Copenhagen sits perfectly for exploring nearby attractions. I’ve spent years visiting these spots, and I’m sharing my favorite day trips from Copenhagen with you.
This guide covers 19 places you can reach easily from the city. You’ll find castles, coastal towns, nature spots, museums, and even trips to Sweden.
Most locations need just a train ride or short drive. I’m showing you insider tips that locals use when planning these trips.
Others suit nature lovers or history fans. I’ll tell you the best times to visit each place.
Why These Day Trips Are Perfect for Locals and Visitors
Learn how locals choose their trips based on time, interests, and seasons while exploring Copenhagen’s surrounding areas.
Copenhagen residents pick spots based on what they want. Most places sit under an hour away. Locals mix famous sites with quiet spots.
Summer suits coastal trips. Spring and fall work for hiking. Winter fits museums and cafes. You can combine interests in one day.
19 Best Day Trips from Copenhagen Worth Taking
Visit castles, coastal villages, nature spots, and Swedish cities within easy reach of Copenhagen for memorable trips.
1. Kronborg Castler
Visit Shakespeare’s Hamlet castle with Renaissance halls, best explored early morning to skip the crowds completely.
Arrive before 10 AM for quiet halls. Shakespeare’s Hamlet connection draws fans, but the Renaissance architecture impresses on its own. The train from Copenhagen takes 50 minutes.
2. Frederiksborg Castle
Visit baroque architecture, grand gardens, and Denmark’s national history museum with an impressive chapel inside.
Red brick walls rise from the water. The museum shows Danish history through paintings. The chapel features gold details and organ music.
3. Roskilde Cathedral & Viking Ship Museum
Combine royal tombs at the cathedral with Viking ship replicas for a perfect half-day historical experience.
The cathedral holds royal tombs dating back centuries. The Viking Ship Museum has real replicas you can touch. Some days offer hour-long fjord sails on a Viking ship.
4. Egeskov Castle
Family-friendly castle with vintage vehicles, PlayForest, and a famous dollhouse collection set in grand gardens.
Massive dollhouse collection and vintage vehicles inside. The PlayForest lets children run for hours. Arrive early for the gardens. You need a 2-hour drive from Copenhagen.
5. Dragør
Charming fishing village with cobbled streets, fresh seafood restaurants, and easy cycling routes loved by locals.
Yellow houses line cobbled streets. Rent a bike and ride through narrow lanes. Seafood restaurants serve morning catches. The drive takes 20 minutes from Copenhagen.
6. Helsingør Old Town
Wander historic narrow streets and visit the Maritime Museum, perfectly combined with nearby Kronborg Castle.
Narrow streets wind between old buildings. The Maritime Museum sits underground in an old dock. Plan this trip with Kronborg to save travel time.
7. Hven Island
Swedish island paradise for cycling, coastal views, and quiet cafes reached by a 50-minute ferry from Copenhagen.
Circle the island in a few hours. Coastal paths offer water views. Roads stay flat and easy. Small cafes dot the island. The ferry takes 50 minutes.
8. The Cliffs of Møn
Dramatic white chalk cliffs with hiking trails and beach access, best visited early for sunrise views.
Cliffs rise 400 feet above the Baltic Sea. Trails run along cliff tops and down to the beach. Go early for sunrise colors and quieter paths.
9. Dyrehaven og Bakken Amusement Park
Historic deer park with free-roaming animals next to the world’s oldest amusement park, perfect for families.
Hundreds of deer roam freely. Bakken started in 1583. Park entrance costs nothing. You only pay for rides. The drive takes 20 minutes north.
10. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Modern art museum with sculpture gardens and sea views, quietest during late afternoon hours for peaceful visits.
Art fills galleries. Sculptures spread across gardens. Collections change regularly. Late afternoon visits work best. The train takes 45 minutes or it takes 35 minutes.
11. Malmö, Sweden
Quick Swedish city trip across Øresund Bridge featuring Turning Torso, historic squares, and charming Old Town.
The train runs every 30 minutes. Turning Torso is Scandinavia’s tallest building. The Old Town preserves cobbled streets. Swedish cafes serve excellent coffee.
12. Lund, Sweden
Historic Swedish university town with an impressive cathedral, cozy cafes, and streets perfect for walking tours.
