My 16 Favorite Day Trips From Copenhagen as a Local!

Copenhagen is an exciting city, and while the capital of Denmark offers plenty of experiences, sometimes a change of scenery is just what you need. After living in Copenhagen for years, I’ve come to truly appreciate the balance between exploring the city limits and venturing beyond. From charming villages to coastal areas, there are plenty of day trips that promise a lovely break from the tourist hordes and the daily hustle.

When you’re in the mood for something different, you don’t have to go far. Sweden is only about an hour away by train, offering an easy international escape. I often enjoy heading there for a quick adventure or to stock up on unique items from Swedish grocery stores.

As an expat in Copenhagen, I know that sometimes it’s the little trips that provide the most satisfaction, and there’s no shortage of interesting destinations, from historic castles to stunning cliffs.

With the best day trips right at your doorstep, there’s always a chance to discover new gems in nature, art, architecture, and even history. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these trips offer something for everyone, from relaxing coastal escapes to places filled with rich stories.

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1. Dragør

Dragør is a charming Danish fishing town located close to Copenhagen Airport. It’s the kind of place you might imagine living in when you’re a bit older, with its quaint yellow houses and peaceful atmosphere.

Dragør is great to visit year-round, but it’s especially lovely during the summer. You can enjoy a day trip exploring the village, grabbing some fresh fish and chips at Dragør Røgeri, and treating yourself to some delicious ice cream from Dragør Is—though I won’t mention dropping some of mine on the floor.

How to Get to Dragør

To get to Dragør from Copenhagen Central Station, you can take the 250S bus, which takes around 45 minutes. Alternatively, if you’re coming from Copenhagen Airport, the 35 bus will get you there in about 20 minutes.

For a more scenic route, especially in the summer, cycling is a great option. The bike ride takes around 45-60 minutes, mostly along paved bike paths, offering a relaxing and enjoyable journey.

Another option is the Amager Fælled walk through the vast Amager Fælled nature reserve, which I’ve done twice, once in January and again in June 2021. This walk took me about seven hours one way, but it’s a peaceful and immersive way to experience the area.

2. Malmö

Malmö, Sweden’s third-biggest city, is one of the most popular day trips from Copenhagen. With its scenic parks, beaches, and excellent food, there’s plenty to explore in the downtown area.

While it’s great for a day trip, I’d recommend staying overnight to fully enjoy everything this city has to offer. Malmö is very bike-friendly, making it easy to explore on two wheels. You can also rent a boat and discover the city by its charming canal, or join a boat tour with a great guide, which is what we did when we visited.

The iconic Turning Torso dominates the skyline, but old buildings around the city center provide a nice contrast. Don’t miss the chance to ride along the Øresund Bridge, which offers amazing views and is a cool experience in itself.

How to Get to Malmö

Getting to Malmö from Copenhagen is straightforward and easy. Trains depart regularly from Copenhagen Central Station and Copenhagen Airport, with the journey taking only 30-60 minutes.

You can easily book tickets through the Skånetrafiken App on iOS or Android, and there’s no need to worry about planning. If you prefer a hassle-free trip, you can enjoy a full-day trip to Malmö by train without any problems.

3. Helsingør

Helsingør is a charming town located in the north of Sjælland, just 50-60 minutes from Copenhagen. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting it numerous times and can confidently say it’s worth exploring. One of the main attractions here is Kronborg Slot, the famous castle featured in William Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet. You can book a tour of its interior, which I did in 2022 and highly recommend.

It’s also included in the Copenhagen Card, but even without it, you can still purchase an entry ticket and explore the exteriors for free. The beach in Helsingør is perfect for a relaxed afternoon in the summer, and the town center offers lovely buildings to admire while strolling along its streets.

If you feel like traveling a bit further, Helsingør is only 20 minutes away from Helsingborg in Sweden, with a direct ferry available for a quick and easy trip.

