12 BEST Train Trips From Copenhagen, Denmark

The Quickest Train Trips from Copenhagen: Quick Answer

Right below, I’ve listed the 12 best day trips from Copenhagen by train by travel time.

1. Roskilde – 25-minute trip
2. Bakken Amusement Park – 25-minute trip
3. Dragør – 35-minute trip
4. Lyngby Open Air Museum – 40-minute trip
5. Malmö – 40-minute trip
6. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art – 45-minute trip
7. Lund – 55-minute trip
8. Frederiksborg – 55-minute trip
9. Kronborg – 1h05 trip
10. Odense – 1h35 trip
11. Stevns Klint – 2-hour trip
12. Dragsholm Castle – 2h10 trip

Keep scrolling to learn more about each of these destinations so you can choose the one that’s right for you! 👇

All The Best Day Trips From Copenhagen by Train

Discover Denmark beyond Copenhagen by taking one of these scenic day trips to beautiful destinations, all easily accessible by train.

1. Roskilde

Situated only 25 minutes by train west of Copenhagen, the town of Roskilde is known for being the capital of Denmark until 1417.

In Roskilde, the standout attraction is the cathedral. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s built entirely of brick and houses the tombs of 22 Danish rulers. Each tomb is unique, some being sober and black, while others are adorned with splendid marble statues.

Another reason to visit Roskilde is the very interesting Viking Ship Museum which takes visitors on a journey back to that era with its collection of 5 original ships from the 11th century.

Also, the city is famous for hosting the largest music festival in Denmark every year – the Roskilde Festival. So, whether you’re interested in history, music, or both, Roskilde has enough to keep you busy for at least a full day.

2. Bakken Amusement Park

Located only 25 minutes by train north of Copenhagen, Bakken (locally known as Dyrehavsbakken) is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world still in operation.

The park’s roots date back to 1583 when Kirsten Piil discovered a healing spring in a nearby forest area. Converted into a royal hunting reserve in 1669, it eventually evolved into an amusement park with rides, games, and restaurants under King Christian V.

Dyrehavn forest

Today, Bakken boasts 33 roller coasters, including one that is over 80 years old. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as shows, singing, testing their strength, eating, drinking, and playing lottery games. Its position at the edge of Dyrehavn forest makes it a great day trip, as you can spend the day walking in nature, and the evening enjoying yourself in the amusement park.

3. Dragør

Dragør is a beautiful town located on the island of Amager, south of Copenhagen, easily reached by train in 35 minutes. It’s a well-preserved historic fishing village with a friendly and intimate atmosphere, ideal for those who want a break from the hectic city life.

Dragør Harbor

With its narrow streets, low houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, and an 18th-century well on Jens Eyberts square, Dragør’s old town exudes a charming vibe. Visitors can also explore several museums, including the Pilot Museum of Denmark or the Amager Museum.

If you’re lucky, you might have the chance to attend one of the city’s events like Pilot’s Day, Arts Festival, or Herring Day. If you’re in Copenhagen in winter, especially towards the end of the year, Dragør is the perfect day trip as it features a wonderful Christmas market.

4. Lyngby Open Air Museum

Only a 40-minute train ride away, the Lyngby Open Air Museum will introduce you to Danish culture and traditions!

Opened in 1897, it’s one of the world’s first and largest open-air museums, presenting the country’s history since 1650. Also locally called Frilandsmuseet, this museum features more than 100 historic buildings and structures from all over Denmark, including traditional farms, mills, and workshops.

You can wander around the museum’s extensive grounds, designed to replicate a traditional 19th-century Danish village. In addition to the historic buildings, the museum also features a series of exhibits showcasing Danish history and culture, including traditional crafts, agriculture, and daily life.

5. Malmö

Although the city of Malmö isn’t in Denmark but in Sweden, it’s the most popular getaway during a stay in Copenhagen. Indeed, the 2 cities are connected by the Øresund bridge which can be crossed easily in 40 minutes by train.

Sweden’s third-largest city has managed to keep a nice balance between authenticity and modernity. Its architecture alternates between the traditional Nordic-colored buildings of the old town and the modern eco-friendly structures in newer areas.

Its historical center is very nice as it is full of historical monuments, charming streets, and green spaces to visit. Don’t miss Malmö Castle and its lovely park complete with flower beds, canals, and a picturesque mill. From there, you can also have a view of the iconic Turning Torso.

6. Lund

Lund is also located in Sweden, about 55 minutes train ride from Copenhagen. But the town is so close to Malmö, only a 25-minute ride, that travelers often choose to visit both cities on the same day.

Lund University library

Lund is a charming and historic university town that offers plenty of things to see and do. One of the city’s highlights is the Lund Cathedral, a stunning medieval church nestled in the picturesque old town that is a must-visit for anyone interested in history or architecture. The Botanic Garden (the largest in Sweden) is also worth a visit, along with The Kulturen Museum to learn more about southern Sweden.

If you have time, be sure to stop by the Lund University campus, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Scandinavia.

7. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Here are at least 3 reasons to make a day trip to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: a museum known for the quality of its exhibitions, its exceptional architecture, and a splendid park at the edge of the Baltic Sea facing Sweden.

Located near the town of Humlebæk, just 45 minutes north of Copenhagen by train, the museum was designed in 1958 with a unique architecture comprising 3 buildings connected by glass corridors that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The large park in which it’s set is an integral part of the museum, with works of modern art by Jean Arp, Max Ernst, and Max Bill.

After the visit of the museum and its park, you can visit the very large museum store and take a break in its café-restaurant which offers a magnificent view of the nearby sea and Sweden.

