Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark, and one of the most popular locations for Scandinavian travel. This beautiful location is home to some fantastic attractions like the Little Mermaid and the Tivoli Gardens.
However, the area surrounding Copenhagen deserves your attention too.
One of the most overlooked benefits of Copenhagen is how easy it makes it for visitors to travel to other nearby sights and attractions using rail, air, and sea.
Depending on how far you’re willing to travel, your trips from Copenhagen could take you to Sweden, Germany, or just hidden locations that most Danish travelers don’t have a chance to see.
Today, we’re going to look at some of the best day trips from Copenhagen so you can plan an action-packed itinerary for your next journey.
Trips from Copenhagen: Castles and palaces
One of the things that Denmark is most famous for is its wide selection of historical architecture, often in the form of castles and palaces.
If you’re looking for places to visit near Copenhagen, and you have a desire for history, try some of these must-see destinations.
Kronborg Castle
Kronborg Castle is one of the oldest and most famous castles in Denmark. Remaining wonderfully intact since first built in 1420, Kronborg is an incredible place to visit, and a wonderfully eye-catching location.
The location on the island of Helsingor also gives visitors stunning views over the waters of the Oresund region — ideal for snapping photos.
There are plenty of wonderful places to explore at Kronborg Castle, including the internal chapel, the Knight’s hall, and the West Wing, which is brimming with tapestries. Literature lovers will also appreciate the fact that this castle was once the inspiration for Hamlet.
The UNESCO-listed location even hosts annual performances of Shakespeare every year.
Frederiksborg Castle
Another special designation for day tours from Copenhagen, the Frederiksborg Castle is home to an eye-catching network of gardens punctuated by three islands.
The amazing, landscaped location is famous for its stunning gardens, bathhouse palace, and its local museum of national history.
The museum is just one of the main attractions of the palace, which you’ll find in a stunning Baroque building, brimming with information on the destination, and Denmark too. You’ll also find a huge collection of contemporary and fine art pieces to explore.
If you’re feeling energetic with your Copenhagen excursions, you can even see Kronborg Castle and Frederiksborg Palace in the same day, as they’re quite close to each other.
Egeskov Castle
Easily one of the most beautiful Renaissance castles in Europe, and undoubtedly one of the most impressive locations for preserved architecture in Denmark, is Egeskov castle. This unique palace comes with its moat, which encircles the gardens too.
The Egeskov castle gardens feature everything from hedge mazes that are up to 300 years old, to ancient bulbs and blossoms. The rooms within the castle are pretty impressive too.
Inside, you’ll find unique toys, including a fantastic dollhouse that comes with 3,000 stunning miniature items included — as well as tiny pieces of art.
Helsingborg and Sofiero Palace
Day trips from Copenhagen to Sweden are pretty easy to come by.
Getting from Copenhagen to Sweden can take as little as an hour by air, making these trips ideal for people who want to see a lot of the Scandinavian region.
The Swedish city of Helsingborg is available to access by ferry too.
Helsingborg is a wonderful place to visit on its own, with neo-gothic city halls and stained-glass windows to see. However, if you have the time, you should check out Sofiero Castle.
The location holds the reputation of being Europe’s most beautiful parkEurope’s most beautiful park. Explore the gardens and the history of the palace, or enjoy exploring nearby destinations, great for family picnics.
Koge and Vallo Castle
Koge is a tiny harbour town with its own market, situated about 40km from Copenhagen. Here, you can find tons of medieval elements that offer hints into the fantastic past of the region. There are even a few half-timbered houses around the city to explore.
If you want to get the best views in Koge, then you should check out Kirkestrade for some photogenic architecture.
Venture just outside of Koge, and you’ll discover Vallo Castle, a private residence in Denmark that acts as a residence for widowed, unmarried, and divorced women of noble lineage.
Unfortunately, you can’t visit Vallo Castle, but you can explore some of the surrounding area.
If you prefer to join an organised tour, here’s a great trip which will stop at both Kronborg & Hamlet’s Castles.
Copenhagen excursions: Cities and towns
If you’re more interested in the thriving culture and people of Denmark than you are old-fashioned architecture, city day trips could be your ideal option.
Copenhagen excursions can take you everywhere from local cities like Malmo, to Gothenburg in Denmark, and even some regions of Germany. It all depends how far you’re willing to travel. Here are some of the best day tours from Copenhagen to cities and towns.
Malmo
Malmo is the third-largest city in Sweden and one of the must-see locations of the region. About an hour away from Copenhagen, a journey to Malmo will start with an awe-inspiring trip across the Oresund Bridge, connecting Sweden and Denmark.
