Copenhagen serves as an ideal launching point to explore some of Scandinavia’s most captivating destinations. The Danish capital’s excellent transportation network makes reaching nearby attractions remarkably simple, with trains, buses, and ferries connecting visitors to charming towns, stunning natural landscapes, and historical sites.
While Copenhagen itself deserves ample exploration, these surrounding gems offer a richer understanding of Danish culture and history. Here is a list of 20 exceptional day trips that showcase the diversity of experiences within easy reach of Copenhagen.
Helsingør (Elsinore)
Just 28 miles north of Copenhagen, this coastal town is home to the imposing Kronborg Castle, immortalized as Elsinore in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The UNESCO World Heritage site features Renaissance architecture, elaborate tapestries, and underground casemates that once housed soldiers.
The adjacent maritime museum, designed by Bjarke Ingels, offers fascinating insights into Denmark’s seafaring history through interactive exhibits.
Roskilde
This ancient city served as Denmark’s capital during the Viking Age and remains a cultural powerhouse just 20 miles west of Copenhagen. The towering twin-spired Roskilde Cathedral houses the tombs of 39 Danish monarchs within its brick Gothic walls.
The Viking Ship Museum displays five original 11th-century vessels alongside reconstructions that sail the fjord during summer months.
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Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Perched on the coastline in Humlebæk, this world-class museum seamlessly blends art, architecture, and nature just 25 miles north of Copenhagen. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the Øresund Strait while the sculpture garden integrates works by Calder and Moore into the landscape.
The permanent collection includes pieces by Warhol, Picasso, and Giacometti, complemented by thought-provoking temporary exhibitions.
Malmö, Sweden
A quick 30-minute train ride across the Øresund Bridge transports visitors to Sweden’s third-largest city. The distinctive Turning Torso skyscraper dominates the skyline, while the cobblestoned old town offers cozy cafés and distinctive Swedish architecture.
The recently revitalized Western Harbor district showcases sustainable urban planning with innovative buildings and harbor swimming spots.
Frederiksborg Castle
This magnificent Renaissance palace in Hillerød stands on three islets in a lake, creating a fairytale reflection that captures the imagination. Located 23 miles northwest of Copenhagen, the castle houses the Museum of National History, which features portraits of Danish figures dating back 500 years.
The meticulously reconstructed Baroque garden features cascading terraces and perfectly manicured hedges.
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Møns Klint
These dramatic white chalk cliffs rise 420 feet above the Baltic Sea on the island of Møn, creating Denmark’s most spectacular natural landmark. The 4-mile stretch of cliffs was formed from the remains of millions of microscopic creatures that lived on the seabed over 70 million years ago.
The surrounding beech forests and clear waters offer excellent hiking and fossil hunting opportunities.
Dragør
This perfectly preserved 18th-century fishing village sits just 8 miles from central Copenhagen, yet feels worlds away from urban life. Narrow cobblestone streets wind between yellow-painted houses with red-tiled roofs and hollyhocks growing against whitewashed walls.
The working harbor still features fishing boats bringing in the daily catch to supply local seafood restaurants.
Klampenborg
Located just 8 miles north of Copenhagen, this coastal suburb provides access to Dyrehaven, a former royal hunting ground now serving as a magnificent public park. The 1,000-acre forest is home to over 2,000 free-roaming deer and ancient oak trees estimated to be 400 years old.
The area also features Bakken, the world’s oldest operating amusement park, dating back to 1583.
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Køge
This charming market town, 25 miles southwest of Copenhagen, boasts Denmark’s best-preserved medieval square surrounded by colorful half-timbered merchant houses. The local art museum KØS focuses exclusively on public art and offers insights into how Denmark approaches creative urban spaces.
The recently developed harbor area blends modern architecture with maritime heritage along revitalized waterfront promenades.
Hillerød
Beyond the famed Frederiksborg Castle, this north Zealand town, 21 miles from Copenhagen, offers picturesque lakes and forests perfect for hiking and cycling. The central shopping district features distinctive Danish design stores and local eateries serving regional specialties.
The annual medieval market in July transforms the town center into a lively recreation of Renaissance life.
