11 cool day trips from Copenhagen

Photo: Malthe Zimakoff - Copenhagen Media Center

Are you feeling adventurous and want to explore beyond the city limits of Copenhagen? Then this is the guide for you. We've handpicked some of the best and most interesting day trips from Copenhagen just for you!

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Hamlet's castle, Kronborg, in Helsingør
Photo: Daniel Overbeck - VisitNordsjælland
01

The popular one: Helsingør and Hamlet's castle

Enjoy the 45 minutes train ride along the coast of North Zealand to historic seaside town of Helsingør (Elsinore), where you can walk in the footsteps of Shakespeare's Hamlet at Kronborg Castle. Afterwards you can explore Denmark's maritime history at the M/S Maritime Museum which was designed by Bjarke Ingels, and wander through well preserved historical town centre.

 

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02

The literary one: Odense - birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen

The new Hans Christian Andersen Hus museum is the hot ticket for anyone heading to Odense. Did you know that you can get from Copenhagen's Central Station to Denmark's third biggest city, by train in just an hour? That's a super easy day trip from Copenhagen!

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Photo: Ulrik Jantzen - Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
03

The artsy one: Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is situated on the coast north of Copenhagen in a spacious, old park with a fine view across The Sound of Sweden. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art showcases six to eight major exhibitions of modern and contemporary art each year, including classical masters of modern art as well as new and upcoming international artists.

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04

The royal one: Frederiksborg Castle

If you're looking for razzle-dazzle extravaganza, Frederiksborg Castle is the place to go. This lavish castle is situated on three islets on the castle lake in Hillerød, which is a short train ride from Copenhagen. Often referred to as the Nordic Versailles, you'll have more than enough to keep you entertained for the day - and be sure to stroll around in the stunning Baroque garden.

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Find your inner Viking sailing a viking ship in Roskilde Fjord
Photo: Martin Heiberg - Copenhagen Media Center
05

The ancient one: Roskilde - city of kings and Vikings

The historic, cathedral city of Roskilde awaits you - just 20 minutes from Copenhagen. Roskilde Cathedral is the last resting place of nearly 40 Danish kings and queens as well as being a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can also experience 1,000 years of history at the Viking Ship Museum, which features real Viking long boats found at the bottom of Roskilde Fjord.

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One of Thomas Dambo's hidden giants, Lille Tilde, in Vallensbæk Mose near Copenhagen
Photo: © Lille Tilde by Thomas Dambo. Photo: Abdellah Ihadian
06

The cheap one: The 6 forgotten giants

Looking for a budget-friendly day trip? Then why not go on a scavenger hunt in the forests around Copenhagen? Explore the outskirts of the city while hunting for the 6 forgotten giants created of by the artist Thomas Dambo.

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07

The relaxing one: Tour the seaside villages on the Danish Riviera

Take a trip through the quaint seaside villages of the Riviera. Holiday hot-spots like Hornbæk, Gilleleje and Tisvilde are old fishing villages with character, that have evolved into exclusive holiday destinations. At Gilleleje Museum, you can discover how Denmark's Jewish population escaped the Nazis during WWII, or you can visit the home of the late polar explorer, Knud Rasmussen, near Hundested.

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08

The adventurous one: Camp Adventure Treetop Experience

Camp Adventure, an hour south of Copenhagen, is a great place to commune with the trees - and get active at the same time. Climb the tower from the forest floor through the treetops, and discover a 360° view of Zealand's hilly landscape stretching as far as Sweden. It's a real Instagram hot spot, so be sure to bring your camera and start snapping! 

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09

The fun-filled one: The world's oldest amusement park

Want to become parent of the year? Then take the S-train to Klampenborg and visit Bakken, the oldest operating amusement park in the world which dates all the way back to 1583! Try the iconic wooden roller coaster "Rutschebanen" and the many other exhilarating rides and amusements. And remember to set aside some time to stroll through the royal deer park which is right next to Bakken.

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10

The gorgeous one: The white cliffs of Møn

The southern coast of Zealand island is dominated by Møns Klint, the highest cliffs in the country and a fantastic place to get out walking. Take in views of the Baltic Sea and rolling landscape of South Zealand, and while you're south of Copenhagen, make sure to visit Stevns Klint, one of Denmark's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well.

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The romantic Dragsholm Castle on Zealand
Photo: Henrik Saxgren - Dragsholm Castle
11

The romantic one: A getaway to Dragsholm Castle

Head to the countryside and spend some quality time with your significant other in the magnificent old Dragsholm Castle. It the perfect surroundings to make you feel like the king and queen you are. Tour the grand estate and dine like royalty in the castle's Michelin-starred restaurant. And while you're here, why not extend the day trip to a sleep over?

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