The Best Translated Icelandic Books

With Iceland having such a legacy of great literature, let’s take a look at the very best of modern Icelandic literature. These are your essential Icelandic books, written by the finest Icelandic authors of the 20th and 21st Centuries.

Miss Iceland by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir

Translated by Brian FitzGibbon

Hekla’s father named her after a volcano. Four years after she was born, the volcano after which she was named erupted, and her volcano-obsessed father took Hekla in his Jeep to see the eruption. The sight forever stoked a burning fire in her, turning Hekla into a young woman who wanted nothing in the world but to be a publisher writer.

She spent her life writing poems and manuscripts, frantically chasing her dream. But in Iceland in the 1960s, Hekla had more chance of being crowned Miss Iceland than of being a published woman writer.

Across the narrative of Miss Iceland — one of the best modern icelandic novels — we hope to see Hekla travel from her remote village to Reykjavik, live as a struggling artist for a while, but eventually overcome and succeed. We will peer into her mind and glimpse her beautiful poetry and visionary stories.

What we get instead is a cold slap in the face; the same slap that hits Hekla over and again. A woman in 1960s Iceland cannot be an author or a poet. It might be a land of poets and writers, a land of myths and legends, but a woman has no place amongst any of that.

Miss Iceland, through both its gripping language and its romantic execution, leads us to believe that Hekla is our hero, and that we will follow her into greatness. What we get instead is a woman arriving in Reykjavik with an English copy of Ulysses and a manuscript of her own in her bag, only to come face-to-face with the crooked and unnecessary evils of the world.

Taken from our full review of Miss Iceland

Magma by Thora Hjörleifsdóttir

Translated by Meg Matich

Here is the debut novel by Icelandic poet Thora Hjörleifsdóttir. Magma is a 200-page feminist Icelandic novel written in small, diary-like vignettes which record the life of a young woman named Lilja. Lilja has entered into a new relationship with a quietly toxic and emotionally manipulative man who remains unnamed, and who becomes something of a gothic monster as the book progresses.

Her partner represents not only the toxic and gaslighting men of the world, but all toxic friends and partners that we have suffered with throughout our lives, regardless of gender or sexuality. Each tiny chapter of Magma jumps forward a little, recording a new moment or stage in their relationship, as Lilja becomes unable to leave, feeling strangely attached to him and convinced that she is in love.

All the while, he controls her, gaslights her, and builds a shell of paranoia around her until she feels cocooned, trapped, lost, and dependent. It’s dark, difficult, and too familiar for many of us. Magma is a mesmerising work of feminist Icelandic fiction that warns us all against the power and tactics used by toxic people to remove our autonomy and grind us down.

One of the best Icelandic books you’ll ever read, Magma is an essential and relatable, if heartbreaking read.

Watch our full video review of Magma

The Book of Reykjavik: A City in Short Fiction

Edited by Becca Parkinson & Vera Juliusdottir

Comma Press is one of the best and boldest indie publishers in the UK, and a big reason for that is their A City in Short Fiction series. In a genius move, Comma Press moves from city to city across the entire globe, and collects wonderful short stories by authors from those cities before having them translated and bound together.

They’ve explored cities like Tehran, Cairo, Jakarta, and so many more. And here is The Book of Reykjavik, one of the best Icelandic books you could ever get your hands on. Given Iceland’s legendary status around the world as a land of stories and sagas, having a collection of modern short stories by some of the best Icelandic authors is truly a gift.

Here is the full list of Icelandic authors found in this collection:

Friðgeir Einarsson, Kristín Eiríksdóttir, Þórarinn Eldjárn, Einar Már Guðmundsson, Björn Halldórsson, Fríða Ísberg, Auður Jónsdóttir, Guðrún Eva Mínervudóttir, Andri Snær Magnason, Ágúst Borgþór Sverrisson.

The stories in The Book of Reykjavik bring the city to life, turning it into a character in and of itself. And that character is one with real dimension: a hero and a villain both. This is one of the best Icelandic books because it shows all the different sides of Iceland’s capital: the brightest and the murkiest bits; the hopeful and the hopeless.

The Book of Reykjavik is a book of landscapes and cityscapes, of people and places. It is shameless and bold and impactful and unforgettable. We even get a foreword by Sjón, arguably Iceland’s most famous and celebrated modern novelist (featured further down this list).

The Mark by Fríða Ísberg

Translated by Larissa Kyzer

In the near future, an “empathy test” has been devised, the purpose of which is to divide society into those who are empathetic, kind, and safe to be around, and those who are potentially dangerous and, thus, in need of support in order to improve. For now, the test is only mandatory for certain public servants, but an imminent referendum will determine whether or not it becomes mandatory for all citizens of Iceland.

We follow four protagonists in the lead up to that vote. Along with a teacher and a businesswoman, we also have the head of the team of psychologists who created the test and a member of a group who protest its mandatory rollout. Through their eyes, we see every possible side of this debate. In that sense, this is a fantastically nuanced novel that deeply explores human rights and laws.

Suspenseful, considerate, and wonderfully insightful, The Mark is a bold new entry into the world of speculative and political fiction.

Quake by Auður Jónsdóttir

Translated by Meg Matich

Something that many of the best Icelandic books tackle repeatedly is the darker, more intimate difficulties of everyday life. Icelandic fiction is often literary fiction at its peak. Quake by Icelandic author Auður Jónsdóttir is perhaps one of the finest examples of great modern literary fiction across the canon of Icelandic books in translation.

Our protagonist is Saga, a divorced mother who is hit with a grand mal seizure that steals away almost all of her memories. As she recovers from her seizure, Saga’s life becomes a puzzle: a series of questions and clues and revelations for her to piece together.

Like many of the best pieces of literary fiction, Quake takes elements and techniques from genre fiction (for Jónsdóttir, it’s mystery stories), to weave together something wholly unique and unsettling. The fear and tension and confusion that Saga feels, we feel it too with every page turn. Every question she has becomes a mystery we are now desperately invested in.

But at its heart, Quake is also a family drama, and its her child, her ex-husband, her family who are the glue of this novel, and its with them that the biggest revelations lie. Auður Jónsdóttir is one of Iceland’s best novelists, and so it is unsurprising that Quake is one of the best modern Icelandic books on the shelves.

Read More: Essential Norwegian Novels

A Fist or a Heart by Kristín Eiríksdóttir

Translated by Larissa Kyzer

Kristín Eiríksdóttir is a celebrated Icelandic author, and A Fist or a Heart is her first novel to be translated into English. It also won the Icelandic Literary Prize. This short Icelandic novel’s protagonist is a woman in her seventies named Elín, who makes (sometimes gruesome) props for theatre and TV companies in Reykjavik.

Elín soon becomes maternally intrigued by a similarly eccentric but lonely (and similarly named) woman: Ellen, daughter of a writer and a playwright in her own, er, right. The two women have met once before, but we don’t learn the details until the novel’s climax.

As A Fist or a Heart progresses, we are carried forward by the plot but also flash back to Elín’s younger years and traumas. The parallel lines between these women guide us through this short novel and towards its conclusion. Having made more than one enormous splash in the already crowded literary world of Iceland, A Fist or a Heart is one of the most essential Icelandic books you can read right now.

The Woman at 1,000 Degrees by Hallgrímur Helgason

Translated by Brian FitzGibbon

If there is one thing the literary world could do with more of, it’s older protagonists. We’re drowning in YA fantasy novels and young, stoic protagonists but what we need is more women like Hella. When we meet Herra, she’s slowly dying in her garage (she even has her own cremation booked), and she has with her a laptop and a German World War II hand grenade. She’s a quirky character, to say the least.

We journey through Herra’s memories as we relive the brightest and darkest parts of her life: from a childhood in a remote fishing village, through a war, and right around the world. While living in Denmark, Hella’s father fought on the side of the Nazis. She has married men, had their children, and lost them. She has seen things you can’t imagine. And she remains fierce and funny after it all.

Hella is like no protagonist you’ll ever come across. She is fuelled by a laugh-out-loud wit and a lot of dark observations. She should be regarded as one of the literary canon’s great protagonists. Our first-person narrator has experienced unbelievably tragedies. She has been attacked, abused, sold, and had everything stripped from her.

Now, at the end of her life, she narrates these experiences to us with a kind of brave and sardonic wit that almost feels like it shouldn’t be allowed. Around half of this book focuses on the war years; the youth that moulded Hella into who she is, and these experiences are far from pleasant. But all along, her wit and humour remains strong.

It’s safe to say that The Woman at 1,000 Degrees is unlike anything you’ll ever read, and one of the great modern Icelandic books in translation.

Independent People by Halldór Laxness

Translated by J A Thompson

On this list of the best Icelandic books, none come close to Independent People in terms of its impact and acclaim. So many of the authors here are powerful, brilliant writers, but Nobel Prize-winner Halldór Laxness is a true legend of the literary form, and Independent People is heralded as his finest work of fiction.

Originally written in 1935, twenty years prior to Laxness winning the Nobel Prize in Literature, Independent People is a deeply intimate novel that shines an accusatory light on capitalism. Independent People paints a vivid picture of rural life in early 20th Century Iceland, and the fight that rural farmers had to have for survival — both financial and mortal.

Reminiscent of some of the best modern Japanese novels, Independent People captures a moment of change, as traditional life is edged into the margins to make way for modern, industrial living. Our protagonist is a rural Icelandic sheep farmer named Bjartus, who endeavours to survive off his cold, dead land.

We also learn about the history of Iceland during this tumultuous time period: how the nation was affected by the Great War and how Iceland’s political and economic shifts affected men like Bjartus. Bjartus is not always the reader’s friend. He is a difficult protagonist to root for sometimes, with his stubbornness and his attention divided between the past and the future.

But he is a deeply human character whom we feel great pride for and investment in, all the same. He is as harsh and cold as the landscape we inhabit through the course of this astonishing novel. Independent People is at once political, personal, intimate, and broad. It is one of the greatest Icelandic books ever written, and absolutely essential reading.

Cold Moons by Magnús Sigurðsson

Translated by Meg Matich

Poetry in translation is an unusual thing, and it takes a deft hand to properly translate the tone, emotion, message, and rhythm of a great poet. Meg Matich is one of those translators. Cold Moons is a collection of Icelandic poetry by Magnús Sigurðsson, who is also a translator in his own right.

The poems in Cold Moons, like so many of the great works of poetry throughout history, have a romantic attachment to the natural world. These poems are full of space and quiet and calmness, and through all of that the wind blows and the trees rustle.

These are poems that love the world, and celebrate it, and breathe it in. They are poems to quiet your mind and make you feel in touch the the land and the sky. Amongst all of these Icelandic books, this is a powerful and righteous collection of stellar Icelandic poetry.

Read some of the poems from Cold Moons

Moonstone: The Boy Who Never Was by Sjón

Translated by Victoria Cribb

Sjón (full name: Sigurjón Birgir Sigurðsson) is a literary national treasure in Iceland; celebrated as an author, poet, screenwriter, and Björk collaborator. A dozen poetry collections and a dozen novels makes for quite the legacy, so it’s difficult to pick a single book to discuss. Whichever one you go with, it can be treated as a door into the rest of his world.

With us being big fans of historical fiction, let’s go with Moonstone: The Boy Who Never Was, one of the great modern Icelandic books.

We begin in 1918, the year of The Great War, the Spanish Flu, and for Iceland the eruption of the Katla volcano. Our protagonist is a young film fanatic named Mani who must ride all these waves of national, international, cultural, and natural change. This is the story of how he is shaped by all this madness.

Moonstone: The Boy Who Never Was is a wonderful novella, coming in at under 200 pages. And in that time we are swept along on Mani’s journey into adulthood as the world shifts in terrifying ways. Mani is an odd boy lost in a sea of death and fear, and the short time we spend with him is one we will never forget.

Angels of the Universe by Einar Mar Gudmundsson

Translated by Bernard Scudder

Any discussion of the best modern Icelandic books is likely going to bring up Angels of the Universe. This is a deep, dark novel that moves and frightens in equal measure. Our protagonist, Paul, is a man overcome by depression and schizophrenia, who ends up in Klepp Psychiatric Hospital, located at the edge of Reykjavik, but we begin with his childhood and go from there.

The story of Angels of the Universe was actually inspired by the life and experiences of the author’s own brother, and that adds an extra layer of intimacy and heartbreak to the narrative. In the early years section, we learn plenty about Paul’s family, and in the hospital section, we follow his adventures with his found family: troubled and ill men with their own traumas and delusions.

