Small train adventures in Denmark: five journeys to the sea | railtour travel blog
Denmark may be small, but that is precisely what makes it such a wonderful country to explore by train. Leave Copenhagen behind and, before long, you can reach historic towns, charming harbours, sweeping coastlines and landscapes that invite you to slow down and take a deep breath. The train journey itself becomes part of the experience, with forests, fields, coastlines and small towns passing by outside the window while the car stays at home.
From Copenhagen to Helsingør
The journey from Copenhagen to Helsingør is one of the most scenic train journeys on Zealand. The line follows the Øresund coast and links the Danish capital with a historic seaside town. Helsingør is best known for Kronborg Castle, which stands majestically on the Øresund and became world-famous as the setting of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”. The old town is equally appealing, with its narrow streets, historic buildings and welcoming cafés. If you still have time after visiting the cultural sights, take a walk along the harbour or enjoy views across the Øresund towards Sweden. It is the perfect way to combine a city break in Copenhagen with a day by the sea.
From Copenhagen to Roskilde
Just a short train journey from Copenhagen, Roskilde is one of Denmark’s most historically significant cities. Once the capital and centre of the Danish kingdom, it is now best known for its cathedral and the Viking Ship Museum. Roskilde Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the final resting place of numerous Danish monarchs. On the fjord, the Viking Ship Museum offers reconstructed vessels and fascinating insights into the country’s maritime history. Roskilde is also home to the Roskilde Festival, the largest music and cultural event in Northern Europe. Founded in 1971, it now attracts up to 130,000 visitors from around the world each year. Roskilde is ideal for a day trip by train, where history, culture and the water are only a short walk apart.
From Odense to Svendborg
If you would like to explore Funen, board a train in Odense and travel south to Svendborg. The route crosses the island’s green countryside and ends in one of Denmark’s most attractive harbour towns. Odense is closely associated with Hans Christian Andersen. Both his birthplace and the modern H.C. Andersen’s House offer insights into the life and work of the famous fairy-tale writer. Svendborg, by contrast, showcases Funen’s maritime character. Boats and small ferries line the harbour, and the islands of the South Funen Archipelago are within easy reach. The town’s relaxed atmosphere is particularly appealing, especially if you would like to enjoy some sea air after a museum visit.
From Aarhus to Skagen
A train journey to Skagen takes you across Jutland to Denmark’s northernmost point. Even the journey itself highlights how the landscape changes. Leaving the vibrant university city of Aarhus behind, the route passes through smaller towns and wide-open countryside as it heads steadily north. Skagen is known for its distinctive light, yellow-painted houses and long history as an artists’ retreat. Painters such as P.S. Krøyer and Anna Ancher drew inspiration from the region’s landscapes and unique light. One of the highlights is Grenen, the northern tip of Jutland, where the North Sea and the Kattegat meet. Travelling to Skagen by train is therefore not only a visit to a remarkable destination but also a journey through the diverse landscapes of Jutland.
From Aalborg to Hirtshals
From Aalborg, the train heads towards the North Sea. Hirtshals is best known for its harbour and offers a very different atmosphere from Denmark’s larger cities. Once you reach the coast, long beaches and sand dunes invite you to go for a walk. The landscape is particularly atmospheric when the weather is changeable and the wind and waves shape the shoreline. The harbour is also an essential part of the experience, bringing together fishing, ferry services and Nordic coastal life. If you wish to continue your journey, ferries from Hirtshals connect to Norway and other Nordic destinations. What begins as a simple train journey can easily turn into a Nordic travel adventure, and perhaps even the start of a trip where the journey is just as important as the destination.
