Copenhagen has plenty to keep you busy, but if you have some extra days, there is a lot worth exploring outside the city. You can visit royal castles, walk beside white chalk cliffs, discover smaller Danish towns or even cross into Sweden without needing to change hotels. You can also combine some of these in one day trip or dedicate an entire day if you prefer to keep things slower.
The good thing for budget travellers is that you do not need to rent a car for most day trips from Copenhagen. Several of the best places are easy to reach by train, and once you arrive, you can explore on foot. However the train prices are not exactly cheap either so there is that. I’ll go into all the costs needed for each day trip.
In this guide, I’ll cover which Copenhagen day trips work best by train, where a car makes more sense and how to make the most of your time without spending unnecessarily.
Table of Contents
- Which Day Trip from Copenhagen Should You Choose?
- Day Trips from Copenhagen by Train
- 1. Roskilde – Viking Ships & Royal History
- 2. Helsingør – Visit Hamlet’s Castle
- 3. Deer Park – One of the Best Budget Nature Trips
- 4. Malmö – An Easy Day Trip to Sweden
- 5. Lund – Historic Streets & a University Town
- 6. Odense – Hans Christian Andersen’s Hometown
- 7. Maribo – Lakes & a Quieter Danish Town
- 8. Frederiksborg Castle – A Lakeside Castle Trip
- 9. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art – Art by the Sea
- 10. Møns Klint – White Cliffs & Coastal Walks
- 11. Dragør – A Relaxed Harbour Town
- Copenhagen Day Trips Cost Comparison
- Which Day Trips Should You Choose?
- Day Trips from Copenhagen – FAQs
Which Day Trip from Copenhagen Should You Choose?
If you only have time for one day trip, I would choose based on what you actually enjoy:
- History: Roskilde for Viking ships and Danish royal history.
- Castles: Frederiksborg for its lakeside setting, or Helsingør for Kronborg.
- Nature on a budget: Deer Park for woodland walks and deer.
- Dramatic scenery: Møns Klint, ideally with a car.
- A day in Sweden: Lund for an older university town, or Malmö for parks, squares and the waterfront.
- Something quieter: Maribo for lakes and a smaller Danish town.
- Art: Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.
My recommendation would be to choose one main destination and enjoy it properly. There are a few combinations that work well which I will mention below as well.
Day Trips from Copenhagen by Train
These are the trips where I would generally leave the car behind.
The times below are approximate one-way planning estimates from Copenhagen Central Station, rather than guaranteed journey times. They exclude the walk to attractions unless stated otherwise. Check your travel date on Rejseplanen or the relevant operator’s journey planner.
| Destination | Approximate journey | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Roskilde | 25–35 minutes | Easy train journey; explore on foot |
| Helsingør | 45–60 minutes | Direct train; walk to town and Kronborg |
| Deer Park | 20–30 minutes to Klampenborg | Park entrance close to the station |
| Malmö | 35–45 minutes | Train across the Øresund Bridge |
| Lund | Around 1 hour | Direct services available; compact centre |
| Odense | 1 hour 15 minutes–1 hour 40 minutes | Direct train; good full-day outing |
| Maribo | Allow around 2–2½ hours | Usually change at Nykøbing Falster |
| Frederiksborg Castle | 40–55 minutes to Hillerød | Add around 15–20 minutes walking |
| Louisiana Museum | 35–45 minutes to Humlebæk | Add 10–15 minutes walking |
1. Roskilde – Viking Ships & Royal History
Roskilde is one of the easiest day trips from Copenhagen, especially if you want to see somewhere different without spending hours travelling.
The main attractions are Roskilde Cathedral and the Viking Ship Museum. The cathedral is associated with Denmark’s royal burials, while the museum is the obvious choice if you are interested in Viking history. Roskilde’s setting beside the fjord also gives you somewhere to enjoy a walk between sightseeing stops.
How I would plan the day: Start with the cathedral and town centre then walk down towards the Viking Ship Museum and harbour. Leave some time for the waterfront before returning.
Budget tip: Expect to spend approximately DKK 100–140 on return train tickets from Copenhagen to Roskilde. Visiting Roskilde Cathedral costs DKK 80 per adult, while the Viking Ship Museum costs DKK 165 during summer or DKK 130 in winter. Booking the Viking Ship Museum online saves DKK 10.
If you visit both attractions, budget approximately DKK 310–385 per person, excluding food. You can save money by visiting just one attraction and spending the rest of your time exploring the town and waterfront for free.
2. Helsingør – Visit Hamlet’s Castle
Helsingør, also known as Elsinore, is best known for Kronborg Castle, the setting associated with Shakespeare’s Hamlet. However, the historic town and harbour make this more than a trip to one building.
You can also visit the M/S Maritime Museum, built into a former dry dock, if you want to extend the day with another indoor attraction.
How I would plan the day: Head to Kronborg first, then explore the old town and harbour. Add the maritime museum if its subject interests you and you still have time.
