Longer Day Trips from Copenhagen

1. Odense — Hans Christian Andersen and a proper Danish city

Odense is where Hans Christian Andersen was born. The little houses and cobbled streets in the old quarter are a good place to start, even if you have not read a fairy tale for years. His birthplace is very modest. The modern H.C. Andersen House is a much bigger experience, using sound, installations and gardens to take you into the stories.

But Odense is not just a museum with a city attached. Walk to the cathedral, have lunch in the centre and leave time for the paths beside the river. It is an easy city to explore on foot and a good choice if you want to see everyday Denmark outside Copenhagen.

2. Egeskov Castle — give the gardens some time

If you have a picture in your head of a Danish castle surrounded by water, Egeskov probably comes close. The Renaissance castle stands in its moat, with gardens on the other side of the bridge. You can visit the rooms, but do not spend the whole visit indoors. The gardens are a large part of the attraction.

There are also collections of historic vehicles, exhibitions and plenty for children to do. This is a place where two hours can easily turn into four. We would choose a day when the gardens and castle are both open.

3. Legoland — possible in a day, but a long one

The original Legoland is in Billund, close to where LEGO began. Miniland is still one of the best reasons to go: towns, harbours and familiar buildings recreated in extraordinary detail from little bricks. Around it are rides and themed areas aimed mainly at families with children.

If your children are enthusiastic about LEGO, the journey may be worth it. But this is not a quick excursion from Copenhagen. You will spend a substantial part of the day travelling. An overnight stay in Billund is more comfortable, particularly with small children.

4. Malmö — another country, without a complicated journey

Sweden is just across the water. Malmö is one of the easiest independent trips from Copenhagen, even though you cross an international border. The train takes you across the Øresund Bridge and leaves you within walking distance of the old centre.

Start at Stortorget and Lilla Torg, then walk through the parks towards Malmöhus Castle. There are museums if the weather is poor, and cafés if you would rather take it slowly. With more time, continue to the Western Harbour for the waterfront and a view of the Turning Torso. You do not need a long sightseeing checklist to enjoy Malmö.

5. Bornholm — lovely, but we would stay overnight

Bornholm has rocky coastline, sandy beaches, round churches and small fishing towns. Hammershus is a striking ruined fortress on the north coast, while Dueodde in the south is known for its fine sand. Stop at a smokehouse if you want a local lunch.

It belongs to Denmark, but it is a long way from Copenhagen in practical terms. Reaching Rønne is only the first part of the journey; the sights are spread around the island. Trying to fit Hammershus, the round churches and Dueodde into the gap between two ferries is not our idea of a good day out.

6. Trelleborg — the Danish Viking fortress

This is Trelleborg near Slagelse, not the town with the same name in Sweden. The circular ramparts belong to one of the Viking ring fortresses associated with Harald Bluetooth. They are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walk around the earthworks and imagine the rows of longhouses inside them. The reconstructed longhouse and museum make the layout easier to understand. This is a good trip if you are interested in the Vikings beyond helmets and television series. Activities vary through the season; festival days feel rather different from a quiet weekday.

Public transport warning: the seasonal bus makes a large difference. Outside its operating dates, do not expect an easy train-and-bus trip. The museum is closed in winter.

7. Møns Klint — white cliffs and a lot of steps

Møns Klint is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Denmark. White chalk cliffs rise above the Baltic, with woodland along the top and a narrow beach below. The views are the main attraction, but GeoCenter Møns Klint adds the story of the geology and the creatures that lived here long before people arrived.

Walk along the clifftop or take the stairs down to the beach. Remember that the stairs go up again. Wear sensible shoes, keep away from cliff edges and respect closures. This is a day for walking and fresh air, rather than trying to squeeze in several attractions.