My 16 Favorite Day Trips From Copenhagen as a Local

Don’t get me wrong—I love living in Copenhagen, and even after being here for over four years, I still uncover new gems every day. But while the Danish capital is my favorite place on earth, that doesn’t mean I want to be here 365 days a year. I enjoy having a change of scenery sometimes, and I’ve found plenty of interesting day trips from Copenhagen. 

Another thing I love about being here is that while Denmark has many cool places to visit, going to another country is also very simple. Sweden is reachable in around an hour by train, which helps me satisfy my cravings for an international adventure. Well, that and the fact I like Swedish grocery stores. 

Based on my experiences as an expat (and having done numerous day trips on previous visits before moving here), I’m sharing my 15 favorite day trips from Copenhagen today. I’ve been on plenty more, but I’m only sharing the ones I think are truly worth your time.

1. Dragør 

Dragør is close to Copenhagen Airport and the quintessential Danish fishing town. I can honestly see myself living here when I’m a bit older; you have to stop by and see its network of charming yellow houses. 

While I think Dragør is worth visiting year-round, it’s a particularly nice day trip in the summer. Don’t forget to stop by for some fresh fish and chips at Dragør Røgeri, and be sure to enjoy some ice cream from Dragør Is. Let’s ignore that I dropped some of mine on the floor when I was there. 🥲

How to Get to Dragør

You can get the 250S bus from Copenhagen Central Station to Dragør; the journey takes around 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the 35 bus from Copenhagen Airport and get here in around 20 minutes. 

The best way to visit Dragør in the summer is by bike; the journey takes 45-60 minutes, most of which is along paved bike paths. Alternatively, you can do the Amarminoen walk through the huge Amager Fælled nature reserve. I’ve done this twice (in January and June 2021); it took me around seven hours one way.

2. Malmö 

Malmö is one of the most popular day trips from Copenhagen for many good reasons. Sweden’s third-biggest city is home to excellent food, interesting architecture, and scenic parks and beaches. I actually recommend staying overnight, but you can explore most of the downtown area in one day. 

Like Copenhagen, Malmö is incredibly bike-friendly. You can also rent a boat and explore the city by canal if you wish (or join a boat tour; we had a great guide when we visited). The Turning Torso dominates Malmö’s skyline, but you’ll find plenty of old buildings in and around the city center. Riding along the Øresund Bridge is also very cool. 

I’ve written a full Copenhagen and Malmö weekend itinerary if you want to follow along. 

How to Get to Malmö

Getting to Malmö is very straightforward. Trains depart regularly from Copenhagen Central Station and Copenhagen Airport; the journey takes 30-60 minutes. You can buy your tickets in the Skånetrafiken App (iOS and Android). 

You can book tickets on the day without problems. If you’d rather skip the planning and just enjoy the ride, check out this full-day trip from Copenhagen to Malmö by train. 

Note:

Border checks occasionally take place between Denmark and Sweden; bring your passport just in case. 

3. Helsingør 

Helsingør is another interesting place near me, and it’s a town I’ve had the pleasure of visiting numerous times. It’s located in the north of Sjælland and around 50-60 minutes from Copenhagen. 

Kronborg Slot, which featured in William Shakespeare’s world-famous Hamlet play, is located here. You can book a tour of its interior, which I did in 2022 and can thoroughly recommend. It’s included in the Copenhagen Card, too. If you’re not keen on a tour or getting the Copenhagen Card, you can still check out the inside—just grab an entry ticket to Kronborg Slot and wander around on your own.

Even if you don’t, walking around its exteriors (which is free, by the way) is worthwhile. During the summer, the beach in Helsingør is great for a relaxed afternoon.

Helsingør has plenty of lovely buildings in the town center, and strolling along its streets is one of the main joys here. The town is also 20 minutes from Helsingborg in Sweden; you can take a direct ferry. 

How to Get to Helsingør

Helsingør is a direct train from Copenhagen Central Station, and you’ll travel up Sjælland’s lovely coastline in the process. You can get tickets using the DSB app (available on iOS and Android; check in and out at the start and end of your journey). Note that the DOT app, a previous recommendation of mine, is discontinued as of December 16, 2025.

If you buy the Copenhagen Card, your travel to Helsingør will be included.

