Copenhagen is a fun city to visit or live in. But what if you have a spare day (or two) nd you want to see more of Denmark, there are plenty of easy trips you can do by train or bus. Here are 6 of my favorite day trip ideas from Copenhagen.
Any of these day trips is a great way to spend a beautiful day outside the Danish capital. Check out the list and pick the place that excites you most.
If you’re planning a day trip from Copenhagen, use the Rejsekort app for transit. You simply check in when you start your trip, check out at the destination, and pay as you go.
1. Helsingør
If you only do one day trip from Copenhagen, make it Helsingør. This charming town is about an hour by train from the capital, and it has enough sights for a full day (or more if you want to take it slow).
Helsingør’s classic Danish old town is a must, and its three major museums will keep you entertained no matter what you’re into.
- Kronborg Slot, or “Hamlet’s Castle”, is the sight that brings visitors here from all over the world. Visit this late-medieval castle that inspired William Shakespeare’s evergreen drama about the most famous Danish prince of all time: Hamlet.
- The M/S Maritime Museum is right next to the entrance of Kronborg Castle, and there’s often a discounted combo ticket for the two. Personally, this was the one that I enjoyed the least in Helsingør, but it’s still a fun museum if you like ships, the sea, and maritime history. And let’s be honest—you’re in Denmark, one of Europe’s classic seafaring nations, so there’s plenty to see.
- It’s a bit outside the town center, but the Danish Museum of Science and Technology is another great option to visit in Helsingør. If anyone in your group likes technology—kids or adults—they’ll love this place.
Extra tip: If you’re up for a long day trip from Copenhagen, you can also cross the Øresund strait by ferry to Helsingborg (Sweden), another very charming town, then take the train back to Copenhagen over the Øresund Bridge.
2. Hillerød – Frederiksborg Castle
Another great option for castle lovers and anyone interested in the medieval history of Denmark is Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød.
This town, sitting at the northern terminus of S-Tog line A, also features a small historic center, but that’s not its biggest feature. Frederiksborg Castle (Danish: Frederiksborg Slot) was built as a royal residence for King Christian IV of Denmark-Norway in the early 17th century.
The Museum of National History, located inside the castle, is well worth a full day trip from Copenhagen. It showcases the wealth and beauty of the medieval Danish kingdom.
3. Roskilde
Roskilde is one of the easiest day trips from Copenhagen, and it gives you that “historic Denmark” feeling without spending half your day on transit. The town is small enough to explore on foot, but it still has three big highlights that easily fill a day.
First, head to Roskilde Cathedral. Even if you’re not a church person, this one is special: it’s basically Denmark’s royal history in one building, with tombs and chapels that make it feel more like a museum than a quick look-and-leave stop.
After that, walk down toward the harbor for the Viking Ship Museum. This is the Roskilde classic, and for kids (and adults) it’s one of those places where history finally feels real. Real ships, real Viking stories, and a lot of “wait, they actually sailed that far in these?”
And don’t skip the old town around the cathedral. Cobblestone streets, cozy cafés, and that calm small-town vibe you don’t really get in Copenhagen. Perfect for a slow lunch and a little wander before you hop on the train back.
4. Klampenborg & Bakken – The World’s Oldest Amusement Park
This day trip idea is perfect for anyone seeking a bit of thrill and excitement. Bakken is actually the oldest functioning amusement park in the world, with a history dating back to 1583.
The vibe today feels more like a sprawling country fair or flea market than a modern theme park. If you can imagine that kind of setting with some newer rides thrown in, plus a touch of early 20th-century charm and a dash of cheerful chaos, you’ve got the idea.
Admission is free; you only have to pay for the rides. We love this place—it’s a day of fun for the whole family.
Please make sure to check out the official website before you visit, as Bakken is closed in the off-season.
Klampenborg is also one of the best places to enjoy the sea near Copenhagen. Just a short walk from the train station, sandy Bellevue Strand is a relaxing spot whether you feel brave enough to swim in the chilly Baltic Sea or you just want a calm stroll along the pearly-white coast.
5. Malmö
It might sound unorthodox for some to include Malmö on a list of day trips from Copenhagen. I know that some people (especially in Denmark) kind of despise the third-largest Swedish city, specifically when it comes to comparing it to the Danish capital.
But we still love this charming city and I think it’s worth being included in this list of best Copenhagen day trip ideas. The historic city center is adorable and offers a nice contrast to the Danish capital. Take a walk on the pedestrian streets, enjoy one of the many restaurants or cafes. If you have more time, visit Malmö Castle and the famous Turning Torso skyscraper, the highest building in the area.
Oh, and one more thing. When you take the train from Copenhagen to Malmö, you’ll also cross the world-famous Øresund Bridge. This, for many people, is worth the trip.
6. Dragør
Dragør, this charming little town, is another great opportunity if you’re looking for a one-day escape from Copenhagen.
If you want to experience rural Denmark without traveling far from the capital, Dragør is exactly the place you really should visit. Charming old-town houses, cozy cafés and restaurants, a lovely stroll among the boats in the harbor—with views of the Øresund Bridge.
What’s more, a Dragør excursion easily fits into 3–4 hours from downtown Copenhagen, travel time included. So you don’t even need a whole day to experience this rural Danish feeling.
