Copenhagen Zealand
5
Day Itinerary •
Denmark
Five days in Copenhagen and Zealand gives you time to explore one of the finest capital cities in Europe properly and venture into the extraordinary countryside of the island of Zealand. Copenhagen's extraordinary harbour front, the remarkable Nyhavn canal district, the finest food scene in Scandinavia and the extraordinary Danish design and museum culture make it unlike any other Nordic capital. This route covers the complete Copenhagen and Zealand experience. The extraordinary Tivoli Gardens, the National Museum, the remarkable Rosenborg Castle and its Crown Jewels, the extraordinary Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, the remarkable Kronborg Castle of Hamlet fame, the Viking Ship Museum at Roskilde and the extraordinary Mons Klint chalk cliffs of southern Zealand.
Best Time To Visit
May to September
Getting There
Copenhagen Airport (CPH), direct from most European cities
Getting Around
Metro, S-tog and cycling in city; train for day trips
Budget Per Day
Approx 1,200 to 2,000 DKK per person per day
Difficulity
Easy, mostly cycling and walking
DAY 1
COPENHAGEN OLD CITY
MORNING
NYHAVN AND THE HARBOUR FRONT
Nyhavn, the extraordinary 17th-century canal district of brightly coloured merchants' houses, is the most photographed scene in Denmark. The remarkable old wooden sailing ships moored in the canal, the extraordinary coloured facades and the finest outdoor cafe terraces in Copenhagen make it the finest introduction to the city. Hans Christian Andersen lived at number 20 for many years. The harbour front walk north to the Opera House gives the finest views. Free. Travel: 15 min walk
MIDDAY
AMALIENBORG PALACE AND THE MARBLE CHURCH
Amalienborg Palace, the extraordinary rococo residence of the Danish Royal Family, consists of four identical mansions around an octagonal courtyard with an equestrian statue of Frederick V at the centre. The changing of the guard at noon is a remarkable spectacle. The extraordinary Marble Church, its dome the largest in Scandinavia, is visible from the palace square. The Frederik's Church interior is the finest baroque interior in Denmark. Entry museum approx 110 DKK. Travel: 20 min walk
AFTERNOON
THE LITTLE MERMAID AND TIVOLI
The Little Mermaid statue on the Langelinie promenade, placed in 1913 in honour of Andersen's fairy tale, is the most visited attraction in Denmark. Walk the harbour front to reach her. In the evening, Tivoli Gardens, the extraordinary 19th-century pleasure garden in the heart of the city, is the finest amusement park in Europe, its remarkable rides, concert halls, pantomime theatre and extraordinary illuminations creating a unique atmosphere. Entry approx 120 DKK.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Christiania, the remarkable free-town commune established in 1971 in a former military barracks in Christianshavn, is the most extraordinary urban social experiment in Denmark. The remarkable community of 900 people, the extraordinary Pusher Street and the remarkable alternative architecture are outstanding. Free to walk.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Hart Bageri, Gammel Kongevej The finest bakery in Copenhagen. Richard Hart's extraordinary sourdough and pastries. | Lunch: Torvehallerne food market The finest food market in Denmark. Outstanding smørrebrød and fresh produce. | Dinner: Nyhavn canal restaurant Classic Danish dinner on the most photographed canal in Scandinavia.
