Day trips from Copenhagen

If you’re planning to arrive early or stay after CIRSE 2026, take the opportunity to explore some of the region’s most fascinating destinations. From royal castles to picturesque seaside towns, these day trips offer a perfect complement to your time in Copenhagen.

Helsingør

Just 45 minutes north of Copenhagen by train, Helsingør (Elsinore) is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kronborg Castle, immortalised as Hamlet’s castle in Shakespeare’s famous play. Explore its impressive Renaissance halls, underground casemates, and scenic waterfront before strolling through the town’s charming cobbled streets, cafés, and boutiques.

Roskilde

Less than 30 minutes from Copenhagen, Roskilde is one of Denmark’s oldest cities. Visit the magnificent Roskilde Cathedral, the burial place of Danish monarchs for centuries, and the award-winning Viking Ship Museum, where you can see remarkably preserved Viking vessels and even sail aboard a reconstructed longboat during the summer months.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Often regarded as one of Europe’s finest art museums, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is located around 40 minutes north of Copenhagen in Humlebæk. Combining world-class exhibitions with spectacular sculpture gardens overlooking the Øresund Strait, it offers an inspiring blend of art, architecture, and nature.

Kronborg Castle. Photo: Thomas Rafn-Larsen, courtesy of VisitDenmark

A Viking ship trip on the Roskilde Fjord. Photo: Martin Heiberg, courtesy of VisitDenmark

Malmö, Sweden

In just 40 minutes by train, you can travel from Denmark to Sweden via the iconic Øresund Bridge. Malmö offers a fascinating mix of medieval architecture and contemporary Scandinavian design. Wander through the colourful squares of Gamla Staden, visit the striking Turning Torso skyscraper, or relax along the city’s waterfront.

Cliffs of Møn

For those with a full day to spare, Møns Klint is one of Denmark’s most spectacular natural landmarks. Rising up to 128 metres above the Baltic Sea, these dramatic white chalk cliffs offer breath-taking coastal views, walking trails through ancient beech forests, and excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. The journey takes around two hours by car.

Frederiksborg Castle

Located in Hillerød, approximately 40 minutes from Copenhagen, Frederiksborg Castle is one of Denmark’s most beautiful Renaissance palaces. Surrounded by lakes and elegant baroque gardens, the castle houses the Museum of National History and offers visitors a fascinating insight into Danish history, royal traditions, and remarkable architecture.

Troldeskoven pine forest

For a peaceful escape into nature, head to Troldeskoven, meaning “the Troll Forest”, in the town of Tisvilde Hegn. Denmark’s oldest pine forest is known for its centuries-old, strangely twisted pine trees, which give the landscape an almost enchanted appearance. Follow the walking trails through Tisvilde Hegn, combine your visit with the nearby beach, or continue to the seaside town of Tisvildeleje.