While this is a deeply sad novel, the lyrical quality and subtle injections of wit and humour make it poatic and engaging and enriching at the same time. You’ll never read a novel quite like Angels of the Universe, and it is certainly one of the finest Icelandic books out there.

The Fish Can Sing by Halldór Laxness

Translated by Magnus Magnusson

We’ve already talked extensively about the power and importance of Halldór Laxness’ fiction, as Iceland’s Nobel Prize winner. So if anyone is going to be featured twice, it’s going to be Laxness. The more of Laxness’ work you read, the more you can see an overlap between him and fellow Nobel Prize winner: the Japanese author Yasunari Kawabata.

Both of these authors wrote at around the same period in time, and both manage to bled a love for natural landscapes, art, and empty space with an examination of time’s effect on individual people. The Fish Can Sing tells the story of an orphan boy raised by a kindly elderly couple. Álfgrímur idolises his grandfather, Björn, and wants to follow in his footsteps as a peaceful fisherman.

This changes when Álfgrímur, who possesses his own musical talents, meets the internationally famous Icelandic opera singer Garðar Hólm. Holm tells Álfgrímur that he has talent and should pursue it beyond the shores of Iceland. But Hólm himself is strange; he never performs on Icelandic soil.

The quiet and slow crash that comes from the connecting of these two souls is what pulls the reader along on this journey of change and growth and understanding. The Fish Can Sing was published after Laxness won the Nobel Prize, and it retains the same themes and ideas that awarded him the prize in the first place.

This is a book about tradition versus modernity, the grounded versus the powerful, contentedness versus hunger. If you want to read the very best Icelandic books, you must read Halldór Laxness. It’s that simple.

Jar City by Arnaldur Indridason

Translated by Bernard Scudder

Speaking candidly, I’m not a fan of gritty crime noir novels (dad beach reads, if you like), but they make up so much of the modern literary canon of Iceland that it feels weird not discussing one here. Jar City is part of Arnaldur Indridason’s Reykjavik Murder Mystery, and it was even adapted into a 2008 movie by Icelandic actor/director Baltasar Kormákur.

Scandinavian crime noir is big, and Arnaldur Indridason stands shoulder-to-shoulder with authors like Norway’s Jo Nesbø and Sweden’s Stieg Larsson. As for Jar City itself, this is a police procedural that begins with an old man dead in his apartment, and a note that reads “I am HIM”.

Inspector Erlendur Sveinsson digs around into the personal history of the deceased and revelations come to light that change everything. The victim was, unsurprisingly, a sordid individual. But so is Inspect Sveinsson himself, as is often the case with noir crime stories. His life is far from easy and romantic, and he carries a lot of personal troubles with him as he works.

If you’re a fan of Scandinavian crime writers, or police procedurals in general, Arnaldur Indridason’s Reykjavik Murder Mystery series is a collection of essential Icelandic books.

101 Reykjavik by Hallgrímur Helgason

Translated by Brian FitzGibbon

101 Reykjavik is another Icelandic novel that was adapted into an Icelandic movie by Baltasar Kormákur, who also stars in the film. The movie won a few awards and was very well-received. As for Hallgrímur Helgason’s original 1996 novel, its name is taken from the postcode for a central neighbourhood in Iceland’s capital.

The story of 101 Reykjavik follows the pathetic life of 30-something NEET man-child Hlynur Björn, who lives with his mother and does little more than ogling women online and off. In some ways reminiscent of John Kennedy Toole’s A Confederacy of Dunces, this is the darkly comic story of a deeply unlikeable young man.

For a book written in 1996, Reykjavik 101 vividly reminds us of modern-day internet incel culture. Björn is a creepy, porn-addicted misogynist who struggles with everyday conversation. If you’re a manga and amine fan, you’ll find parallels between Björn and the protagonist of Mushoku Tensei, at least in its opening chapters.

Reykjavik 101 is the definition of bleak, dark comedy. It’s not an enjoyable read for everyone, but those that click with it will really click. A superbly unique gem amongst the modern canon of Icelandic books.

Picking what to do in Copenhagen to fill up that time with as many amazing sights and experiences as possible is a challenge as there’s just so much to do. Where to even start with a Copenhagen itinerary?

Your Complete Copenhagen itinerary

The first thing to know is that Copenhagen is one of Europe’s most magical, fairy tale cities, and there is so much wonder to see and do that you really don’t want to miss a thing. Especially if you’ve got just 3 days in Copenhagen to see it all.

Follow us on our Copenhagen itinerary to ensure that you soak up all the magic and excitement that Copenhagen has to offer!

Pick up a Copenhagen Card to get free subway travel and attraction tickets.

Copenhagen Itinerary Day One: Copenhagen’s Must-See Attractions

If you find yourself with just one day in Copenhagen, these are the things you’ll want to see, do, and eat while you’re in Denmark’s capital. A one-day Copenhagen itinerary might not seem like a lot of time, but the city is small and so many of the best Copenhagen attractions are found close together, making exploration fun and easy.

So, here is day one of your Copenhagen itinerary!

Eat at TorveHallerne Market

Start your one day in Copenhagen with some delicious Danish breakfast. Right next to Norreport station, this is ideal whether you’re arriving by train or coming from the airport.

Across the road from the station, you’ll find two huge glass buildings next to each other joined in the middle by a fruit and veg market and some outside food stalls. Inside the first, you’ll find everything from gourmet coffee and chocolate to the largest pastries you’ll have encountered in your life.

Homemade ice-cream, tea houses, and fresh juice bars sit next to fantastic Mexican food. There are delis, spice shops, tea shops, all with a bustling market atmosphere. It’s perfect if you’ve come together as a group and can’t decide which food to go for first!

Read more: Find out exactly what to expect in our guide to Torvehallerne

Wander Nyhavn

Nyhavn (or New Haven) is the most photographed place in Copenhagen. And so, naturally, it is a must-stop on any Copenhagen itinerary. A row of picturesque houses of all different bright colours which lead to a pier at the eastern edge of the city centre.

Today it has a bridge covered in love-locks and a huge selection of fantastic (albeit pricey) Danish restaurants and cafes. You can take a boat down the canal or just watch the world go by at this picturesque spot.

Hans Christian Andersen fans will be pleased to learn that he also spent most of his life living here. The godfather of fairy tales wrote one of his most famous stories

The Princess and the Pea while living in no. 20 Nyhavn. He also lived for twenty years in no. 67 Nyhavn, which today exists as the H.C. Andersen Cafe, where you can enjoy some traditional Danish lunch, drink some coffee and soak up the electric atmosphere of Nyhavn.

Make sure you get an ice-cream for your walk towards The Little Mermaid.

Stroll to The Little Mermaid

Yes, you may have heard by now that the statue itself is a little underwhelming but the walk along the harbour very much isn’t. Overlooking the water, just beside the old military fortress of Kastellet, is the iconic statue of Andersen’s Little Mermaid.

It’s an idyllic photo spot and a beautiful walk or cycle from Nyhavn. Since you’ve got 3 days in Copenhagen, you might as well enjoy the view!

Read More: Bookish Guide to Copenhagen

Spend the evening on Strøget

Strøget is perhaps the most darling street in Copenhagen. You won’t even hear the sound of cars here, and the gently winding street is always packed with happy, smiling shoppers enjoying a crepe or an ice cream cone as they window shop.

Buskers play violins and accordions outside the Disney Store and the Lego Store. Along here you can also stop for a pint at The Dubliner — Copenhagen’s Irish pub.

You’ll find wine bars and plenty of restaurants to settle in when you’re ready. And certainly don’t miss out on the Guinness World Record Museum, which is exactly what you’re picturing.

Copenhagen Itinerary Day Two: Explore Copenhagen’s Fun Side

Now that you’ve sampled the wonderful cuisine on offer in Copenhagen, and seen some of its most beloved sights, it’s time to discover and dig into the more thrilling side of life in Copenhagen.

Denmark’s capital is, after all, home to the two oldest theme parks in Europe, one of which is in the very heart of the city! No wonder Danish people are the happiest on Earth.

Let’s kick-off day two of your Copenhagen itinerary!

Marvel at Glyptoteket Sculpture Museum

This beautiful museum created in 1888 is situated right next to Tivoli so it’s a perfect spot for heading into the infamous park. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of ancient busts, sculptures, artwork, and artefacts from all over the Mediterranean, including Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

You’ll also find French and Danish art upstairs. The interior dome is amazing to see and the cafe and shop inside are very worth a visit.

Top tip: The museum has free entry on Tuesdays.

Get Lost in Tivoli Gardens

The most fun you can have for under twenty pounds (feel free to challenge me on that), no Copenhagen itinerary is complete without a visit to Tivoli. But when you do, just know that it comes Andersen-approved! He visited this vintage theme park himself the day it opened and had a deep love for it.

So much so, in fact, that Tivoli itself inspired him to write his fairytale The Nightingale. Also make sure, when you visit, to ride The Flying Trunk, a ride that brings many of Andersen’s fairytales to life all around you!

There’s a food hall type eatery restaurant inside as well as several bars and a steak house. You can even buy your souvenirs here with specialty licorice shops and more. Regular shows and special themed events are put on so check online to see what’s happening on any given day. Pick up discounted tickets to Tivoli here.

Read more: Arts and Culture Guide to Copenhagen

Eat at Veggie Heroes — One of the Best Restaurants in Copenhagen

Veggie Heroes is a vegan Indian curry buffet in the heart of Copenhagen. The buffet is all-you-can-eat and costs you around £15 each (£20 including drinks, though you do also get table water).

It’s cheaper on weekdays and they also have some main meals which are cheaper than the buffet option and perfect if you need a lighter meal. You’ll find Veggie Heroes, one of the best value-for-money budget restaurants in Copenhagen, a short walk away from Tivoli theme park.

Read More: Check out our guide to budget restaurants in Copenhagen for other options

Copenhagen Itinerary Day Three: Discover Alternative Copenhagen

Here is the secret side of Copenhagen. The less glamorous and more historic, artistic, and deeply cultural side of Copenhagen. With 3 days in Copenhagen, you have enough time to see it all and enjoy every one of the city’s vastly different faces.

If, by chance, you do have time after your 3 days in Copenhagen to take some day trips from Copenhagen, we’ve included some fantastic day trips from Copenhagen or you to choose from at the bottom of this page.

For now, though, let’s dive into the final day of your Copenhagen itinerary!

Climb Rundetarn, The Round Tower

The iconic 17th-century spiral tower can be found in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter. Climbing up the tower is part of the fun as you follow a 209-metre spiral pathway, commissioned by King Christian IV for stargazing.

This is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe, was featured in The Journey to the Centre of the Earth and offers a fabulous view of the city from its very centre.

Explore Christiania Free Town

An entirely free city within the city. Christiania, a self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood, was born in 1971 when a group of homeless squatters occupied the abandoned military barracks and, simply, never left!

Despite government attempts to shut Christiania down, the area has become a pseudo-communist haven for hippies and anyone seeking a life free of traditional work, rent, and tax. Wander around the local art shops, eat vegan food, and smoke some weed if you’re so inclined.

Cycle Over to Reffen for Dinner

Ready to visit the largest street food hall in the Nordics? Reffen is tucked away on the waterfront on the artificial island of Refshaleøen and features over fifty start-up restaurants in the form of food stalls, just pick what you want and take it to the covered bar area to enjoy your choice with a drink.

Whether you’re fancying crepes, Phillipino food, gyros or bao you’ll find it here. It’s fun, off-the-beaten track and sums up the inspired food scene of Denmark.

You can easily rent a bike on the streets of Copenhagen here’s a guide to getting set up for bike rental during your 3 days in Copenhagen.

Top Three Hotels in Copenhagen

Hotel Kong Arthur — An eco-friendly family-run hotel that offers a central location and a cosy Scandinavian vibe. This hotel is the definition of hygge! There’s also an on-site sauna and relaxation area.

Bedwood Hostel —This gorgeous hostel set in a 1756 historic warehouse features rustic interiors that make for and is run by two passionate travellers dedicated to creating a cosy hostel experience. It’s also a stone’s throw from Nyhavn and the train station. They also offer bike rentals which is perfect for the incredibly cycle friendly Copenhagen.

Axel Guldsmeden — A beautiful boutique hotel with four-poster beds, Balinese furnishing, a tapas restaurant and a spa on site. They’re super environmentally friendly and located close to the central station and Tivoli.