Budget tip: Allow approximately DKK 180–220 for return train tickets from Copenhagen to Helsingør. Kronborg Castle costs DKK 150 for adults, or DKK 135 when booked online. The nearby M/S Maritime Museum costs another DKK 145, although you can get a 15% discount on its admission by presenting your Kronborg ticket.
Visiting Kronborg alone should cost approximately DKK 315–370 per person, including trains. If you visit both museums, allow around DKK 440–515. The old town and harbour are free to explore, so you do not necessarily need to pay for both attractions.
3. Deer Park – One of the Best Budget Nature Trips
If you want a break from buildings and museums, Jægersborg Dyrehave, usually called Deer Park, is a great option.
The park has woodland, open grassland and free-roaming deer, and it is easy to reach through Klampenborg Station. You can spend your time walking rather than following a packed sightseeing schedule.
It was a nice break out in nature, and seeing the deer out in the wild in their natural habitat was something I really enjoyed doing and found it quite relaxing albeit a bit tiring as it involved a lot of walking.
How I would plan the day: Enter near the station and walk towards the Hermitage hunting lodge, allowing time for detours through the park. Take a packed lunch and make this a relaxed half-day outing.
Budget tip: Deer Park is one of the cheapest day trips from Copenhagen. Return train tickets to Klampenborg should cost approximately DKK 50–70, and entering the park is completely free.
4. Malmö – An Easy Day Trip to Sweden
Taking a train across the Øresund Bridge makes Malmö a straightforward way to visit Sweden while staying in Copenhagen. The journey to Malmö Central is usually around 35–45 minutes.
For a first visit, focus on the old town, Lilla Torg, the castle area and the nearby parks. Kungsparken and Slottsträdgården are good places to slow down or have a picnic.
How I would plan the day: Walk through the central squares, have lunch, then explore the castle surroundings and parks. Add the waterfront if you still have time. I combined this with Lund and it was plenty of time to visit both if you are willing to keep on walking.
Budget tip: Budget approximately DKK 200–260 for return train tickets between Copenhagen and Malmö. Most of Malmö’s main attractions, including Lilla Torg, Kungsparken, Slottsträdgården and the waterfront, are free to explore.
This means you can have a full day in Malmö for around DKK 200–260 per person, excluding food and optional museums. I would recommend exploring the city on foot rather than spending extra on local transport, as many of the main attractions are relatively close together.
5. Lund – Historic Streets & a University Town
Lund is a good alternative to Malmö if you prefer a smaller historic centre and a day built around walking. It is a small university town and has nice architecture, half a day is more than enough to see the major attractions in Lund.
The main stops include Lund Cathedral, the university surroundings, Kulturen and the Botanical Garden. Kulturen is a paid museum with historic buildings and exhibitions, so it is worth allowing proper time if you decide to visit.
How I would plan the day: Start at the cathedral, walk through the university area and older streets, then choose between Kulturen and a quieter afternoon in the gardens.
Budget tip: Allow approximately DKK 240–300 for return train tickets between Copenhagen and Lund. Lund Cathedral and the outdoor Botanical Garden are free to visit, making this a relatively affordable destination once you arrive.
If you want to visit Kulturen, the open-air museum, admission costs SEK 150 per adult. Otherwise, you can spend your day exploring the cathedral, university area, historic streets and gardens without paying any entrance fees.
Can You Visit Malmö and Lund in One Day?
Yes. They are close enough to combine by train, and this is what I did
I would start in Lund, spend the morning around the cathedral and old centre, then continue to Malmö for lunch, the central squares and a walk through the parks.
6. Odense – Hans Christian Andersen’s Hometown
Odense is a longer train trip, but it works well as a full day out.
Its main draw is H.C. Andersen’s House, which explores the writer’s stories through an immersive museum experience. The old town gives you another reason to visit, especially if you enjoy smaller streets and a slower pace between attractions.
How I would plan the day: Arrive in the morning, visit the museum if it is your priority, then spend the afternoon exploring the historic centre.
Budget tip: Train tickets between Copenhagen and Odense can be relatively expensive, but booking DSB Orange tickets in advance can reduce the cost significantly. Promotional single fares start from around DKK 69–89, meaning a return trip could cost approximately DKK 140–180 if you find cheap tickets in both directions. Flexible fares can cost considerably more.
7. Maribo – Lakes & a Quieter Danish Town
Maribo is worth considering if you want somewhere smaller and less focused on major tourist attractions.
The town sits beside the Maribo Lakes Nature Park, with the cathedral, old streets and lakeside setting providing the main reasons to visit. Seasonal boat trips offer another way to explore the area.
I written a guide on this quiet town, and you can read all the things to do in Maribo next if you are planning on going here.
How to get there: Travel towards Nykøbing Falster, then connect with the local train to Maribo. Check the complete journey and return connections, especially during engineering work.
How I would plan the day: Explore the town and cathedral area, then choose a manageable lakeside walk. If a boat trip interests you, use its departure time to shape the rest of your itinerary.
