Best Day Trips from Copenhagen by Train - Places to Visit near Copenhagen, Denmark

Share it

Whether planning short day trips from Copenhagen or looking for beautiful places to visit near Copenhagen for a weekend getaway, Denmark’s excellent train network makes it all easy and scenic!

Copenhagen is a vibrant, stylish, and utterly charming city—but part of its magic is how easy it is to explore beyond it. Denmark’s excellent train network connects you to picturesque coastal towns, historic castles, Viking sites, and cultural hubs—all within a few hours. Whether you’re after sandy beaches, medieval streets, or grand palaces, a perfect day trip is waiting.

Contents show

Best Day Trips from Copenhagen by Train – Places to Visit near Copenhagen, Denmark

Here’s your ultimate guide to the best day trips from Copenhagen by train, packed with why they’re worth it, things to do, how to get there, where to stay if you extend your trip, and useful travel tips!

Helsingør (Elsinore) – Home of Hamlet’s Castle

Helsingør feels like stepping into a Shakespearean drama. It’s best known for Kronborg Castle, the inspiration for Hamlet’s Elsinore. Beyond that, the town is charmingly walkable, filled with old streets, waterfront cafés, and maritime history. Therefore, Helsingør is one of the best places to visit near Copenhagen, Denmark.

Distance from Copenhagen: ~46 km (29 miles) | Train time: 45 minutes
How to reach: Take a direct train from Copenhagen Central Station to Helsingør Station. Departures are frequent (every 10–20 minutes).

Things to do:

Tour Kronborg Castle: Explore the grand ballrooms, spooky casemates (underground passages), and stunning views across the Øresund Strait.
Visit M/S Maritime Museum: A brilliantly designed museum housed underground—great even if you’re not a ship lover.
Stroll the Old Town: Cozy streets, colorful buildings, and plenty of places for a Danish pastry.

🏨Overnight Stay: Hotel Hamlet – Right in the center, charming Danish design, close to everything.

👉Must-do Tour: Guided Tour of Kronborg Castle (many local guides offer small-group tours from Helsingør station).

🪄Useful Tips:

Buy a combined ticket that covers train fare and castle entry if available.
Go early to enjoy the castle without large crowds.

Roskilde – Viking Ships and Royal Splendor

If you want to dive deep into Denmark’s history, Roskilde is a must. It’s home to ancient Viking ships and a UNESCO-listed Gothic cathedral. Thus, Roskilde is one of the most fascinating places to visit near Copenhagen.

Distance from Copenhagen: ~31 km (19 miles) | Train time: 25–30 minutes
How to reach: Many trains from Copenhagen Central Station run regularly to Roskilde Station.

Things to do:

Viking Ship Museum: See real 11th-century Viking ships and even try sailing one!
Roskilde Cathedral: Burial site of Danish monarchs and an architectural wonder.
Roskilde Fjord: A scenic, peaceful place for a stroll or boat trip.

🏨Overnight Stay: Zleep Hotel Roskilde – Central, good amenities, and a solid breakfast buffet.

👉Must-do Tour: Viking Ship Museum Guided Experience (some include short boat rides on the fjord).

Useful Tips:

Visit in June for the Roskilde Festival if you love music!
Wear comfortable shoes; Roskilde is lovely to walk around.

Malmö, Sweden – A Two-Country Day Trip

Cross the iconic Øresund Bridge and find yourself in Sweden! Malmö is a hip, green city full of cozy cafés, modern architecture, and inviting parks. Malmö is ideal for long weekend trips from Copenhagen, as you can stay longer there, and it is very near to Copenhagen.

👉🏼Best Sweden Itinerary 10 Days – Things To Do For Sweden In 10 Days

Distance from Copenhagen: ~42 km (26 miles) | Train time: 35–40 minutes.
How to reach: Take the Öresundståg train directly from Copenhagen Central Station to Malmö Central. You’ll need your passport or ID due to border controls.

Things to do:

Stroll around Lilla Torg: A pretty square lined with historic houses and restaurants.
See Turning Torso: Sweden’s tallest building and an architectural marvel.
Relax in Kungsparken: Beautiful gardens perfect for a lazy afternoon.

🏨Overnight Stay: Moment Hotels Malmö – Across from the station; small rooms but modern and comfy.

👉Must-do Tour: Walking Food Tour of Malmö – sample Swedish and international flavors!

Useful Tips:

Bring your passport/ID, even though checks are sporadic.
Danish Krone works sometimes, but the Swedish Krona or a card is better.

