Best Day Trips from Copenhagen
Copenhagen is among the world’s happiest cities, revered for its laid-back atmosphere and relaxed lifestyle. Whether you’re traveling for work or vacation, visiting this beautiful Scandinavian city promises a fun-filled adventure, from discovering the colorful buildings and ancient structures to sampling its dynamic food scene.
But if you want to venture further, there are plenty of incredible places to see beyond the city limits. Also known as Hamlet’s Castle, the Kronborg Castle in Helsingør and the Frederiksborg Castle are easy day trips from Copenhagen. For art lovers, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is under an hour’s drive from the capital city. Even the quaint Danish town on the gorgeous Amager island can be reached by bike in less than an hour.
Going out of Copenhagen allows you to experience more of the Danish culture, tradition, and nature. But suppose the unpleasant weather ruins your plan for a day trip or you suddenly decide to stay in the city at the last minute. In that case, take the time to explore the best museums in Copenhagen, its numerous entertainment venues, historical attractions, and natural sights.
Remember, just take your necessities and leave the rest at a luggage storage service in Copenhagen. Whether you are visiting a city museum or venturing further out, heavy bags will only slow you down.
How to get out of Copenhagen
Denmark has an excellent public transport network, so planning the best day trips from Copenhagen without a car is easy. Copenhagen Central Station is the gateway to the major cities and towns in the region. But other areas are also accessible by train at some of the city’s stations, including Nørreport, Nordhavn, and Østerport.
Get a Copenhagen Card to have free access to eighty-seven attractions in and around the city. You can also enjoy unlimited travel throughout the capital region. If your destination isn’t accessible by public transportation, renting a car is your best bet. For those mainly staying in the city, learn more about how to get around Copenhagen with our guide.
From Copenhagen to Lyngby Open Air Museum
About thirty minutes from the center of Copenhagen, the Lyngby Open Air Museum will give you a tour of Danish culture and traditions. It’s one of the world’s first and largest open-air museums presenting the country’s history from 1650. It’s like taking a step back in time as you enter the historic homes, stroll along the gravel roads, and witness how people lived centuries ago.
Visiting the museum is one of the fun things to do with kids, allowing them to appreciate their blessings while reflecting on the past. Spread across the expansive property are homes, windmills, farmhouses, and traditional homes. The buildings were carefully reconstructed and furnished with decorative arts, authentic utensils, and furniture.
The Open Air Museum is open every day except Mondays, between 10 AM to 4 PM. if you have a Copenhagen Card, entry to the museum is free.
How to get to the Lyngby Open Air Museum
A bus will take you directly from Nørreport Station to the museum with half an hour of travel time. You can also catch a train from Vesterport Station to Sorgentri station.
From Copenhagen to Frederiksborg Castle
When you're planning to have a day trip to Copenhagen, one attraction you must see is the Frederiksborg Castle. Although it’s located in Hillerød, Denmark, going outside the capital won't be much of a hassle since Frederiksborg Castle is only thirty-five minutes away from Copenhagen. It is also home to The Museum of National History, offering tours in spectacular rooms with a rich collection of paintings, portraits, furniture, and more.
The Castle has become one of the most famous castles in Denmark. It was built during the early decades of the 17th century and served as the royal residence for King Christian IV of Denmark-Norway. In 1859, a fire broke out, causing a significant part of its interior to be destroyed. It was later restored by the owner of the Carlsberg Breweries, J. C. Jacobsen.
Inside the Castle, you'll see rooms filled with different portraits, furniture, decorative arts, and historical paintings that travel you back to Danish culture and history. Outside, you will be amazed by the fantastic landscape of the Baroque Castle Garden.
How to get to Frederiksborg Castle
The easiest way to directly get to Frederiksborg Castle from Copenhagen is to take the train going to the town of Hillerød. Travel time will take around 42 minutes. From there, you can take the bus straight to the castle, which would take roughly 20-25 minutes.
From Copenhagen to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Complete your day trips from Copenhagen with a touch of art at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk, Denmark. It’s only half an hour north of Denmark’s capital, offering modern and contemporary art exhibitions each year.
Established in the mid-18th century, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art has become one of the world's most respected institutions offering a sensational art experience. Aside from the world-class art collection, the museum, which has a beautiful and unique setting and structure, will grab your attention. Besides the stunning terrace view, outside is on an open lawn with shady woods, offering a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
How to get to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
The museum is only thirty kilometers away from Copenhagen. The most cost-effective way to visit the museum is by taking the Danish State Railways train. Depending on which station you depart, it would take ten to thirty-five minutes. Once already at Humlebæk Station, you can walk to the museum for about ten minutes.
From Copenhagen to Kronborg Castle
Located in the busy ferry port city of Helsingør in eastern Denmark, Kronborg Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the town’s top tourist destinations. It’s the famous setting of Shakespeare’s iconic Hamlet, hence the nickname Hamlet’s Castle. Although no one really knows for sure if Shakespeare has ever been to Kronborg Castle.
