Dragør: The Perfect Day Trip From Copenhagen

One of the best things about living in Copenhagen is how many fun day trips are within a short distance of the city. Dragør is the perfect example of this; located right next to Copenhagen Airport, this picturesque fishing town is pretty much Denmark in a microcosm. 

You know the clichés. Picturesque cobblestone streets lined with cute houses that belong on a candy box, coupled with boats that bob up and down on the water at the windswept harbor. This small town is near the Danish capital but feels oh-so rural. 

I’ve visited Dragør numerous times on a day trip from Copenhagen, and if you’ve got an extra day to spare, I suggest doing the same.

Things to do in Dragør

1. Explore Dragør’s Architecture

The best thing to do in Dragør is, in my opinion, to just wander around and take photos. You’ll find streets of well-preserved yellow houses with orange roofs, and in my opinion, the Old Town is one of Denmark’s most beautiful.

If you’ve got time to spare, enjoying Dragør in different shades of light is a rewarding experience. Get here early in the morning, and you’ll have the place largely to yourself. 

When wandering around Dragør, just remember to be respectful—people still live in these houses!

2. Dragør Havn ⚓

Dragør’s harbor is also a delight to explore. It’s full of life in the summer, with locals and tourists enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. On a clear day, you’ll also get a fantastic view of the Øresund Bridge that connects Copenhagen with Malmö.

While you’re here, I recommend stopping for some lunch at Dragør Røgeri. The fish and chips are my top pick, and while it’s very busy in the summer, the wait is worthwhile. The wooden houses around Skurbyen are also worth exploring.

3. Swimming 🏊

Denmark’s beaches and coastal areas come to life in the summer, and you’ll find a small selection of spots where you can swim in Dragør. You’re not getting Bahamas-level temperatures, but going for a dip is quite pleasant on those days when the heat is unbearable. 

Note that it’s often windy in Dragør, and there are times when the water quality might not be optimal for swimming. You should also stick to the designated bathing areas. 

4. Watch the Planes Take Off at Copenhagen Airport 🛫

Dragør’s close proximity to Copenhagen Airport makes it a great afternoon trip if you’ve got a late flight home. One relaxing thing you can do is watch the planes take off from Copenhagen Airport. 

To do this, walk or cycle along the waterfront toward the airport. You’ll find benches and other areas to sit and watch from a distance. Guessing the airline and where each flight is going is a fun game to play… or you could just cheat and download an app instead. 

5. Ice Cream at Dragør Is

Dragør Is is the main ice cream shop next to the town’s harbor. You’ll see a queue outside here during the warmer months, and from personal experience, it’s worth waiting in line. We went here in the summer of 2024 for a nice break as it was pretty warm, and the ice cream was great… apart from the fact I dropped some of it on the floor.

You won’t find much seated space here, but you can take your ice cream to the harbor if needed for some people and boat-watching.

6. Have a Picnic 😋

The weather in Dragør can sometimes be a little worse than in Copenhagen (which is hardly Monte Carlo anyway), so sunny days are welcomed when they arrive. If you’re in the mood for a relaxed afternoon, pack some food and have a picnic close to the water. Just watch out for those seagulls 🙂.

How to Get to Dragør

Cycling 🚲

Cycling is the most enjoyable way to get to Dragør if you ask me, and it’s surprisingly easy. The journey takes around 45 minutes, and most parts of the route have designated cycling lanes. As soon as you leave Copenhagen, you’ll quickly feel like you’re in the countryside.

The Amarminoen Walk  🥾

Copenhagen has several beautiful walking routes, and the Amarminoen Walk—which takes you through the nature park on Amager—is another fantastic way to get to Dragør. It takes between five and seven hours, so make sure you pack enough food and drink. 

The walk is relatively easy and has little elevation. Considering the short daylight hours in the winter, I recommend doing this walk in the spring, summer, or early autumn instead. 

Bus 🚌

Buses also run directly from Copenhagen to Dragør, and the journey takes around 40 minutes. You can catch the 250S from Copenhagen Central Station or the 35S from Copenhagen Airport. 

If you plan to stay in the Copenhagen area on your trip, consider getting the Copenhagen Card. You can use the public transport network for free as much as you want, including the buses to Dragør. You’ll get entry to 80+ attractions.

Is There a Train Station in Dragør? 🤔

Dragør does not have a train station connecting it to Copenhagen, nor does the Metro run here. If you don’t want to cycle, the bus is your best option (unless you drive).

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