20 Of The Best Day Trips From Copenhagen 2026 [A Local’s Guide]

If you’re looking to explore some of Denmark’s hidden gems beyond the capital then this is the blog for you.

Whether you’re craving an escape into nature, a dose of history or a day lazing on the beach, I’m sharing my 20 favourite tried and tested day trips you can take from Copenhagen. The best part? They’re all under two hours away and almost all easily accessible by public transport.

Read on to discover all the day trip destinations or use the options below to jump to the spots you’re most interested in. Let’s go!

1. Kronborg Castle in Helsingør
2. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
3. Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød
4. Viking history in Roskilde
5. Golden beaches of Hornbæk
6. Deer spotting at Jægersborg Dyrehave
7. Camp Adventure treetop spiral
8. White cliffs of Møns Klint
9. Sauna & fika in Malmö
10. Wander the lanes of Lund
11. Explore idyllic Dragør
12. Pick fruit at Frydenlund Orchard
13. Explore Store Dyrehave
14. ARKEN Museum of Contemporary Art
15. Relax in beachy Dronningmølle
16. Live life laid-back in Tisvildeleje
17. Wander Køge old town
18. Eat the freshest catch in Gilleleje
19. Discover Hans Christian Andersen in Odense
20. Picnic at Bagsværd Sø

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links, so if you do make a purchase through them I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

TOP MONEY SAVING TIP: A Copenhagen Card lets you travel on all public transport in and around Copenhagen (including to and from the airport) for free, as well as free access to all the best castles, galleries, museums and attractions. That includes most of the attractions I mention in this blog. So if you think you want to visit a few key sights during your stay, you could save a lot of money! Learn more and buy yours here.

1. Visit Hamlet’s Castle in Helsingør

If it’s history you’re after, one of the best day trips you can take is up to the very northeastern tip of Denmark – Helsingør. Here you’ll find historic Kronborg Castle, the iconic setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet built in the 1420s and a site that’s been won and lost many times over the centuries.

On a day trip you can tour this beautiful castle and its grounds which offer sweeping views across the water to Sweden. You could also stop by the excellent Maritime Museum that’s just next door, hunt for street art around the harbour, or take the time to wander the pretty lanes of Helsingør old town.

Plus, there’s plenty of cosy coffee shops and tasty restaurants to enjoy along the way, my favourite has to be Strandvejsristeriet!

FULL ITINERARY: Find my complete Helsingør day trip itinerary here, complete with the best coffee shops, restaurants and inside tips too!

How to get there:

Another reason why this is such a popular day trip destination is Helsingør is also really easy (and pretty quick) to get to. While you can drive, I’d really recommend taking the train. There’s plenty of direct train services between Copenhagen and Helsingør that run throughout the day and into the evening.

As you can see from the map below, the route takes less than an hour and you’ll get to enjoy views of the coast almost all the way up. You can buy your train tickets at any train or metro station or advance using the DOT app here.

2. Admire world-famous art at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

If it’s a dose of creativity you’re craving, head to arguably the best (or at least most famous) art gallery in Denmark – the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.

Just a short journey north of Copenhagen you’ll find this museum that’s as famous for its art as it is its architecture. The space was completed in 1958 and comprises an original villa from the mid-1800s with a modern, spacious and light extension that houses the majority of the exhibitions.

You can easily spend a day here admiring art from icons like Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Pablo Picasso and many more. As well as taking the time to enjoy this unique space and exploring the sprawling sculpture gardens that surround the museum. Plus, once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the museum café for excellent quality Danish dishes with a modern twist befitting the location.

FULL GUIDE: Find all my tips, tricks and advice for the best visit to Louisiana Museum of Modern Art here as well as recommendations for turning your visit into a full day trip.

How to get there:

Again, getting to Louisiana is incredibly easy by train. As you can see from the map below, there’s a direct train from Copenhagen to the nearest station – Humlebæk that takes around 45 minutes. From here it’s just a 10 minute easy walk to the museum.

…and if you arrive at the station craving a coffee or sweet treat, don’t miss the cosy station coffee shop, Hej Humlebæk Cafe. Their grilled cheese toasties with spicy pickle are often on my mind! 😂

3. Marvel at Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød

For the most magnificent palace and manicured gardens, choose Frederiksborg Castle. This 17th century royal residence is Denmark’s most beautiful castle (in my humble opinion) with dozens of painstakingly restored rooms and lush tired grounds all perched on the edge of the lake.

Unlike some palaces, a lot of the rooms are on public display here and you’ll get a true flavour for Renaissance design. As there’s so much to see, expect to spend at least a couple of hours touring the castle and a further hour in the grounds.