How to Get to Helsingør

Getting to Helsingør is easy with a direct train from Copenhagen Central Station, where you’ll enjoy a scenic journey along Sjælland’s beautiful coastline. To buy tickets, you can use the DOT app (available on iOS and Android). If you want unlimited travel within the Capital Region, the City Pass Large ticket is a great option.

Alternatively, you can check out the DSB app for tickets, which might offer cheaper deals. It’s always worth checking the app for discounts, and you can easily book tickets on the day of travel.

4. Frederiksborg Slot

Frederiksborg Slot in Hillerød is a stunning castle that’s definitely worth visiting. I first came here in October 2020, and I loved walking through the castle’s gardens—the view of the castle from the shore is beautiful too. While I haven’t yet visited the inside of the castle, it’s worth considering if you’re interested in history.

Hillerød itself is mostly residential, but the shopping street is quite pleasant. The castle is open year-round, even during Christmas and New Year’s. In the summer months, you can also take a charming little boat across the moat.

How to Get to Frederiksborg Slot

To get to Frederiksborg Slot, take the S-Train on Route A from Copenhagen to Hillerød, which takes about 40 minutes. Once you arrive, it’s just a 15-minute walk to the castle, and it’s well-signposted, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding it.

If you don’t have the Copenhagen Card, the DSB app is the easiest way to buy tickets. You can check in at the start and check out at the end of your journey, or simply search for Hillerød in the app to plan your trip.

5. Gilleleje

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

It’s also still very much a fishing town, where you can enjoy the freshest seafood. For a real treat, Adamsens Fisk is the best place to try fish—honestly, I prefer it to British fish and chips, even though I’m a Brit. It’s better than the ones I had in Fleetwood when I was a kid.

How to Get to Gilleleje

Getting to Gilleleje is easier by car, with the journey from Copenhagen taking just about an hour. If you prefer public transport, it will take you about 90 minutes. You’ll need to take the train to Hillerød and then change to the 950R local train that will take you to Gilleleje. It’s simple, and the full route is easy to follow.

6. Hareskoven and Bagsværd Sø

As part of my wellness arc, I discovered Hareskoven, which has been one of my best discoveries. This peaceful area of forests, along with Bagsværd Sø, is only 30 minutes from Copenhagen.

The trail starts right outside the station, making it easy to access. I highly recommend walking through the forested area and also exploring the route around Bagsværd Sø, one of the nicest lakes in the region. There are plenty of spots to sit and enjoy a picnic, so be sure to bring some food with you.

How to Get to Hareskoven and Bagsværd Sø

To get to Hareskoven and Bagsværd Sø, take the S-Train and get off right outside the forest. You’ll need to board Route B heading toward Farum. It’s a simple and easy way to reach these peaceful spots from Copenhagen.

7. Fjordstien, Roskilde

Fjordstien, also known as the Fjord Path, is a fantastic hiking route near Copenhagen that starts at the harbor in Roskilde. Although we didn’t do the entire trail, the part we explored was really enjoyable.

You’ll walk along the water and pass through forested areas, with plenty of cows along the way. The walk is straightforward, but there are some challenging areas where you’ll need to climb over fallen trees.

After completing the hike, you’ll return to Roskilde, where you can visit the harbor, the beautiful cathedral, and some lovely parks. While the town center isn’t particularly impressive, I recommend spending most of your time on the hiking route. You can easily take the train back to Copenhagen from here.

How to Get to Roskilde / Fjordstien

To get to Roskilde, you can take one of the regular trains from Copenhagen. The journey takes about 30 minutes, and once you arrive, it’s a short 25-minute walk to the harbor. You can easily buy your tickets through the DSB app, and no booking is required. From here, you can explore Fjordstien or enjoy the lovely surroundings.

8. Odense

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Odense a couple of times, and the city has really grown since my first trip in early 2021. The city is now home to a huge Hans Christian Andersen museum, celebrating the writer’s birthplace.

The whole city feels themed around him, adding a special charm. Recently, Odense has also added a new tram network, giving the city a more complete feel. The center of town is cozy, with colorful houses lining the cobbled streets, and you can visit HC Andersen’s childhood home.

