Copenhagen is an exciting city full of delicious food, great shopping, and stunning landmarks. However, if you have a day or two to spare, and would like to explore more of Denmark, here are 6 places only a few hours away from the capital, perfect for a fun day out.
Helsingør
Just 45 minutes away by train is the seaside town of Helsingør, also known as Elsinore in English. If that name sounds familiar, that’s because this town is the setting for one of William Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Hamlet. In fact, Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Elsinore, is nicknamed Hamlet’s Castle, a castle which you can visit and explore.
Before you start exploring Helsingør, you might want to visit the Culture Yard first. This grand building with a glass facade is built on the old shipyard, and it is the cultural hub of the town, hosting many events, performances, and exhibitions all year round. The building is also where you’ll find tourist information, along with a multi-media library and a cafe that has great views of Hamlet’s Castle.
There are plenty of things to see and do in this beautiful town. Learn more about Denmark’s history at the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark or discover what creatures live in the waters of the Sound at the Øresund Aquarium; both are great places to visit for when the weather gets bad.
Near the water, at the edge of the pier, you also see the silver sculpture HAN, a man looking out to the water, sitting in a pose that mirrors that of his more popular relative, the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen. If you’re lucky, you might even see the sculpture wink at you.
You’re sure to be hungry after walking around the town, so make sure to stop by the Værftets Madmarked. This food market has a wide variety of foods and drinks, from classics like fish-and-chips, burgers, and beer to more international flavours of Indian, Japanese, and Mexican cuisine. With so many options, you’ll definitely satisfy any cravings.
Dyrehaven
Leave the bustling city behind and take a quick 20 minute train ride to Dyrehaven, which translates to “Deer Park”. Located north of Copenhagen, this huge park is filled with lush greenery and several lakes, which make it a great place to get some fresh air as you take a nice stroll. The park lives up to its name, with around 2,000 deers roaming freely around the park, so have your cameras ready to take several pictures of these gentle creatures.
There are many ways to explore the vast landscape of this park. Other than cycling and walking, a horseback riding tour is an exciting option if you’re up to it. Horse-drawn carriage rides are also available if you like a more laidback way of enjoying nature.
As you’re making your way around the park, be sure to find the Hermitage Hunting Lodge, a stunning building that sits alone in the middle of the park, previously used by the Danish King during his hunting trips.
Most surprisingly, within Dyrehaven you’ll find Bakken, which claims to be the oldest amusement park in the world. There are rides and games for all ages, including a wooden roller coaster that is more than 80 years old! There are also plenty of food and drink options available too, so why not pay a visit to this unique theme park!
Odense
Odense is the hometown of famous writer Hans Christian Andersen, and it is only one and half hours away from Copenhagen by train. Here, find an unassuming bright yellow house that sits on the corner of a street, the house where the writer was allegedly born in 1805.
Odense is proud to be the birthplace of H.C. Andersen and this is clearly seen throughout the town. Not far from the yellow house is the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, housing items that include objects owned by Andersen himself, which give greater insight into the writer’s works and his life. After that, why not pose next to his statue in the Fairy Tale Garden, or find the 12 metre tall mural of him painted onto the side of a building at Bangs Boder no. 24.
There are still plenty of things you can do in Odense. You could visit some animals at the Odense Zoo, or spend some money shopping at Rosengårdcentret, one of Denmark’s largest malls. Stop by Storms Pakhus, a street food market located in a huge warehouse with many stalls selling all types of food, from beer and cocktails, to tandoori chicken and Vietnamese spring rolls, to pizza and waffles. With so many options, you will definitely be spoilt for choice.
Dragør
Unlike the other places on this list that are full of things to see and do, Dragør is a quaint little town where you can spend a relaxing day appreciating the beauty of the buildings and of the sea. There are several shops, galleries and museums, but the best way to spend time here is to just walk through the streets of the town and take a photo or two of its simplistic beauty.
Only a 30 minute bus ride from Copenhagen, Dragør is a fishing village that is best enjoyed by the harbour. With several cafes and restaurants by the waterfront, this town offers a great view of the beautiful waters that surround Denmark. You can swim in those waters too; just make a trip to Dragør South Beach, with shallow water perfect for a quick dip. You will also find Dragør Søbad at the beach, which offers not just saunas but also platforms and ladders that lead directly into the crystal clear water.
Møns Klint
Just a 2 hour drive away from Copenhagen, you will discover the spectacular white cliffs of Møns. Witness the breathtaking scenery of these cliffs as they face the blue waters of the Baltic Sea, the white rock standing at more than 120 metres tall and stretching along 6 kilometres of coastline.
Before exploring the cliffs, stop by the GeoCenter. It houses several exhibitions, the main one being about the history and formation of the cliffs and of the land of Denmark. At the GeoCenter, you’ll also be able to book several types of guided tours which include tours like fossil hunting and mountain biking.
There are many ways to appreciate the magnificence of these cliffs, the best being a walk along the stony beaches at the base of the cliffs, accessible by a long flight of wooden stairs.
You can also view the cliffs from the water, with kayaking, snorkelling, and boat tours as some of the alternatives available to you. For a different angle, you could hike through the Klinteskoven Forest that sits atop the cliffs and view the cliffs from the various boardwalks and paths that wind through the forest.
As the area is recognised as a UNESCO biosphere reserve, look out for rare flora and fauna, including the Peregrine Falcon, the fastest bird on Earth. Guided tours with a Peregrine Falcon expert are also available if you want the best chance of spotting this rare creature.
Malmö
While you’re in Copenhagen, why not take the chance to Denmark’s close neighbour Sweden? The Swedish city of Malmö is only a 30 minute train ride from Copenhagen, making it perfect for a day trip that lets you experience a taste of Swedish culture.
One of the first things you’ll see in this city is the Turning Torso Tower that stands over both land and sea at a staggering 190 metres tall. The tower is located at the Western Harbour, a previously run-down shipyard which has been transformed into a lively area with plenty of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. There is also a lovely stretch of beach where you can walk along the shoreline and enjoy the view.
Experience the past in Malmö’s Old Town, also known as Gamla Staden, where boutiques and cafes are housed in historic buildings with classic architecture. Explore Stortorget, the oldest and largest square in the city, the heart of this lovely neighbourhood.
There are several other sights to see in this beautiful Swedish city. Take a picture of the stunning St John’s Church, the red and white striped Malmö Lighthouse, or the impressive fortress of Malmöhus Castle. Whatever you choose to see or do, you’re sure to have a great day of experiencing Swedish history and culture before returning to Denmark.
So that was 6 amazing destinations near Copenhagen that are perfect for a day trip. While some are definitely further and more exciting than others, a journey to any of these 6 places will be worth it, full of amazing sights and rich culture to let you see Denmark (and maybe even Sweden) from a whole new perspective.
