Out & about

One day trips from Copenhagen

As you have probably already discovered, there is plenty to do in Copenhagen. But beyond the city, a wealth of incredible experiences awaits—all around the capital and throughout the region! Stunning nature, cultural sites, and small and large attractions, all of which can be reached in less than an hour by public transport or car.

Below, we have listed some of them—ten attractions both north and south/west of the city. The closest destinations are mentioned first, followed by those that require a slightly longer journey. Each destination includes a link where you can explore further. Many of these locations can easily be combined, allowing you to visit three or four spots in one trip.

Copenhagen offers many fascinating museums, but two of Denmark’s most remarkable art museums are actually located outside the city. Louisiana is just under an hour north, while Arken is similarly located to the south.

And then, of course, there’s our neighboring country! Our wonderful Swedish neighbors can be reached by train, ferry, or car. You can read more about that here: https://malmo.se/

Now, let’s dive into the presentation of the seven excursion destinations north of Copenhagen and the three located to the west and south. Enjoy!

North of Copenhagen

1. Arne Jacobsens Bellevue

Experience Arne Jacobsen’s iconic architecture north of Copenhagen. The famous Bellevue Theatre, along with matching residential buildings and even an elegantly designed gas station (yes, they exist!), is located in beautiful surroundings just north of the city.

All of these structures are outstanding examples of his modernist style. Get up close to the architecture by strolling through the area, or take a guided tour of the theatre to learn more about Arne Jacobsen, the history of the theatre, and the renowned architecture along Strandvejen.

You can choose between two different tours at Bellevue: one lasting 45 minutes and another lasting 25 minutes. Both must be booked via email. The shorter tour takes you through the theatre’s auditorium, while the longer tour includes additional fascinating details of the building. The short tour costs 50 DKK per person, while the longer one costs 100 DKK per person. Find more details about the tours here.

And just across the street, you’ll find the famous Bellevue Beach. A visit to Arne Jacobsen’s architectural world is the perfect stop on the way to Kronborg or Louisiana—especially for architecture enthusiasts.

2. Royal History and Stunning Views in Dyrehaven

On a hilltop in Dyrehaven stands the royal hunting lodge, offering breathtaking views of the Øresund Strait, ancient beech and oak trees, and an expansive hunting landscape.

The historic hunting banquets at the Hermitage Palace were truly unique, as the kings could indulge their guests without the presence of servants. With a simple signal, a fully set table—with wine, game, and delicacies—would rise through the floor via a built-in elevator table.

This allowed the king and his guests to dine en ermitage—in solitude—ensuring private conversations without prying eyes and ears.

3. Lyngby-Taarbæk: Nature Experiences and Hidden Gems Just Outside Copenhagen

As a green and ideal destination for a day trip, Lyngby-Taarbæk is only a 20-minute S-train ride from Copenhagen Central Station.

Attractions such as the amusement park Bakken and the vast Dyrehaven (see above) can also be reached via a scenic drive along the Øresund coastline on Strandvejen. Along the way, you’ll find many other nature and cultural experiences.

See some of them here: https://www.visitcopenhagen.dk/koebenhavn/day-trips/lyngby-taarbaek

Bakken

4. Danish Life Through History

The Open-Air Museum (Frilandsmuseet) is one of the world’s largest and oldest open-air museums, offering a fascinating glimpse into Danish life through the centuries. During the autumn holiday, the museum celebrates Halloween with creatures from Nordic folklore taking over the grounds.

Frilandsmuseet is part of the National Museum of Denmark and is located just north of Copenhagen. It features more than 50 original buildings, including farmsteads, smallholdings, mills, and other houses from the period 1650-1940.

These buildings have been relocated and reconstructed with their surrounding gardens and landscapes, giving visitors an authentic impression of history and the environments tied to each farm and rural estate.

The museum also includes buildings from Skåne and the Faroe Islands, showcasing everyday life and festive traditions for rural communities over nearly 400 years.

Special activities are often held during school holidays, so be sure to check the museum’s website for upcoming events and exhibitions—many of which are perfect for families.

5. Frederiksborg Castle and Hillerød

Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød is a gem—an enchanting experience that no child or adult should miss. This beautiful Renaissance castle is built on three small islands in the Castle Lake, where its many towers and spires are reflected in the shimmering water.

