Last Updated on 20th February 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
The capital of Denmark is Copenhagen, a beautiful unique city, that’s home to historical buildings, stunning canals and a compelling stretch of coastline. This enchanting city is the inspiration behind the story The Little Mermaid and will leave you feeling as though you are in a fairy-tale.
But what lies just beyond the boundaries of Copenhagen is equally as magical! From grand castles, to seaside escapes and uncovering the Viking capital of Denmark, here’s your guide to the best day trips from Copenhagen.
For even more inspiration on Denmark, be sure to check out our hidden gems & secrets spots in Denmark you must visit and our guide to one day in Copenhagen itinerary you’ll want to steal.
Getting around Denmark
The easiest way to get around Denmark is via public transportation, which is fast, efficient, and convenient. For most day trips, we would advise against renting your own car so that you don’t have to worry about parking or driving!
Best day trips from Copenhagen
Malmö, Sweden
Thanks to Denmark’s close proximity with other countries such as Sweden, hopping over the border is easy and makes for the perfect way to spend a day away!
Situated in the far south, Malmö is the third largest city in Sweden and is a cultural hub filled with museums, the oldest preserved Renaissance castle in Scandinavia and is home to the second largest bridge in Europe, the striking Öresund Bridge.
Offering a unique experience to all those who visit, Malmö is also a great spot to do some shopping and has an exciting food scene, known as the ‘falafel capital’, be sure to feast on the delicious chickpea delicacy (not only is it tasty, but it’s pretty cheap too!)
Odense, Denmark
The birthplace of Hans-Christian-Andersen, the renowned Danish author of over 160 fairy tales, including the well loved ‘The Little Mermaid’. Odense is steeped in history and home to an enchanting fairytale castle, it’s easy to see how one could be inspired by the magic of Denmark’s third largest city.
Of course, a major highlight is visiting the home and museum of one of the most prolific fairytale writers of all time. Celebrating the life and stories of Hans Christian Andersen, taking a trip to his home will only leave you feeling more inspired!
The city is filled with green spaces, boasting of over 120 gardens and parks to explore, where visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and relax in nature. Rivers flow within most of the green spaces, where you can venture by paddle-board or boat.
If water excursions aren’t your thing? Take advantage of the abundance of beautiful cycle paths that wind through the city and rent a bike so you can truly experience life in Odense.
There’s also the modern and dynamic harbour area of Malmö, lined with cosy cafes and restaurants serving delicious traditional Danish cuisine you have to try!
- How to get there: the fastest train from Copenhagen to Odense takes about 1 hour 10 minutes and a single ticket costs €39.85
Egeskov Castle, Denmark
One of the most beautiful castles in the world, and reason enough alone to visit Denmark, this 15th century fairytale castle was built in the middle of a lake on a foundation of oak pilings. And believe me, it is sure to blow you away!
Situated to the South of Odense, Egeskov Castle can be found on the the island of Funen. Designed for defensive purposes, this building has occupied families for centuries, rich with history to uncover it’s an absolute must-see for lovers of history.
Aside from its historical past, the castle nowadays is bustling with things to see and do. Explore the gorgeous maintained gardens, experience the first ever Outdoor Camping Museum or visit the world’s most amazing dollhouse, Tatiana’s palace.
There’s so much to see, so we recommend spending at least half the day here so you can truly experience the magic of this enchanting castle and its surrounding grounds.
As the castle isn’t too far a distance from the city of Odense, we suggest making a full day of doing both!
- How to get there: take the train from Odense station to Kværndrup, journey will take approximately 35 minutes, however it is then a 40 minute walk or you could opt for a taxi to get to the castle
Helsingør, Denmark
One of the most impressive castles in Denmark (I’m sure that it’s pretty obvious by now that there are quite a few!) is even alleged to have inspired the English bard William Shakespeare.
This magnificent Renaissance castle is one of the most important in all of Northern Europe, and as a result was given the status of a World Heritage Site in 2000. Grand, elegant and with spires, sandstone and copper roofs on its facade, while inside you’ll find yourself amazed by the huge ballroom.
Also referred to as ‘Hamlet’s castle’ because it was the very castle that Shakespeare used for his world-famous play, Hamlet!
To get a full experience and visit in efficient, time we recommend taking a guided tour.
Boasting of picturesque harbour views and of the maritime city of Helsingor, the castle is situated at the the narrowest point of the Øresund, nearby to Sweden and it makes for an absolute worth-while venture for the day!
Roskilde, Denmark
Situated to the West of Copenhagen, once the capital of Denmark, lies the city of the Vikings. Roskilde is a vibrant city, rich with historical heritage and picturesque due to its location by the fjord, it makes for a great place to visit when taking a day trip from Copenhagen.
One of Denmark’s oldest cities, Roskilde was an important place during the Viking Age, and you can learn all about the fascinating history, as well as the more recent maritime activites of the city at the Viking Ship Museum situated on the harbour front.
A highlight and must-see when visiting the city is Denmark’s most important church, Roskilde Cathedral. Constructed during the 12th and 13th century, this gorgeous example of of European architecture is also the burial site of all the Danish kings and queens.