Odense also has a nice, modern harbor to explore. If you’re planning to visit, I highly recommend booking train tickets in advance to get excellent deals like DSB’s orange tickets, which start at 99 DKK (but be aware, seat reservations cost additional money).

How to Get to Odense

To get to Odense from Copenhagen, you can take a train that takes just over an hour. You can book your tickets through the DSB app, and don’t forget to buy a seat (pladsbillet in Danish) to ensure your comfort during the trip.

9. Køge

Køge is a popular relocation spot for Copenhageners looking to leave the city, but it’s much more than just a commuter town. I believe it’s one of Denmark’s most beautiful market towns and a bit of an underrated day trip. The downtown area is full of Danish-style homes, and the town square is huge.

The town also has a pleasant harbor, offering the perfect place to experience hygge, the famed Danish feeling that you can also find in Copenhagen. There are a few nice restaurants and distilleries along the harbor as well.

A heads-up if you visit on a Sunday—many shops are closed, so Køge might be a bit less lively than usual. Still, we visited on a Sunday and enjoyed it just fine.

How to Get to Køge

To get to Køge from Copenhagen, take a train from Copenhagen Central Station. The direct service will get you there in about 40 minutes. You can buy tickets using the DOT app, or if you prefer, you can also check in and check out using the DSB app.

10. Lund

Lund is one of my favorite cities in Sweden and a surprisingly easy day trip from the Danish capital. It’s a charming university town with a stunning cathedral and winding streets lined with cute houses. If I had to choose a place to live in Sweden (other than Umeå), Lund would be my pick. You can visit the beautiful Botanical Gardens and stop by Mannz Bageri for some delicious baked goods. Lund is just 20 minutes from Malmö, making it simple to combine the two cities in a single day trip.

How to Get to Lund

To get to Lund, you can take a train from Copenhagen to Gothenburg, which stops in Lund along the way. Alternatively, you can take the train to Malmö and then change to a local service to Lund. You can easily buy tickets through the Skånetrafiken app, and there’s no need to reserve in advance. The journey from Copenhagen to Lund takes around an hour.

11. Tisvildele Hegn

In 2021, my friend and I took a road trip across the north of Sjælland, and one of the highlights was visiting Tisvildeleje Strand. Even though it was raining that day, I had a great time exploring the beach. Tisvildeleje Strand has long been a popular summer destination for Copenhageners, known for its colorful huts and the stunning view of summerhouses in the distance.

The beach is just the beginning, as behind it lies the expansive Troldeskoven (The Trolls’ Forest), a wonderful place to hike. I even spotted some wild deer during my walk, making it an unforgettable experience.

How to Get to Tisvilde Hegn

Tisvilde Hegn is about an hour’s drive from Copenhagen, and I recommend going by car if possible. If you prefer public transport, the journey will take around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. You can take the S-Train to either Hillerød or Frederikssund and then change for local public transport to reach Tisvilde Hegn.

12. Møns Klint and Stevns Klint

One of my favorite day trips from Copenhagen is combining Møns Klint and Stevns Klint. Despite Denmark being known as a flat country, these stunning cliffs challenge that stereotype. Møns Klint is easily recognizable by its chalky white facade, and the forest at the top makes for a pleasant summer stroll.

I preferred the view of the cliffs from up there, but walking down to the pebble beach is also worth it. If you want to stay longer, Møns Klint has a campsite that is very nice for an overnight stay. While you’re on the island of Møn, I recommend driving around to enjoy the rolling plains and stopping in Stege, the main town, for some lunch at Det Gamle Bryghus.

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

How to Get to Møns Klint and Stevns Klint

Getting to Stevns Klint is possible by public transport, but in my opinion, it’s much better to drive, as it’s only 75 minutes from Copenhagen by car. Møns Klint, on the other hand, is even less feasible by public transport, but very easy to reach by car, with a journey of just over two hours from Copenhagen.