Read More: For more hotels check out our neighbourhood and accommodation guide

Day Trips From Copenhagen

There are some incredible opportunities for easy day trips from Copenhagen. If you’ve got the time, we cannot recommend these three quick and fantastic day trips from Copenhagen enough (here’s a whole list of other day trips from Copenhagen if you’re interested).

We’ve covered each of these day trips from Copenhagen in detail in their own posts, but below is a quick preview into what you can expect if you have time after your 3 days in Copenhagen.

A Day in Odense – Odense is the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen. It’s also home to our favourite museum in Denmark (perhaps our favourite in all of Europe): Brandts Museum of Art and Visual Culture. It’s a delightful and Idyllic little Danish town that’s worth exploring for a single day on an easy day trip from Copenhagen.

Take a Trip to Kronborg Castle – The mythical home of Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a majestic and powerful sight to behold, and less than an hour’s drive north of Copenhagen. Find out more about how to visit Kronborg Castle, including a full video itinerary, right here.

Visit Malmö, Sweden – It might seem mad to suggest that one of your day trips from Copenhagen can be to an entirely different county, especially one as massive as Sweden, but Copenhagen sits right at the edge of a narrow strait which divides Denmark from Sweden’s third-largest city: Malmö. It’s an electric and exciting city to explore, and one of the simplest and quickest day trips from Copenhagen!

There’s a purity, a cleanliness, and a natural beauty to Copenhagen. It feels like this city, and only this city, could have been the place to give birth to the fairytales of Hans Christian Andersen. In so many ways, Copenhagen is a fairytale. So, in this fairytale city, let’s take a look at the very best things to do.

Unique Things to Do in Copenhagen

Here are some of the best things you can do in Copenhagen, from food to museums, and quirky areas.

Explore Christiania – Free Town

An entirely free city within the city. Christiania, a self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood, was born in 1971 when a group of homeless squatters occupied the abandoned military barracks and, simply, never left!

Despite government attempts to shut Christiania down, the area has become a pseudo-communist haven for hippies and anyone seeking a life free of traditional work, rent, and tax. Anyone can join Christiania – homeless there are given a home, and from there they can build what they want: a life, a business, anything.

You’ll find art shops, DIY lifestyle, gardens, delicious eating spots. Of course, this place has a reputation for its weed; and you can absolutely buy weed and smoke to your heart’s content here (though they have strict rules against any other kinds of drugs) but head straight past the famous ‘green market’ and you’ll find a thriving and fascinating community of free people. Get coffee at Manefiseren and eat at Spiseloppen or Morgenstedet.

Read More: Bookish Guide to Copenhagen

Climb Rundetarn, The Round Tower

The iconic 17th-century spiral tower can be found in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter. Climbing up the tower is part of the fun as you follow a 209-metre spiral pathway, commissioned by King Christian IV for stargazing. This is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe, was featured in The Journey to the Centre of the Earth and offers a fabulous view of the city from its very centre.

Learn at The National Museum of Denmark

What’s a guide to arts and culture without a recommendation to visit Denmark’s biggest museum of cultural history! Found within the 300-year-old Prince’s Palace, the National Museum has exhibits both permanent and temporary.

These exhibits showcase all of the food, fashion, engineering, architecture, art, and science that defined each period of Denmark’s history. Much of the National Museum’s greatest splendour comes from its collections of Viking artefacts: coins, weapons, ships, clothing, and more.

Check out the Music at Sort Kaffe & Vinyl

The owner’s dual passion for music and coffee come together in this shop, where staff – mainly local musicians – play records while serving excellent coffee and pastries. Their vinyl collection is second to none, boasting both new releases and reprints of classic vinyl. Located in the heart of Vesterbro, Copenhagen’s hipster district, this is a fantastic place to see the passion Danes have for good music while also experiencing Denmark’s impassioned coffee culture for yourself.

Wander Nyhavn, Home of H.C. Andersen

Nyhavn (or New Haven) is the most photographed and recognisable part of Copenhagen. At first glance, Nyhavn simply looks like a row of prettily-painted houses cuddled up together by the water, but it’s a lot more than that.

Nyhavn’s most famous resident is Hans Christian Andersen himself, who was born in Odense and travelled the world extensively but spent twenty years of his adult life living in no. 67 (today Café H.C. Andersen can be found on the ground floor). The rest of Nyhavn is comprised of really really great restaurants that serve up the best seafood in Copenhagen.

Read More: Copenhagen Neighbourhood Guide (+Where to Stay)

Shop on the Longest Pedestrian Street in Europe – Strøget

Strøget is perhaps the most darling street in Copenhagen. You won’t even hear the sound of cars here, and the gently winding street is always packed with happy, smiling shoppers enjoying a crepe or an ice cream cone as they window shop. Buskers play violins and accordions outside the Disney Store and the Lego Store.

Along here you can also stop for a pint at The Dubliner – Copenhagen’s Irish pub. And certainly don’t miss out on the Guinness World Record Museum, which is exactly what you’re picturing.

Eat at TorveHallerne Market

An easy experience, right next to Norreport station, you’ll find two huge glass buildings next to each other joined in the middle by a fruit and veg market and some outside food stalls. Inside the first, you’ll find everything from gourmet coffee and chocolate to the largest pastries you’ll have encountered in your life.

Homemade ice-cream, tea houses and fresh juice bars sit next to fantastic Mexican food. There are delis, spice shops, tea shops, all with a bustling market atmosphere. It’s perfect if you’ve come together as a group and can’t decide which food to go for first!

Read More: Check out our walking guide to the food hall to have a look at what’s there.

Play a Board Game at Bastard Café

This isn’t some weird translation error; it’s just the perfect example of Danish humour. Bastard Café is a fantastic open-plan room full of long benches on which to play one of a massive selection of board games. When you go and order a drink, you’ll find a selection of muffins and cookies for sale, as well as bar snacks like fries and nachos.

The guys who work there come from all over the world and have all wound up in Denmark for different reasons (they even each have a little flag on the counter – it’s adorable). Once you’ve settled with some food and coffee, grab yourself a board game – anything from the charming and simple Ticket to Ride to something more hardcore that may take you deep into the evening.

Look Up at Glyptoteket Sculpture Museum

A beautiful museum created in 1888, situated right next to Tivoli, you’ll find an impressive collection of ancient busts, sculptures, artwork, and artefacts from all over the Mediterranean – including Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. You’ll also find French and Danish art upstairs.

The brewer Carl Jacobson (of Carlsberg fame) built the Glyptoteket to provide fellow citizens with rich cultural experiences they may not be able to get without having a lot of money and free time of their own, and also have a place for his world-renowned collection of art to live in all its splendour. Jacobson was a slightly eccentric man, as is plain to see, but he has provided us with one of the most exhilarating and unique things to do in Copenhagen.

Top tip: If you’re in the city on a Tuesday, the museum is free! It’s also closed on Mondays. They have a gorgeous cafe set in a Winter garden and a particularly tempting book and trinket shop inside.

Explore Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

As you drive in up the path, you’ll see that the Louisiana looks like a traditional Louisiana plantation house, with white walls, columns, a balcony, and creeping ivy. And that’s all true, until you get inside and all that traditional facade falls away to reveal wide open halls and spaces filled with incredible modern art.

We’re not talking modern art like the stuff that’s often so divisive amongst not only art lovers but your average person. We’re talking really great, moving, politically-inspired artwork from visionary artists, photographers, and filmmakers.

The gardens overlook the open ocean and are dotted with strange and surreal sculptures that you’re free to wander and photograph. Then, inside, you’ll discover 20th-century artwork from some of Europe and the USA’s true visionary artists. Wandering the interior and the gardens of The Louisiana is one of the most pleasurable, relaxing, and unique things to do in Copenhagen.

Discover Format Artspace

Opened in 2013, this space focuses on Danish artists and designers and showcases their work in bi-monthly exhibitions which focus on experimentation with different mediums and materials.

You’ll find it on Nansengade, a tucked-away street full of wine bars, cute cafes, and restaurants. You can also buy prints from the artists so it’s worth just popping in for a unique souvenir.

Read More: Check out Copenhagen’s Incredible Tattoo Artists and Studios.

Step Back in Time at Kronborg Castle

This magnificent castle on the northern edge of Denmark is a 30-minute drive north of Copenhagen. It’s an easy afternoon trip from the city, and one of the best things to do with a free day in Copenhagen.

The castle is perhaps most famous, ironically, not for its real Danish history, but for its fictional British history. The castle, you see, was the setting inspiration for Shakespeare’s Hamlet, which makes visiting it one of the most special and unique things to do in Copenhagen.

And because of that, performances of Hamlet take place at the castle each summer, there’s a carving of Shakespeare’s face in one of its walls, and the gift shop offers as many Hamlet-related trinkets as Viking ones. For more details about our own visit to Kronborg Castle, click right here!

Sweat at Copenhot- a Scandinavian Sauna Experience

One of the things that all of Scandinavia is known for is saunas, and this kind of natural relaxation and healthy living has been further reinforced by the popularity of the Danish philosophy of Hygge.

Copenhot feels like the culmination of all of this. Located at the eastern edge of the city in Refshaleøen, Copenhot offers unique outdoor hot tubs filled with clean seawater and heated with firewood. They blend the rugged rural atmosphere of traditional saunas with a modern urban setting.

You can sit in a quiet wooden steam room or a little round tub at the edge of the open ocean. A very unique experience that celebrates Danish tradition in a clever way.

Eat at Veggie Hero, an Indian and Nepalese Buffet

Although not synonymous with Danish cuisine, this tucked-away eatery is certainly too good to miss. Denmark is very very good at setting trends and riding their waves, so of course, Copenhagen would be the city to have an all-you-can-eat vegan Indian buffet.

Meals in Copenhagen are, in general, a little on the pricey side, so this buffet is not only fantastic value for money but also something totally unique and delicious. All the food is vegan and made to behave as perfect meat substitutes, keeping the authenticity of the Indian cuisine going strong.

Read More: Check out our budget guide to Copenhagen’s restaurants.

Get Lost in the Designmuseum Denmark

Honestly, the restaurant and cafe at the Designmuseum is well worth a visit alone, and you don’t even need a ticket to access it. The wifi is great, the open-sandwiches are to die for (try the mushroom pate), and the gift shop next to it is one of the most dangerously tempting I’ve ever come across, with fantastic gifts that range from art and photography books to prints, furniture, handmade jewellery, lego lunch boxes… I could go on. As for the museum itself, it is a fantastic showcase of the minimalist beauty of clever Danish design and architecture.

Have a Day of Fun at Tivoli Theme Park

Copenhagen is one of those special harmonious cities. One that’s so beautiful, filled with people so kind, that it can house a theme park in its centre and it only makes sense to be there. Having a theme park in the heart of its capital is part of what makes Copenhagen such a magical city, and exploring Tivoli is one of the most delightful and unique things to do in Copenhagen.

Tivoli is the world’s second-oldest theme park (the first, Bakken, is also in the Copenhagen area, a little outside the city – see below).

Tivoli opened when H.C. Andersen was still alive, and he himself fell deeply in love with its charm and design. Visits to Tivoli, in fact, actually inspired his fairytale The Nightingale. Tivoli behaves like a miniature planet Earth, with different areas being inspired by the aesthetics and history of different places around the world, from Europe to India to China.

When you visit, you can either buy a day-pass that covers all rides, or a reduced ticket that gets you entry only, and then each ride costs extra. This is ideal for people who love the atmosphere of theme parks but have a fear of the rides. Well done, Copenhagen!

Read More: You can learn even more about Andersen and Tivoli in our Bookish Guide to Copenhagen.

Bakken and the Deer Park

Bakken is the world’s oldest theme park, a fact that immediately makes visiting Bakken one of the most unique things to do in Copenhagen. You can find Bakken just a little ways outside Copenhagen. Entry is free and though most of the rides aren’t particularly daring or state-of-the-art, it’s oozing with charm. The restaurants are also surprisingly varied and serve some excellent European cuisine.

If you drive in and park at Bakken carpark, you can wander through the park for free and pop out the other side in the deer park. This huge expanse of green land is home to thousands of wild deer, as well as the Hunting Lodge, a gorgeous 19th-century building stood strangely alone at the heart of the park.

Read More: Find more at Bakken and our other day trips from Copenhagen.

Take a Day Trip to Malmö, Sweden

This is one of the coolest but often-missed and most unique things to do in Copenhagen. Denmark’s capital is sat right on the border to Sweden, with only a tiny strip of water separating them.