Roskilde is also known for its music scene, hosting an annual rock festival, one of the biggest festivals in all of Scandinavia!
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
For those in search of a serene experience, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is the perfect place to escape for the day and indulge in the world of all things art.
Home to a wide collection of modern art, the museum has works on display from some of the most famous artists from th 19th century onwards, to the likes of Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Pablo Picasso, Yves Klein and many more!
Wander around the Sculpture Park, offering captivating panoramic views of the stretch between Denmark and Sweden, there’s no calmer way to experience the art that surrounds you.
It’s definitely recommended to book a ticket online in advance. Find out opening times and prices of the museum here.
- How to get there: take a train from Copenhagen central to Humlebæk station, the journey takes around 35 minutes and then it’s a 10 minute walk to the museum
Frederiksborg Castle, Denmark
Hands down, one of the most beautiful castles in Europe is that of Frederiksborg Castle. Absolutely massive, this elegant Renaissance building is situated on three islands surrounded by a tranquil lake and magical gardens, it’s simply breathtaking!
This castle actually houses The Museum of National History, and has done since 1878. Explore the grand interior and uncover the country’s history! There’s also the gorgeous baroque landscape garden, filled with a labyrinth of terraces, fountains and flowers, perfect for those who love to escape to nature.
Open 7 days a week, this makes for the perfect place to spend an afternoon immersing yourself in Danish history. Buy your tickets in advance.
Dragsholm Castle, Denmark
Yet another beautiful castle that’s well worth a short excursion while in Denmark is Dragsholm Castle, one of the oldest secular buildings in the country.
Originally built in 1215 by the Bishop of Roskilde, the building was modified as a fortified castle during the Middle Ages. However, from 1536 to 1664 the castle was confiscated by the crown and used as a prison for noble and ecclesiastical prisoners.
Nowadays, Dragsholm Castle has built up a unique reputation as one of Denmark’s best places to eat! Run as a luxury hotel, within you can find Slot Gourmet, a Michelin star restaurant that offers its visitors a fine dining experience sure to wow the tastebuds.
- How to get there: a bit further out than most, there is no direct train from Copenhagen, so you will have to go to Holbæk Station, then to Fårevejle Station, from there you take a short walk to catch the line 568 bus to Vindekilde, which will drop you just a short walk away from Dragsholm Castle.
Dragør
The fishing town of Dragør is ever-so-historic, and a charming coastal town that’s the perfect place to explore for a day!
One of Denmark’s best kept secrets, this hidden gem offers a quiet respite from the bustling city of Copenhagen. Dating back as far as the 12th century, the quaint fishing village is filled with brightly coloured traditional yellow houses with thatched roofs that were built in the 1700s, and remain perfectly intact.
A point of interest for those who love history and architecture, the town actually has a lot of Dutch influence, due to the Danish king back in the day inviting Dutch farmers to reside in the area and supply food for the royal family in the 16th century.
The Old Town of the village is a maze of winding alleyways that are easy to get lost down, and you can find yourself on the promenade, which offers stunning views over the Amager coastline. For an even better view, a must-see if the 19th century Dragor Fort.
There’s a couple of museums worth checking out, and of course stopping in a cosy cafe is a must! Dragør is small, but definitely worth the trip, especially as it’s not too far from Copenhagen. We recommend spending half a day here to fully experience this gorgeous hidden pocket of history.
- How to get there: the cheapest and easiest way is to take the bus from Rådhuspladsen St. to Dragør Skole, the journey takes around 40 minutes
Møns Klint
The magical white cliffs, known as “The White Cliffs of Møn” are a true geological spectacle, and known to be one of the best places in Denmark to experience the majestic night sky.
The 70 million year old chalk cliffs loom over the crystal clear waters of the Baltic sea, it’s hard to imagine you are still in Denmark! Make a day of exploring the area, bring a picnic of local delights bought from a market in Copenhagen and experience the beautiful natural landscapes of Denmark.
Nearby, you can visit the local town Stege (capital of Møns) where there’s the GeoCentre, a science museum dedicated to the natural landscape or simply just pop into one of the cosy cafes.
A little off the beaten track, but if you get a chance Møns Klint will not disappoint!
- How to get there: take the train from Copenhagen Central Station to Vordingborg Station,this takes around 1.5 hours, then take bus 660R to Stege Rutebilstation which will take around 50 minutes
- Alternatively, book this Round-Trip to Møns Klint and Forest Tower
Bakken
The oldest still in operation amusement park in the world is Bakken, which is an easy day trip from Copenhagen.
There’s no entrance fee! Yes, that’s right, everyone is welcome to stroll along and enjoy the atmosphere that shrouds the colourful streets filled with entertainment and rides (there is a fee for the rides if you wish to go on them). Bakken is open from the months April-December.
- How to get there: from Copenhagen central, take the train to Klampenborg St. the journey is around 30 minutes and there’s a train almost every 10 minutes
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Charlotte is a photographer, cat lover and an avid knitter. When she’s not curled up on the sofa with her newest knitting project (and Rico her cat!) you can find her out and about on long walks. Currently living in the magical city of Edinburgh, she looks forward to travelling and seeing more of the world!
Source: solosophie.com
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
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