Top day trips from Copenhagen to discover more of Denmark (and beyond)

The culturally vibrant city of Copenhagen offers countless attractions for visitors, but it also serves as a perfect base for day trips to various fascinating and picturesque locations in Denmark and beyond, evoking images of knitted sweaters, colorful snow-dusted homes, and cozy hygge atmospheres.

For those seeking adventures a bit further afield, there are magnificent castles, historic cathedrals, outstanding museums, charming towns, and delightful villages, all conveniently accessible by public transport in 90 minutes or less.

Dive into Denmark's rich history of monarchs and Vikings, wander through its beautiful landscapes, and experience a world that feels distinct from its bustling capital.

Frederiksborg Slot, Hillerød

Why visit: Be amazed by Denmark’s grandest castle

In the early 17th century, Denmark's famed King Christian IV transformed the original Hillerød castle into an extraordinary Renaissance-style royal palace. This enchanting Frederiksborg Slot – often referred to as 'the Nordic Versailles' – became the Danish National History Museum in 1878.

Nestled beside a lake, the castle boasts beautiful Baroque gardens, while its interior is both historically captivating and lavishly designed – the ballroom and chapel are particularly stunning. During summer weekends, guided tours are available at 11:30am, and a special exhibit for children welcomes young visitors.

Getting to Hillerød from Copenhagen:

Take the S-train line A to Hillerød, which takes about 40 minutes. From Hillerød station, it’s a 15-minute stroll to Frederiksborg Castle. If walking isn’t preferable, buses 301 or 302 can whisk you to the castle in around five minutes from outside the station.

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Kronborg Castle, Helsingør

Why visit: Explore the castle that inspired Shakespeare's Hamlet

The picturesque coastal town of Helsingør is located on Denmark's northeastern shore, just a 45-minute train ride from Copenhagen. Nestled among historic homes and local boutiques and cafés is the town's highlight, Kronborg Castle, which inspired Elsinore in Shakespeare's Hamlet. In the 1500s, King Frederik II converted a military fortress into a magnificent Renaissance castle to collect tolls from passing ships, showcasing his wealth and power. The castle's grandeur and the lavish feasts held within inspired the Bard himself.

Today, guests can explore the royal quarters, admire the king's tapestries, and wander through the eerie casemates beneath the castle. From June to August, costumed actors roam the grounds, reenacting scenes from Hamlet. In December, Kronborg hosts a delightful Christmas market. The town of Helsingør is a lovely dining spot, and the cathedrals of Sankt Mariæ and Sankt Olai are stunning and free to visit. A ferry to Sweden is also available, with Helsingborg just a 20-minute boat ride away.

Getting to Helsingør from Copenhagen:

Regular regional trains run from Copenhagen Central Station to Helsingør, taking about 45 minutes. Kronborg Castle is less than a 15-minute walk along the harbor from Helsingør station.

Roskilde

Why visit: Discover Viking ships and Denmark’s royal burial church

Nestled along a long, narrow fjord west of Copenhagen, Roskilde is among Denmark’s oldest cities. Once the capital and a royal seat, it originated as a bustling Viking settlement, rich with history waiting to be explored.

At the Viking Ship Museum, five vessels recovered from the depths of the Roskilde Fjord—deliberately sunk a thousand years ago—have been meticulously restored and displayed. Crafted using original materials and techniques, these ships have been recreated to scale as seafaring vessels. The museum also features outdoor exhibits on shipbuilding, rope-making, and blacksmithing, along with a café offering delicious Viking-themed cuisine.

Roskilde Cathedral, constructed in 1275, serves as the final resting place for 38 Danish kings and queens. This magnificent Gothic church boasts a soaring nave and several chapels adorned with the ornate sarcophagi of the monarchs.

Getting to Roskilde from Copenhagen:

The town is a 20 to 30-minute train ride west of Copenhagen Central Station. The cathedral is about a 10-minute walk from the station, while the Viking Ship Museum is approximately 20 minutes away on foot.

