Explore The Best Day Trips From Copenhagen

Copenhagen is fantastic. No argument there. The city is packed with history, culture, and enough cozy cafés to keep you caffeinated for days. But here’s the thing. Denmark doesn’t stop at Copenhagen.

Just beyond the city limits, a world of castles, charming coastal towns, and Viking history awaits. In under an hour, you can stand inside the very castle that inspired Hamlet, stroll through a royal palace still used by the Danish monarchy, or even hop over to Sweden for the day. Yes, really.

Day trips from Copenhagen aren’t just convenient, they’re packed with rich experiences that show a different side of Denmark (and beyond). Some take you deep into the country’s past, others immerse you in breathtaking nature. Some, like Malmö, let you experience a whole new country before dinner.

The best part? You don’t need a car. Denmark’s transport system is a dream. Trains, buses, even ferries, getting out of the city is easy, affordable, and incredibly scenic. Whether you’re into medieval castles, Viking heritage, modern art, or just a peaceful walk along the Danish coast, there’s a day trip with your name on it.

Let’s dive into the best ones. Pack light, grab a travel pass, and get ready to see more of Denmark (and maybe Sweden).

Key Takeaways

Kronborg Castle – Step into Hamlet’s world at this iconic seaside fortress. UNESCO-listed and ghost-story worthy.

Roskilde – Vikings, royalty, and rock music. Sail a Viking ship, then tour a royal tomb.

Malmö (Sweden) – Cross a bridge, change countries. Scandi minimalism, top-notch food, and the Turning Torso.

Louisiana & ARKEN – Art with a view. Modern masterpieces surrounded by sea and sculpture parks.

Møns Klint – Denmark’s white cliffs. 128 meters above the sea, and nature at its most cinematic.

Kronborg Castle

Located a 50-minute train ride north of Copenhagen, this quaint town is bustling with things to do and see. Enjoy a stroll along the old narrow cobbled streets or learn more about maritime history and craft at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark. Finally, no trip to Helsingør is complete without paying a visit to its most famous sight, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List – Kronborg Castle, also known as Helsingør Castle in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Learn more about the castle’s role in Shakespeare’s play and the lavish lifestyle of Danish royals during the Renaissance by taking a tour of the castle.

Located only 30 minutes from Copenhagen, right by a picturesque fjord, the former Danish capital is the perfect day trip for history enthusiasts. Experience what it was like to be a Viking by taking a sailing trip onboard one of the Roskilde Viking Ship Museum ships. Take a journey back through 800 years of history at the Roskilde Cathedral – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn more about the Viking kings and the Cathedral’s gothic architecture. Moreover, if you plan to visit Denmark at the end of June, try to get tickets to the world-famous Roskilde Festival, the largest and one of the oldest festivals in Northern Europe, and spend a day or two enjoying world-class musical performances. Furthermore, the number of activities and sights in Roskilde can be a bit overwhelming, so why not make your experience stress- and worry-free by booking a private guided tour of Roskilde and its sights on Amitylux? Get in touch with us and let us know what you would like to see and which mode of transportation you prefer, and we will get back to you with the prices and additional information.

Why not kill two birds with one stone by visiting two countries during one trip? Take a 38-minute train round across the Øresund bridge to the Swedish city of Malmö from Copenhagen for a day trip full of cultural experiences, architectural marvels, shopping, and good food. We recommend gazing at Scandinavia’s tallest building – The Turning Torso – which is visible from all over Malmö and grabbing a bite to eat at the Malmö Saluhall food market. However, the southern part of Sweden has more to offer, and it is easy to get around the area with public transportation. Read up on the region’s attractions on Visit Sweden’s website.

No list of day trips from Copenhagen would be complete without mentioning the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art or the ARKEN Museum of Modern Art. Both museums feature stunning permanent modern art collections and temporary exhibitions by world-renowned artists. In addition, we have a whole blog post describing the sights in more detail, which you can find here.

Lastly, in our current blog post, one place that takes a bit longer to get to but is worth the trip is Cliffs of Møn, also known as Møns Klint. This UNESCO biosphere reserve includes a series of cliffs towering 128 meters above the Baltic Sea and the surrounding flora and fauna, totaling 450 square kilometers. A day trip to the Cliffs of Møn is the perfect getaway if you want peace surrounded by beautiful, well-preserved nature.

Klampenborg and Dyrehavsbakken

Just a short 20-minute train ride north of Copenhagen, Klampenborg offers a perfect mix of nature and nostalgia. This coastal town is home to Bellevue Beach, one of Denmark’s most popular seaside spots, designed by renowned architect Arne Jacobsen. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, bring a towel and enjoy a swim in the clean, shallow waters of the Øresund Strait.

But Klampenborg is more than just a beach town. Just behind it lies Dyrehaven, a UNESCO-listed deer park where hundreds of red and fallow deer roam freely. The park is ideal for hiking, cycling, or a relaxing picnic under ancient oak trees. At the heart of Dyrehaven, you’ll find Dyrehavsbakken, or Bakken, the world’s oldest operating amusement park, dating back to 1583. Unlike modern theme parks, Bakken retains a vintage charm with wooden roller coasters, classic carnival games, and traditional Danish eateries. It’s a great spot for families, history lovers, or anyone looking for a fun escape from the city.

Getting there is easy. Take the S-train (Line C) from Copenhagen Central Station to Klampenborg Station. From there, the beach and park are just a short walk away.

North Zealand: Denmark’s Castle Country

For those fascinated by Danish royalty, North Zealand is a must-visit. Often called the Danish Riviera, this region is home to stunning coastlines, charming villages, and some of Denmark’s most famous castles.

Start with Fredensborg Palace, the Danish royal family’s spring and autumn residence. Located in a picturesque lakeside setting, this 18th-century Baroque palace is often compared to Versailles. While the interior is closed to the public, visitors can explore the beautifully landscaped gardens, which are open year-round.

Next, head to Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk, one of Europe’s top contemporary art museums. With breathtaking views of the Øresund Strait, the museum’s collection includes works by Picasso, Giacometti, and Warhol. The combination of world-class art and scenic surroundings makes it an unforgettable stop.

For those seeking more nature, Tisvilde Hegn offers Denmark’s largest coastal forest with trails leading to the white-sand beaches of Tisvildeleje.

North Zealand is easily accessible from Copenhagen by train. Trains run regularly from Copenhagen Central Station to Fredensborg, Humlebæk, and Hillerød, making it an effortless day trip.

Conclusion

A day trip from Copenhagen isn’t just a side adventure, it’s an essential part of experiencing Denmark. This country may be small, but it’s packed with history, nature, and culture in every direction.

Want royal grandeur? Head to Frederiksborg or Fredensborg Palace. Fascinated by Vikings? Roskilde has one of the best Viking ship museums in the world. Looking for a quick international getaway? Malmö is just across the bridge. Or maybe you just want to escape the city and breathe in the fresh sea air. Dragør or Klampenborg will do the trick.

The best part? These trips are ridiculously easy. Trains are fast, buses are reliable, and walking through Denmark’s small towns feels like stepping into a storybook. No stress, no complicated planning, just hop on a train and go.

Copenhagen is an incredible city, but Denmark’s magic extends far beyond it. So don’t just stay in one place—get out there and explore.

If you would like to know more about how Denmark’s capital Copenhagen stays among the top most sustainable cities in the world, book a custom guided tour about sustainability in Copenhagen with Amitylux.

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