Once you’ve had your royal fill, visit quaint Cafe Havehuset in the castle grounds for the most delicious classic Danish smørrebrød (open sandwich). I can 100% recommend the prawn and egg option!

How to get there:

Getting to Frederiksborg Castle is really easy by train and a short walk or bus ride. To get there you’ll need to take a 40 minute direct train from Copenhagen to Hillerød. This is the closest town to the castle with lots of shops, cafés and restaurants so if you’re after any snacks or a quick coffee, it’s an ideal stop.

From Hillerød station, it’s an easy 20 minute walk through the centre of the town and around the lake to the castle. Or if you don’t fancy the walk, there’s also a 10 minute bus that takes you directly from Hillerød train station to Frederiksborg Castle. So you have options depending on your preferences!

4. Explore viking history in Roskilde

If you’re curious about Denmark’s viking heritage, Roskilde is the perfect day trip. The city dates back to the 980s when it was founded by famous viking leader Harald Bluetooth and acted as a key sea trading site. Which is why it’s probably no surprise that in 1962 the well-preserved remains of five 11th century viking ships were found at the bottom of the harbour. After being raised, they now sit in the city’s Viking Ship Museum that’s a great place to better understand viking history and boat building techniques.

Plus, it’s not just viking history Roskilde is rich in. The city remained Denmark’s capital until 1443 and as a result imposing Roskilde Cathedral houses 39 tombs of royal monarchs. To this day, it’s still the chosen site for monarch burials and you can actually see the planned tomb for Queen Margrethe II who abdicated in 2024.

Those two major historic sites coupled with some great bakeries (we love SPRØD), a pretty harbour and lovely park makes Roskilde an excellent day trip.

FULL ITINERARY: Find my complete Rosklide day trip itinerary here, featuring all the best things to do, tastiest restaurants and best coffee shops.

How to get there:

Of all the day trips in this list, Roskilde is also probably the easiest to get to. There’s a direct train from Copenhagen that runs really frequently and only takes 20 minutes. So if you do have a little less time to play with or would rather spend less time travelling then Roskilde is a great choice.

5. Relax on golden sand beaches in Hornbæk

If you’re craving the ultimate beach day then head for Hornbæk. This is such a lovely little coastal town that truly feels like you’ve stepped into the land of Danish summer. With cosy coffee shops, an excellent ice cream spot, a gorgeous harbour and the best part… a vast golden sand beach with hardly anyone on it.

On a summer’s day there’s nothing better than lounging on the dunes reading a good book until you get too warm then diving into the sea to cool off. Followed up by an obligatory ice cream topped with whipped cream and jam of course… 👀

FULL ITINERARY: Find my complete Hornbæk day trip itinerary here, complete with the best coffee shops, restaurants and inside tips too!

How to get there:

To get up to Hornbæk on the north coast, you’ll first need to take one of the frequent direct trains from Copenhagen to Helsingør (just under 1 hour) and then change to the smaller local train that runs along the north coast and stops at Hornbæk. The second train from Helsingør only takes 25 minutes and it follows a really pretty route through woodland.

6. Cycle & spot deer in Jægersborg Dyrehave

For the best wildlife spotting, choose Jægersborg Dyrehave. This is a beautiful sprawling woodland park with it’s own herd of deer, a manor house, a couple of cute cafés and somewhat surprisingly the world’s oldest theme park, Bakken.

So whether you want to ride a couple of rollercoasters or just enjoy a lovely long walk and spot deer, Jægersborg Dyrehave is definitely a unique but wonderful day trip destination. For the best experience I’d recommend visiting in autumn when the leaves have turned beautiful reds and yellows and the stags are putting on their best rutting performances.

TOP TIP: While you can of course explore the park on foot, another great option is to cycle. You’ll be able to see a lot more of Dyrehave more quickly and easily on two wheels. Plus, there’s a bike rental shop right next to the entrance so picking up your ride couldn’t be easier. We pre-booked our rentals with One Way Bike Tours and it worked perfectly.

How to get there:

Battling it out for the easiest day trip destination to get to alongside Roskilde is Jægersborg Dyrehave. With just one direct 20 minute train from Copenhagen, you can be at the gates of the park. Simply hop on the train to the nearest station, Klampenborg and then stroll across to the entrance. It’s as easy as that!

7. Experience life in the treetops at Camp Adventure

For those wanting a true escape to nature (with a side of mild adrenaline), choose Camp Adventure. Here you’ll find the stunning Forest Tower that you can see above. It stands 45 metres above the forest floor and gives you sweeping views of the landscape as you walk the spiral path to the top. This is such an incredible spot and again a great one to do during autumn when the forest colours are changing.