Hillerød – Fairytale Frederiksborg Castle

Hillerod is a perfect day trip from Copenhagen for history and architecture lovers. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook when you glimpse Frederiksborg Castle—floating on a lake, surrounded by gardens. Hillerod is one of the best day trips from Copenhagen for history & architecture lovers.

Distance from Copenhagen: ~38 km (24 miles) | Train time: 40 minutes.
How to reach: From Copenhagen Central Station, take the S-train Line E to Hillerød Station, then a 15-minute walk or a short bus ride.

Things to do:

Tour Frederiksborg Castle: Stunning Renaissance interiors, a grand chapel, and Denmark’s National History Museum inside.
Explore the Baroque Gardens: Immaculately manicured and picture-perfect.

🏨Overnight Stay – Best Western Hotel Hillerød – Calm, green surroundings, bike rentals available.

👉Must-do Tour: Audio Guide Tour Inside Frederiksborg Castle (free with entry, or book a small-group history tour).

Useful Tips:

The gardens are free to enter—ideal if you visit on a budget.
Try to visit on a sunny day for the best castle reflections on the lake.

Dragør – A Seaside Hidden Gem

Dragør feels worlds away from bustling Copenhagen, with narrow cobbled streets, golden thatched cottages, and a relaxed seaside vibe. Dragør is one of the best hidden gems near Copenhagen and perfect for a day trip from Copenhagen.

Distance from Copenhagen: ~15 km (9 miles) | Train + Bus time: ~40 minutes.
How to reach: Take the Metro Line M2 to Lufthavnen Station (Copenhagen Airport), then bus 35 to Dragør.

Things to do:

Wander the Old Town: It’s unbelievably pretty and quiet.
Dragør Harbor: Watch boats sway in the breeze and grab some fresh seafood.
Dragør Fort: A piece of military history with sweeping sea views.

🏨Overnight Stay: Dragør Hotel & Apartments – Cute, family-run, and right by the sea.

👉Must-do Tour: Guided Walking Tour of Dragør Old Town (usually seasonal and available through local agencies).

Useful Tips:

Great for a half-day if you’re short on time.
Perfect for cycling—rent a bike and enjoy the coast!

Køge – A Quintessential Danish Town

Køge is a lovely medieval town with one of Denmark’s oldest town squares. It’s peaceful, less touristy, and packed with charm. This hidden gem is perfect for a weekend trip from Copenhagen, Denmark.

Distance from Copenhagen: ~39 km (24 miles) | Train time: 40 minutes
How to reach: Direct trains from Copenhagen Central Station to Køge Station.

Things to do:

Køge Museum: Dive into local Viking history.
Torvet (Main Square): Sit at an outdoor café and watch daily life unfold.
Køge Mini Town: A quirky miniature model of medieval Køge.

🏨Overnight Stay – Hotel Niels Juel – Cozy rooms and a short stroll to the old town.

👉Must-do Tour: Self-Guided Walking Tour through the medieval streets (pick up a map at the tourist office).

Useful Tips:

Fridays and Saturdays are lively with markets at the town square.
Less crowded than Helsingør or Roskilde—ideal for a peaceful day.

Tips – Day Trips from Copenhagen by Train – Train Trips from Copenhagen, Denmark

Get a City Pass: If you’re doing multiple day trips in a short time, consider a City Pass (Copenhagen public transport zones 1–99) or a Rejsekort card for discounts.
Check Train Schedules: Danish trains are very reliable, but it’s always good to double-check times using DSB app or Rejseplanen.dk.
Pack Layers: Even in summer, coastal towns can get windy. Keep handy a light jacket.
Book Tours in Advance: If you want guided tours (especially for castles or food tours), reserve at least a few days before.
Start Early: Especially if you want to visit multiple attractions in a day trip.

One of the best things about Copenhagen is transportation to enjoy the broader Danish (and Swedish!) landscapes—without needing a car. Whether you’re chasing Viking legends and fairytale castles or simply craving a cozy town with pastries and sea breezes, these day trips from Copenhagen by train will take you to enjoy the unforgettable taste of Scandinavia.

I hope you will surely plan your Denmark itinerary with Copenhagen and so many beautiful places to visit near Copenhagen after reading this detailed guide on a weekend trip from Copenhagen, Denmark.

Best Day Trips from Copenhagen by Train – Places to Visit near Copenhagen, Denmark

Best Day Trips from Copenhagen by Train – Places to Visit near Copenhagen, Denmark

Helsingør (Elsinore) – Home of Hamlet’s Castle