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18 Best Short Excursions from Copenhagen

Discover Day Trips from Copenhagen

Copenhagen is surrounded by a wealth of attractions easily accessible for day trips, whether by tour, public transport, or bike. From the quaint fishing town of Dragør to the iconic Kronborg Castle, the inspiration for Shakespeare's Hamlet, there's no shortage of nearby destinations. You can also cross the impressive Oresund Bridge to explore the Swedish city of Malmö.

Plan your adventures with this guide to day trips from Copenhagen.

1. Kronborg Castle (Kronborg Slot)

Kronborg Castle (Kronborg Slot)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kronborg Castle in Helsingør has been a strategic fortress since 1420. The current structure dates back to 1640, with the original Castle Chapel and its Renaissance details intact. Highlights include the tapestries and the grand Knights' Hall. Nearby, the Maritime Museum of Denmark offers a modern look at the country's seafaring legacy.

2. Frederiksborg Castle

Frederiksborg Castle

Frederiksborg Palace is a Dutch Renaissance gem set amidst Baroque gardens. Housing the Museum of National History, it showcases Denmark's past and art within its beautifully restored walls.

Excursions in Copenhagen

3. Viking Ship Museum and Roskilde Cathedral

Viking Ship Museum and Roskilde Cathedral

The Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde displays five salvaged Viking ships and offers insights into Nordic maritime history. Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the final resting place for many Danish royals and a showcase of various artistic styles.

4. Dragør

Dragør

Dragør, a picturesque village, is ideal for a bike ride from Copenhagen. Explore its thatched cottages and vibrant harbor, which hosts art and music festivals in the summer.

5. Malmö

Malmö

Across the Øresund Bridge, Malmö boasts historical and modern attractions, including the Malmöhus Castle and Santiago Calatrava's Turning Torso skyscraper.

6. Fredensborg Palace

Fredensborg Palace

Fredensborg Palace, a royal residence, is renowned for its Baroque gardens, which have earned the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage.

7. Egeskov Castle

Egeskov Castle

Egeskov Castle is a well-preserved moated Renaissance palace with historic toys, a doll house, and a museum of vintage cars.

8. Following Hans Christian Anderson in Funen

Childhood home of Hans Christian Anderson in Odense

Odense, on Funen, celebrates Hans Christian Andersen with a museum and trail linking sites related to the famous author.

9. The Cliffs of Møn (Møns Klint)

The Cliffs of Møn (Møns Klint)

Møns Klint offers dramatic white chalk cliffs and the GeoCenter Møns Klint, which provides interactive natural history experiences.

10. Stevns Klint

White cliffs of Stevns Klint

Stevns Klint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a geological marvel that records the aftermath of a meteorite impact 65 million years ago.

11. Den Blå Planet (National Aquarium)

Den Blå Planet (National Aquarium)

Den Blå Planet, Northern Europe's largest aquarium, immerses visitors in marine life from coral reefs to Amazonian ecosystems.

12. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Near Helsingør, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art features works by renowned artists and a sculpture park.

13. Lund, Sweden

Kulturen in Lund, Sweden

Lund is known for its 12th-century Romanesque Cathedral and the Kulturen, a living history museum.

14. Forest Tower

Forest Tower

The Forest Tower offers a unique view of the surrounding protected forests, accessible via spiraling walkways.

15. Lolland

Church in Hunseby

Lolland features attractions like the Knuthenborg Safari Park and historic churches.

16. Lyngby Open-Air Museum (Frilandsmuseet)

Lyngby Open-Air Museum (Frilandsmuseet)

Part of the Danish National Museum, this open-air museum showcases traditional Danish architecture and gardens.

17. Nykøbing, Falster

Ejegod Windmill in Nykøbing

Nykøbing on Falster is home to a marina, museums, and the Ejegod Windmill.

18. Church of Our Lady, Kalundborg

Church of Our Lady, Kalundborg

The five-towered Church of Our Lady in Kalundborg is a remarkable example of medieval architecture.

Explore more from Copenhagen with trips to Odense, Helsingor, Aarhus, and beyond. Consider visiting Sweden's Stockholm or Germany's Hamburg for further adventures.