The Castle has existed in the town since 1420 and has since been burned and rebuilt. In 2000, it became one of the country’s renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s a must-see for literature and history buffs, where they can marvel at the Danish Kings’ tapestries, see the prison dungeons, a grand ballroom with paintings, and a scenic view across the water.
How to get to Kronborg Castle
This Renaissance Castle can easily be reached from the capital, making it one of the best day trips from Copenhagen. You can get here by taking a guided tour or a train from the central city station. Travel time from Copenhagen Central station to the Helsingør stop is around forty minutes.
From Copenhagen to Fredensborg Palace
Another fascinating attraction just about fifteen kilometers southwest of Helsingor is the magnificent Fredensborg Palace. The palace’s construction started in 1719, then three years later, the main building was first used, following the chapel in 1726. It was built as a country seat for King Frederick IV.
However, in 1796, just after the death of Queen Juliane Marie, it became rarely used. It was not until the 19th century, during the reign of Christian IX and Queen Louise, that the palace was reopened and served as the official venue for gatherings and important events of the Royal Family.
The most iconic attraction in the palace is the Fredensborg Palace Garden, considered one of Denmark's most extensive Baroque gardens. The garden covers 120 hectares and is one of Denmark's most expansive historical gardens.
How to get to Fredensborg Palace
There is an approximately 35 kilometers distance from Copenhagen to Fredensborg. It is best to take the train that goes a direct route between the two cities. The travel time will take almost an hour, but it can be less depending on the trains' routes. All these trains are provided by Rejseplanen and DSB in the train stations Østerport St., København H (togbus), and København H.
From Copenhagen to Dragør
Dragør is undoubtedly one of Denmark’s loveliest towns worth visiting on Amager island. It’s a well-preserved historic fishing village with a friendly and intimate atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a break from the hectic city life.
Discover the Old Town, walk along its narrow streets, and marvel at the low houses dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Swing by Jens Eyberts Square, the most charming Old Town square, featuring an 18th-century well and the only one in the town. Although a small area, you’ll easily get lost in the past at Dragør with the town’s numerous museums, including Denmark’s Pilot Museum, Amager Museum, and Dragør Museum.
If you’re lucky, you might have the chance to witness one of the village’s incredible events. Festivals in the summer include Pilot’s Day, Arts Festival, and Herring Day. There are also autumn holidays you don’t want to miss, as well as the Christmas Market.
How to get to Dragør
If you want to sweat and exercise, you can get to Dragør by bike and stop by some spectacular attractions along the way. It’s less than an hour’s bike and about forty minutes by bus and train. Bus 350S will depart from Nørreport Station and directly take you to Dragør. It’s also only twelve kilometers from the city center, which can take twenty to forty minutes.
From Copenhagen to Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde
Get an incredible insight into the unique world and era of the Vikings by visiting the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, Denmark. The highlight of this Copenhagen day trip would be seeing the five original Viking vessels, the silent witnesses to the sea voyages, war, and trade that goes back to the 11th century.
Adults would be fascinated with all the museum's activities, like watching films about the Viking ships and even the Sea Stallion from Glendalough. For kids, there is a boatyard, and they can even go onboard the Viking ships. Of course, everyone can also enjoy the museum’s New Nordic Viking food.
While in the ancient city of Roskilde, why not explore the impressive Gothic Roskilde Cathedral? It’s the traditional burial site of the Danish royal family, featuring the graves of thirty-nine kings and queens. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site reflecting the changing architectural history of Europe across 800 years.
How to get to Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde
Roskilde is easily accessible from the capital of Denmark, making it one of the best day trips from Copenhagen. You can catch the train from Copenhagen central station to the medieval city of Roskilde. You can walk to the museum from the train station and head to the cathedral.
From Copenhagen to Stevns Klint
Now that we’ve covered the historical buildings, castles, and museums, let’s enjoy nature and plan a day trip from Copenhagen to Stevns Klint. At the far end of the municipality of Stevns is a cliff called Stevns Klint that rises forty-one above sea level. It’s the best spot in the world to witness the meteor impact that devastated the Earth and killed over half of its species million years ago.
The Cliff was listed as one of UNESCO’S World Heritage Sites in 2014, so it’s a natural attraction you can’t miss when venturing beyond Copenhagen. Take the path to Højerup Old Church, the Cliff’s highest point and see the popular fish clay and soak in the spectacular view.
How to get to Stevns Klint
Sadly, there’s no direct connection from Copenhagen to Stevns Klint. You’ll likely change transport twice at Hårlev, Køge, and St Heddinge stations. Alternatively, you can drive your own or rent a car for easier and more convenient travel.
See a UNESCO world heritage site and more near Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a hotbed of remarkable tourist attractions, drawing millions of visitors from around the world. But the area surrounding the city has a lot more to offer if you want to discover additional sights and historical spots. From medieval castles and palaces to charming towns, cliffs, pristine nature, and more, Copenhagen day trips are packed with awe-inspiring adventures, thrilling experiences, and memorable entertainment.