You can take a bus or a train across a massive bridge and be in Malmö, Sweden’s third-largest city, within ninety minutes. Once there, you can visit the oldest castle in Scandinavia, a stunning library, and some great boutique shops. If you want to know more, we covered Malmö in even greater detail in this guide to the city.

If you’re interested in more day trips, then consider travelling to the fairytale town of Odense. Check out our guide here.

Read More: If you’re travelling across Scandinavia, check out our Arts and Culture Guide to Oslo!

Denmark’s soaring taxes are used so fantastically well that you’ll see very few people complaining; it’s a place that definitively proves that far-left politics and a socialist approach to life actually works – you’re shocked, I know.

But the sacrifice for such a high standard of living is high expense. And that means, to be a tourist in Copenhagen, it’s a struggle to live cheaply.

Restaurants are excellent across the board, but overly pricey a lot of the time. Fortunately, there are exceptions – as there always are.

The Best Budget Restaurants in Copenhagen

If you know where to look, you’ll find some excellent budget restaurants in Copenhagen and, thankfully, we’ve done the looking for you.

So, before you head to one of Europe’s most beautiful, happy, and exciting cities, make sure to jot down all of these wonderful and varied budget restaurants in Copenhagen to make your stay a little more affordable.

Note: Some of these are cheaper than others but all are considered cheap by Copenhagen standards.

Top tip if you’re looking for super affordable: go to the 7/11 convenience stores, they have great hot dogs, paninis, pastries, burgers, chicken on sticks etc.

Their coffee is excellent too! You can also visit the food halls, like Torvehallerne Market for some cheap eats.

The Ricemarket

A team of dedicated, experienced, and knowledgeable chefs from across Asia have teamed up in Copenhagen to bring you delicious, wholesome, authentic street-food from Thailand, China, and beyond.

Having lived and travelled across China and South East Asia we can vouch for how incredibly authentic all the meal options are here.

And considering the incredible quality, The Ricemarket is certainly one of the best budget restaurants in Copenhagen.

For a full evening meal at The Ricemarket, you’ll be paying average UK pub-grub prices, making it fantastic value-for-money as far as Copenhagen is concerned. Also, it’s some of the healthiest and most delicious food in all of Denmark.

Average cost – 150kr (£12)

Veggie Heroes

What you might consider ‘cheap’ food in Copenhagen is an average meal out in the UK or the US, so while Veggie Heroes isn’t ‘dirt cheap’, it is very much affordable, and incredible value for money given what you get.

Veggie Heroes is a vegan Indian curry buffet in the heart of Copenhagen. The buffet is all-you-can-eat and costs you around $15 each ($20 including drinks, though you do also get table water).

It’s cheaper on weekdays and they also have some main meals which are cheaper than the buffet option and perfect if you need a lighter meal.

All of the curry options are vegan-friendly, labelled as traditional lamb or chicken dishes but with vegetable substitutes like dried tomatoes, tofu etc. You can hardly tell the difference; and, besides, the food tastes better and is all the healthier for it.

You’ll find Veggie Heroes, one of the best value-for-money budget restaurants in Copenhagen, a short walk away from Tivoli theme park.

Average cost – 150kr (£12) (it’s cheaper Mon-Thurs 128kr)

Related: Arts and Culture Guide to Copenhagen

Sliders

One of Copenhagen’s unsung culinary heroes is Sliders. They serve, well, sliders: miniature burgers. You typically handle two or three before getting completely full. The options are mind-blowing, honestly, and the flavour is out-of-this-world.

When we visited, we both opted for the vegetarian Tripple Truffle Cheese slider which, yeah, came topped with trufflemayo, one of the greatest flavours found on Earth. It should be illegal.

There are also beef patties, duck and chicken, sliders made with local cheese and mushrooms, and then there’s the fries which, again, can be enjoyed with trufflemayo. Sliders is just too good.

There are actually two restaurants in Copenhagen, but the more popular of the two is found at the riverside in Nørrebro.

Oh, and we haven’t mentioned how affordable it all is. Especially considering the truffles. You for sure won’t break the bank at this budget Copenhagen restaurant. They’re incredibly filling, two would have been ok for me.

Average cost – 45kr (£5.50) per slider or 129kr (£15) for a meal deal (three sliders, chips, and sauce. As above). 

Scurry Hub

Scurry Hub quickly became our favourite place to eat once we found it. And it’s hiding very much in plain sight. Scurry Hub offers fantastic Thai food, both traditional and modern, at an absurdly low price.

You can get full for a whole day off £7 worth of quality food here. Rice-based Thai curries and satay dishes make for some of the most healthy and unique meals you’ll find in central Copenhagen.

When you visit the city, you’ll quickly learn that Copenhagen’s true hub is where Norreport Station sits, and you’ll find Scurry Hub about a hundred metres away.

You can’t get more central than this, which is what makes its affordability all the more surprising. Perhaps the most budget of budget restaurants in Copenhagen.

Average cost: 65kr (£7)

Related: Visit Torvehallerne Food Hall in the heart of Copenhagen

Sukiyaki

Here you may start to notice a trend, that many of the authentic Asian food restaurants are both the healthiest and most affordable options. Well, that trend continues with the fantastic Sukiyaki.

For any fellow Japanese language nerds, the term sukiyaki’s origins are unclear, and so the suki part is written with hiragana, but most food historians believe it’s derived from the term ‘sukimi’ or ‘thinly-sliced meat’.

And that is what you get in a hotpot if you order it at this wonderful restaurant. Beyond that, Sukiyaki also offers a huge range of Japanese food options, from chicken katsu to vegetable gyoza and even sushi and sashimi.

Sukiyaki is very much a melting pot of all the great Japanese dishes, cooking authentically served up in the heart of Copenhagen. While this is one of the pricier options on this list, for the quality of food and surroundings, it’s worth it.

Average cost: 150kr (£20)

Slurp Ramen Joint

If there’s one meal on earth that warms, heals, sustains, and brings joy to everyone who eats it, it’s a bowl of hot ramen. Whenever we at Books and Bao find ourselves in Tokyo, we race to the nearest ramen joint to get our fix.

Well, you can do the same in Copenhagen! Slurp Ramen Joint offers a range of different ramen bowls prepared with pork or mushrooms.

If you’re looking for a side, you can get the traditional Japanese izakaya food of choice: edamame beans, or some spicy Korean kimchi. We recommend the chicken karaage – the best way to eat chicken on Earth, no arguments, don’t @ me.

Ramen is always an affordable budget meal choice, full of flavour and warming to your very core. There may be no better budget restaurant in Copenhagen.

Average Cost: 130kr (£15)

Grød

While it might at first seem like a Flash villain (and that’s because it is), Grød is also, simply, porridge. And in true hipster fashion, Copenhagen has its own porridge bar! In Denmark, Grød is a vital staple breakfast meal.

And, like all things Danish, it’s not done by halves. If Denmark does something, it does it perfectly and better than anyone else.

That includes porridge so you’ll find lots of delicious toppings and a large menu. Unsurprisingly, this porridge bar is very much one of the best budget restaurants in Copenhagen.

Average cost: 55kr (£6)

Hot Pot Republic

Depending on who you ask, the origins of hotpot will be argued as being Chinese, Japanese, or Korean. Whatever your opinion, anyone who likes hot pot absolutely loves it.

And one of the best things about it is that it’s dairy-free and gluten-free. Hotpot, like tapas, is a sharing economy. It’s all about a group of friends, family, or both gathered around a big pot, cooking meats and fresh vegetables, and preparing them as they like.

It’s one of the most engaging, exciting, and memorable ways to enjoy a dinner together. And you can find the best Asian hotpot in Europe at this fantastic budget Copenhagen restaurant. Hot Pot Republic is wonderful, a bit pricey (still relatively cheap by Copenhagen standards) but one of the best food experience we had so we felt it was worth it.

Average cost: Varies depending on what you order and time of day but at least £20 per head.

Gasoline Grill

This burger place has become a bit of an institution in Copenhagen and is regarded as one of the best stops for an organic burger in the city.

They’re freshly cooked and they have vegetarian options and homemade dips. The fries are to die for and the setting is really cool. What more could you ask for?

Gasoline Grill doesn’t have much seating and what is there is outdoor so you’re best bet (if you dont’ want to hang around for a seat) is take your food away to one of the nearby parks. They’re also situated right next to Tranquebar, one of our favourite book and coffee shops.

Average cost: 75kr (£9)

Luckily, Copenhagen is pretty small, as cities go. So, whichever neighbourhood you choose to stay in, you’re usually not more than a thirty-minute walk from wherever you want to be.

So the stress of nailing the perfect place to stay is nullified a bit by knowing that you’ll never really get it wrong.

That being said, in a city with few discernible landmarks and incredible diversity in its neighbourhoods, knowing a lot about the best areas before you go is key for having a great time in Copenhagen.

Where to Stay in Copenhagen (Guide)

So, let’s take a look at all the best neighbourhoods and where to stay in Copenhagen.

Although accommodation in Copenhagen is notoriously expensive, we’ve tried to include some budget as well as boutique options.

Quick Copenhagen Neighbourhood Tips:

Best Budget Location: Nørrebro

Hippest Neighbourhood: Vesterbro

Prettiest Neighbourhood: City Centre/Indre By

Most Relaxed Neighbourhood: Østerbro

Copenhagen City Centre/København K (Indre By)

It’s easy to assume that Copenhagen Central Station is the beating heart of the capital, but actually, you’ll find that Nørreport is the station with all the best museums, bars, cafes, and restaurants nearby.

So if you’re looking to be in the real heart of everything, including Strøget – Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping avenue – you’ll want to get a hotel near Nørreport Station.

Just one street to the West of Nørreport Station you’ll also find Torvehallern, a food hall full of the freshest and finest food from Denmark and beyond.

Wander East from Nørreport Station, down Strøget, and you’ll arrive at Nyhavn (New Haven), the most famous and photographed part of the city, and the picturesque places where Hans Christian Andersen lived for most of his life.

Read More: To learn more about Andersen’s Copenhagen, check out our Bookish Guide to Copenhagen

Where to stay in Copenhagen City Centre

Hotel Kong Arthur — An eco-friendly family-run hotel that offers a central location and a cosy Scandinavian vibe.

This hotel is the definition of hygge! There’s also an on-site sauna and relaxation area.

Hotel Skt. Annæ — A historical 17th-century building tucked just around the corner from Nyhavn, although central you’ll find that this a quiet hotel to relax in.

Wakeup Copenhagen — For a more budget option that’s still in a centrally located area then you can’t go wrong with this minimalist hotel that employs sharp design and a good experience with lower prices.

Christianshavn

The artificial island of Christianshavn was created way back in the 17th Century to protect the city against attack (mostly from Sweden).

Charming cobbled streets and old Dutch-style buildings are still found everywhere in Christianshavn today.

The area is perhaps most famously home to Noma, the restaurant that’s been awarded World’s Best Restaurant more times than any other.

But, since you may find it hard to get a table or afford a meal at Noma, definitely check out Raffens Street Food.

This is a ramshackle hipster area on the edge of the water full of shipping containers that are home to fantastic restaurants and eateries serving up food from all across the world – from Indian street food to traditional Mexican cuisine.

Definitely one of the most hip neighbourhoods in Copenhagen and one of the best places to stay in Copenhagen.

Where to stay in Christianshavn

Bedwood Hostel —This gorgeous hostel set in a 1756 historic warehouse features rustic interiors that make for and is run by two passionate travellers dedicated to creating a cosy hostel experience.

It’s also a stone’s throw from Nyhavn and the train station. They also offer bike rentals which is perfect for the incredibly cycle friendly Copenhagen.

Generator Copenhagen — A hostel that also features private rooms is in a great location just ten minutes walk from Stroget shopping street.

They also offer a bar and games room on site. The interior is well-designed and the staff are friendly.

Read more: Check out our Copenhagen three-day itinerary

Vesterbro

Despite the way it looks, still reminding visitors of its rougher, seedier past, Vesterbro – commonly known as the Meat Packing District of Copenhagen – has been gentrified completely.

This popular Copenhagen neighbourhood boasts great local restaurants and quaint little cafés to discover.

When you visit Copenhagen’s hipster district, definitely check out WarPigs, a brewery pub with 22 local ales brewed on-site.

There’s also Gorilla, a super chill and down-to-earth restaurant of mostly Mediterranean cuisine. It’s the perfect place to stay in Copenhagen if you love an alternative atmosphere.