4. Frederiksborg Slot 

Frederiksborg Slot in Hillerød is another beautiful castle worth visiting. I came here just after moving to Copenhagen in October 2020, and walking around the castle’s gardens was wonderful. The view of the castle from the shore is also pleasant. 

You can visit the inside of the castle, which I did during another visit in late 2025. You’ll find a number of artworks and more, and it’s an absolute must for anyone interested in history. I’ve actually written a full guide to visiting Frederiksborg Slot if you’re interested in doing more research before you visit.

As for Hillerød itself, it’s nice but largely residential. The shopping street is pleasant, though. 

The castle is open year-round, including on Christmas and New Year’s. If you want, you can take a little boat across the moat in the summer months. 

How to Get to Frederiksborg Slot

Take the S-Train (Route A) from Copenhagen to Hillerød; the journey is around 40 minutes. From there, you can walk roughly 15 minutes to the castle. It was well-signposted when I was there last time, so you should have no issues.

If you don’t get the Copenhagen Card (travel to Hillerød and entry to the castle is included in this), the DSB app is the easiest way to buy tickets. You can check in and out at the end of your journey or search specifically for Hillerød.  

5. Gilleleje 

Gilleleje is very much a summer town, and it’s one of my favorite day trips during the warmer months. Many Danes have their summerhouses here, and the main joys are eating food and wandering around the waterfront.

Gileleje is still very much a fishing town today, and in my opinion, Adamsens Fisk is the best place to try these. Dare I say, but as a Brit, I actually prefer these to British fish and chips (apart from the ones I had in Fleetwood when I was a kid). 

You can also stay overnight here; Gilleleje has some lovely sunsets around midsummer. 

How to Get to Gilleleje

It’s much easier to get here by car; the journey from Copenhagen takes roughly an hour.

It is possible to travel via public transport, but it takes around 90 minutes. Take the train to Hillerød and then change for the 950R local train to Gilleleje; see the full route below. 

6. Hareskoven and Bagsværd Sø

I’ve mentioned in other blog posts that I’m very much on a wellness arc at the moment, and Hareskoven has been one of my best discoveries. This area of forests, combined with Bagsværd Sø, is just 30 minutes from Copenhagen. Even better, the trail starts from right outside the station.

Besides walking around the forested area, we also did the route around Bagsværd Sø—one of the nicest lakes in the region. There were plenty of places to sit down for a picnic, too; I recommend bringing some food with you. 

How to Get to Hareskoven and Bagsværd Sø

The S-Train will drop you off right outside the forest; get Route B toward Farum.

7. Fjordstien, Roskilde

Another fantastic hiking route near Copenhagen is Fjordstien (the Fjord Path). It starts from the harbor in Roskilde; we didn’t do the entire thing, but what we did was still pretty nice. You’ll pass along the water and through forested areas, with plenty of cows along the way. 

The walk is relatively straightforward, though there were some challenging areas where we had to climb over fallen trees. You’ll end up back in Roskilde, and from here, you can take the train back to Copenhagen. 

I have to say that Roskilde has a nice harbor, a beautiful cathedral, and some pleasant parks. However, the town center isn’t too impressive in and of itself. So, I suggest dedicating most of your time to the hiking route. 

How to Get to Roskilde/Fjordstien

Several trains depart from Copenhagen to Roskilde, and the journey takes roughly 30 minutes. From here, it’s around a 25-minute walk to the harbor. You can buy your tickets in the DSB app; no advance booking is required. 

8. Odense 

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Odense a couple of times, and the city has really come into its own since my first trip in early 2021. Denmark’s third-biggest city now has a huge Hans Christian Andersen museum; Odense was the famed writer’s birthplace, and it feels like the entire city is themed around him. 

Odense also has a new tram network, meaning that the city has more of a complete feel to it. The center of town is very cozy, with a handful of colorful houses lining cobbled streets. You can also visit HC Andersen’s childhood home. 

Elsewhere, Odense has a really nice modern harbor. I recommend booking train tickets in advance; you can get some excellent deals with DSB’s orange tickets, which start at 99 DKK (seat reservations cost additional money). 

How to Get to Odense

Odense is just over an hour from Copenhagen by train. You can book your tickets in the DSB app; make sure you also buy a seat (pladsbillet in Danish). 

