Longer Day Trips from Copenhagen
Denmark is a small country. That does not mean that everything is just around the corner from Copenhagen. Some of the places below make an easy day out. Others require an early start, and one is really better with an overnight stay.
These are places you can visit on your own. We have included the journey as well as the sights, because a beautiful castle is less fun if you spend half the day waiting for a bus.
Practical information checked in October 2026. Prices are for one adult in Danish kroner unless stated otherwise. Driving distances and journey times are approximate, one way from central Copenhagen; public transport starts at Copenhagen Central Station (København H). Advance fares are limited and vary by departure. Check your travel date for seasonal timetables and opening hours.
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.
Egeskov and Odense can be combined. They are about 35 km apart, roughly 30–40 minutes by car. Start at Egeskov and spend the late afternoon in Odense, or reverse the order. By public transport the bus connections make this a much less relaxed day.
Without a car: this is one of the more awkward trips. The alternative walk from Kværndrup is about 2.5 km along a busy road. We would plan around the bus.
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.
Our advice: give Bornholm at least two or three days. A same-day trip is technically possible on suitable departures, but a poor choice for exploring the island, especially by public transport.
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.
We would choose a car. Public transport is possible in season, but connections take time. Outside the 678 season, the alternative can involve bus 667 to Magleby followed by about 5.5 km on foot. That is not a convenient day trip.
Prefer a shorter journey? Read our Shorter Day Trips from Copenhagen.
Photo credits
Photo: Bo Jessen / Wikimedia Commons · CC0.
Photo: Malene Thyssen / Wikimedia Commons · by-sa 2.5 .
Photo: Legoland Billund Resort / Wikimedia Commons · by 3.0 .
Photo: Lars A / Wikimedia Commons · by-sa 4.0 .
Photo: © Ajepbah / Wikimedia Commons · by-sa 3.0 de .
This may be the best-preserved Renaissance Castle anywhere in the world and certainly in Scandinavia. It is the home of the magnificent Crown Jewels of Denmark and has so many artifacts that you will not believe it. Among other things, Rosenborg has what we believe is the world’s oldest wine. (Please correct us if you know of any older). Bought in the 1580s, this German red wine is still served every year at the Queen’s New Year’s reception. 
Nyhavn may be the most picturesque place in Copenhagen with its colorful old houses, old ships and lots of restaurants. The famous fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen lived in Nyhavn for a combined total of more than 20 years at numbers 20, 67 and 18. On a hot summer day Nyhavn is very crowded with both locals and tourists. 
The Danish monarchy is the oldest continuing line in the world. The Royal family lives at Amalienborg Palace and unlike royal palaces in other countries, it is not hidden behind walls or fences. You can walk freely around the square with the four big houses that make up the palace complex. In our opinion it is the most beautiful place in Copenhagen. (
Christiansborg Palace is unique because it is the only building in the world that has all branches of power in it. It houses the parliament, the supreme court, the prime minister’s office, a church and the Queen’s reception rooms. It is a majestic building from both the outside and inside and has been the center of power in Denmark for centuries. (
This iconic statue has become the symbol of Copenhagen and most tourists want to see it. It is very small but beautiful. You will see it if you go on a canal tour but get much closer if you see it from the land side.
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