Where to stay in Vesterbro

Axel Guldsmeden — A beautiful boutique hotel with four poster beds, Balinese furnishing, a tapas restaurant and a spa on site.

They’re super environmentally friendly and located close to the central station and Tivoli.

Woodah Hostel — Ideally located for foodies and particularly special for people who love yoga (they offer discounts at all the local yoga spots), this cosy hostel is a great option.

They also exchange work for free stays when available.

Andersen Boutique Hotel – A family-run boutique hotel close to everything you could possibly want to in Copenhagen.

The staff are particularly attentive and dedicated to giving guests the most local experience possible in Copenhagen.

Central Hotel & Cafe — A quirky option, this is a hotel with only one room situated above the cafe. it is gorgeously decorated and you get a fantastic breakfast.

Perfect for anyone looking for a unique stay. Unsurprisingly, it books up well in advance so keep that in mind. You can only book on their website.

Norrebrø

Often dubbed the Williamsburg of Copenhagen, this should tell you everything you need to know about this very chill, ultra hipster neighbourhood of Copenhagen.

Artisan coffee shops, art venues, cheap and cheerful eateries, vintage fashion and furniture shopping can all be found and enjoyed in Norrebro. The district is delightfully multicultural, with a youthful student air.

One of the most joyous restaurants – and still one of our favourites in all of Copenhagen – is Sliders: a little burger place that offers fantastic mini burgers soaked in truffle oil.

There’s also Restaurant Kaptajn, which doubles as a chill wine bar. For chic designer clothing and jewellery, check out stores like Fünf, Ladyfingers, and Native North.

Where to stay in Norrebrø

Globalhagen Hostel / Cafe Mellemrummet — Super friendly and ideally located next to all of the vintage stores and restaurants, this twenty roomed hostel and cafe is run by volunteers dedicated to fighting poverty in the city.

Ibsens Hotel — Near the city lakes and the shopping district, you’ll find an onsite cafe, a library room and living room with a fireplace to feel right at home in.

The rooms are modern and the views are great. For atmosphere, this is one of the best places to stay in Copenhagen.

Read More: Visit these incredible tattoos and studios in Copenhagen

Frederiksberg

Frederiksberg is a swanky and upmarket neighbourhood of Copenhagen which is actually an independent municipality.

Here you’ll find a far less hipster and more sophisticated place to stay in Copenhagen. All the high-end shopping and wide open green spaces are here.

If you prefer your holidays to be a little more fashion and a little less dynamism, Frederiksberg is the place for you.

Most renowned originally for its zoo but these days Frederiksberg is often visited for its gardens, which are crisscrossed by canals.

If you want to take a boat down the water, you can contact Svendsen’s Boat Service and they’ll be happy to oblige.

Where to stay in Frederiksberg

Hotel Sct. Thomas, København — Tucked between Frederiksberg and Vesterbro you’ll get the best of both worlds at this elegant hotel that won’t break the budget.

Østerbro

This is one of the best places to stay in Copenhagen if you want to feel like a local. And one of the more middle-class locals as well.

It’s a quiet, family-focussed neighbourhood of classical houses on historic streets.

The most iconic and photographed monument in Østerbro is the statue of Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid, which overlooks the water on the harbour.

If you stay in Østerbro, you can also visit the Citadel, originally built by one of Denmark’s most infamous kings: Christian IV.

Where to stay in Østerbro

Rye115 Hotel — With lots of nearby cafes to indulge in and harbourside walks, this is an idyllic place to stay near The Little Mermaid statue.

Slotsholmen

Meaning ‘The Castle Islet’ in English, Slotsholmen is an island within the harbour of Copenhagen and was originally the site of Copenhagen’s first ever castle.

Today, that castle, built in 1167, is no more, and in its place stands the striking and epic Christiansborg Palace.

As well as visiting Christiansborg Palace itself, you can also check out the best cultural and historic buildings and monuments of Denmark, including the chancery, the Danish Parliament, the national archive, and the royal library.

Slotsholmen is undoubtedly one of the more historic and best places to stay in Copenhagen.

Where to stay in Slotsholmen

Hotel Danmark — They have a complimentary wine hour between 5-6pm, need I say more? This is a wonderful location if you love museums.

They also provide one of the best breakfasts in the city, all organic and locally sourced. It’s also a protected listed building dating back to 1792.

We highly recommend the Visit Oslo website and app for local information and other places to go, eat, and experience. But first, here’s our bucket list of truly unique experiences that can only be had in Oslo.

Cruise the Oslo Fjord and Capture Incredible Pictures at Sea

With Flam Tours, you can take a fantastic miniature cruise which sails around the fjords of Oslo for approx. two hours (or longer tours around some of the major fjords of Norway). The ship is luxurious, with a cafe on board, and a very informative tour guide will tell you all you’d ever want to know about the city’s geography, history, architecture, and its people.

Titbits like how the newest statue of the current queen depicts her in hiking gear because their royals are so chill, or how the new Opera House was designed after an iceberg, are really fascinating. The views you’ll see are stunning as well, as you gaze out to sea, peer into the dense forests, and get a view of the city proper from every angle.

Try Norwegian/Japanese Fusion Food at Hrimnir

The brand new restaurant Hrimnir opened in 2019 and its head chef is a microbiologist with a fascination for Japanese cuisine. Their small and speciality menu provides Japanese ramen bowls with a Norwegian twist, using locally-sourced ingredients to provide the ultimate fusion of two wonderful cuisines that blend together exceptionally well.

They’re also known for experimenting with fermenting meaning you get to enjoy treats such as koji ice-cream. If you’re a fan of Japanese food and also want to experience the local flavour, this restaurant is king.

Watch a film at The Colosseum Kino

The impressive dome-roofed cinema Colosseum Kino is designed after the Colosseum of Rome and is stunningly modern inside. If you’re in Oslo for a while and don’t want to miss the latest blockbusters, this is the best place to see them.

The Colosseum kino is the largest cinema in Northern Europe and the biggest THX cinema on Earth! Not all cinemas are as photogenic from the outside as this one, making it a rather special place to check out.

Experience Oslo’s Unique Sauna Culture

Sauna culture is seriously taking off in Oslo at the moment and floating saunas are just one of the unique experiences you can enjoy while in Oslo.

The three most notable Oslo saunas are:

• Oslo Fjord Sauna: docked next to the gorgeous Opera Housee building.
• KOK Oslo: if you want to float on the Oslo fjord then have a go jumping into the ice-cold water.
• SALT: the art installation and sauna spot where you can watch TED talks and films while you sweat.

They have some fantastic food and cafe spots with a view if you’re not interested in taking a sauna.

Trace Munch’s Legacy around the City

The artist Munch grew up in Oslo, and lived out his final days there, meaning there’s plenty to explore around the city if you’re an art fan. There’s even the potential for a Munch themed day trip if you’d like to see his home in Åsgårdstrand. Here are some of the places you can visit in Oslo if you’re a fan of The Scream or just want an arty day out.

Munch’s Grave

It might not resemble the darkly ominous works that he’s known for, but Munch’s grave does feature a cool bust of his head atop a small podium. Found in the centre of Our’s Saviours graveyard, itself in the middle of Oslo city, the symbolism of Munch being the beating heart of Oslo is hard to avoid, and neither should be is grave.

The Munch Museum

More of a gallery than a museum, this building features art by Norway’s most famous artist (The Scream is actually considered the world’s second most recognisable painting). Munch’s art is distorted, rough, and enigmatic, The Scream perhaps most of all.

Many of his paintings are hung here, and the gallery also frequently has exhibitions of other great artists from Northern Europe and Russia. There’s actually a new and improved Munch museum opening in 2020 which is being built on the waterfront at the moment.

Scream Hill

At the side of a road known as Valhallveien, on a hill overlooking Oslo, Edvard Munch suffered what is now believed to have been a panic attack, after witnessing the sky turn blood-red.

Painting what he saw and felt, he captured this moment in The Scream. The hill depicted in the painting can be visited by anyone who wishes to see the world that he saw, and perhaps take a moment to mimic the painting for a fun photo.

Embrace Norway’s Ethical Street Food Culture

Vippa Oslo

Vippa is a hip food hall (reminiscent of Singapore’s hawker centres) located inside an old depo on Oslo’s waterfront. It aims to support refugees in Oslo. While you won’t find too much in the way of Norwegian food, this fascinating and dynamic little hall offers food from all over the world prepared by a dozen different vendors, from Mexico to China to Syria.

Oslo Street Food

A new street food market and bar complex in the historic Torggata Bad in central Oslo, opened February 2nd 2019 and showcases food and drink from around the world in a 500-seated hall. They also put on events from talks to performances and DJs. The building was once public baths which opened in 1925

Mathallen

An independent food hall filled with cafes and restaurants, all local Norwegian producers. This hall is a real blend of everything that makes Oslo’s food culture special.

Try Norwegian Food at the Nordic Restaurant GOAT

GOAT Organic Restaurant at Guldsmeden Hotel Oslo opened in November 2018. It is an organic Nordic restaurant which serves meals made with locally-sourced Norwegian ingredients.

One speciality is the world’s only ethically-sourced foie gras. The two head chefs, one of whom has been awarded a Michelin star, both began working at a high-end restaurant in Oslo before deciding to open their own business in 2018.

Head to the House of Literature: Books, Coffee, and Events

On an average day, The House of Literature (or litteraturhuset) near Oslo’s National Theatre is a blended bookstore and restaurant/cafe, the perfect place to pick up a new novel or history book and flick through it with a coffee or a light lunch.

Beyond that, the House of Literature also puts on weekly events which include talks, debates, and cultural activities. They even have their own podcast! It’s a perfect atmosphere to sit back and relax or grab a pastry and get on with some work (they have great wifi)!

Have a coffee and help people get into work and training

Like Vippa streetfood, there are some fantastic places to go while in Oslo if you’re looking to help out the local community and give back a bit. Erlik Kaffe is a coffee shop with a big heart — in the heart of Oslo.

They provide opportunities for training and paid work to homeless people and anyone who’s struggling to get off the streets in one way or another. The coffee and snacks are delicious and it’s a modern yet cosy space to spend some time.

Visit the Future Library

A 100 years public artwork unfolding in Oslo by artist Katie Paterson. The Future Library project aims to collect an original work by a popular writer every year from 2014 to 2114 and to share them with the world only then. 100 books will be printed in limited edition anthologies using paper made from trees planted in the Nordmarka forest especially for the project.

Have a Coffee at the Oldest Café in Oslo

If you like a bit of history with your coffee then why not head to Engebret Cafe, the oldest in the area. A plethora of famous names have sat in this famous spot and its location on a pretty and colourful side street makes it worth the trip alone. Although the menu is somewhat pricey, they do also offer a full menu of Norwegian home cooking that’s very much worth indulging in

Browse 200 Statues at Gustav Vigeland’s Sculpture Park

The sculptures in this park have been turned into countless memes for the particularly emotional stances of the statues that line the bridge to the point where people come here just to find their favourite internet meme in person. Viegland designed the layout of the park as well as the 200 statues that lie inside the Sculpture Park.

Highlights include the giant obelisk in the centre made up of individual sculptures of people as the central fountain area and the bridge leading out of the park and into the popular area of Majorstuen where you can find lots of cafes to relax in and the Colosseum Kino mentioned above.

Swim in the public Sorenga Seawater Pool

This popular recreational spot is located on the southernmost tip of Oslo’s brand new neighbourhood Sørenga and boasts awesome views of the Oslo fjord (the water itself is from the fjord).

The Seawater Pool attracts big crowds on sunny summer days, and in winter the cold water swimming and sauna are popular activities. Once you’re done swimming there are lots of new cafes and bars to enjoy in this hip neighbourhood.

Wander through Akershus Castle and Fortress

Originally built back in 1299, this medieval castle and royal residence developed into a fortress in 1592 and was rebuilt into a renaissance castle between 1637 and 1648.

It stands as a testament to the fact that Oslo was never once successfully invaded, despite an impressive attempt by Swedish king Karl XII  back in 1717 — Akershus Fortress proved too tough to be captured! The fortress itself is a stark, grand, stunning building that yields stunning new views at every turn.

Have a day of theme park fun at TusenFryd

If you’re travelling as a family or love a day out in a theme park then TusenFryd is a great day out. It’s Norway’s biggest park and has lots to offer with everything you might expect like rollercoasters, carousels and games along with some water-based activities like a swimming pool and river, water slides, and log rides.

