Weekend & Day Trips from Copenhagen, Denmark

1. National Aquarium Denmark, Den BlaPlanet

Den BlaPlanet is the largest aquarium in northern Europe. It is located in Copenhagen, just offshore from the Oresund Strait, where plenty of beach and water activities are available. The aquarium’s main halls are within the center, where 5 “arms” lead to other parts of the aquarium. Every part of the aquarium is surrounded by water, so the guests feel like they are underwater, and sometimes, they are.

Visitors can find the Ocean Tank, the Amazonas, and the Coral Reef exhibits displaying marine life from all over the world. The entire aquarium is a labyrinth of underwater tunnels that lead to other exhibits. A gift shop and food court are on-site as well.

National Aquarium Denmark, Den BlaPlanet, Jacob Fortlingsvej 1, 2770 Kastrup, Denmark

2. Funen Island

Funen Island is also called “Fyn” Island due to the Danish pronunciation of the name, and means “Denmark’s Garden Island.” Odense is the largest city on the island and provides endless amounts of adventure, exploration opportunities, historical education, restaurants, and shops. The Funen Island Archipelago is made up of over 50 smaller islands that provide unique landscapes and any outdoor activities both on land and on the water.

Visitors can see why it is named the Garden Island at the Sanderumgård Garden, Broholm Park, Egeskov Castle, Harridslevgaard Castle, and also at the 120 other manors and castles scattered all over the island. Each place has unique gardens and fairytale-like scenery. Funen Island is only a two-hour drive from Copenhagen.

3. Dragor

The Old Town of Dragor is one of the best-preserved villages in Denmark, along with the Village of Great Magleby, which is also located in the southern tip of Amager. Dragor is found near the active harbor and features nearby beach meadows, woods, and a robust community where visitors can experience Danish culture. Visitors wanting to learn about Danish culture and the history of Dragor can visit the Old Port, where most of the museums in town are found. Two historic forts that can be toured, and narrow streets that visitors can travel by foot or bicycle to see the low houses that are beautifully preserved from the 18th and 19th centuries, and the harbor that has been in use since the Middle Ages.

4. Egeskov Castle

Egeskov Castle has stood for more than 460 years and is the best-preserved moat castle in all of Europe. The castle, as visitors see it today was built in 1554. Count Brockenhuus built his palace on top of oak pilings in the middle of a lake, and it is two houses connected by a thick double wall that contains hidden stairs and a water well where people could hide during a siege. In the late 19th century the castle was updated to become a farm, but restoration began in 1959 to restore the castle to its historic glory.

Egeskov Castle can be toured today and features a Hunting Room, Yellow Room, Banquet Hall, and a first floor that features many commonly seen Victoria era rooms such as music rooms and sitting rooms. A loft with a toy exhibition and the infamous wooden man can also be toured along. Visitors can also see Titania’s Palace, an artisan fairy castle dollhouse, and Hans Christian Andersen’s Paper Doll.

Egeskov Gade 18, DK-5772 Kvaerndrup, Phone: +45-62-27-10-16

5. Faxe

The Faxe Company was created in 1901 and has a long history of creating beer and soft drinks to become one of the most trusted brands in Denmark. Found on the island of Zealand, the company is recognizable for its Viking logo and is part of the second-largest brewing company in Denmark, Royal Unibrew. Faxe

6. Frederiksborg Castle

The Frederiksborg Castle is found on Castle Lake in Hillerod and was constructed by King Christian IV in the early 17th century. The castle is the largest Renaissance castle in the Nordic region and is richly adorned and intricately decorated to show off the wealth and prestige of the king. Since 1878 The Museum of National History has occupied and maintained the castle. Visitors to the museum can see more than 500 years of Danish history told through paintings, portraits, furnishings, and applied art. The Frederiksborg Castle Chapel features many original artifacts, including the Comenius organ, gold altarpiece, and the coats of arms that adorn the walls. Visitors can also tour the expansive Baroque Gardens.

Frederiksborg Castle 10, DK – 3400 Hillerød

7. Hven Island

Hven Island is a seasonal resort island in Sweden that is accessible by ferry from both Zealand Island in Denmark and Scania. There are less than 400-year-round residents on the island that is divided up into four villages. There are two historic churches found on the island which were built in the 13th century. The popular attractions on the island include the Tycho Brahe Museum, which celebrates natural sciences and the famous Danish Scientist, the Spirit of Hven whiskey distillery, horse and buggy rides, or bicycling tourism. There are many different shops and restaurants including smokehouses that visitors can explore, as well as a campground, villas, and bed and breakfast accommodations. Hven Island

8. Kronborg Castle

The 400-year-old Kronborg Castle stands out as the crowning jewel of the promontory that divides Denmark and Sweden. The renaissance castle features spires, copper and sandstone roofs, towering columns, and is remarkably well preserved. The castle is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was used as a fortress for more than 300 years after being plundered by the Swedish King in 1660. Today, more than 325,000 visitors tour the castle annually, where they can view exhibitions, explore the underground passageways, take guided tours, or participate in workshops and educational activities.

Kronborg 2 C, 3000 Helsingør (Elsinore), Phone: +45-49-21-30-78

9. Legoland

The Legoland Billund Resort is an exciting theme park that transports families into the Lego world with over fifty rides and events throughout the year. The park is divided into nine different zones—Duplo Land, Imagination Zone, KNIGHTS’ KINGDOM, LEGOREDO Town, Miniland, LEGO NINJAGO World, Adventure Land, Pirate Land, and Polar Land.

Legoland is a resort property, and in addition to the theme park, visitors can stay in fantastic hotel properties with sophisticated amenities, including the Legoland Castle Hotel, Holiday Village, and hotel Legoland. There are also many food options, including a Burger Kitchen, Family Buffet, Grill House, Italian Pizza & Pasta, a Saloon, coffee shops, and the Knights Castle Restaurant. There are plenty of places to shop and purchase Lego toys to take home.

Nordmarksvej | DK-7190 Billund | CVR: DK36887613

10. Lolland

Lolland Island is one of the largest islands of Denmark and is found in the Baltic Sea. The island is known for being incredibly flat and being a leader in the sugar industry, with sugar beet being grown in Lolland for years. There are more than two dozen villages on the island today, with the largest village having just under 13,000 residents and the smallest having only 100.

Some of the best places to visit in Lolland include the Fuglsang Manor and Fuglsang Art Museum, Knuthenborg Safari Park, which is Northern Europe’s largest safari park, and a giant waterpark called Lalandia. One of the busiest attractions is the open-air museum that includes an experimental museum of living history that was built around the remnants of the Medieval town.