From Stevns Klint, it’s only a little over an hour and a half to Møns Klint. If you’d prefer not to deal with the planning, a guided tour to Møns Klint is a great option, allowing you to enjoy the trip without the hassle.

13. Skanör-Falsterbo

In April 2024, I had the pleasure of visiting Skanör-Falsterbo, a beautiful corner of Southern Sweden. A friend invited me on a spontaneous day trip to Sweden, and it turned out to be a birdwatcher’s paradise. The area is home to several species, including snipes, gannets, and terns.

While exploring, don’t miss the Falsterbo Lighthouse, which dates back to the 18th century. For a great lunch, stop by Fiskhuset in Skanör. Skanör-Falsterbo is also part of the Skåneleden hiking trail, and I highly recommend visiting during the warmer months.

How to Get to Skanör-Falsterbo

The easiest way to get to Skanör-Falsterbo is by car, which takes about 50 minutes from Copenhagen. When crossing the Øresund Bridge into Sweden, don’t forget your passport in case you’re checked. There is a fee to drive across the bridge, and you can check the prices online.

If you prefer public transport, take the train to Hyllie Station in Malmö, which is the first stop when traveling from Denmark to Sweden. From there, take the 300 bus to Falsterbo Strandbad and stay on until the final stop. Once you arrive, follow the directions to Falsterbo Fyr and explore the area from there.

14. Dyrehaven

Dyrehaven is a popular day trip from Copenhagen, especially for nature lovers. This large deer park is just 20 minutes by train from the city and is where the famous Hubertusjagt horse race takes place every November.

I spent a day there in late 2020, though it got dark early, around 16:00, so be prepared for that. The deer here are quite used to people, making it easy to get a good look at them up close.

Besides the deer, Dyrehaven is near Bakken, the world’s oldest amusement park, which has been operational since 1583. It’s also close to Bellevue Strand, home to the famous watch towers designed by Arne Jacobsen.

How to Get to Dyrehaven

To get to Dyrehaven, take the S-Train from Copenhagen Central Station to Klampenborg. The park entrance is directly outside the station, making it very convenient. The easiest and least expensive option is to use the DSB app for checking in and checking out.

15. Fredensborg Palace

I visited Fredensborg Palace for the first time in January 2021, and I believe it’s one of Denmark’s grandest residences. The Danish Royal Family stays here during the spring and autumn, and its beautiful design reminded me of something from Vienna.

You can visit the public palace garden year-round, but the private garden is only open in the summer. If you’re visiting in July or August, you can also take tours of the palace. You can find more details on the website (in Danish) under “adgang > på engelsk” (which means “access > in English”).

How to Get to Fredensborg Palace

To get to Fredensborg Slot, the easiest way is by car, which takes around 30-40 minutes from Copenhagen. Alternatively, you can take the S-Train to Humlebæk and then change to the 370R bus to Fredensborg. The journey by public transport takes just over an hour.

16. Furesø

Furesø, Denmark’s deepest lake, is a great place for outdoor activities near Copenhagen. I went hiking around part of the lake in 2024 and wanted to do the full loop, which is about 21 kilometers long. The hike took us about six and a half hours. The scenery changes constantly, with views of forested areas, as well as some nearby towns and suburbs. You can also cycle around Furesø, but I think walking is more fun.

The hike is easy, with no steep inclines, so anyone with reasonable fitness levels can do it. However, the length might make your legs feel tired at some point. There are plenty of benches along the way to sit and enjoy some food. This hike is doable year-round, though be mindful of limited daylight hours in December and January.

How to Get to Furesø

To get to Furesø, take the S-Train from Copenhagen to Farum, which takes about 30-40 minutes on a direct train. Once you reach Farum Station, the start of the lake is around 30 minutes on foot. You’ll need to go under an overpass, and from there, the lake is well signposted.

We started our hike next to Fiskebæk Naturskole, which I recommend typing into Google Maps for directions. You can follow the trails from here, and I also suggest getting the AllTrails app—we used it to find the Furesø Loop trail.

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