Introduction
Looking to escape the city for a day? Once you’ve explored Copenhagen’s canals and colorful Nyhavn, it’s time to see what lies just beyond. From historic castles and seaside villages to cliffs, art museums, and even a quick trip across the border, there’s a lot to explore in just one day. Whether you’re into history, nature, or simply a quiet town to wander through, these handpicked day trips from Copenhagen are easy to reach, full of charm, and perfect for a short adventure. Let’s find your ideal one-day getaway.
Visit Kronborg Castle: Hamlet’s Legendary Home in Helsingør.
Kronborg Castle, often called Hamlet’s Castle, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Helsingør (Elsinore), just 45 minutes by train from Copenhagen. It became world-famous after William Shakespeare used it as the setting for his play Hamlet, though it’s unclear if he ever visited. The English name “Elsinore” was inspired by the castle’s majestic appearance and history.
Originally constructed as Krogen, a stronghold, in the 1420s, King Frederik II transformed it into a sumptuous Renaissance castle between 1574 and 1585. Its location along the Øresund Strait allowed Denmark to collect tolls from ships, making Helsingør one of Europe’s wealthiest towns for centuries.
Visitors can tour the grand halls, chapel, and royal rooms, walk the castle grounds, and explore the underground casemates, where the legendary statue Holger the Dane sleeps. There are daily guided tours, and every summer, the castle hosts a Shakespeare Festival with open-air performances.
Kronborg’s rich history includes royal drama, military use, devastating fires, and Swedish invasions. Today, it stands as a cultural symbol of Denmark, offering beautiful sea views and a powerful connection to literature and European heritage.
Enter a fairy tale as you explore Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød.
Frederiksborg Castle is a stunning royal palace just outside Copenhagen, known for its storybook setting and rich Danish history. Built across three tiny islands on a peaceful lake, the castle is one of the most iconic examples of Renaissance architecture in Northern Europe. Once home to kings and queens, it now holds the Museum of National History, where visitors can explore royal portraits, grand rooms, and treasures from centuries past.
The castle grounds are as magical as the building itself. You can wander through elegant Baroque gardens, stroll along quiet forest paths, or enjoy lake views that change with every season. Inside, don’t miss the Knight’s Hall, the ornate Castle Chapel, and beautifully restored royal rooms that survived a major fire in the 1800s. Whether you’re a history lover, an art enthusiast, or just in search of a peaceful day trip, Frederiksborg Castle offers a mix of culture, nature, and fairytale charm, all just a short train ride from Copenhagen.
Explore Viking History and Cathedral Views in Roskilde
Roskilde is a must-visit for anyone curious about Denmark’s Viking roots and royal past. Just 30 minutes from Copenhagen, this historic town is home to the world-famous Viking Ship Museum, where you can see real, thousand-year-old ships and even try sailing like a Viking. It’s a hands-on, unforgettable way to dive into the past.
Just a short walk away stands Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the burial place of Danish kings and queens. Its impressive spires and rich architecture make it one of the most beautiful churches in Scandinavia. Between Viking ships and royal tombs, Roskilde offers a perfect mix of adventure, history, and stunning views.
Dyrehavsbakken & Dyrehaven (Amusement & Deer Park)
The oldest amusement park still open in the world is Bakken, often called Dyrehavsbakken. Since its opening in 1583, it has welcomed 2.5 to 2.9 million visitors a year. North of Copenhagen, it is roughly 14.5 kilometers away. Travel by train (S-train to Klampenborg) takes about 32 minutes and costs around 17 DKK. By car or taxi, it is about a 16-minute drive. Once there, you can ride vintage roller coasters, enjoy games and local food, and even spot wild deer while walking through Dyrehaven forest.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (Humlebæk)
Located in Humlebæk, about 30 km north of central Copenhagen, the Louisiana Museum is Scandinavia’s most visited modern art museum, with over 715,820 visitors in 2024. You walk for ten to fifteen minutes to the museum after taking the regional rail to Humlebaek station. The museum, which has beautiful exhibits and sculpture gardens, is close to the Øresund. It blends art, architecture, and nature, making it an ideal day trip from Copenhagen for art lovers.
3. Møns Klint (White Cliffs & GeoCenter)
Møns Klint is a stretch of white chalk cliffs nearly 6 km long on the island of Møn. The cliffs rise up to 128 m above sea level, Denmark’s highest. In July 2025, it was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. A nature reserve attracts around 250,000 visitors annually. GeoCenter Møns Klint opened in May 2007 and lies just above the cliffs. From Copenhagen, the most popular route is by car or tour, which takes roughly one and a half to two hours. You can walk along cliff-top paths, descend about 500 feet to the geology museum, and go up the steps to the slender beach.