Frederiksborg is named after King Frederik II, who built the first castle on the site. However, it was his son, Christian IV, who constructed the magnificent building we see today, the largest Renaissance castle in the Nordic countries.

The foundations for the first version of Frederiksborg were laid in 1560, where the manor house Hillerødsholm once stood. However, the architect's son, Christian IV, who was born and raised in the castle, had grander ambitions. Between 1600 and 1620, he had his father’s castle demolished and built the much larger and more beautiful Renaissance castle that we know today. Christian IV aimed to position himself as a powerful European monarch and to impress the kings and princes of Europe.

The royal family resided at Frederiksborg until the late 1700s, when the castle was considered outdated. In the mid-1800s, King Frederik VII brought new life to Frederiksborg when he moved in with his wife Louise Rasmussen, also known as Countess Danner. The couple modernized the castle with fireplaces and stoves to heat the large rooms. This led to the great castle fire of 1859, during which most of the interior was destroyed. Only the Chapel and the Audience Hall survived the fire.

Fortunately, the castle was rebuilt. The Knights’ Hall, located on the second floor above the chapel, is one of the highlights of the castle. It has been restored to resemble its original grandeur during Christian IV’s reign and is magnificently furnished, allowing you to vividly imagine the royal festivities of the past with all their pomp and splendor. Be sure to look up—the ceiling is extravagantly carved and painted with intricate detail. On the walls hang beautiful tapestries and portraits of the Glücksburg royal family. One of the newest additions is Niels Strøbæk's painting of three generations: Queen Margrethe 2., King Frederik 10., and Crown Prince Christian.

Frederiksborg slot

6. Sandy Beaches and Romantic Towns on the North Zealand Coast

Along the coast north of Copenhagen, sandy beaches sit side by side with charming seaside towns, which are well-loved by Copenhageners and are among their favorite destinations.

Liseleje, Tisvilde, Gilleleje, and Hornbæk all exude classic seaside town charm, where life is lived by and on the water. Explore the beautiful coastal nature, feast on seafood delicacies, and end the day in pure idyll at one of the many beach hotels.

The towns of North Zealand each have their unique character. Their location, nature, history, and transportation routes have shaped their development, making them the interesting places they are today. Some have developed around royal castles, while others tell the early history of Danish industry. Many have a past as fishing villages along Øresund and the North Coast.

Today, they are vibrant modern towns filled with experiences, offering great shopping, delicious food, and, not least, culture and history.

7. Culture and Nature – There’s Something for Everyone in Helsingør, Hamlet's Town

The 800-year-old market town of Helsingør is rich in maritime cultural history and is surrounded by stunning nature. Kronborg Castle stands as the prominent landmark, overlooking Øresund, where the Sound Toll was still collected. Kronborg became one of the finest castles of the Renaissance. Merchants, diplomats, and royalty all spoke of the magnificent castle and court life, with its pomp and grandeur. Stories of the castle reached all the way to England and inspired Shakespeare to set his play Hamlet at this very location.

In Helsingør’s charming, cobbled, and winding streets, you can clearly sense that you’re walking through a piece of Danish history. The same can be said for the many beautiful churches in the town, including St. Olai and St. Mariæ churches. The former is also the home of Roskilde Cathedral.

But not everything is about the past. Helsingør is also shaped by an enterprising local business and cultural scene. Much of this life unfolds in the charming shopping streets—and also in and around the impressive Kulturværk, which offers a wide range of cultural experiences. In addition, there is an impressive maritime museum, as well as a fantastic street-food market, located nearby.

South and west of Copenhagen

8. The Viking Ships and Roskilde Cathedral

Several hundred years before Copenhagen became Denmark's capital, Roskilde had the honor. And at the heart of this city, located 45 km west of Copenhagen, stands the old lady, Roskilde Cathedral—still beautiful after nearly 850 years.

Not far from the cathedral, you’ll find an impressive museum dedicated to the Danish Vikings, who laid the foundation for Roskilde. Around 1200 years ago, the Vikings began sailing down Europe’s coasts, up rivers, and across the open sea in the North Atlantic region. Ships are central to the Viking Age.

The Viking Ship Museum is built around five original Viking ships. They tell a global and exciting story about ships, people, tools, and weapons used on their journeys.