Visit the Viking Ship and Oslo Folk Museum

Norway’s cultural history is so interesting and varied and there are no better places to immerse yourself in it than the Viking Ship Museum and the Oslo Folk Museum. See original ships in fantastic condition and learn about how the Vikings, gifts found in their grave and take ‘the Viking experience’ an interactive way to enjoy life as a Viking.

The folk museum offers an entire recreated village of 160 buildings that’s perfect for taking photos and learning about the everyday life of the Norwegians through history. The two museums are right next to each other in Bygdøy and you can easily walk from one to the other. Grab tickets to the Viking Ship Museum and Historical Museum.

If you’re particularly interested in Vikings then you’ll be excited to hear about the new Viking Experience Museum opening in June 2019.

Catch an opera or ballet show at The Opera House

Walking on the roof and enjoying stunning views of the fjords is only part of the fun at this dynamic building. Why not catch one of the internationally renowned shows that pay a visit to The Opera House throughout the year. The acoustics and angles of this Snohetta designed building make for a very special viewing experience.

Seek out Oslo’s incredible street art

Mostly located in the Toyan and Grunerlokka districts, you can use this handy map from the tourism board to locate all of the best street art in the city.

International artists and local artists have been slowly making their mark on the city over ten years and there are some seriously impressive paintings just waiting to be found. This also provides a great theme for a  superb walking tour around the city. You can also take this brilliant walking tour of the area as a whole and see lots of interesting spots.

Go vintage shopping on Markveien Street

If you love vintage clothes, coffee shops, and bookshops then this street is perfect for strolling down and ticking off all three. Grünerløkka area is known as the place to go and enjoy the hipster lifestyle and Markveien Street (similar to Haji Lane in Singapore) is the perfect starting point, whether you want to catch a local eatery or go shopping.

Some highlights include the Chillout Travel Centre which is a travel gear shop/travel agency meet cafes and bookshop (trust me, it works), and Glazed & Amused where you can paint your own ceramics.

Visit the largest ski jump in Norway

The Holmenkollen Ski Museum is located just underneath Norway’s largest ski jump – whether you’re interested in skiing or not this is a marvel to see. It’s also the oldest of its kind and has a fascinating history behind it, the museum will introduce you to 4000 years of Norwegian skiing history.

Where to stay in Oslo

Oslo has a wide range of mid-range to luxury hotels, although it is worth noting that it is somewhat difficult to stay here on a budget. Here are some of the newer hotels in Oslo city centre that people are talking about.

The Theif

A new designer hotel on the waterfront of Oslo. Featuring a Turkish Hamam bath, sauna and swimming pool. You can even relax on the chic rooftop terrace and enjoy the views. Tjuvholmen (Thief Islet), where the hotel is located, used to be a haven for smugglers, thieves and scoundrels. Hence the great name!

Amerikalinjen

Neighbouring the Opera House and the Oslo Central Station, this architectural landmark turned luxury boutique was originally the 1919 offices of the Norwegian America Line, once responsible for ferrying hopeful Norwegians across the Atlantic Ocean to the USA. The rooms are furnished with Norwegian designer lamps and unique objects from the history of Amerikalinjen.

Clarion Hotel The Hub

Formerly known as Clarion Hotel Royal Christiania, this hotel opened 1st March 2019 opposite Oslo Central Station. Norway’s largest hotel, with 810 rooms and Norway’s largest rooftop farm, you can enjoy an organic breakfast and Scandinavian inspired dishes on the top floor while also enjoying a great view of the city.

Thon Hotel Storo

A modern and stylish hotel in Storo neighbourhood, with shopping, cinemas, cafés and the Akerselva river just outside its doorsteps. Perfect if you want to be close to the entertainment within the city.

Hotel Verdandi Oslo

A new 3* boutique hotel right in the city centre. The name Verdandi is an old Norse word for “present time/happening”, chosen to remind us all to live in the moment. The great location makes this very easy to achieve.

To get from Copenhagen to Malmö, you can either go by bus or by train, so there’s no reason not to spend 36 chill hours in Malmö or even take a Copenhagen to Malmö day trip if you’re short on time.

If you’re staying in Copenhagen and you want to visit Sweden, get a good feel for the nation’s atmosphere, architecture, style, and cuisine, you can do it all within 36 hours with a quick overnight stay from Copenhagen. If you’re wondering what to pack for all this travelling from Copenhagen to Malmö then check out this packing guide.

The city of Malmö is a compact place, where everything is within walking distance. National Geographic even named it one of their Best Trips of 2018.

The architecture is stunning; the cuisine is varied and imaginative; the castle is the oldest in Sweden and the people are so bloody lovely and helpful. And, we promise, you can experience all of it in just 36 hours or even on a Copenhagen to Malmo day trip if you’re short on time. A great resource for more information is Visit Sweden.

How to Get From Copenhagen to Malmö

If you’re staying in Copenhagen, get yourself to Copenhagen Central Station (København H), (or even from the airport) and take a short walk behind the station to the Flix bus stop.

These Flix buses head out from Copenhagen to Malmö throughout the day (we suggest you book tickets online a day or so in advance), they’re super cheap, and the whole journey across the bridge to Sweden takes around an hour – that’s it.

There’s Wifi, a bathroom, and a USB to charge your devices. You’ll get dropped off in the beating heart of Malmö, and from there you just need whatever’s left of your day and half of the next day to see all the best parts of Malmö. You can also catch the train which is shorter in time but more expensive.

Where to Stay in Malmö

Once you get from Copenhagen to Malmö, there are plenty of great hotels to choose from, but after doing some research we settled on the Story Hotel Studio Malmö. They’re located right on the waterfront just north of the city centre and provide a fantastic, reasonably-priced 4-Star experience.

The rooms are cosy, with this stripped-down hipster wood-and-concrete aesthetic, and a massive TV with an Apple TV device which allows you to use Miracasrt and stream from your phone for some hotel Netflixing (add the chill at your own discretion). They also have hotels in Stockholm and Sundbyberg.

The hotel’s fourteenth floor is a rooftop restaurant in a Japanese aesthetic which serves sushi and cocktails in the evening. It also has a breakfast buffet for all guests which includes a lot of damn good fruits, meats, cheeses, and croissants. The cocktails you can get all have a Japanese twist in both name and ingredient (mixed with Japanese whiskeys and sake).

The most stand-out thing about this particular hotel is its aesthetic. When you enter, the lobby seamlessly blends with a downstairs café and an upstairs bar, with a huge tiered seating area that looks to be inspired by a university lecture hall.

There’s also a ping-pong table placed squarely in the centre of the room if you want to play in front of an audience. And there’s a hair salon in the building; if you stay at the hotel you get 10% off anything you get done there. One of the big plus points is the free use of bikes meaning you can explore the city efficiently since Malmö is a cycle-friendly city.

Oh, and you can also choose between a city-view and an ocean-view room, both of which are lovely. We went for a city-view because it still gave us a lovely view of the bay and the water beyond it. Best of both worlds. You can book on their website.

What to Eat in Malmö

The cuisine in this small Swedish city is so incredibly varied, it’s hard to know where to start! One of the things the city should be most proud of is its traditional international cuisines. If you want to taste real authentic East Asian or Middle Eastern food in the heard of Scandinavia, Malmö makes it easy.

So Much Vietnamese Food!

In the centre of the city’s central shopping district (Gamla Staden), is a street – Engelbrektsgatan – which is lined with three excellent Vietnamese restaurants: Nam Do, Mrs Saigon, and Nguyen’s Sandwiches. Nam Do serves traditional Vietnamese hot pots, dumplings, Pho, and omelettes.

Mrs Saigon, a little way down, mostly focuses on Pho and other noodle-based dishes. And Nguyen’s Sandwiches next door specialises in Bahn Mi: mouthwatering Vietnamese sandwiches made with French-style baguettes.

Egyptian Street Food

Koshari House is located in Davidshall, a district just south of Gamla Staden (only a 5-minute walk). It’s named after a traditional food in Cairo called Koshari, which, like so many foods which eventually become international delicacies, was originally a dirt-cheap street food.

Koshari itself is a feast of carbs which blends rice, pasta, and lentils, tomato sauce, and fried onions. You’ll also find fantastic Tameya (falafel), Foul (a delicious and healthy dish of cooked fava beans), Warak Inab (stuffed vine leaves) and numerous other Egyptian delights. Easily one of the best Egyptian restaurants outside of Cairo.

Raw Food

Making delicious, healthy, affordable meals out of raw food is a huge trend in Malmö today. There are tons of restaurants around the city that use raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, spices, and dough to create some of the most unique and mouth-watering meals. And most of them are vegan.

The best place to try everything I’ve just described is The Raw Kitchen in Davidshall, but there are several others to check out, including Raw Food House.

Saltimporten

Food halls and canteen style eating is a concept the Scandinavian countries do so well, we first came across this street food meets communal, homey eating style in Oslo and then continued to find similar spots in Copenhagen.

Often cited as the best lunch in Malmö, Saltimporten offers a two-course lunch menu, using local ingredients and is cooked to artistic perfection. A popular hang out with the young and hip crowd of Malmö and sweeping harbour views, this is a perfect place to go for a unique dining experience in Malmö. Their homemade bread is to die for.

AB Smaland – Shop and Cafe

Founded by a native of Smaland, an area of Sweden just East of Malmö, this store is all about upcycling and recycling furniture. It’s a delightful shop where you can buy wooden furniture that’s come from all over Sweden and even further afield.

It’s charming and warming just to walk around amongst all of these antiques that have been saved from forgotten places. If you’d rather not buy a chair or a table, though, the other reason to visit is their café. Smaland serves some incredible pastries and the best coffee we tasted in all of Malmö.

So, don’t pass it up if you’re not keen on lugging home some furniture. Stay for the coffee and one of the most delicious cinnamon buns (see picture above) we’ve ever tried.

Tip: Need another wholesome cafe in Malmo? Try Atrium.

Where to Shop in Malmö

The problem of shopping when you’re on holiday is that high-street shopping can be done anywhere, so you want something truly unique to a place. And Malmö certainly has that! Check out some of the books, jewellery, clothes, and furniture for sale in Malmö.

SF-Bokhandeln

SF (or science-fiction) is a big deal in Sweden. There’s a huge nerd culture of cosplayers, board game enthusiasts, gamers, and lovers of genre fiction. So, of course, Sweden also has the best sci-fi bookstore we’ve ever seen.

SF-Bokhandeln is similar to the Forbidden Planet stores dotted around the UK, only better. They sell a huge selection of nerdy merchandise, sci-fi and fantasy novels (all in English), comic books, and board games (also all in English).

Arsenik Butik

Sweden is known across the world for its heavy metal, and as a lover of black and death metal myself, I was hardly surprised to find an amazing boutique store full of hand-made jewellery and vintage vinyl in Malmö.

Arsenik Butik sells rings and necklaces with a goth/metal twist which have been hand-made, as they explained to us, by a local women who sells through the store. So if you’re looking for one-of-a-kind jewellery from Malmö, this is where to go! If you’re after more vintage shopping, then your next stop should be Love Street Vintage.

Go Chocolate Crazy at Malmö Chokladfabrik

You’ll find this brand of chocolate dotted around Malmö and even if you can’t head to their museum (yes, they have a museum and boutique shop complete with tastings) at least pick up a bar of their wonderful chocolate. It’s organic, fair trade, made in Malmö and there’s a flavour for everyone.

We tried their delicious Candy Stripe raspberry flavour as well as their cardamom flavour. Honestly, we’re still dreaming about this chocolate.

What to See in Malmö

Malmö is a surprisingly small city but it is jam-packed full of wonderful architecture and deep, deep history. Here are the best things to see and experience during your overnight stay in from Copenhagen to Malmö.

Malmö Castle

Also known as Malmöhus Renaissance Castle, this incredible building is the oldest castle in — not only Sweden — but all of Scandinavia. You can go all the way from Copenhagen to Malmö and not visit the castle!

Malmo Castle was built by Eric of Pomerania, king of the unified nations of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden in 1434. Eric of Pomerania is the same man who built Kronborg Castle, just over the water in Denmark!

The castle still stands in perfect renaissance condition 600 years later, and inside the castle is a museum. The museum explores the local history, natural history, and technology of Malmö and is well worth an hour of your time! Don’t forget to explore the grounds around the castle as there are some beautiful flowers and this picturesque windmill.

Malmö City Library

First and foremost, this is a gorgeous building. It was opened in 1905 and is a pleasure to explore inside and out. This mix of old and new architecture (the new extension was designed by Danish architects Henning Larsen) can be seen depending on where you are.