DAY 2
COPENHAGEN CULTURE
MORNING
ROSENBORG CASTLE AND THE CROWN JEWELS
Rosenborg Castle, built by Christian IV between 1606 and 1633, is the finest Renaissance castle in Denmark. The extraordinary state rooms with their remarkable collection of royal treasures, the outstanding Danish Crown Jewels in the Treasury and the remarkable Coronation Chair are all outstanding. The castle sits in the extraordinary King's Garden, the oldest royal garden in Denmark. Entry approx 150 DKK. Travel: 20 min walk
MIDDAY
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF DENMARK
The National Museum of Denmark is the finest museum in Scandinavia, its extraordinary prehistoric collection including the remarkable Grauballe Man, the extraordinary Sun Chariot from 1400 BC and the remarkable collection of Viking gold the finest in the world. The medieval Denmark exhibition is outstanding and the children's museum within it is the finest in Copenhagen. Free. Travel: 20 min walk
AFTERNOON
VESTERBRO AND THE MEATPACKING DISTRICT
Vesterbro's Meatpacking District, the extraordinary former slaughterhouse complex converted into the finest restaurant, gallery and bar quarter in Copenhagen, is the most vibrant neighbourhood in the city. The remarkable Kodbyen area with its extraordinary industrial architecture, the outstanding street food and the finest craft beer bars in Denmark make it outstanding. The neighbourhood around Istedgade and Vesterbrogade is remarkable. Free to walk.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Assistens Cemetery in Norrebro, where Hans Christian Andersen and Soren Kierkegaard are buried, is used by locals as a park for picnics and cycling. The remarkable combination of extraordinary graves and normal Copenhagen daily life is outstanding. Free.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Juno the Bakery, Norrebro Extraordinary pastries in the finest bakery neighbourhood in Copenhagen. | Lunch: National Museum cafe Excellent Danish lunch in the extraordinary old mansion. | Dinner: Kul, Vesterbro Meatpacking The finest wood-fired restaurant in the most extraordinary Copenhagen neighbourhood.
DAY 3
NORTH ZEALAND: LOUISIANA AND KRONBORG
MORNING
LOUISIANA MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
Louisiana, 45 minutes north of Copenhagen by train, is one of the finest modern art museums in the world. The extraordinary building integrates seamlessly with its remarkable garden above the Oresund strait, the outstanding sculpture park and the extraordinary views of Sweden across the water all outstanding. The collection includes remarkable works by Giacometti, Warhol, Calder and Bourgeois. Entry approx 175 DKK. Travel: Train from Copenhagen
MIDDAY
KRONBORG CASTLE, ELSINORE
Kronborg Castle in Helsingor, the setting of Shakespeare's Hamlet, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most extraordinary Renaissance castle in Scandinavia. The remarkable Great Hall, the extraordinary casemates where Holger Danske sleeps awaiting Denmark's time of need, and the remarkable cannonball staircase are all outstanding. The castle guards the narrowest point of the Oresund strait with Sweden 4km away. Entry approx 140 DKK. Travel: 20 min train
AFTERNOON
HELSINGOR OLD TOWN AND THE MARITIME MUSEUM
Helsingor's extraordinary medieval old town, with its remarkable St Olai Cathedral, the outstanding Carmelite monastery and the remarkable Kulturvaerftet culture centre in the converted shipyard, is the finest small historic town in north Zealand. The Maritime Museum of Denmark below ground next to Kronborg is an extraordinary architectural achievement as much as a museum. Entry museum approx 120 DKK.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Fredensborg Palace, the spring and autumn residence of the Danish Royal Family between Helsingor and Louisiana, has the most remarkable palace gardens in Denmark, their extraordinary formal layout and the outstanding Nor Lake view outstanding. Gardens open in July. Free in July.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Copenhagen hotel or cafe Good breakfast before the Louisiana train north. | Lunch: Louisiana museum cafe Excellent lunch overlooking the Oresund strait. | Dinner: Madklubben, Copenhagen Excellent value Danish bistro in the city on return.