If you’re keen to invest in a trip from Copenhagen to Sweden, Malmo could be the best place to visit, with tons of Swedish architecture to discover. You can even see the Turning Torso building.
Malmo is also packed full of contemporary shopping markets, restaurants, and music locations too.
Depending on how much time you have to spend on your Copenhagen to Sweden day trip, you can be back in Denmark by the evening, or spend a night in a world-renowned hotel.
Find things to do and places to stay in Malmo.
Berlin
If you feel like getting out of Copenhagen, but you don’t want to visit Sweden, why not consider a trip to Germany? Day trips from Copenhagen to Germany are available by sea and air, depending on your preference.
A flight from Copenhagen to Germany can take as little as an hour.
Berlin is Germany’s capital city and a wonderful place to learn about history. While you’re in Berlin, you can check out the Tiergarten park or visit the amazing Bathing lakes.
If you’re keen to check out a local flea market, visit Maurepark on a Sunday. It’s one of the biggest shopping experiences in the country, and it’s also the venue for a weekly musical event.
Hamburg is also awfully close by to Copenhagen, and available to visit via flight. If you’re not interested in Berlin, Hamburg will delight and amaze you with things like the Alter Elbtunnel and Chocoversum, a chocolate museum!
Find things to do and places to stay in Berlin.
Odense
Stay close to Copenhagen with Odense, the home of famous storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. Odense is a must-see destination in Denmark, and the country’s third largest city.
This beautiful city is brimming with celebrations of Hans Christian Andersen, so it’s a great destination for fairy-tale lovers. However, there are other experiences to discover too.
In Odense, you can check out the local zoo for a family-friendly day trip, or spend a day checking out the wonderful timber houses, each painted in eye-catching pastel shades. Stop for a picnic at the Munke Mose park or try some authentic Danish cuisine at a local restaurant.
The Funen Village in Odense is a great attraction for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of Denmark too.
Find things to do and places to stay in Odense.
Dragor
If you’re looking for tours from Copenhagen, but you don’t want to travel too far, check out Dragor.
This location is so close to home that you can get there by bicycle — no ferry or flight required. Dragor is a quaint and picturesque village that’s home to amazing thatched cottages and colorful buildings.
Widely regarded as one of the prettiest locations in Denmark, Dragor is home to various arts and music festivals throughout the Summer months of the year.
You’ll also be able to visit a selection of great open-air markets during your visit too. This is a great place to stock up on fresh fish.
Dragor has a farmhouse that you can explore with a scheduled tour, and a waterside museum, great for learning about fishing history.
Find places to stay in Dragor.
Roskilde
Roskilde is the second-largest city in Zealand, following Copenhagen. The location has a fantastic history dating back more than 1000 years.
This destination was once the capital of Denmark, and there’s plenty of evidence of its fantastic past in the town.
Roskilde is home to the Roskilde festival, which attracts around 130,000 visitors and 180 acts each year. It’s also an extremely popular destination thanks to its amazing architecture.
There’s Roskilde Cathedral, where you can visit the homes of various Danish queens and kings. Alternatively, why not check out the Viking Ship museum for a glimpse into Scandinavia’s past.
This bustling town is packed with boutique cafes and stores to explore, as well as educational places, like the Museum of Contemporary Art. The art museum sits in a former mansion for the royal family.
Find things to do and places to stay in Roskilde.
Jægersborg Dyrehave
Otherwise known as Dyrehaven, Jægersborg Dyrehave is a quieter destination to visit on your day trips from Copenhagen than some of the options we’ve covered so far.
This is a great place to go if you’re a fan of the great outdoors, with its very own forest to discover.
The Dyrehaven forest is full of beautiful deer, and it’s one of the three forests in the North Zealand region classified as a UNESCO world heritage site.
If you’re visiting Denmark in summer and want to enjoy an amazing picnic, then this is the place for you. There’s also plenty of cycling and hiking trails for those who like to stay busy.
If you decide to check out the deer park, make sure that you avoid venturing too close when the animals are nursing their young. The deer here are pretty familiar with humans, but they might get aggressive if they feel threatened.
Lund
If you’re looking for a trip from Copenhagen to Sweden and Malmo doesn’t catch your eye, try Lund.
Only 20 km north of Malmo, Lund is one of the oldest cities in Sweden, best known for its beautiful 12th century cathedral and impressive university. Lund is an eye-catching destination with lots of fantastic architecture to discover.
The medieval style streets of Lund are brimming with different architectural styles to discover. What’s more, this region is great for people who like to meet new people, as there are tons of friendly students wandering around.
An enchanting city with various cafes and restaurants, Lund is a great place to experience the unique flavors of Sweden when you are planning day trips from Copenhagen.
Find things to do and places to stay in Lund.