Budget tip: Maribo is free to explore, including the lakeside walking areas and the town centre. However, getting there from Copenhagen is the main expense. Allow a provisional DKK 250–400 for return train travel, depending on available fares and connections.
8. Frederiksborg Castle – A Lakeside Castle Trip
Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød is one of my more favourite castles that I visited in Denmark.
Its setting on small islands in the lake makes the approach part of the experience. Take the S-train to Hillerød, then walk through town or beside the lake to reach the castle. The castle’s own guide estimates around 15 minutes from the station without stops.
The gardens are huge and more importantly free. I would spend some time walking around as they are throughly breathtaking with multiple small lakes.
How I would plan the day: Walk along the lake, visit the castle interior, then allow time for the gardens and Hillerød before returning.
Budget tip: eturn train tickets from Copenhagen to Hillerød should cost approximately DKK 100–140. Entry to Frederiksborg Castle costs DKK 125 per adult, giving you access to the museum and its exhibitions.
You can also enjoy the lake views, walk around Hillerød and explore the accessible outdoor areas without paying for the museum interior.
9. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art – Art by the Sea
Louisiana is worth adding if you want your day trip to centre on art. I didn’t actually go here but I am including it here just the same as I know it is very popular among art lovers.
Take the train to Humlebæk, then walk around 10–15 minutes to the museum.
Budget tip: Allow approximately DKK 120–160 for return train tickets from Copenhagen to Humlebæk. Admission to Louisiana Museum of Modern Art costs DKK 145 per adult, bringing the estimated total to DKK 265–305 per person, excluding food.
It is normally closed on Mondays, with some holiday exceptions. Check your date before booking transport. Check Opening hours and tickets here.
10. Møns Klint – White Cliffs & Coastal Walks
There are some day trips which are more difficult to actually go with public transport so you would need to rent a car. Møns Klint is one of them but it is the famous trip for dramatic scenery and cliffs.
The white chalk cliffs, forest and sea make it a very different day from exploring Copenhagen. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2025.
I written a more in depth guide on How to get to Mons Klint and the hikes available to you on a day trip so make sure to read that if you are interested in visiting these iconic cliffs.
If you do not want to rent a car then you can consider a tour but it is significantly more expensive that also combines the forest tower as well.
11. Dragør – A Relaxed Harbour Town
Dragør is a good option when you want an outing without committing to a long journey.
The old fishing town is known for its harbour and historic streets, and it is reachable by public transport. Use the current journey planner for your starting point.
It is a more quiet day trip but it is very popular by locals. I didn’t have time to visit but it would have been next on my list so it is worth considering.
Copenhagen Day Trips Cost Comparison
These are estimated costs per adult, based on return transport from Copenhagen and the main attractions mentioned in your itinerary.
| Day trip | Return transport | Main attraction fee | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roskilde | 100–140 DKK | 80–165 DKK each | 310–385 DKK for both |
| Helsingør | 180–220 DKK | 135–150 DKK | 315–370 DKK |
| Deer Park | 50–70 DKK | Free | 50–70 DKK |
| Malmö | 200–260 DKK | Free | 200–260 DKK |
| Lund | 240–300 DKK | Free; Kulturen 150 SEK | 240–300 DKK without museum |
| Odense | 140–180 DKK* | 165 DKK | 305–345 DKK* |
| Maribo | 250–400 DKK | Free | 250–400 DKK |
| Frederiksborg Castle | 100–140 DKK | 125 DKK | 225–265 DKK |
| Louisiana Museum | 120–160 DKK | 145 DKK | 265–305 DKK |
| Møns Klint | 325–600 DKK** | Free; GeoCenter 145–155 DKK | 325–600 DKK** |
| Stevns Klint | 200–400 DKK** | Free; experience centre 140–155 DKK | 200–400 DKK** |
| Dragør | 50–80 DKK | Free | 50–80 DKK |
* Odense assumes promotional train tickets are available in both directions. ** Car rental, fuel and stated parking allowances shared between two people. All estimates exclude food and optional activities; exact fares vary by date and booking method. These figures are indicative, not guaranteed quotes.
Which Day Trips Should You Choose?
If you have three days in Copenhagen, I would keep most of your time for the city and choose one day trip.
If you want only half a day trip and want to spend the rest of your time in Copenhagen I would choose the deer park for an easy getaway and something different. Roskilde is also another option that can be easily done in half a day from Copenhagen
On the other hand Malmo & Lund can be combined in one day trip as well as Helsingor and Hillerod or once again the deer park on the way back.
If you are renting a car specifically for a day trip, Møns Klint is one of the strongest reasons to do so. For Roskilde, Helsingør, Odense and the other well-connected towns, the train is a great option.
There is plenty to choose from, but you do not need to see everything and do every day trip. Pick the trip that adds something different to your Copenhagen holiday, leave enough time to enjoy it and get lost on a budget!