9. Køge 

Køge has become a popular relocation spot for Copenhageners looking to move out of the city, but it’s much more than just a commuter town. In my opinion, it’s one of Denmark’s most beautiful market towns and an underrated day trip. 

The downtown area is full of beautiful Danish-style homes, and you’ll find a huge town square. Køge also has a pleasant harbor; while you can find hygge in Copenhagen, this is another great spot to experience the famed Danish feeling. There are also a couple of nice restaurants and distilleries along the harbor. 

One heads-up would be to try and visit on a day other than Sunday. Many shops are closed on Sunday, and as a result, Køge is less lively than it would be on other days of the week. That said, we visited on a Sunday and still enjoyed it.

How to Get to Køge

Køge is roughly 40 minutes from Copenhagen by train; you can get a direct service from Copenhagen Central Station. Check in and out via the DSB app. 

10. Lund

Lund is one of my favorite cities in Sweden, and it’s a surprisingly easy day trip from the Danish capital. It’s the archetypal university town, with a beautiful cathedral and countless winding streets lined with cute houses. If I had to pick anywhere to live in Sweden (other than Umeå), this would be the place. 

Regardless of when you visit, Lund has plenty to keep you entertained for a day. Don’t miss the Botanical Gardens, and be sure to stop by Mannz Bageri for some delicious baked goods. 

Lund is about 20 minutes from Malmö, making it easy to combine the two cities in a single day trip. 

How to Get to Lund

The train from Copenhagen to Gothenburg stops in Lund, and you can also take the train to Malmö before changing for a local service to the city. You can buy tickets through the Skånetrafiken app, and you don’t need to reserve in advance. 

On average, the journey from Copenhagen to Lund takes around an hour. 

11. Tisvildele Hegn  

My friend and I did a fun road trip across the north of Sjælland in 2021, shortly after I moved to Copenhagen. Tisvildeleje Strand was one of the places on that adventure, and even though it was raining that day, I still had lots of fun on this beach. 

Tisvildeleje Strand has been a popular summer destination for Copenhageners for centuries, and it’s an excellent place to enjoy the few days of sun that we get each year. You’ll find numerous colorful huts here, and I love the view of the summerhouses in the distance. 

Behind the beach is an expansive forest called Troldeskoven (The Trolls’ Forest). Besides being pleasant to hike around, I spotted wild deer here. 

How to Get to Tisvilde Hegn 

Tisvilde Hegn is an hour’s drive from Copenhagen, and I recommend coming here by car if possible. You can also take public transport, but the journey will be anywhere from 1 hour and 45 minutes to over 2 hours. Get the S-Train to Hillerød or Frederikssund and change for local public transport from there. 

12. Møns Klint and Stevns Klint

Combining Møns Klint and Stevns Klint is one of my favorite things to do on a day trip from Copenhagen. Denmark is known for being a flat country, but these stunning cliffs dismiss that stereotype. 

Møns Klint is immediately distinguishable by its chalky white facade, and the forest at the top makes for a pleasant summer stroll. I preferred viewing the cliffs from up here than down on the pebble beach, but I recommend doing both. You can also stay overnight at Møns Klint if you wish to; its campsite is very pleasant. 

While you’re on the island of Møn, I also recommend driving around and enjoying its rolling plains. Stege, the main town on the island, is also a great place to stop for some lunch; Det Gamle Bryghus is my top suggestion.

On the way back to Copenhagen, consider stopping for a few hours at Stevns Klint. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its fossils, making it a popular destination for archaeologists. 

How to Get to Møns Klint and Stevns Klint 

Stevns Klint is doable by public transport, but in my opinion, it’s much better to drive. Stevns Klint is around 75 minutes from Copenhagen by car. 

Møns Klint is even less feasible by public transport from Copenhagen, but it’s very easy to reach by car. The journey from Copenhagen is just over two hours; from Stevns Klint, it’ll take you just over an hour and a half. 

If you’d rather not handle the planning, you can opt for a guided tour to Møns Klint and enjoy the trip without the hassle.