University town moves slower than Malmö. Lund Cathedral dates to the 1100s. The clock performs shows twice daily. Combine with Malmö. Trains connect in 15 minutes.
13. Svaneke
Quaint cobblestone village on Bornholm Island with artisan shops and local treats, best explored by walking.
Cobblestone streets curve between colorful houses. Artisan shops sell handmade goods. The village stays small and compact. Ferries and flights serve the island.
14. Stevns Klint
UNESCO geological site with dramatic limestone cliffs and a short hike offering panoramic coastal views.
Cliffs show 65 million years of Earth’s history. Short hike to the tops. Views stretch across the Baltic Sea. Bring a jacket for wind.
15. Lake Esrum & Gribskov Forest
Peaceful nature is found with cycling trails, walking paths, and perfect picnic spots favored by local families.
Quiet trails wind through forest. The lake provides water views and swimming. Flat terrain makes riding easy. Locals pack picnics for lazy afternoons.
16. Rosenborg Castle Gardens
Central Copenhagen green space hosting local events and live music during summer, perfect for quick relaxation.
Gardens sit in the city center. Locals use this park for lunch breaks and reading. Summer brings free concerts. This works as a quick break.
17. Copenhagen Street Food & Nyhavn
Iconic canal views with casual dining and cultural atmosphere, liveliest during evening hours for vibrant energy.
Colorful buildings line the canal. Street food markets offer tastes from around the world. Evening visits work best. Lights reflect off the water.
18. Gilleleje
A traditional fishing village with sandy beaches and small restaurants serving fresh seafood caught that same morning.
Boats head out daily. Small restaurants cook morning catches. Sandy beaches stretch north. Local restaurants stay small and family-run.
19. Aarhus
Denmark’s second city offers art museums, historical sites, and vibrant culture with guided tours revealing hidden spots.
Art museums hold impressive collections. Historical sites show Viking history. Guided tours help find spots you’d miss alone. This needs a full day.
Tips for Planning Your Day Trips
Practical advice on transport options, crowd-free visiting times, and seasonal recommendations for better trip planning.
- Trains connect most destinations from Copenhagen. Check schedules before leaving. Some spots need bus connections after the train.
- Visit popular castles early in the morning. Weekdays stay quieter at nature spots. Museums have fewer visitors in the late afternoon.
- Pack water, snacks, and layers. Danish weather changes fast. Wear comfortable shoes. Buy tickets online to skip lines.
- Summer offers long daylight and warmth. Spring and fall bring mild weather with fewer crowds. Winter suits indoor spots.
- Ferry schedules change by season. Check times before island trips. Some attractions have shorter winter hours. Call ahead first.
Conclusion
I’ve shown you spots that mix popular castles with quiet villages. Copenhagen really does work as a hub for exploring Denmark and southern Sweden.
Each trip brings something different. History lovers get their castles. Nature fans find their cliffs and forests. Art enthusiasts have world-class museums.
Pick trips that match what you want right now. You can’t see everything in one visit. That’s okay. These places will wait for your next trip.
Which ones sound best to you? Drop a comment and tell me what you’d visit first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best day trip from Copenhagen for families?
Egeskov Castle and Dyrehaven both work great for families. Egeskov has the PlayForest and dollhouse collection. Dyrehaven offers free deer viewing and Bakken amusement park. Kids stay entertained at both places.
Can I visit Sweden from Copenhagen in one day?
Yes, Malmö sits just 35 minutes away by train. Hven Island takes 50 minutes by ferry. Both make easy day trips. You can even combine Malmö and Lund in one full day.
Which day trip offers the best nature views?
Møns Klint has dramatic white chalk cliffs rising 400 feet above the sea. Stevns Klint provides UNESCO geological formations. Both offer impressive coastal views and hiking trails.
How early should I leave Copenhagen for day trips?
Morning trains around 8-9 AM work well for most trips. Earlier departure helps you beat crowds at popular castles. Late starters can still enjoy museums and coastal towns in the afternoon.
Do I need a car for these day trips?
No, trains reach most destinations directly from Copenhagen. Some spots like Dragør have bus service. Only Egeskov and Møns Klint really benefit from having a car for convenience.