There’s also some beautiful forest trails, a zip line circuit, great restaurant and café, and a small farm to explore during your visit.

How to get there:

Now we’re breaking with public transport here as in this case, the easiest way to get to the Camp Adventure site is actually by car. As this is further out of the city and not close to any train stations, it’s most practical to drive. It’s an easy drive following the E20 and E47 and takes under an hour.

If you don’t have your own wheels, you can rent a car for as little as £40 per day through Booking.com. If you’d rather not rent a car, there is an option to book onto a paid shuttle bus run by the Camp Adventure team. You can find all the information, prices and booking here.

There is also the option to take a train and a public bus but it takes closer to 2 hours and involves walking along the main road for the last 15-20 minutes which may not be the safest with traffic. But it’s an option if you can’t get there any other way.

8. Explore the bright blue waters and towering white cliffs of Møns Klint

For a true natural wonder, head south to the chalk cliffs of Møns Klint. This is a 6 kilometre stretch of rock up to 120 metres high offering stunning views of the coastline and the bright blue water below.

There are walking trails all along the top of the cliffs and into the pretty woodlands as well as a boardwalk right down to the water where you can experience the cliffs from a different angle.

Closer to the site car park there’s also a great café, shop and small exhibit explaining the geology of the area. So you have everything you need for a brilliant day on Møn!

How to get there:

Like above, to get to Møns Klint you really do need to drive. This is the day trip that’s furthest from Copenhagen (but worth it of course) and once you’re onto the island of Møn the public transport is pretty limited.

But with a car it’s a breeze. Again you’ll follow the E20 and E47 until you cross onto Møn which takes just under 2 hours from Copenhagen. That might sound like quite a long drive for a day trip but there’s lots of places to stop along the way. For instance, you’ll pass Camp Adventure that I mentioned above so you could combine a trip there with your trip to Møns Klint. Likewise, there’s lots of other lovely spots on Møn including historic churches, pretty villages, lovely cafés and beaches so you can break up the journey and get even more from the trip.

9. Experience Swedish sauna and fika in Malmö

Thanks to Copenhagen’s position just across the water from Sweden, you can also easily visit another country in a day. If you do fancy taking your day trip international then one of the best (and most popular) spots is Malmö. This is Sweden’s most southern city that’s so close, on a clear day you can actually see it across the sea from Copenhagen.

It’s not just it’s proximity that makes Malmö popular but the variety of activities and sights. For instance, in the morning you could explore both the new and old sides to Malmö by wandering the old town before heading over to admire the modern architectural marvel, the Turning Torso. After working up an appetite, grab a tasty lunch in the city’s incredible food hall before strolling the historic Malmö Castle grounds and Kungsparken.

Round out your afternoon by treating yourself to an obligatory fika (Swedish afternoon tea) in the wildflower gardens of Slottsträdgårdens Kafé before heading to the iconic seafront Ribersborgs sauna. Just note – like most you’ll find in Sweden, the sauna is fully nude with separate male and female bathing areas. But trust me, it’s a brilliant experience! 😂

How to get there:

For this day trip we’re heading back to the train. It’s incredibly easy to get from Copenhagen to Malmö by rail with the direct service that crosses the famous Øresund Bridge. The journey takes 40 minutes into Malmö Central Station ready to explore the city.

Again, you can buy tickets for this specific journey at all rail and metro stations or online in advance using the DOT app.

TOP TIP: Don’t forget to pack your passport. There are occasional border checks on services crossing to and from Sweden so make sure you don’t get caught out.

10. Wander the pretty lanes of Lund

If you’re curious to see another side of Sweden, the much smaller city of Lund is a perfect spot. Just a short journey on from Malmö you’ll find this quaint university town dating back to 990 when it was still controlled by Denmark.

Today, you can spend a day strolling the traditional Swedish (and Danish) buildings of the oldest cobblestoned streets, visit the ancient cathedral build in the 1100s, relax in the botanical garden and feast on some of the best Swedish pastries.

My absolute must-do is sampling a cinnamon bun from MANNZ BAGERI …you can thank me later!

FULL ITINERARY: Discover my list of the 11 must-see sights in Lund here!

How to get there:

Like Malmö, getting to Lund is also very straightforward. In fact, there’s a direct train service from Copenhagen that takes you to Lund Central Station in 50 minutes. Just look for services to Gothenburg as these pass through Lund.

