Excursions from Copenhagen: the best day trips around Copenhagen

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and, like the other Nordic capitals, it is a fascinating city that will make you fall in love with Danish and, more generally, Northern European culture thanks to its many must-see attractions.
Its strategic location by the sea and on the border with Sweden also makes it a perfect base for exploring the surrounding areas. Here are some tips on the best day trips around Copenhagen.

1 - Hamlet Castle in Helsingør (Kronborg)

This town in the north of Denmark is located just under 50 kilometres from Copenhagen, about 45 minutes by car. The city is also easily accessible by train, which leaves the capital every 20 minutes and takes about an hour to bring you to your destination.

Helsingør is home to Kronborg, also known as Hamlet's Castle, as this is the castle where Shakespeare set the famous Hamlet tragedy. Built in 1420, it was damaged several times in the following centuries, was destroyed and rebuilt, always in its strategic position on the Øresund Strait. Since 2000, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In August, the castle also hosts the Shakespeare Festival, during which Shakespearian plays are performed by Danish and foreign theatre companies.

• Distance: 50 km

• How to get there: Direct train 029 to Københavns Hovedbanegård Station in Copenhagen and get off at Helsingør Station, one hour; the castle is a 10-minute walk from the station - get directions

• Hours: January, February, March, November and December Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm, closed Mondays; April, May and October daily 11am to 4pm; June to September daily 10am to 5.30pm

• Ticket price: Cost varies according to the months of visit; January to May and September to December costs 95 DKK (approx. €12.70), June to August 145 DKK (approx. €19.50)

• Card, tickets and recommended tours : Copenhagen: tours to Roskilde, Frederiksborg and Kronborg

2 - Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød

It is located in Hillerød, a town in northern Denmark, 40 kilometres from Copenhagen, about half an hour by car. Easily accessible by train.

Frederiksborg Castle is located on Lake Slotsø in Hillerød. In Dutch Renaissance style, it was built in the 17th century at the behest of Christian IV, King of Denmark and Norway. Since 1878, it has become home to the National History Museum.
One of its highlights are undoubtedly the beautiful gardens surrounding the castle, one in Baroque and one in Romantic style.
If you visit Frederiksborg on weekends and public holidays from Easter until October, you will be greeted by people wearing traditional costumes that echo those painted in the paintings on display in the halls - quite a leap into the past!

• Distance: 40 km

• How to get there: Train to Københavns Hovedbanegård Station in Copenhagen and get off at Lyngby Station, where the A train to Hillerød Station departs, total journey one hour; the castle is an 18-minute walk from the station (2 km) - Get directions

• Hours: 1 April to 31 October daily from 10:00 to 17:00; 1 November to 31 March daily from 11:00 to 15:00

• Ticket price: full price DKK 75 (approx. €10.00); concessions 6 to 15 years DKK 20 (approx. €2.70); concessions over 65 and students DKK 60 (approx. €8.00)

• Card, tickets and recommended tours : Copenhagen: tours in Roskilde, Frederiksborg and Kronborg

3 - Roskilde and the Viking Ship Museum

This city is located west of Copenhagen, from which it is only 31 kilometres away, about half an hour by car. The city is also easily accessible by train, with a direct connection from the capital taking you to your destination in less than 25 minutes.

Roskilde is a medieval city that was the capital of Denmark until the 15th century. Besides its beautiful old town and Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, you cannot miss another attraction for which the city is famous: the Vikingeskibsmuseet, the Viking Ship Museum, where you can admire the remains of ships found in the surrounding area and fjord. In addition, you can immerse yourself in the role of a Viking, trying on traditional clothing and boarding faithful replicas of ships. In summer, real sea trips are organised, which you should try out! This museum is also perfect for children, as they too can dress up and play with mock Viking swords.

• Distance: 31.2 km

• How to get there: Take the direct RE train to Næstved at Københavns Hovedbanegård Station in Copenhagen and get off at Roskilde Station, travel time 23 minutes (2 km) - Get directions

• Hours: 1 May to 13 October and public holidays daily from 10:00 to 17:00; 14 October to 30 April daily from 10:00 to 16:00

• Ticket prices: 1 January to 8 February, 25 February to 12 April, 23 April to 30 April and 21 October to 30 December DKK 110 (approx. €14.70); 9 to 24 February, 13 to 22 April and 1 May to 20 October DKK 150 (approx. €20.00); up to 17 years of age is free

• Card, tickets and recommended tours : Copenhagen: tours to Roskilde, Frederiksborg and Kronborg