Stevns Klint
This UNESCO World Heritage site preserves evidence of the impact of asteroids that caused the dinosaur extinction 66 million years ago. Located 40 miles south of Copenhagen, the fossil-rich limestone cliffs contain the clearest global boundary between the Cretaceous and Tertiary periods.
The clifftop Højerup Old Church dramatically lost parts of its choir to erosion in 1928, with the remaining portion still hanging over the edge.
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Odense
Hans Christian Andersen’s birthplace lies on the island of Funen, accessible in 75 minutes via high-speed train from Copenhagen. The charming old town includes the writer’s childhood home and a museum dedicated to his life and works.
The newly opened H.C. Andersen House offers an immersive journey into the author’s fairy tale universe through artistic installations and interactive exhibits.
The Three Palaces Route
This scenic cycling path north of Copenhagen connects three royal residences—Bernstorff, Charlottenlund, and Sorgenfri—through picturesque woodland and coastal landscapes. The route passes historic buildings, deer parks, and bathing spots along the Øresund coastline.
Bikes can be rented in Copenhagen and taken on trains to convenient starting points for this cultural and natural exploration.
Helsingborg, Sweden
A 20-minute ferry from Helsingør delivers visitors to this Swedish coastal city with panoramic views back toward Denmark. The medieval Kärnan tower provides a striking landmark visible from across the narrow strait.
The waterfront promenade features distinctive Scandinavian architecture alongside cafés serving traditional Swedish fika—coffee and pastries.
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Egeskov Castle
Often called Europe’s best-preserved Renaissance water castle, this architectural masterpiece sits on oak pilings in a small lake 75 miles from Copenhagen on the island of Funen. The fairytale exterior features copper-topped spires and a perfectly symmetrical red-brick facade—the surrounding estate houses multiple museums, including collections of vintage cars, motorcycles, and agricultural equipment.
Rungstedlund
The former home of author Karen Blixen (Isak Dinesen), who wrote ‘Out of Africa’, sits just 16 miles north of Copenhagen. The estate includes beautiful gardens and a bird sanctuary that was established according to her wishes.
Personal belongings and artifacts from her years in Kenya provide intimate insights into the life of one of Denmark’s most celebrated literary figures.
Christiansfeld
This UNESCO-protected planned town, 150 miles west of Copenhagen, was founded by the Moravian Church in 1773 and represents an early example of a planned Protestant settlement. The distinctive yellow brick buildings arranged around a central square showcase exceptional craftsmanship and religious architectural principles.
The town bakery still produces Christiansfeld’s famous honey cakes following the original 18th-century recipe.
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Bornholm Island
Though technically requiring an overnight stay to appreciate fully, ambitious travelers can make a long day trip to Denmark’s easternmost island. Early flights from Copenhagen reach Bornholm in just 35 minutes, providing access to distinctive round churches, picturesque fishing villages, and dramatic rocky coastlines.
The island’s unique light quality has attracted artists for generations, creating a thriving craft scene.
Sorø and Lejre
These twin destinations in western Zealand showcase medieval monastic history and Viking heritage, respectively. Sorø Academy features a magnificent Gothic church with royal tombs dating back to the 12th century.
Nearby Lejre Experimental Centre brings the Viking Age to life through reconstructed Iron Age and Viking settlements where visitors can try ancient crafts and cooking techniques.
Frilandsmuseet (The Open Air Museum)
Located just 10 miles north of Copenhagen, this living museum features 100 historic buildings relocated from across Denmark to create a comprehensive overview of rural life from 1650 to 1940. Farmhouses, mills, and workshops represent every Danish region and social class, staffed by interpreters demonstrating traditional crafts and agricultural techniques.
The vast grounds include gardens and livestock breeds that have largely disappeared from modern farming.
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Beyond the Capital’s Reach
Denmark’s compact size transforms Copenhagen into more than just a destination—it becomes a gateway to experiences ranging from Renaissance splendor to Viking heritage, from coastal charm to Swedish urban exploration. These day trips reveal the remarkable diversity of culture, landscape, and history that exists within just a few hours of the capital.
While Copenhagen rightfully earns its reputation as one of Europe’s most livable cities, these surrounding treasures demonstrate that the true Danish experience extends well beyond its boundaries.
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