Join us as we explore our top 3 day trips outside of Copenhagen! Since I found the Danish capital captivating, I was reluctant to leave during my three-week stay. However, the buzz about a few standout destinations piqued my curiosity. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Malmö, Sweden and Camp Adventure. These 3-day trips offer unique experiences you will not want to miss. Whether it’s the artistic chill of Louisiana, the charming blend of old and new in Malmö, or the thrill at Camp Adventure. Each destination added a memorable dimension to my trip, and I hope you are inspired to explore them during your time in Copenhagen.
* As you are biking your way around Copenhagen, make sure you check out our eclectic lunch guide here! 😋
1) Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
A local in Copenhagen tipped me off to trek to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Located an hour by train from Copenhagen in Humlebæk, the museum is beautifully set by the seaside. The 10-minute walk from the train to the grounds is a charmer as you pass by traditional Danish homes in a suburban setting. The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art features a grand collection of modern and contemporary works dating from WWII to the present. This is a popular trip outside of the city, so go on a weekday if you can.
Outdoor
Upon arrival, I was instantly drawn to the outdoor gardens, where grand sculptures seamlessly integrated with the natural landscape. It felt like a scavenger hunt, with no path off-limits and each glistening piece guiding me to the next. The sculptures are thoughtfully positioned to enhance the museum’s stunning coastal setting along the Øresund Strait. Among the highlights are pieces by Richard Serra, Henry Moore and my fave, Not Vital’s ‘House to Watch the Sunset’ (stairway pictured above). For me, this piece captures the museum’s mysterious and thought-provoking outdoor environment.
Indoor
Each indoor gallery was meticulously designed to complement the scale and character of the displayed artworks. The texture of the walls, the height of the ceilings, and the natural lighting were all thoughtfully considered to enhance each collection. The expansive indoor spaces were filled with captivating works, and the building’s design made it effortless to appreciate each exhibit. Franz Gertsch’s larger-than-life pieces particularly struck me. He transforms photographs and projections into colossal paintings that are so vividly realistic they almost seem surreal.
Kronborg Castle
In the area and a short distance from the museum is Kronborg Castle. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its role as the setting for Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’. Check out their tours, historical exhibitions, and stunning water views. Overall, this day trip offers the perfect blend of art, architecture, and nature, making it a must. The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art stood out as my favorite museum experience during my time in Denmark. Trekking out to the countryside added charm and enjoyment to this outing.
2) Malmö, Sweden
Onward with our 3 day trips outside of Copenhagen, you do not want to miss Malmö, Sweden! Since I had never been to Sweden before this little excursion, my interest was way up. The train ride is only 40 minutes from central Copenhagen and runs all day long, indeed a very easy day trip. Malmö is the third-largest city in Sweden, following Stockholm and Gothenburg. It’s a significant urban center in southern Sweden and plays a vital role in the Øresund region, primarily due to its proximity to Copenhagen, Denmark.
I chose to wander on this day with little plan. I walked and walked while having a whimsical day and I recommend that you follow my same route! From the train station, with no prior research I stumbled into the women’s clothing store, Ilse Jacobsen. The shoes and jackets had me salivating. The brand combines Scandinavian design principles with functionality, offering products that are both fashionable and practical. Gals, you are not going to want to miss this gem.
Turning Torso & Slottsparken
Next up on the walk was Turning Torso & Slottsparken. Turning Torso is an iconic skyscraper designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, renowned for its distinctive twisting design. Standing at 190 meters tall, it is the tallest building in Sweden and features 54 floors that twist 90 degrees from base to top. The building’s striking appearance have made it a landmark and a symbol of modern architecture in Malmö.
Onward, get your nature fix at Slottsparken while forgetting you are in a city. The huge park features beautifully landscaped gardens, castle views, tranquil ponds, and well-maintained pathways. It is the perfect spot for leisurely strolls and fresh air.
Lunch & Art
Alas, it was time for a light lunch and art. I enjoyed the perfectly crafted Julie Vinbar for a glass of natural wine and tapas-style lunch outdoors. You can feel the passion in this tiny oasis and that they are real wine people. I could have stayed all day asking about their offerings and enjoying the tasteful decor. Just a stone’s throw from the main touristy area, Julie’s has managed to keep a quality neighborhood feel.
I spent the next few hours enjoying art, starting at the Form/Design Center. This is a hub for designers, architects, and the public. Here they showcase both Swedish and international design talent while fostering conversations about design’s impact on society and everyday life. The exhibits showcasing were both playful and thought-provoking, some even featured students.
Lastly, on my long Malmo walking day, I ended at the friendly Gustus Shop & Gallery. This is a unique space combining a retail shop with an art gallery upstairs. They are known for offering high-quality design products, including home goods, art pieces, and accessories, often with a focus on contemporary Scandinavian design. This is the perfect place to spend an hour and buy something for your art collection.
3) Camp Adventure
Rounding out our 3 day trips outside of Copenhagen is Camp Adventure. This is an outdoor adventure park located about an hour from Copenhagen, Denmark, in the beautiful Southern Zealand region. You can book packages with tour companies for day or overnight trips. It’s known for its exhilarating treetop walk, which features a distinctive spiral tower that offers panoramic views of the surrounding forest. The park is designed to provide activities suitable for all ages, including zip-lining, climbing courses, and obstacle challenges set high among the trees.
My favorite feature at Camp Adventure, are the five whimsical wooden sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. They are larger than life and known as ‘The Giants’. These interactive figures are spread throughout the park and are ready to be discovered on your visit. Each sculpture has its own unique character and story, adding an element of playful exploration to the experience. The Giants are a highlight for visitors, adding a touch of magic and creativity.
* Pro tip ~ If you cannot make it to Camp Adventure, be sure to catch Dambo’s creations in Nordhavn & Christiania in Copenhagen!
Exploring Beyond Copenhagen
I highly recommend exploring beyond Copenhagen for these engaging 3 day trips! Stepping out of the city always proves rewarding for me, offering a fresh perspective that deepens my appreciation for the countryside. These excursions not only highlighted the charm of nature and art but also sparked more curiosity and wonder about the world beyond the city limits for me.
I know there are many more incredible road trips, nature and beach towns to discover in Denmark. I hope this article sparks your curiosity when you are in Copenhagen and you plan one or all of these excursions! As always please let us know what you find and if you make it to these places.
With love,
Rachel
PS ~ To help solidify your Scandinavia trip, be sure to check out our Oslo article here!