Dyrehaven

Why visit: Breathe in the fresh Nordic forest air

Just a 20-minute train ride from the vibrant heart of Copenhagen lies the UNESCO World Heritage site Dyrehaven, a sprawling nature reserve filled with lush forests, expansive fields, and a vast network of trails. Open year-round, it’s a perfect location for walking, biking, or picnicking, with options for horseback riding and carriage rides during the warmer months.

Once a royal hunting ground, this park is home to hundreds of wild deer, frequently spotted by visitors. In summer, tours of the Hermitage, a former royal hunting lodge, are available. Within Dyrehaven lies Bakken, the world’s oldest amusement park, which is free to enter and offers both family-friendly and thrilling rides, along with restaurants and performances.

Getting to Dyrehaven from Copenhagen:

Take the S-train line C for a 20-minute ride to Klampenborg. Dyrehaven is just outside the station, while Bakken is about a 10-minute walk into the park.

Dragør

Why visit: Travel back in time in a charming maritime village

Discover small-town Denmark in the picturesque medieval fishing village of Dragør, established in the 12th century. Get lost in the winding cobblestone streets lined with pale yellow, centuries-old houses, some still featuring traditional thatched roofs. Walk along the harbor, explore local shops and galleries, enjoy a meal at one of the cafés, and embrace the quaint atmosphere. During summer, Dragør hosts a variety of markets and festivals, while winter offers ice skating and cozy sauna experiences.

Getting to Dragør from Copenhagen:

Take bus 250S from Copenhagen Central Station (approximately 45 minutes).

Humlebæk

Why visit: Dive into modern art at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Nestled in a lush park overlooking the Øresund strait, Louisiana is more than just an art museum. It boasts one of Scandinavia's most extensive modern art collections, featuring over 4,000 individual works across various mediums, especially painting and sculpture. With the collection's size, exhibits change frequently. The park is adorned with nearly forty sculptures set amidst woodlands, lawns, terraces, and a gorge that slopes down to a beach. Even if modern art isn’t your forte, the stunning setting and the blend of art and nature make Louisiana a must-visit. The museum café is a great place for a coffee or a full meal.

Getting to Humlebæk from Copenhagen:

The train ride from Copenhagen to Humlebæk Station takes just over 30 minutes, followed by a 10-minute walk (or a six-minute bus ride) to Louisiana.

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Odense

Why visit: Experience the world of Hans Christian Andersen

Odense is a lively city known for its vibrant dining scene, numerous parks, and an excellent zoo. Most famously, it is the childhood home of fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen. The house where he was born and raised in humble circumstances is part of a combined ticket that also grants access to HC Andersens Hus, which delves deeper into his life and legacy, alongside Møntergården, a museum dedicated to the history of Odense and the island of Funen. Another must-see is the open-air museum Den Fynske Landby, an 1850s village featuring buildings relocated from around the island.

Getting to Odense from Copenhagen:

The train ride from Copenhagen Central Station lasts about 70 to 95 minutes, depending on the specific departure time.

Malmö, Sweden

Why visit: Cross the magnificent Øresund Bridge for a taste of Sweden

Traveling from Copenhagen to Malmö for a day trip is a breeze, though Sweden’s third-largest city is also perfect for a weekend getaway. The city beautifully merges old-world Dutch Renaissance architecture with striking modern designs. Middle Eastern markets, Italian coffee culture, and edgy bars defy Nordic stereotypes at every turn.

If you only have one day in Malmö, start by wandering through the historic heart of Gamla Staden, with its charming cobblestone streets, half-timbered homes, and vibrant facades. Then, make your way to the lively bayside area of Västra Hamnen to experience the city’s contemporary vibe. It's a popular spot for strolling, enjoying coffee, and browsing boutiques, but many come to admire the Øresund Bridge and gaze at the Turning Torso, Scandinavia’s tallest building, as it spirals skyward.

Getting to Malmö from Copenhagen:

Catch the Øresundståg for a 40-minute train ride from Copenhagen Central Station to Malmö Central, with departures every 20 minutes.