DAY 4
ROSKILDE VIKING SHIPS AND KOGE
MORNING
ROSKILDE VIKING SHIP MUSEUM
The Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde houses five extraordinary original Viking ships raised from Roskilde Fjord in 1962, each sunk deliberately to block the harbour in the 11th century. The remarkable Skuldelev ships range from a small fishing boat to the extraordinary ocean-going longship. The outdoor shipyard where replica Viking ships are built using traditional techniques is outstanding. Entry approx 175 DKK. Travel: 25 min train
MIDDAY
ROSKILDE CATHEDRAL AND THE ROYAL TOMBS
Roskilde Cathedral, UNESCO World Heritage Site and burial place of the Danish royal family since the 10th century, contains the remarkable tombs of 39 Danish kings and queens in an extraordinary collection of royal mausoleums spanning 900 years. The extraordinary Romanesque and Gothic cathedral with its remarkable brick nave is the finest cathedral in Denmark. The market square outside is outstanding. Entry approx 75 DKK. Travel: 20 min walk
AFTERNOON
KOGE BAY AND THE COAST
Koge, the fine medieval market town on Koge Bay south of Copenhagen, has the most extraordinary well-preserved medieval street in Denmark. The remarkable Kirkestrade with its extraordinary half-timbered houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, the outstanding Koge Museum and the remarkable Koge Bay beach and harbour are all outstanding. The extraordinary Agnes Cliffords collection in the town is remarkable. Free to walk.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Lejre Land of Legends, an Iron Age experimental archaeology park between Roskilde and Copenhagen, recreates the remarkable ancient Danish landscape with living history demonstrations of Viking-age farming and crafts. Entry approx 190 DKK.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Copenhagen hotel Good breakfast before the Roskilde train. | Lunch: Roskilde Harbour Extraordinary harbour lunch beside the Viking ship museum. | Dinner: Fiskebaren, Copenhagen The finest seafood restaurant in Copenhagen's Meatpacking District.
DAY 5
MONS KLINT CHALK CLIFFS
MORNING
MONS KLINT CHALK CLIFFS
Mons Klint on the island of Mon is the most extraordinary geological feature in Denmark, its remarkable 6km stretch of 128-metre white chalk cliffs rising from the Baltic Sea. The extraordinary cliff-top walk and the remarkable descent to the beach below give the finest views. The cliffs contain an outstanding collection of 70-million-year-old fossils. The GeoCenter Mons Klint visitor centre has the finest interpretation. Entry centre approx 140 DKK. Travel: 1.5 hours drive
MIDDAY
LISELUND PARK AND MANOR
Liselund Park near Mons Klint is the most extraordinary romantic landscape garden in Denmark, its remarkable collection of thatched follies, the outstanding Chinese pavilion and the remarkable Norwegian cottage all set in an extraordinary woodland garden above the Baltic coast. Hans Christian Andersen visited and was inspired here. The manor house visible from the park is remarkable. Free to walk the park. Travel: 15 min drive
AFTERNOON
STEGE TOWN AND RETURN
Stege, the medieval market town on Mon, has the most extraordinary well-preserved medieval gateway in Denmark. The remarkable Mellemporten gate, the outstanding Empiregarden and the extraordinary half-timbered houses of the market town are all remarkable. The drive back to Copenhagen across the remarkable Queen Alexandrine Bridge and through the extraordinary south Zealand landscape is outstanding. Free to walk.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Liselund Ny Slot, a remarkable neoclassical manor visible across the pond in Liselund Park, is one of the finest 19th-century buildings in Zealand. The extraordinary reflection in the still water and the surrounding beech forest make it one of the most romantic views in Denmark. Free.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Copenhagen hotel Early start for the Mon drive south. | Lunch: GeoCenter Mons Klint cafe Simple lunch above the extraordinary chalk cliffs. | Dinner: Final dinner, Copenhagen Return to the city. Amass or Relae for a farewell Nordic dinner.
Where To Stay
Copenhagen centre, all 5 nights Indre By or Vesterbro. Approx 900 to 1,800 DKK per night. Neighbourhood tip Vesterbro is hipper and slightly cheaper than the city centre. Copenhagen Card Consider the Copenhagen Card for unlimited public transport and museum entry.
Top Tips
1. Copenhagen is extremely expensive. Buy supermarket lunch and save the restaurants for dinner.
2. Hire a bike. Copenhagen has the world's finest cycle infrastructure. Everything is easy by bike.
3. The Copenhagen Card covers public transport and over 80 museums. Worth it for 3 or more days.
4. Noma's neighbourhood of Christianshavn has the finest canal walks and hidden courtyards in the city.
5. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is 45 minutes from Copenhagen and among the finest in the world.
6. Book restaurant tables weeks ahead in summer. Copenhagen dining is extraordinary but busy.
Total Budget
1,350 to 2,500 DKK/day