13. Skanör-Falsterbo 

I had the pleasure of visiting Skanör-Falsterbo in April 2024 when a friend spontaneously asked if I wanted to join for a day trip to Sweden. This beautiful corner of Southern Sweden is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with several species—such as snipes, gannets, and terns passing through the area. 

You’ll also find the pretty Falsterbo Lighthouse here, which dates back to the 18th century. Don’t forget to stop at Fiskhuset in Skanör for a lovely lunch, too. 

Skanör-Falsterbo is part of the comprehensive Skåneleden hiking trail. I recommend visiting in the warmer months. 

How to Get to Skanör-Falsterbo

The easiest way to visit Skanör-Falsterbo is by car, with the journey taking around 50 minutes from Copenhagen. Be sure to bring your passport when crossing the Øresund Bridge into Sweden, just in case you’re checked. You will have to pay a fee to drive across the bridge; you can view prices here. 

Skanör-Falsterbo is surprisingly easy to reach by public transport, too. Take the train to Hyllie Station in Malmö; this is the first stop when you take the train from Denmark to Sweden. There, change for the 300 bus to Falsterbo Strandbad and stay on until the final stop. Set your directions to Falsterbo Fyr and work your way around the area from here. 

14. Dyrehaven

Dyrehaven is probably the most popular day trip from Copenhagen for nature lovers. This large deer park is just 20 minutes away by train, and it’s where the annual Hubertusjagt horse race takes place each November. 

It’s very easy to spend a day here; I did so in late 2020, which perhaps wasn’t the best idea when it got dark before 16:00 🤷. The deer here are used to people, so it’s much easier to see them up close. 

Dyrehaven is also close to Bakken, which—believe it or not—is the world’s oldest amusement park. It’s been operational since 1583. It’s also near Bellevue Strand, which is home to the famous watch towers designed by Arne Jacobsen. 

How to Get to Dyrehaven

Take the S-Train from Copenhagen Central Station to Klampenborg; the park entrance is directly outside the station. Checking in and out on the DSB app is the easiest and least expensive option. 

15. Fredensborg Palace

I visited Fredensborg Palace for the first time in January 2021, and in my opinion, it’s one of Denmark’s grandest residences. The Danish Royal Family lives here in the spring and autumn, and its beautiful design will remind you of something from Vienna. 

You can visit the public palace garden throughout the year, though the private one is only open during the summer. It’s also possible to get tours of the palace in July and August. You can view times on the website (in Danish) under “adgang > på engelsk” (“access > in English”).

How to Get to Fredensborg Palace

Fredensborg Slot is around 30-40 minutes from Copenhagen by car, and this is the easiest way to get here. You can also get the S-Train to Humlebæk and then change for the 370R bus to Fredensborg; the journey takes just over an hour.

Whether you’re a history lover, keen on being in nature, or want to explore two countries in one trip, you’ll find all kinds of fun day trips from Copenhagen. These are my top suggestions, and I carefully picked the ones that I found to be the most enjoyable. All of these are within a few hours of the capital; have a think about which ones interest you the most.

16. Furesø

Furesø, Denmark’s deepest lake, is easy to reach from Copenhagen. After hiking around part of the lake in 2024, I wanted to return and do the full loop. It’s around 21 kilometers, and it took us around six-and-a-half hours to go around the full lake. 

The scenery around Furesø changes multiple times. You’ll sometimes find yourself in forested areas, and on other occasions, you’ll walk through some of the nearby towns and suburbs. You can cycle around Furesø, too, but I think it’s more fun to walk. 

Hiking Furesø is easy; there aren’t really any steep inclines, and anyone with reasonable fitness levels will be able to do it. The only issue is its length; you will likely feel your legs at some point. 

You’ll find plenty of benches to sit down and eat along the way, so be sure to bring some food with you. This hike is doable year-round, though you will have limited daylight hours in December and January. 

How to Get to Furesø

Take the S-Train from Copenhagen to Farum. It’s a direct train that takes 30-40 minutes. From Farum Station, the start of the lake is around 30 minutes away on foot. You’ll need to go beneath an overpass; from this point, the lake is signposted. 

We started the hike next to Fiskebæk Naturskole, and this is what I recommend that you type in Google Maps. From here, you can follow the trails. Getting the AllTrails app is a good idea; there’s a hike called “Furesø Loop” within it, which is what we did.

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