Copenhagen is amazing—fairy-tale castles, cozy cafés, and more bikes than people. But sometimes, you need to stretch your legs (or hop on a train) and see what’s beyond the city. Lucky for you, Denmark and its neighbors have some incredible spots just a short ride away. Whether you’re into history, beaches, or, let’s be honest, just looking for another good pastry, these day trips are worth your time.

1. Kronborg Castle (A.K.A. Hamlet’s Castle) – 45 Minutes by Train

If you ever wanted to stand where Shakespeare’s Hamlet took place and dramatically ponder the meaning of life, Kronborg Castle in Helsingør is the place. This UNESCO World Heritage site is full of grand halls, secret tunnels, and some serious medieval vibes. Bonus: The charming town of Helsingør has great seafood and a beautiful waterfront.

Getting there: Take a train from Copenhagen Central Station to Helsingør (about 45 minutes). The castle is a short walk from the station.

2. Roskilde – 30 Minutes by Train

Vikings. Need I say more? The Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde has actual Viking ships that were pulled from the fjord, and if that doesn’t impress you, you can even hop on a replica and pretend you’re setting sail for battle. Roskilde is also home to Denmark’s royal burial site, Roskilde Cathedral, which is stunning in its own right.

Getting there: A quick train ride from Copenhagen Central Station (about 30 minutes).

3. Malmö, Sweden – 40 Minutes by Train

Feel like adding another country to your trip? Hop over to Sweden! Malmö is an easy 40-minute train ride away, and it’s full of cool architecture (hello, Turning Torso), cute cafés, and a laid-back Scandinavian charm. Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of casually visiting another country for lunch?

Getting there: Take the Øresund train from Copenhagen Central Station.

4. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art – 35 Minutes by Train

Even if you’re not a huge modern art fan, Louisiana Museum is worth it for the location alone—perched right on the coast with stunning sea views. The exhibits are world-class, the sculpture garden is dreamy, and the café serves up some of the best smørrebrød around.

Getting there: Take the train from Copenhagen to Humlebæk (about 35 minutes), then walk 10 minutes to the museum.

5. Møns Klint – 1.5 Hours by Car

Denmark’s version of the Cliffs of Dover, Møns Klint is a breathtaking stretch of chalk cliffs that drop dramatically into the Baltic Sea. If you love nature, hiking, or just standing on a cliff pretending to be in a movie, this is the place for you.

Getting there: Best accessed by car (about 1.5 hours from Copenhagen), though buses are available with some planning.

6. Dragør – 30 Minutes by Bus

Want to escape the city without going too far? Dragør is a ridiculously charming fishing village with cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and fresh seafood that will make you want to move in immediately. It’s small, peaceful, and just the right amount of “undiscovered” to feel like a secret.

Getting there: Take Bus 250S from Copenhagen to Dragør (about 30 minutes).

7. Odense – 1.5 Hours by Train

Hans Christian Andersen’s hometown is perfect for fairy-tale lovers. There’s a museum dedicated to him, charming old streets, and a cozy Danish atmosphere that feels straight out of one of his stories. (Just maybe skip The Little Match Girl—it’s a bit of a downer.)

Getting there: Take the train from Copenhagen to Odense (about 1.5 hours).

Which Day Trip Will You Take?

From Viking ships to Swedish getaways, Copenhagen is the perfect base for exploring more of Scandinavia. Whether you’re in the mood for castles, cliffs, or just a really good pastry in a new place, these day trips have you covered. Which one is calling your name? Let me know in the comments!