Other Copenhagen day trips to consider
Castles, palaces, and bustling cities aren’t the only places you can explore when you’re looking for a day of exploring just outside of Copenhagen. The region is surrounded by incredible destinations that you can find by foot, bus, train, or bicycle.
Here are just a few of the other note-worthy options perfect for avid adventurers.
Lyngby open-air museum
The Lyngby open-air museum sits only 15km away from Copenhagen, but you feel like you’re a world away when you visit.
This stunning country escape is an excellent way to unwind if you’re looking for a break from the manic activity of the capital. You can also rely on Lyngby to give you an overview of some of the more amazing agricultural traditions in the space.
Covering around 35 acres in size, the open-air museum is a collection of mills and farmhouses. Here, you’ll discover the history of the unique farming tools and methods that Danish farmers still use today.
You also get plenty of opportunities to appreciate the amazing outdoor sights, and the animals of the region, including deer.
Feeling fancy? Book a horse-drawn carriage to take you around the museum in style. Just make sure you book in advance to avoid any disappointment.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is around 22 miles north of Copenhagen, and extremely easy to visit- particularly with the location’s rapid train service.
As the most visited museum in Denmark, it hosts an extensive collection of contemporary and modern art, ranging from the present day, to pieces created and stored from World War 2.
The museum is one of the most celebrated pieces of modern Danish architecture, respected for its incredible synthesis of architecture, landscape, and art. Occasionally, the space also hosts exhibitions by great expressionists and impressionists.
If you’re keen to see the works of well-known artists like Henry Moore, Pablo Picasso, and more up-close, then this museum is a must-visit destination for your Copenhagen trip.
Even if you’re not a huge fan of art, this could be one of the more appealing Copenhagen excursions for you. The museum sits on the edge of the Øresund Strait, offering amazing views.
The unforgettable scenery and priceless artwork make the Louisiana Museum one of the best day trip options that Denmark has to offer.
Bakken Amusement Park
Now for something completely different. Bakken amusement park is the oldest park in the world, having originally opened in 1583.
The destination is a little surreal when you first visit, but it’s a firm favorite for the best day trips from Copenhagen, for both Danish locals and tourists alike.
Here, you’ll find UNESCO world heritage sites placed alongside popular rollercoasters. What’s more, the park is only about 30 minutes away from Copenhagen Central station — so you don’t have far to go.
For rollercoaster fans, Bakken is home to one of the older creations in the world. One coaster has been up and running since 1932!
While you’re here, make sure you check out some of the nearby Danish street vendors and restaurants for a chance to stock up on some authentic cuisine. Don’t forget to leave plenty of space in your smartphone storage for all the amazing pictures you can take too.
The cliffs of Mon
Similar in some ways to the UK’s cliffs of Dover, the peaks of Mon surge out of the Baltic sea on the southern side of Copenhagen. The location is home to a variety of famous and protected animals and flowers.
When you visit, you’ll have the chance to walk along the paths next to the incredible white chalk cliffs. Some of the cliffs lead to edges with drops up to 120 meters high.
Aside from exploring the views, there are also a bunch of attractions that you can check out while you’re at the cliffs. For instance, if you visit Stevens Klint, you can check out the evidence of a meteorite that hit the earth millions of years ago.
History lovers can check out records of fossils showing how life on earth changed after the meteorite hit so many years ago.
Braunstein Distillery
Finally, if you’re a fan of your alcohol, the Braunstein scotch whisky distillery in Koge is a brilliant place to check out.
Usually, this brewery remains closed to the public, but you can visit for an open house session and tasting if you’re lucky enough to be there on the first Saturday of the month.
Tickets for the brewery and distillery tour include a card that allows you to enjoy up to five beers or spirits free of charge. If you’re not sure which drinks will be best for you, the local brewers will be more than happy to offer some advice based on your tastes.
The tours are in Danish, which might be a bit confusing for some, but you can always use a translation app. There’s also a store available where you can pick up a souvenir to take home!
Discovering the best day trips from Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a beautiful location with tons of things to do and see for the whole family.
Whether you’re checking out the Little Mermaid statue or just enjoying the beautiful natural sights, Copenhagen has a lot of activities you can’t afford to miss.
However, if you feel like a change of scenery during your Copenhagen journey, there’s always the option to check out some available tours and day trips from Copenhagen.
As mentioned above, trips from Copenhagen are easy to come by, regardless of whether you’re happy to travel quite a distance or would prefer to stay close to home.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you could even make the journey from Copenhagen to Germany, or Copenhagen to Sweden for a day or two!
Don’t forget to check out our other articles on Scandification for more tips on how to make the most of your Nordic trip.
Scandification: Discovering Scandinavia.
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