4. Bornholm (Sunshine Island)
Bornholm is often called Denmark’s “Sunshine Island.” It enjoys more sunshine than the mainland and features fine beaches, artisan towns, and medieval ruins. You can reach Bornholm in three main ways:
- Flight: From Copenhagen Airport (CPH), DAT provides direct flights to Rønne (RNN). Flights take about 35 to 40 minutes, with up to eight flights daily.
- Train + ferry via Ystad: Train from Copenhagen to Ystad (about 1.5 h), then a fast ferry to Rønne (1 h 20 min). Total travel time is around 3 h to 345 min, or 3 h 45 min, with ticket prices from ~149 to 199 DKK one way.
- The direct boat from Køge to Rønne takes five and a half hours, and it usually runs overnight.
Day trip options best fit with flying, making it possible with early departure and late return.
Bornholm features include Dueodde Beach (10 km of white sand), Hammershus ruins, and towns like Gudhjem and Svaneke with local crafts and smoked herring. Cycling around the island is popular, with around 150 miles of cycle paths. In addition, Bornholm hosts the annual Folkemødet Democracy Festival, which attracts over 60,000 visitors.
5. Roskilde & Skjoldenæsholm Tram Museum
Roskilde lies about 35 km west of Copenhagen. Regular trains take around 20–25 minutes from Copenhagen Central Station. Danish royal graves can be found at the UNESCO-designated Roskilde Cathedral.
The nearby Viking Ship Museum lets you see and sail replicated ships.
About 65 kilometers southwest of Ringsted, on the Skjoldenaesholm estate, is the Skjoldenaesholm Tram Museum, an outdoor museum dedicated to historic buses and trams. Since its opening in May 1978, cars from Copenhagen and Melbourne have been preserved at the museum.
A combined day trip might include both. Travel times by train to Roskilde (~25 min) and then by bus or car to the museum (~40 min) are manageable within a long day.
| Destination | Distance from Copenhagen | Travel Time | Important Features |
| Dyrehavsbakken (Bakken) | 120 m chalk cliffs, GeoCenter, nature walks | ~14.5 km | Oldest amusement park, deer park, rides |
| Louisiana Museum | ~30 km | ~32 min by train, ~16 min drive | Art, architecture, sculpture garden |
| Møns Klint | ~135 km island distance | ~90–120 min drive/tour | 120 m chalk cliffs, GeoCenter, nature walks |
| ~40 min flight | ~135 km island distance | ~3–3.75 hours by train and ferry | Beaches, castle ruins, art towns |
| Bornholm (by boat) | — | ~25 min + ~40 min drive | A beautiful and affordable approach |
| Roskilde & Tram Museum Combo | 35 km + 65 km | ~30 km | ~25 min + ~40 min drive |
Conclusion
Taking day trips from Copenhagen is a fun and easy way to see more of what Denmark has to offer. Just a short ride from the city, you can visit castles, beaches, forests, islands, and museums. These places are full of history, nature, and culture, and they’re perfect for travelers who want to explore without going too far.
Whether you want to walk along the white cliffs at Møns Klint, enjoy art at the Louisiana Museum, or relax in the deer park near Bakken, there’s something for everyone. Trains, ferries, and even short flights make these trips simple and comfortable.
So, if you’re staying in Copenhagen, don’t miss the chance to go beyond the city. These day trips let you experience more of Denmark in just a few hours, and you’ll come back with great memories and new stories to tell.
FAQs
- How long does it actually take to reach Bornholm from Copenhagen?
By flight it takes about 35 to 40 minutes from Copenhagen Airport. By train plus ferry through Ystad, the total travel is around 3–3.75 hours one way. - Is Møns Klint a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes. Møns Klint was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 13, 2025, due to its outstanding chalk formations - What is the cheapest way to reach Dyrehavsbakken?
The cheapest option is taking the S-train (about 17 DKK one way) from central Copenhagen to Klampenborg station. It’s around 32 minutes. - How many visitors does the Louisiana Museum get yearly?
With more than 715,820 visits in 2024, the Louisiana Museum became Scandinavia’s most popular modern art museum. - Can you cycle around Bornholm in a day?
Technically you can start cycling a section, but to circle the island (about 150 miles of cycle paths), guests usually require several days. However, day trips allow you to explore key towns like Gudhjem, Svaneke, or Hammershus
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