8. Frederiksborg Castle

Accessible by train in less than an hour, Frederiksborg is without a doubt one of the most popular day trips from Copenhagen, and it’s easy to understand why.

Built during the first decades of the 17th century in the town of Hillerød, Frederiksborg is a former royal residence that has become one of the most famous castles in the Copenhagen area, but also in all of Scandinavia. Today, it also houses the National History Museum.

Inside the castle, you will see rooms filled with different portraits, furniture, decorative arts, and historical paintings that will take you on a journey through the history of Denmark. Outside, you will be amazed by the fantastic landscape of the castle’s baroque garden.

9. Kronborg Castle

Located in the port city of Helsingør, Kronborg is another popular day trip at about an hour train ride from central Copenhagen. Its position at the mouth of the Sound on the Baltic Sea makes it an exceptional place.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, Kronborg Castle is particularly famous for being the setting for Shakespeare’s iconic play Hamlet, giving it the nickname “Hamlet’s Castle”.

Built in the early 15th century, Kronborg has become a must-see for literature and history lovers, where they can marvel at tapestries depicting Danish kings, explore the prison dungeons, admire the grand ballroom adorned with paintings, and enjoy wonderful panoramic sea views.

10. Odense

Odense is a typical Danish fairytale town easily reached by train from Copenhagen in 1.5 hours offering a wide variety of things to do.

Odense is known for being the birthplace of the very famous Hans Christian Andersen, the author behind The Little Mermaid or The Ugly Duckling. As such, there’s a museum dedicated to him that showcases his life and work you can visit. The historic town is filled with charming cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and plenty of restaurants and café, giving a relaxed atmosphere characteristic of Denmark.

For families with kids, the Odense Zoo or the Funen Village (an open-air museum recreating the 19th-century Danish people’s life) are great attractions to visit. And if you love nature, you should go for Fyns Hoved, a beautiful natural area where you can go for a hike, relax on the beach, and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean and surrounding islands.

11. Stevns Klint

Stevns Klint is definitely the perfect day trip for nature and open space lovers, located 2 hours train ride south of Copenhagen.

Stevns Klint is a cliff that rises 41 meters above sea level at the end of the municipality of Stevns. It’s here that a million years ago, a meteor crashed and devastated more than half of the earth’s species. Several hike trails are available, ranging from easy to challenging, perfect to explore this unique geological formation while taking in the stunning views of the Baltic Sea and the surrounding countryside.

This UNESCO-listed site has its own museum that you can visit in the town of Store Heddinge. There, you can learn everything about the local history, culture, and geology of the area. It features exhibits on the geological formation of Stevns Klint, as well as artifacts and displays on the area’s past.

12. Dragsholm Castle

Accessible by train in a bit more than 2 hours, Dragsholm Castle is a very romantic day trip to do from Copenhagen for the activities it has to offer.

First, the 13th-century castle is a true gem to visit with a very rich history, even if famous for being one of the most haunted in Europe. The beautiful park surrounding the castle is another attraction itself where you can enjoy leisurely stroll with your soulmate or family. But nowadays, the castle has become a foodie destination as it houses an excellent Michelin-starred restaurant offering exquisite cuisine using locally sourced ingredients.

If you have more time, you can go explore the local area, full of charming towns and villages, including the picturesque fishing village of Gudmindrup Lyng, and the historic town of Kalundborg, which has a beautiful harbor and several historic landmarks.

Helsingor, Kronborg Castle’s town

How to Get Around Denmark by Train

If you’ve chosen your destination for your day trip, now discover the available possibilities to use the Danish train network.

Across the Copenhagen Area

If you choose a destination located in the Copenhagen area, there are 2 options for you to choose from:

➡️ The Copenhagen Card:

The Copenhagen Card gives you unlimited access to all kinds of public transportation in Copenhagen and the capital region, along with free entrance to 80+ attractions.

Price starts at 62€ and varies depending on the length of stay, from 24 hours to 120 hours. 👉 You can book it here.

This is definitely the most cost-effective option if you plan on visiting several attractions as Denmark is quite pricey. But if you’re not sure if this is the best option for your schedule, you can check out this calculator.

➡️ The City Pass Large:

This pass allows you to use all kinds of public transportation in Copenhagen and the capital region. Price varies depending on the length of stay, from 24 hours (21,5€) to 120 hours (80,5€), and is purchasable in all the train stations’ vending machines.

This is the most cost-effective option if don’t plan on visiting lots of attractions. Simply buy a 24-hour City Pass Large for your day trip and the entrance tickets separately.

Outside the Copenhagen Area

If you choose to go on a train trip outside the Copenhagen region, for example, Malmö, Lund, Odense, Stevns Klin, or Dragsholm Castle, simply buy a round-trip ticket on the vending machines available in the train stations.

Malmö city center

Further Readings

Find below several other posts about Copenhagen to help you prepare for your upcoming trip:

➡️ Spending more than a day in Copenhagen? Here are longer Copenhagen itineraries:

• How to Spend 24 Hours in Copenhagen
• 2 Days in Copenhagen Itinerary
• 3 Days in Copenhagen Itinerary
• 5 Days in Copenhagen Itinerary

➡️ And here are other posts to better discover Copenhagen and beyond, along with travel tips:

• Best Places to Stay in Copenhagen
• Best Things to Do in Copenhagen in Winter
• Most Beautiful Copenhagen Castles
• Day Trip to Frederiksborg Slot
• Must-Eat Food in Copenhagen
• Visit Aarhus on a Budget

I hope you enjoy your day trip; if you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.

Help a fellow traveler and share this guide using the buttons below! 🙂