Another place to experience the Viking Age up close is the Viking Fortress Trelleborg near Slagelse in West Zealand. Set in a scenic area, this is one of the Vikings' great ring fortresses. Trelleborg was built around the year 980 by King Harald Bluetooth. Today, the remains of the large royal fortress are clearly visible in the landscape. Get close to the Vikings from 1000 years ago and enjoy the beautiful nature in the Tude Valley.

Back to Roskilde. The museum tells the story of how the Vikings changed the world with their ships. And speaking of sailing, don’t miss out on a boat trip in the beautiful Roskilde Fjord. The boat trip with Sagafjord is steeped in tradition as you sail out from the harbor in Roskilde. The fjord is surrounded by an idyllic Zealand landscape with hills, fields, and church spires reaching up to the high sky.

vikingeskibsmuseet

9. Zealand's New Landmark

The Forest Tower at Camp Adventure offers a truly unique experience, providing a special and majestic view of South Zealand. The Forest Tower is 45 meters high, with the platform at the top sitting 135 meters above sea level. This makes it the highest accessible point in all of Zealand.

To reach the top, visitors ascend a spiral ramp that twists around and around, without any stairs—similar to the design of the Round Tower in Copenhagen. From the top, you can see 25 km of the South Zealand landscape. On clear days, you can even spot the Øresund Bridge, the Turning Torso in Malmö, and parts of the Copenhagen skyline.

The journey up the Forest Tower itself provides a completely unique experience, allowing you to see nature from fresh perspectives. As you follow the spiral ascent, you will get up close to the trees, eventually arriving at eye-level with the treetops and a breathtaking panoramic view of Zealand.

The journey to the Forest Tower itself is via a 900-meter-long boardwalk through the forest, where you can not only experience Camp Adventure's climbing park up close but also enjoy the surrounding forest and its beautiful nature. Along the way, there are several viewpoints and spots to sit and soak in the surroundings.

The Forest Tower is a unique architectural structure in its own right and a must-see for architecture enthusiasts. It was designed by Effekt Architects, and even before its opening, it had already won several international awards. The main structure is made from maintenance-free steel and locally sourced South Zealand oak from Bregentved Estate and Gisselfeld Abbey.

10. Denmark's South Coast

South Zealand, Møn, and the surrounding islands offer fantastic experiences for the whole family. Here, you’ll find magnificent nature, fun activities, exciting attractions, and charming towns. There is plenty of sky and space to fully immerse yourself in the surroundings. This is where you’ll find some of Denmark's—and Northern Europe’s—best beaches.

At Møns Klint, the stunning white cliffs rise 128 meters above the turquoise-green Baltic Sea, stretching along a 7-kilometer-long coastline. 70 million years ago, there was a tropical sea here, home to creatures like squids, sea urchins, clams, and algae—where Denmark lies today. Over millions of years, the skeletons of these microscopic algae gradually sank to the ocean floor, forming the vast layer of chalk that Møns Klint is made of, and which much of Denmark rests on today.

From the top of Møns Klint, you can access the beach at several points and enjoy the view of the cliffs' vertical walls. The most popular access point to the beach is at Maglevandstrappen near Geocenter Møns Klint, where you’ll descend 497 steps—and, of course, climb them back up.

Along the cliff beach, you can go fossil hunting and find 70 million-year-old petrified remains of sea creatures—especially sea urchins and sea lilies. You can also visit the geocenter, which tells the story of Møns Klint, along with its prehistoric past, dinosaurs, and a massive meteor impact that led to their extinction.

At the top of Møns Klint, there’s a 267-meter-long boardwalk with several viewpoints—perfect for those with limited mobility or parents with strollers. Here, you have plenty of opportunities to enjoy one of Denmark’s and the world’s most impressive natural experiences.

The numerous castles and estates in the area, along with all sorts of galleries, museums, and medieval churches, ensure that you’ll enjoy visiting South Zealand and the islands of Møn, Lolland, Falster, and Bogø. Both Danish and international tourists head south, in search of holidays filled with exceptional experiences.

Møns klint

Main source: https://www.visitcopenhagen.dk/koebenhavn/day-trips/fede-dagsture-fra-koebenhavn

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