TOP TIP: Again, don’t forget your passport if you’re crossing into Sweden from Copenhagen. While border checks are rare, they do happen and it’s not worth the hassle of being caught without it!

11. Explore the idyllic seaside village of Dragør

For a taste of local Danish life, visit charming Dragør. While only a couple of kilometres from central Copenhagen, this tiny town has retained much of it’s original charm with cobbled streets lined with colourful buildings and wild flowers.

The best day can be spent here soaking up the old town feeling, swimming in the traditional sea pool, lazing on the little beach, eating ice cream and spotting the adorable flock of resident geese.

FULL ITINERARY: Find my complete Dragør day trip itinerary here, complete with the best coffee shops, restaurants and inside tips too!

How to get there:

While this may be one of the closest day trips from Copenhagen, it’s not the easiest to get to. To find your way to Dragør you have two options. The first is to take two buses – one towards Copenhagen airport and then a second which will run down to Dragør. This combined journey takes around 40 minutes but is perfectly doable on Copenhagen’s excellent bus network.

But arguably the better and more fun way to get to Dragør is to cycle. By bike the journey takes around 45 minutes but you have the option to cycle on some beautiful woodland trails and see more of life outside Copenhagen. If you don’t have a bike, you can easily rent one from any of the shops in the city or use the Donkey Republic app to unlock a bike on the street.

12. Pick apples & pears at Frydenlund Orchard

For the ultimate autumn adventure, head to Frydenlund Orchard for a wholesome day picking your own apples and pears to make the best apple pies, cakes and more.

The expansive orchard is set in the grounds of Frydenlund Castle built in 1722 where fruit trees have been grown ever since.

Now, every year from week 36 to week 42 you can go and enjoy the fruits of this labour and pick your own apples. There are lots of different varieties to choose from and you can usually try a little piece of eat apple before you go in to decide which you want to pick.

After loading up your bags or official apple picking apron, you can head to the on-site farm shop to buy apple liqueurs, pear champagne, cider and more. There’s also often a mobile coffee van brewing fresh barista coffees so there’s seriously something for everyone!

TOP TIP: Just don’t make the mistake we did in forgetting to bring any bags! While you can buy reusable tote bags (that I will treasure forever) to cart your apple haul home, it’s much cheaper to bring your own! Find my full guide to visiting Frydenlund here.

How to get there:

You can of course drive to Frydenlund but it’s also pretty easy to reach with public transport. To get there, you’ll need to take the direct train to the closest station, Skodsborg which takes around 20 minutes. From there you can walk to the orchard in 30 minutes following the woodland path from the station. I know that might sound like quite a long walk but it’s mostly off-road walking through forest trails that are quite lovely on a nice autumn day.

Alternatively, you can take the train 25 minutes to Vedbæk station and then catch a 6 minute bus that stops just a 5 minute walk from the orchard entrance. So you can decide if you fancy a little walk too or would rather take the bus closer.

13. Wander forest trails at Store Dyrehave

For a more active escape, head to Store Dyrehave. This is a 14km squared area of national forest that was enclosed with a stone wall in 1628 and became one of King Christian V’s favourite deer hunting grounds.

Today, the old hunting paths remain in their geometric shape, perfect for wandering to explore the park.

It’s worth noting there are also various marked running and mountain biking routes through the park as well as camping and camp fire spots so with the right equipment you could extend your visit!

How to get there:

To get to Store Dyrehave, first take a 40 minute direct train from Copenhagen to Hillerød. From there you’ll need to take a bus 10 minutes to the Brødeskovvej stop and then simply walk the 10 minutes down the path and across to the road into the forest.

14. Get inspired at ARKEN Museum of Contemporary Art

For a dose of culture, head just west of Copenhagen to find ARKEN Museum of Contemporary Art. This striking building contains the major works of over 400 Danish and Scandinavian artists in a space befitting their forward-thinking approach.

From sculpture and paintings to prints and mixed media, there’s a lot to see and explore. Plus, the museum is positioned on a beautiful part of the coast close to a small section of beach. So you could easily relax in the sun after a morning of absorbing art.

How to get there:

The quickest way to get over to this spot west of Copenhagen is to first take the 16 minute E train to Ishøj. From there catch the 5 minute bus to the ARKEN stop and then wander down to the entrance of the museum. It’s as easy as that!

15. Admire famous sculptures & laze on the beach in Dronningmølle

For sun, sea and sand with a side of sculpture, head north to Dronningmølle. This pretty seaside town is home to a golden stretch of beach, a historic watermill (from which the town gets it’s name), and Rudolph Tegner’s Museum and Statue Park.