From one side, you have a renaissance building which looks not unlike a grand palace. From another (and best seen from this inside-out) is an enormous glass structure which reaches several stories up and overlooks the palace gardens and lake which surround it.

Malmö City Theatre

This wonderful theatre is a place of pride and joy for many locals. It’s one of the leading theatres in all of Sweden, and it has its own ensemble cast who perform most of the plays they host all year round. They put on about 15 plays a year, and you can happily go and see one if whatever’s on at the time takes your fancy!

The theatre’s director, and many of its actors, are renowned across Sweden as some of the greatest people working in Swedish theatre today.

Ribersborgs Kallbadhus

Jumping into cold water really isn’t something we look forward to as Brits who generally prefer escaping to warmer climates, however, the open-air bath is very impressive and is definitely a Scandinavian experience worth trying if you think your heart can take it.

For 65 SEK (towel rentals are a little extra) you can use the sauna and then take a refreshing jump (nude, no bathers allowed) into the sea.  Luckily there’s a lovely cafe to recover in after. Even if you don’t fancy the jump, it’s a gorgeous view and a cycle-friendly area so get down there if you have time.

This isn’t all you can get up to on your Copenhagen to Malmö day trip but it’s certainly a good start. It’s a wonderful city to explore on foot or by bike and if you’re looking for a short trip within Sweden or from Denmark, or even just looking for a city break that’s a bit different then Malmö is ideal.

For other day trips from Copenhagen, make sure you travel to:

• Kronborg Castle – Home of Hamlet
• The Fairytale Town of Odense

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Copenhagen then check out:

• The Ultimate Bookish Guide to Copenhagen
• An Arts and Culture Guide to Copenhagen

It’s addictive, inspiring, and beautiful. But beyond the capital, there are some incredible day trips from Copenhagen to be taken.

Amazing day trips from Copenhagen

Just outside the city are medieval castles and beloved theme parks. A little further again there are fairy tale towns. And, of course, there’s Sweden just across the water. Day trips from Copenhagen are easy to take and true memory-makers. When you visit Denmark, your Copenhagen itinerary should absolutely include these day trips from Copenhagen. Let’s take a look!

Odense (Birthplace of H.C. Andersen)

One of the longer day trips from Copenhagen takes around 90 minutes on the train, and takes you west across Denmark to the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen.

Odense is one of the idyllic, fairytale towns that defines that sweet, charming, and friendly atmosphere of Denmark. Odense is also the capital of Denmark’s third-largest island: Funen. The largest is Zealand, in case you ever wondered (like we did) what New Zealand was actually named after.

When you’re exploring Denmark, we can’t recommend enough a day in Odense to experience the fantastic museums, restaurants, and wine bars of the city for yourself. And the best museum of all is Brandts Museum. Brandts Museum of Art and Visual Culture is an ever-changing museum of exciting exhibitions which are all unique celebrations of painting, photography, and all mediums of visual art. 

How to Get to Odense from Copenhagen

Make your way to Copenhagen Central Station, close to Tivoli Theme Park. From there, jump on a train headed for Aarhus (Denmark’s second city) which will pass through Odense. Odense is about 90 minutes from Copenhagen.

Read More: A Day Trip to Odense from Copenhagen

Kronborg Castle (Home of Hamlet)

If part of your Copenhagen itinerary is to rent a car, a visit to Kronborg Castle is one of the easiest day trips from Copenhagen. It takes 45 minutes to drive north from Copenhagen to Kronborg Castle. If you’re not driving, it’s also easy to take the bus – either on a guided tour or a regular intercity bus.

Kronborg was once a fortress, built around 1420 by King Eric of Pomerania (having one’s name associated with a floofy little dog isn’t great for his image, but it is adorable).

The first iteration of the fortress was very bare-bones, as all Medieval fortresses were. After the end of the Northern Seven Years War – which was fought between Sweden and the combined forces of Norway and Denmark – King Frederick II began the transformation of the fortress into the Kronborg we know today.

Kronborg Castle is also celebrated as the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. While Shakespeare himself never actually left England, and Prince Hamlet never actually existed, Kronborg Castle is nevertheless the intended setting of the play. As such, English performances of the play are put on at Kronborg Castle every summer! And this just gives you one more reason to take a few day trips from Copenhagen.

How to Get to Kronborg Castle from Copenhagen

Either rent a car and follow your GPS for around 45 minutes to Kronborg Castle (driving in Denmark is incredibly safe and relaxed). Or get yourself to Copenhagen Central Station and get the 29 train to Helsingør St. It should take around 45 minutes. Once you alight, the walk to the castle takes about 10 minutes. Just follow the signs!

Read More: A Day Trip to Kronborg Castle

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

The Louisiana is a spellbinding place found halfway between Copenhagen and Kronborg Castle. This means it’s very easy for one of your day trips from Copenhagen to include both Kronborg Castle and the Louisiana Museum (which is exactly what we did).

As you drive in up the path, you’ll see that the Louisiana looks like a traditional Louisiana plantation house, with white walls, columns, a balcony, and creeping ivy. And that’s all true, until you get inside and all that traditional facade falls away to reveal wide open halls and spaces filled with incredible modern art.

And we’re not talking modern art like the stuff that’s often so divisive amongst not only art lovers but your average person. We’re talking really great, moving, politically-inspired artwork from visionary artists, photographers, and filmmakers.

The gardens overlook the open ocean and are dotted with strange and surreal sculptures that you’re free to wander and photograph. Then, inside, you’ll discover 20th-century artwork from some of Europe and the USA’s true visionary artists.

How to Get to Louisiana Museum from Copenhagen

You can rent a car and take a quick drive north to the Louisiana. Or you can take the 29 train from Copenhagen Central Station and get off at Humlebæk. From there, the Louisiana is a 10 minute walk away.

Malmö, Sweden

This is one of the coolest but often-missed day trips from Copenhagen. Denmark’s capital is sat right on the border to Sweden, with only a tiny strip of water separating them. For your Copenhagen to Malmö day trip, you can take a bus or a train across a massive bridge and be in Malmö, Sweden’s third-largest city, within ninety minutes.

Once you get from Copenhagen to Sweden, you can visit the oldest castle in Scandinavia, a stunning library, and some great boutique shops. Malmö is a darling place with a huge selection of international restaurants and a great alternative music and arts scene.

It’s one of the best cities in Scandinavia and being able to take a quick day trip from Copenhagen to reach it is a real treat and a something that should be at the top of your Copenhagen itinerary.

How to get to Malmö from Copenhagen

The cheapest and simplest way is by taking a FlixBus. FlixBus operates all over Europe, and you can get a bus from just around the corner from Copenhagen Central Station, which will take you all the way from Copenhagen to Sweden. The bus leaves several times per day and takes about 90 minutes. Just make sure you book in advance online here.

Read More: 36 Hours in Malmö, Sweden

Frederiksborg Castle

Frederiksborg Castle, a 17th century marvel built by King Christian IV, is perhaps the easiest of all the best day trips from Copenhagen and the baroque grounds alone are worth visiting for.

Situated just North of Copenhagen in Hillerød, the beautiful Renaissance castle houses The Museum of Natural History and takes you through Danish and Scandinavian culture from The Middle Ages right through to the present day.

You can also wander the town of Hillerød and enjoy the cafe within the castle ground in the Summer. If you’re looking to truly explore the history and culture of Denmark during your trip, Frederiksborg is a must-see part of your Copenhagen Itinerary.

How to Get to Frederiksborg Castle from Copenhagen

Make your way to Norreport Station in the heart of Copenhagen. From there, you can catch the train to Frederiksborg Castle. Look for the “E” train marked Hillerød. Frederiksborg Castle is in Hillerød.

Bakken Theme Park and the Deer Park

Bakken is the world’s oldest theme park, and you can find it just a little ways outside Copenhagen. Entry is free and though most of the rides aren’t particularly daring or state-of-the-art, it’s oozing with charm. The restaurants are also surprisingly varied and serve some excellent European cuisine.

If you drive in and park at Bakken carpark, you can wander through the park for free and pop out the other side in the deer park. This huge expanse of green land is home to thousands of wild deer, as well as the Hunting Lodge, a gorgeous 19th-century building stood strangely alone at the heart of the park.

This whole wonderful experience is very much a two-for-one on day trips from Copenhagen. If you’re got wildlife parks, theme parks, and historic monuments on your Copenhagen itinerary, you can tick them all off in a single day by visiting the fairy tale land of charm that is Bakken.

How to Get to Bakken from Copenhagem

If you’re renting a car in Copenhagen, Bakken is an easy 20 minute drive away. If you’re taking the train, simply head to Copenhagen Central Station and get the 29 train north. Get off at Klampenborg and walk for 5 minutes to get to the entrance to Bakken.

Dragør

Dragør is a delightful harbour town south of Copenhagen. Visiting Dragør is very much like stepping back in time. If you want to understand the Danish philosophy of Hygge, Dragør sums it up quite perfectly. As day trips from Copenhagen go, this is the most delightful.

One of the best things that comes out of keeping your traditions is cuisine. Dragør is a place of fantastic little cafes and restaurants where you’ll find the best Danish pastries and traditional Danish smørrebrød (fancy open sandwiches).

As well as the cuisine, you’ll also find a range of boutique shops and a lovely harbour to wander across. If you’re taking a trip to Dragør in the summer, you’ll also find summer arts festivals to roam and enjoy.

How to Get to Dragør from Copenhagen

Head to Copenhagen Central Station and get the 29 train south. Get off at Tårnby St. and switch to the 350S bus to Dragø Stationsplads. The train will take just 10 minutes, and the bus another 15 minutes, making this (despite having to change) one of the most chill day trips from Copenhagen.

Where to Stay in Day Trips for Copenhagen

Wakeup Copenhagen — This centrally located budget hotel is perfect for day trips, you can’t go wrong with this minimalist hotel that employs sharp design and a good experience with lower prices.

Read More: Where to Stay in Copenhagen + Neighbourhood Guide

Our Favourite Tours From Copenhagen

• Copenhagen: Roskilde, Frederiksborg & Kronborg Day Tour – Visit the royal castles of Frederiksborg and Kronborg, and Denmark’s old capital of Roskilde on an 8.5-hour minibus tour from Copenhagen. Enjoy the scenic landscape of North Sealand, and the history of the Vikings at the Viking Ship Museum.
• Lund & Malmö: Guided Tour of 2 Countries in One Day – Visit two countries in one day with this 8-hour guided tour. Sightsee through the city of Lund and Malmö and visit the cities most important landmarks. Take a picturesque ferry trip over the Øresund, visit Hamlet’s castle and the Øresund Bridge in a day.
• From Copenhagen: Kings, Castles and Countryside Tour – Take the day to explore the castles of North Sealand and learn about the rich royal history of Denmark.

Before you visit Denmark, there are so many wonderful Danish authors — both classic and contemporary — for you to discover and read.

And, of course, we mustn’t forget Hans Christian Andersen, the godfather of fairy tales. Born in the town of Odense, Andersen travelled extensively but spent most of his adult life in Copenhagen. And he’s not the only great author to come out of Denmark, classic or modern. If there’s one person to read before your Denmark vacation, it’s him. But there is also so much more to discover about the arts and history of Denmark.

Read More: A Bookish Guide to Copenhagen

Wonderful Books to Read Before you Visit Denmark

So, if you want to truly understand what makes Denmark such a happy place today, as well as dig into its exciting war and Viking history before your Denmark vacation, read on! And, of course, the best way to the heart of a nation is through its writers, so here you can also discover the best writers from Denmark today.

Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen

There are many editions and collections of Andersen’s Fairy Tales, but our favourite is the Penguin edition with translations of 30 fairy tales by Tiina Nunnally. The translations are sharp and the collection itself is beautiful in that Penguin classic way.

If you want the definitive collection of Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales to enjoy before your Denmark vacation, this is it – in a stylish and beautiful copy, illustrated by Anders Nilsen.

Read More: Visit Andersen’s Birthplace in Odense

The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking

Hygge (pronounced hugh-guh), became a global sensation of a philosophy a few years back, and with good reason. It is often touted as the secret to Denmark’s happiness as a nation (though that might be actually down to its fantastic socialist policies and school system, but who are we to say).

The Little Book of Hygge aims to teach readers how to enjoy the calmer, simpler joys in life – how to admire and be grateful for the small comforts you can feel in the quieter moments of your daily life. But more than that, it’s also a peek behind the curtain of Danish living. It allows us to see what it is that makes Denmark such a uniquely pleasant and welcoming place to be.

