Where to travel from Copenhagen: best day trips and a scavenger hunt

September 4, 2023 Rachel Howze

L to R: 1. Egeskov mill, 2. Frederiksborg castle, 3. Roskilde Viking ship museum, 4. Odense, 5. Mons Klint

Copenhagen, with its charming canals, historic streets, and vibrant culture, is a fantastic destination in its own right. However, the beauty of Denmark's capital is that it's not just a gateway to its own treasures, but also to a myriad of captivating day trip destinations. If you're looking to broaden your Danish horizons, we've curated a list of the 10 best day trips from Copenhagen.

Copenhagen, Denmark travel guidebook

1. Lyngby

L to R: 1. Bakken amusement park by @bakkendk, 2. Baadfarten

Proximity: 18 min NW of Copenhagen

An open-air museum, the world's oldest amusement park, UNESCO World Heritage Site royal hunting lodge castle and landscape, a modern art museum in an interesting building, and the beach.

2. Helsingor

L to R: 1. Discover Helsingor - private walking tour, 2. M/S Architectural guided tour

Proximity: 30 min NE of Lyngby, 38 min north of Copenhagen

A historic coastal town famous for its impressive Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site which was Elsinore in Shakespeare's Hamlet, its Maritime museum, and its strategic location of the Danish Riviera at the narrowest point of the Øresund Strait, where you can catch a glimpse of Sweden across the water.

3. Humblebaek

L to R: 1. Louisiana museum

Proximity: 13 min south of Helsingor, 30 min north of Copenhagen

A charming coastal town known for its scenic waterfront views, serene beaches, and the renowned Louisiana Museum of Modern Art overlooking the Oresund sound. Humblebaek is a delightful destination for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

4. Hillerod

L to R: 1. Frederiksborg

Proximity: 25 min west of Humblebaek, 34 min NW of Copenhagen

Famed for the resplendent Frederiksborg Castle, a stunning Scandinavian Renaissance palace surrounded by picturesque gardens, making it a must-visit destination for admirers of royal history and exquisite architecture.

5. Roskilde

L to R: 1. Viking ship museum, 2. Copenhagen: Roskilde, Frederiksborg & Kronborg day tour

Proximity: 38 min SW of Hillerod, 33 min west of Copenhagen

Roskilde, located in Denmark, is a historic city renowned for its rich Viking heritage and the impressive Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and architecture aficionados.

6. Malmo, Sweden

L to R: 1. Things to do in Malmo, Sweden, 2. Ribersborgs open-air bathhouse by Malini Basu

Proximity: 54 min east of Roskilde, 41 min SE of Copenhagen

Malmo, an intriguing blend of old-world charm and innovative modernism, is a vibrant city deeply steeped in Swedish history and Scandinavian culture, characterized by its diverse culinary scene and distinctive Nordic design. Go to an open-air bathhouse, enjoy the beach and you can even stay at a circus hotel.

Malmo, Sweden travel guidebook

7. Mons Klint

L to R: 1. South Zealand Mon by Destination SydkystDanmark, 2. Stege by Tage Klee

Proximity: 2 hours 12 min SW of Malmo, 1 hour 53 min south of Copenhagen

Mons Klint is a stunning natural wonder on the eastern coast of Denmark's island of Møn, known for its towering chalk cliffs that rise dramatically from the Baltic Sea, offering breathtaking views and unique geological formations and the nearby Medieval shopping own of Stege on the Herring Route.

8. Kvaerndrup

L to R: 1. Egeskov mill, 2. Egeskov castle

Proximity: 2.5 hours NW of Mons Klint, 1 hour 54 min SW of Copenhagen

A picturesque village in Denmark known for its tranquil countryside landscapes and traditional Danish charm. Nestled on the island of Funen, it offers a serene escape and an opportunity to experience the beauty of rural Denmark.

9. Odense

L to R: 1. Tour with Odense river cruise return ticket, 2. The best of Odense walking tour

Proximity: 25 min north of Kvaerndrup, 1 hour 53 min west of Copenhagen

Birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen and museum honoring him, it offers a blend of cultural richness, charming old-world architecture, and a vibrant arts scene that captivates visitors from around the world.

To inspire you for this trip, read one of his books:

L to R: 1. Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen, 2. The Little Mermaid and other fairytales (MinaLima edition) by Hans Christian Andersen

10. Middlefart

L to R: 1. Discover Middlefart on guided bike tour, 2. CLAY museum of ceramic art Denmark by Thomas Molvig

Proximity: 41 min NW of Odense, 2 hours 8 min SW of Copenhagen

Middelfart is a picturesque town located in Denmark, known for its scenic waterfront, charming harbor area, and vibrant cultural scene. Has an adventurous bridgewalking experience, clay ceramic museum, and even an opportunity to stay in a castle.