Rudolph Tegner was a prolific Danish sculptor who used life-like sculptures with heavy symbolism to convey different scientific, political and artistic ideas. The park contains 250 pieces of his work spread across the landscape that can be visited while wandering the grounds.

Plus, it’s just a few kilometres down the road from Hornbæk which I mentioned earlier in this blog so could easily be combined in one day trip.

How to get there:

To get up to this north coast sun-trap you’ll need to take two easy trains. The first being from Copenhagen to Hillerød in 40 minutes and the second being from Hillerød to Dronningmølle station which takes around 40 minutes. Along the way you’ll get some beautiful forest views and pass a few of the other spots mentioned in this blog.

So if you did want to break up the journey, why not stop at Store Dyrehave or Frederiksborg Castle!

16. Experience laid-back life on the Danish Riviera in Tisvilde

On the north western coast from Copenhagen, you’ll find the tinier seaside resort of Tisvilde loved by generations of bohemians seeking a sunshine escape from the capital. And you can’t blame them…

With a kilometre of white sand beach, rolling dunes, original striped bathing huts dotted around the shore and plenty delicious restaurants, cafés and farm shops serving up the freshest produce, there’s a lot to love about Tisvilde.

Spend a day here relaxing on the sand before eating and drinking your way around the town stopping at the best local hangouts.

How to get there:

While Tisvildeleje is the day trip destination furthest northwest of Copenhagen, it actually only takes around 1.5 hours to get there. Like most of the northern hot spots, it’s as easy as taking the 40 minute train to Hillerød and then another 40 minute train onto Tisvildeleje.

17. Wander the colourful streets of Køge old town

To step back in time, head to the historic seaport town of Køge. Here maritime history and traditional architecture blend with newer modern neighbourhoods and contemporary art instillations.

Spend a day here exploring the heart of Køge old town where you can find the oldest half-timbered house in Denmark, still standing after being built back in 1527. It’s also home to Denmark’s first lighthouse, the oldest market hall and most historic market square.

FULL ITINERARY: Discover my ultimate list of the 10 best things to do in Køge!

How to get there:

By far one of the easiest day trip destinations to get to, you can reach Køge by train in just 27 minutes. Simply pick up the direct and regular route from Copenhagen Central Station.

18. Dine on the freshest catch in Gilleleje

Completing what’s known as the Danish Riviera is Gilleleje. This is a busier little fishing village with all the beauty of the other coastal towns but the addition of a working commercial harbour and the chance to dine on the absolute freshest fish.

Spend a day here exploring the area, watching fishermen haul in the latest catch and feasting on everything from prawn open sandwiches and battered cod to hand-made sushi and steaming bowls of mussels.

How to get there:

As this is another northern beach town, the journey is really similar to the others we’ve already discussed in this blog. Again, it starts with the 40 minute train to Hillerød before catching another train the final 30 minutes directly into Gilleleje.

19. Visit the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen in Odense

For a literary escape, head to the home of fairytale writer, Hans Christian Andersen. This is Odense, the third biggest city in Denmark that’s packed with old world charm, fantastic museums and harbour-side hangouts.

Spend a day here visiting H.C Andersen’s original house and the beautiful modern museum honouring his work before heading down to the harbour to watch a water polo match with a beer. For the best food in town, don’t miss Odense Street Food Hall packed with vendors selling flavourful dishes from all over the world.

TOP TIP: Discover 8 of the best coffee shops in Odense in my blog here.

How to get there:

To head across Denmark onto the middle island of Fyn and home of Odense, you can catch a seamless direct 1 hour 10 minute train from Copenhagen Central Station. Like many of these routes, you should be blessed with some great views of wider Denmark along the way!

20. Stroll & picnic around the waters of Bagsværd Sø

Last but by no means least, for an escape from the city in spring, head to Bagsværd Sø. This is a large lake just 15 kilometres north of Copenhagen with a great circular walking route, plenty of small sandy to picnic on and great bird-watching opportunities.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can also rent canoes and kayaks to head out onto the water. Just note, swimming in the lake is not recommended.

How to get there:

To get to the lake, you’ll need to take a train and bus. Firstly, catch a 20 minute train towards Hillerød again but this time stopping at Lyngby Station. From here you can take a 5 minute bus to Aldershvilevej – the closest station to the lake. Once you’re off the bus, it’s just a 5 minute walk to the edge of the lake and the circular lake path.

There we have it! That’s my round up of my favourite day trips to take from Copenhagen. I hope you love these spots as much as I do and if you have any questions, comments or recommendations of your own, please leave them in the comments box below. Happy travelling!

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