The Skin is the Elastic Covering that Encases the Entire Body by Bjørn Rasmussen

This modern novel, translated into English by Martin Aitken, is a raw and intimate exploration of the ways in which young and vulnerable people can feel emotionally stretched thin. It tells the semi-autobiographical story of Bjørn, a teenager who begins to cut himself as a means of finding relief from his own fear of his blossoming sexuality, as well as the stresses caused by his depressed mother.

The overly lengthy and uncomfortably scientific nature of the book’s title gives a sense of the discomfort and unsettling emotional pain which is experienced by the protagonist and witnessed, voyeuristically, by the reader. It’s not an easy book, but one that is emotionally gratifying as we begin to feel our sympathies grow and shift. A wonderful new Danish novel.

Read More: A Bookish Guide to Copenhagen

We, The Drowned by Carsten Jensen

Translated by Charlotte Barslund, this modern Danish classic is an epic novel in every sense of the word. We are uncomfortably aware that, to be considered an epic, a novel often has to be long and set at sea, and that We, The Drowned covers both of those requirements.

But there is something so undeniably epic about a journey across the open seas, especially one which covers a hundred years and spans two wars, beginning back in 1848. This is a powerful novel which does justice to Denmark’s rich and legendary seafaring history.

The Fall of the King by Johannes V. Jensen

Translated by Alan G. Bower, The Fall of the King is regarded by Danish readers as the most important Danish novel of the twentieth century.

And if that’s not enough to convince you, it’s also, quite simply, a riveting tale of historical fiction which has more in common with the best Western fantasy novels of today (reminiscent of the epic fantasy novels of Robin Hobb and Patrick Rothfuss).

Set in the 16th century, The Fall of the King tells the tale of a lazy student turned royal mercenary who travels to Stockholm, Sweden from Denmark as the Swedish nobility are falling under execution. It’s an exciting tale that grants insight into the story of Scandinavian history, from Denmark and beyond. It also won the Nobel Prize in Literature, which is one more feather in this book’s impressive cap.

Seven Gothic Tales by Isak Dinesen

Isak Dinesen’s true name was Karen Blixen. Baroness Karen Blixen. She was most famously the author of Out of Africa, the biographical story of her time running a coffee plantation in Kenya. But before moving to Africa, and under the pen name of Isak Dinesen, Blixen penned this incredible book of gothic stories.

Truly dark tales laced with love, treachery, betrayal, paranoia, and corruption. These are romantic and poetic tales, true to the long legacy of gothic fiction, and some of the finest stories to come out of Denmark. A fantastic companion collection to Andersen’s fairy tales.

Read More: Arts & Culture Guide to Copenhagen

Copenhagen Tales by Helen Constantine

Translated by Lotte Shankland and gathered by editor Helen Constantine, this collection of 17 short stories about the place and people of Copenhagen perhaps does more than any other book on this list to encapsulate and represent the true modern lives of people in Denmark’s magical capital city.

The stories in Copenhagen Tales not only epitomise the modern world of Denmark, but also represent Denmark’s literary landscape, having been written by some of the best writers and authors from Denmark today. If you want to see the beauty of Copenhagen through the eyes of its writers before or during your Denmark vacation, this book will allow you that pleasure.

Copenhagen Food: Stories, Traditions, and Recipes

Danish food is fantastic. It’s both healthy and decadent; something you’ll really adore during your Denmark vacation.

Trine Hahnemann has lived and breathed the food culture of Copenhagen for over four decades. And this book is more than just a cookbook: it’s a love letter to the culinary beauty of Copenhagen. In Copenhagen Food, Trine Hahnemann takes us on a tour of the best bakeries, cafes, and restaurants in Copenhagen.

She teaches us the culinary history of Denmark’s capital, guides us through this beautiful city by the hand, and offers us 70 of the finest traditional Danish recipes to cook at home. This is the ultimate culinary, culture, travel, a cookbook of Denmark, all rolled into one fantastic and engrossing narrative.

Read More: A Guide to Torvehallerne Food Hall (Copenhagen)

Havoc by Tom Kristensen

Real talk: if a novel has been recently published by NYRB, you can assume it’s a valuable classic that was once lost to time and is absolutely worthy of yours. And Havoc, translated by Carl Malmberg, is a perfect example of this.

Havoc is a riveting and tantalising story of one man’s intentional journey into self-destruction. Our protagonist, Ole Jastrau, is a critic working for a newspaper whose ethics he doesn’t agree with. He has no love for his wife or any paternal instincts.

He plays around with the church but doesn’t care enough. He considers communism but isn’t committed enough. And so he packs it all in and turns to drink. This is a wildly strange yet oddly comforting story of the temptations of self-destruction.

Countrymen: The Untold Story of How Denmark’s Jews Escaped the Nazis

Knowing the modern history of Denmark before your Denmark vacation isn’t a bad idea. And this fantastic book, Countrymen, written by Danish historian Bo Lidegaard and translated into English by Robert Maass, is an engaging and revealing history book which covers an aspect of World War II history that we’re simply not taught about in the UK and the US.

It’s too easy to overlook how WWII affected countries other than Britain, the Netherlands, Poland, Austria, and France, and so this book serves as a goldmine of fascinating information and incredible stories for those of us who perhaps don’t know our war history as well as we like to think. Countrymen is a valuable and worthwhile read, to say the least.

Odense is also the capital of Denmark’s third-largest island: Funen. The largest is Zealand, in case you ever wondered (like I did) what New Zealand was actually named after.

Visiting Odense — the home of fairytales

Read More: Magical Day Trips from Copenhagen

When you’re exploring Denmark, we can’t recommend a day in Odense enough to experience the fantastic museums, restaurants, and wine bars of the city for yourself.

The Hans Christian Andersen Trail

Hans Christian Andersen is certainly a prevalent presence in Copenhagen. He spent most of his adult life in Denmark’s capital city, and you can find magical traces of him all over the city. But his childhood home is in Odense, and he is what put the city on the map.

When you arrive in Odense, provided you have a full stomach and are ready for a wander, the first thing you should do is visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum and retrace the footsteps of Denmark’s godfather of fairytales.

The Hans Christian Andersen Museum

This gorgeously-designed museum is just across the street from Odense Station, so visiting it first is a no-brainer when you visit Odense. The Hans Christian Andersen Museum is a celebration of the life and works of the fairytale king.

When you first enter and get your tickets, you can also pick up a city map which is dotted with all of the things we’ll mention in this article, and a walking route through the city to see them all in a single day. Then, to the gift shop! (Don’t pretend you don’t hit the gift shop first; we all do it).

The gift shop is, of course, filled with books of H.C. Andersen’s fairytales. The Hans Christian Andersen Museum itself is beautifully decorated with fairytale murals and silhouettes to make you feel like you’re exploring the pages of a pop-up book.

Upstairs is a VR headset which you can put on and explore a detailed recreation of H.C. Andersen’s apartment in Nyhavn, Copenhagen, where he lived for years and wrote most of his stories. It’s an amazing VR experience that shows you his life like you’ve never seen it before. This is, after all, how he lived – the walls, furniture, and views he admired day after day as he wrote his fairytales.

Visit their website: Hans Andersen Museum

H.C. Andersen’s Birthplace

When you leave the Hans Christian Andersen Museum and cross the little square, you’ll start walking down a sweet, Shakespearean-looking cobbled street of small, colourful homes decorated with flowerbeds – the definition of quaint. Walk a little ways down, and you’ll be at the house in which Andersen was born.

Though, don’t confuse that with his childhood home, which comes next. Andersen was merely born here, and couldn’t recall the house in his later life — so brief was his time there. But still, it’s more than just Andersen’s birthplace. It’s also a chance for you to step back in time and see how the average poor and working-class people in small-town Denmark lived their lives in the 19th century.

H.C. Andersen’s Childhood Home

This is another chance to look deep into the life of Hans Christian Andersen, even beyond the VR experience at the Hans Christian Andersen Museum. This house is where Andersen lived until his mid-teens, and as such it inspired his life and his career as an author.

As you explore the house, you’ll read plaques which detail stories told by H.C. Andersen himself, kind of like diary entries. They tell wonderful anecdotes about his family and the neighbours, or just snapshots from his daily life in Odense and in that house.

It’s a charming and delightful place to visit which, when you add a little imagination to your experience, is a very inspiring place to explore.

Read more: In our Bookish Guide to Copenhagen

Brandts Museum (the best place in Odense)

Seriously though, Hans Christian Andersen is a miracle of a writer, and all of his works are a gift. The Hans Christian Andersen and everything else connected to him in Odense is all wonderful. But the Brandts Museum is even better. It’s one of the best museums we have ever visited, and is gallons of strange and wonderful interactive fun.

Brandts Museum of Art and Visual Culture is an ever-changing museum of exciting exhibitions which are all unique celebrations of painting, photography, and all mediums of visual art.

There is a room where you can sit quietly at an easel and draw as you listen to music (it’s definitely for kids but that shouldn’t stop you). There’s also a labyrinth of rooms filled with old costumes from the 17th to 19th centuries which you can put on and take photos in for fun.

Visit their website: Brandt’s Museum

The exhibitions shift and change constantly, so it’s always a pleasant surprise when you visit. Plus, you get more reasons to return when you’re next in Odense!

When we visited, we were lucky enough to see the photography of legendary rock n’ roll photographer Anton Corbijn, who has spent decades capturing in deep and raw black-and-white photos acts like The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and Bruce Springsteen.

He even took the iconic photo used for the cover of Nick Cave’s incredible album The Boatman’s Call. It was an absolute treat to see this exhibition, and points to the fact that everything that the Brandts Museum ever displays is always magical and inspiring.

One last thing: the gift shop of Brandts Museum is more a bookshop of delightful books on art, art history, photography, and design. It’s a fantastic shop all by itself, and worth having a real detailed browse!

Read More: In our Arts and Culture Guide to Copenhagen

Where to Eat and Drink in Odense

Odense is a surprisingly and delightfully multicultural city, with a huge range of traditional foods from all over the world. If you want to enjoy local Danish food, it’s there; and if you’d rather go international, there’s some quality cuisine to enjoy.

There are also pubs and wine bars aplenty to relax in the sun after a day of following in the footsteps of Hans Christian Andersen.

Soup Stone Café

This is where we ended up having our dinner after leaving Brandts Museum. It’s a restaurant with a strange name that is dedicated to the freshest health foods from all around the world. Soups, curries, noodle dishes, wraps, and sandwiches are all on offer, all affordable, and all with the highest quality meats, veggies, and spices.

Soup Stone is owned by a Canadian guy who told us his entire life story while we were there, and what a story it is! We can’t recommend this place enough, with its expert cuisine of world foods.

Nelle’s Coffee & Wine

If you’re looking for a place to recharge half-way through your wander across Odense, make it Nelle’s. If there are two things that one needs to get themselves relaxed and excited to keep moving, it’s wine and coffee. The coffee at Nelle’s is particularly fantastic.

Denmark has a history of good coffee culture; their coffee shops always provide the highest quality coffee available, and Nelle’s is certainly no exception. The place works as a quick pitstop or a more permanent place to relax with a book in the afternoon, if you’ve got time.

The Tipsy Toad Pub

A place with a great name and a traditional British/Irish pub atmosphere. It’s exactly what you need after a full day of exploring every nook and cranny of Odense.

The Tipsy Toad opens at 5pm and offers a huge range of beers and ales, with a particular emphasis on hipster IPAs like Brewdog. It’s a proper British pub with a dark atmosphere and a bricky, stoney aesthetic. A great place to while away the evening chatting about all the fantastic things you saw and experience during your day in Odense.

Read More: In our Restaurant Guide to Copenhagen

Where to Stay in Odense

Fairytale B&B

A traditional Danish house, a quaint and lovely decor, a literary name reminiscent of Odense’s beloved H.C. Andersen, and a very reasonable price. Fairytale B&B is the ideal place to stay when you visit Odense.

The city is very much about the simpler life: hygge, cosy homes, quiet neighbourhoods. So a grand hotel just seems disingenuous. A B&B is far more in-keeping with the atmosphere and tone of Odense, and Fairytale B&B is the best of the bunch: a sweet and cosy little nook, private and very quintessentially Odense.

Read More: Where to Stay in Copenhagen

Other fabulous day trips from Copenhagen:
Visit Kronborg Castle (also known as Hamlet’s Castle)
Take a trip to Malmö, Sweden