4 - Bakken

Photo by Erkan. Want to be a child again for a day? Then Bakken is the perfect destination for you! It is located just 14 kilometres north of Copenhagen, about 20 minutes by car. It is also very easy to get there by train, which takes 25 minutes.
Bakken, whose full name is Dyrehavsbakken, is the world's oldest Amusement Park, still in operation. With an area of 75,000 square metres and an average attendance of about 2.5 million people a year, it is considered one of the most important attractions in Denmark. Dating back to 1583, in the park you will find one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the world, built in 1931 by the Irish engineer Quinlan, many different rides, amusement arcades, numerous dance, cabaret and circus shows and plenty of bars and restaurants. Admission is free and you can choose to pay for individual rides or buy a day pass.

• Distance: 14.1 km

• How to get there: Direct train 029, A or C to Københavns Hovedbanegård Station in Copenhagen and get off at Klampenborg Station, journey time 26 minutes; Bakken is 750 metres from the station, less than a 10-minute walk - Get directions

• Hours: opening days change every year; generally from 10am to midnight from the second Friday in April to the second Sunday in September, the second and third week in October and weekends during the Christmas period; some rides and restaurants may have different opening times, however, so please check the official website before visiting; closed during the winter period

• Ticket price: it is free, access to the different rides is charged and varies from ride to ride; on the official website you can buy different passes starting from 219 DKK for adults (about €30.00) and 139 DKK for children (about €18.60)

5 - Odensen and Andersen's House

This town is located in the heart of Denmark, on the island of Funen, 159 kilometres west of Copenhagen, almost two hours by car. But the best way to get there is definitely by train, as there are several direct trains leaving from the capital every day, which will get you there in about an hour and a half. Be sure to choose a window seat to admire the beauty of this country.

Odensen, whose origins date back before the Viking settlements, is best known for being the hometown of the writer Hans Christian Andersen, author of the fairy tale The Little Mermaid. But not only that, it is also the official city of cycling, its name being derived from Odin, the Norse god of war. The Danish writer's house is now home to a museum dedicated to him, established in 1908, which traces his life and the works he wrote over the years. Then lose yourself in the beautiful streets of Odensen's old town, full of typical cafés and street food markets.

• Distance: 159 km

• How to get there: Direct IC or ICL train to Københavns Hovedbanegård Station in Copenhagen and get off at Odense Banegård Centre station, travel time 1 hour 34 minutes(Get directions); Andersen's house is located at Munkemøllestræde 3 in Odense(Get directions)

• Hours: open daily from 10am to 5pm

• Ticket price: 135 DKK (approximately €18.00)

6 - Møn Island

The Island of Møn is located in the south of Denmark, 128 kilometres from Copenhagen, about an hour and a half's drive. A car is the best way to get there, as public transport will take you no less than four hours and you will have to make several changes. Moreover, renting a car gives you total freedom and autonomy to get around the island better.

The island of Møn is one of Denmark's major nature attractions. One of the most beautiful sights you can see here are its beautiful cliffs, which reach a height of about 130 metres and stretch for 12 kilometres. To get to the beach, you will have to climb a wooden staircase consisting of more than 500 steps, which starts at the top and goes all the way through the forest. The difference in height is the same as the height of the cliffs, i.e. about 130 metres, so watch out for the ascent, which may be a little tiring for the less fit.

• Distance: 128 kilometres

• How to get there: 128 kilometres from Copenhagen, approximately one hour and 31 minutes by car - Get directions

• Timetable: always accessible

• Ticket price: free

7 - Lolland and Falster Islands

Photo by Toxophilus. The Islands of Lolland and Falster are one of the southernmost points of Denmark. Due to their proximity, we recommend visiting them both on the same day and renting a car. Falster, the closest to Copenhagen, is 118 km, an hour and a quarter by car. Lolland, on the other hand, is 154 km from Copenhagen, about an hour and 40 minutes by car.

Falster Island is a famous tourist resort, much loved by Danes for its white sandy beaches and unspoilt nature, an ideal destination for spending a few days in complete relaxation and tranquillity. After the beaches, the island's main attraction is the Middelaldercentret, a theme park in which a medieval Danish village from the 15th century has been reconstructed. Here you can try your hand at archery, watch knights' tournaments and stroll through the marketplace. A real step back in time.

To reach the island of Lolland, simply continue on the main road connecting the two islands. Here we recommend a visit to Naturpark Maribosøerne, which opened in 1994 and covers 50 square kilometres. It is one of the country's most important natural areas.

