Best Day Trips from Copenhagen Central Station
With fascinating historic architecture, lively nightlife, and plenty of beautiful parks and outdoor areas, there’s a lot to like about the Danish capital of Copenhagen. In fact, you could spend weeks here and never run out of things to do.
However, as enchanting as the capital is, there’s more to Denmark than just its biggest city. And Copenhagen Central Station, conveniently located in the heart of the city, can make the perfect gateway for exploring more of this interesting country. Whether you travel by bus or by train, there are so many fascinating places close to Copenhagen that you really owe it to yourself to get out and explore them.
Drop off your bags at a Copenhagen Central Station luggage storage, and you’ll be ready to enjoy more of what Denmark has to offer. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Malmo, Sweden
This is easily one of the most popular day trips from Denmark and is not hard to figure out why. After all, this train trip only takes around half an hour, and yet it takes you to a completely different country.
The train trip itself is notable for traveling on the Oresund Bridge, which travels above the water for a while before plunging underneath it. And once you arrive in Malmo, you’ll find plenty to do to keep you occupied.
This is a picturesque city with a lively downtown area and plenty of great shopping. There’s also a charming old town to explore, along with several interesting museums. The presence of Malmo University keeps this town vibrant and ensures there’s some great nightlife if you want to enjoy an overnight trip. Alternatively, you can just sample great food, see the historic architecture, and get a glimpse of Swedish history and culture before heading back to the Danish capital.
Roskilde
A little bit closer to Copenhagen than Malmo, Roskilde is another excellent option for a day trip. In fact, this is one of the most popular destinations for tourists who are staying in the Danish capital.
There are several reasons why Roskilde is so popular. For one thing, it’s home to an excellent Viking museum, which features actual Viking ships that were discovered in the area. Additionally, the city has a beautiful cathedral that dates back to the 12th century.
But even if you’re not particularly interested in history, Roskilde is still a great place to spend a day. There are plenty of charming cafes and shops to enjoy, and the pedestrian-friendly city center makes it easy to get around on foot. You can also take a leisurely stroll along the river or relax in one of the city’s parks.
Frederiksborg Castle
This castle is located in the town of Hillerod, which is about an hour away from Copenhagen by train. Frederiksborg Castle was built in the early 17th century, and it has been beautifully preserved. It now houses a museum that covers Danish history all the way back to the Middle Ages.
The castle itself is quite beautiful, set on its own island in a lake. But the real highlight is the museum, which does an excellent job of bringing Danish history to life. You’ll see furnishings, paintings, and other artifacts from all different periods, and there are also interactive exhibits that help bring it all to life.
Kronborg Castle
Kronborg Castle is located in the town of Helsingor, which is just a short train ride away from Copenhagen. This castle is probably most famous for being mentioned in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, but it’s also a fascinating place to visit in its own right.
Kronborg Castle was built in the 16th century, and it served as an important strategic stronghold for many years. These days, it’s one of Denmark’s most popular tourist attractions. You can explore the castle’s many rooms and corridors, and there’s also a museum on site.
During the summer months, you can also catch a performance of Hamlet at the castle. This is a truly unique experience, and it’s well worth checking out if you’re a fan of the play.
Helsingor
There’s more to Helsingor than just the castle, of course. This is a lovely town in its own right, and it’s well worth spending some time exploring.
The town center is quite picturesque, with plenty of shops and cafes to enjoy. There’s also a beautiful marina, and you can take a ferry over to Sweden from here. Helsingor is the perfect place to relax for a day or two, and it makes for a great base if you want to explore the surrounding area.
Egeskov Castle
This castle is located on the island of Funen, which is about a two-hour train ride from Copenhagen. Egeskov Castle is one of the most impressive castles in Denmark, and it’s well worth the trip out here.
The castle dates back to the 16th century, and it’s full of beautiful antiques and works of art. You can explore the many rooms and corridors, and there’s also a museum on site.
In the summer months, the castle grounds come alive with a medieval market, and there are also jousting tournaments and other events. This is a great place to visit if you’re interested in history or if you just want to enjoy a day in a beautiful setting.
Odense
Odense is the largest city on the island of Funen, and it’s just a short train ride away from Copenhagen. This is a charming city with plenty of things to see and do.
The historic center is particularly lovely, with narrow streets lined with shops and cafes. You can also visit the childhood home of Hans Christian Andersen, and there’s a museum dedicated to his life and work.
If you’re interested in art, be sure to check out the Funen Art Museum. This museum is home to a large collection of Danish and international art, and it’s well worth a visit.
Conclusion
These are just some of the many great day trips you can take from Copenhagen. Whether you’re interested in history or just want to relax in a beautiful setting, there’s something for everyone. So get out there and explore!
