturesque harbor, and distinctive yellow-painted houses. Visitors can explore the town’s many galleries and museums, which showcase the work of local artists and the town’s rich cultural heritage. Skagen is also home to a number of historic landmarks, including the Grenen lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding landscape, and the Skagen Church, which is famous for its distinctive architecture and stunning interior decor. Those interested in nature can visit the nearby sand dunes, which are home to a range of unique flora and fauna, or take a boat tour of the surrounding waters, which are filled with seals, dolphins, and other marine life.
14. Hven
Hven, also known as Ven, is a small island located in the middle of the Öresund strait between Denmark and Sweden. The island is famous for its beautiful natural scenery, with rolling hills, rocky cliffs, and pristine beaches. Visitors can explore the island’s many hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding sea and landscape, or rent a bike to explore the island’s charming villages and historic landmarks. Hven is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Tycho Brahe Museum, which tells the story of the famous astronomer who lived on the island in the 16th century, and the Backafallsbyn open-air museum, which showcases the island’s traditional rural architecture and way of life. Those interested in food and drink can sample the island’s local produce, including fresh seafood, organic fruits and vegetables, and craft beer and cider.
15. Bornholm
Bornholm is a picturesque island located in the middle of the Baltic Sea, just a short ferry ride from Denmark’s mainland. The island is known for its stunning natural beauty, with rolling hills, dense forests, and rugged coastline. Visitors can explore the island’s many hiking and biking trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding sea and landscape, or relax on one of the island’s many pristine beaches. Bornholm is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Bornholm Art Museum, which showcases the work of local artists and craftsmen, and the Hammershus Castle, which is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Northern Europe. Those interested in food and drink can sample the island’s local specialties, including smoked herring, pickled herring, and beer brewed with locally-grown grains and hops.
16. Rungstedlund
Rungstedlund is a historic estate located on the coast of Zealand, just a short drive from Copenhagen. The estate is famous for being the childhood home and later residence of the famous Danish author, Karen Blixen, who wrote under the pen name Isak Dinesen. Visitors can explore the beautiful gardens and grounds of the estate, which include a rose garden, an orchard, and a small forest, or tour the elegant manor house, which has been preserved in its original state and contains many of Blixen’s personal belongings and artifacts. The estate is also home to the Karen Blixen Museum, which tells the story of the author’s life and work, and includes exhibits on her many travels, her relationships, and her literary legacy.
17. Arken Museum of Modern Art
Arken Museum of Modern Art is a world-class art museum located just outside Copenhagen. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the best in contemporary art from Denmark and around the world, with a collection that includes works by some of the most influential artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Visitors can explore the museum’s many galleries, which feature a wide range of art forms, from painting and sculpture to photography and video installations. The museum also hosts a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, which showcase the work of emerging and established artists from around the world. In addition to its impressive art collection, Arken Museum of Modern Art also offers a range of educational programs and activities, including guided tours, artist talks, and workshops for adults and children.
18. Køge
Køge is a charming medieval town located on the eastern coast of Zealand, just a short train ride from Copenhagen. The town is famous for its well-preserved historic center, which includes a number of beautifully restored buildings and landmarks, such as the Køge Church, the Old Town Hall, and the Køge Museum. Visitors can wander the narrow cobbled streets of the old town, which are lined with quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants, or explore the town’s many parks and green spaces, which offer a welcome respite from the bustle of city life. Køge is also known for its lively cultural scene, with a number of festivals and events held throughout the year, including the Køge Festuge, which is a week-long celebration of music, dance, and theater.
19. Bakken
Bakken is the oldest amusement park in Denmark, located just a short drive from Copenhagen. The park was first opened in 1583 and has since become a beloved destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of rides and attractions, from classic carnival games and kiddie rides to high-speed roller coasters and adrenaline-pumping thrill rides. The park is also home to a number of restaurants, bars, and cafes, where visitors can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink after a long day of fun. Bakken is especially popular during the summer months, when the park hosts a number of concerts and events, including the annual Bakken Beer Festival, which features over 80 different types of beer from around the world.