• Distance: 118 km

• How to get toFalster: located 118 kilometres from Copenhagen, approximately one hour and 15 minutes by car - Get directions

• How to get toLolland: located 182 kilometres from Copenhagen, approximately one hour and 40 minutes by car - Get directions

• Hours: the islands are always accessible; the Middelaldercentret is open from May to October from 10:00 to 16:00, in May and September it is closed on Mondays; Naturpark Maribosøerne is always accessible

• Ticket price: Entrance to Middelaldercentret costs DKK 140 (approx. €18.70); entrance to Naturpark Maribosøerne is free of charge

8 - Bornholm Island and Christiansø

Bornholm Island is an island in Denmark off the coast of Sweden. To get there, you have to cross the Øresund Bridge to the Swedish town of Ystad, about 92 kilometres from the Danish capital, and from there board the fast ferries (you can also take a vehicle). Our advice is to rent a car so that you can get around the island freely.

Bornholm Island is ideal for those who love wild nature and active sports holidays: this is a perfect place for cycling and hiking, thanks to the many hiking trails. The landscapes that you will see are also very different but all very impressive. In the north of the island are the beautiful Sanctuary cliffs, composed of granite and rising 22 metres above the sea, while the south is characterised by fine sandy beaches. 20 kilometres northeast of Bornholm Island, about an hour's boat ride away, are the archipelago of Ertholmene, Christiansø and Frederikso, connected by a footbridge. Here you will find some of the most beautiful landscapes in Denmark.

• Distance: 92 km

• How to get there: get to Ystad 92 kilometres from Copenhagen, about an hour and 12 minutes by car, here take one of the many fast ferries that depart daily to the island of Bornholm, total journey time 3 hours - Get directions

• Timetable: always accessible

• Ticket price: one-way ferry ticket from 99 DKK (approx. €13.30), including car and maximum 5 people

9 - Malmö and Lund

Copenhagen lies on the border with Sweden, to which it is connected by the Øresund bridge, which leads to the city of Malmö. To change state and spend a day discovering this Swedish city you will only have to travel 44 kilometres, either by car or by train the journey time is about 40 minutes.

Once you arrive in Malmö, you will immediately notice that you are in a different state, starting with the architecture of the houses and the historical centre, which is developed mainly around two squares, Stora Torget and Lilla Torget, where some of the city's most important attractions are located. Wander through the streets of Gamla Staden, the heart of Malmö, with its colourful, medieval-style houses, visit Malmö Castle, Sweden's oldest Renaissance fortress, admire the modern, futuristic Turning Torso tower and treat yourself to a lunch break with typical Swedish dishes such as köttbullar, a plate of meatballs served with mashed potatoes and a sauce made from lingon jam, a blueberry-like fruit.

Lund is located just 18 kilometres from Malmö and can be reached in 10 minutes by train. It is a small medieval town, characterised by its cobblestone streets and traditional half-timbered houses. You will feel like stepping back in time. Despite this ancient side, Lund is a very young city with a great nightlife, which is also due to its being a university town.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Malmo

• Distance: 44.4 km

• How to get there: Take the direct train SJ Snabbtåg X2000, Öresundståg or 029 to Copenhagen Københavns Hovedbanegård Station and get off at Malmö Central Station, journey time 40 minutes - Get directions

• Timetable: always accessible

• Ticket cost: cost varies depending on the attractions you wish to visit

• Card, ticket and tour recommendations: Copenhagen: Øresund Bridge tour to Lund and Malmö

10 - Kristianstad

Kristianstad is a Swedish city not far from Malmö and Lund. It is 153 kilometres away from Copenhagen, so you can reach it in just one hour and 45 minutes by car. But the best way to get there is undoubtedly by direct train from Copenhagen to Kristianstad C station, also in an hour and 45 minutes.

Kristianstad is a quaint little town located on the banks of the Helge River. This town is a perfect destination for museum and nature lovers: on the opposite bank you will find the ecomuseum Naturum Vattenriket, set in a beautiful landscape full of life, ideal for bird watching enthusiasts; while in the centre you will find the beautiful Hälsoträdgården gardens, open 24 hours a day and uniquely beautiful.

• Distance: 153 km

• Getting there: The train leaves every hour for Kristianstad C at Københavns Hovedbanegård Station in Copenhagen, journey time 1 hour 45 minutes (€19.00) - Get directions

• Hours: the city is always accessible; Naturum Vattenriket is open from June to August every day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, in September from Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, from October to March from Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, from April to May from Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm; the Hälsoträdgården is always accessible

• Ticket price: Free