Day Trip from Copenhagen: Klampenborg

Explore Forest Trails, Spot Deer, and Relax with a Coffee by the Sea Just Outside of Copenhagen

If you’re craving some nature and want to escape the sometimes busy center of Copenhagen, Klampenborg is the perfect destination. Just north of the city, you’ll find one of Denmark’s largest parks, where you can visit Bakken—the world’s oldest amusement park—stroll through the forest to spot deer, or experience architectural highlights at Bellevue Beach before taking a swim in the sea. Afterwards, warm up with a hot coffee while watching the boats sail by at Wulff & Konstali.

Klampenborg is easily accessible. You can take the S-train from the central station, which takes just 20 minutes, and the station is conveniently located between Dyrehaven and Bellevue Beach, both within walking distance. If you’re feeling more active, you can also bike there. The ride is about 13 km from the central station, and between Charlottenlund and Klampenborg, the bike route takes you right next to the sea. Highly recommend at least biking this part as it’s a beautiful view. If you only want to bike this part, you can also take your bike for free on the S-train, get off at Charlottenlund St., and bike to Klampenborg from there.

1. Dyrehaven

If you’re in the mood for a walk, I highly recommend strolling through Dyrehaven (literally deer park). You can enter the park right by Klampenborg Station and then follow where the paths take you. The park is very big, so you can easily get lost in its natural beauty. A popular route leads up to the King’s hunting lodge, Eremitage, where you also get a lovely view of the sea. Along the way, you’ll likely spot deer roaming freely among the trees. It’s also common to see people horseback riding since there are many stables nearby, and I believe you can even book a horseback riding session.

You can also visit Bakken, the world’s oldest amusement park, with free entry (you just pay per ride). Just be sure to check their opening hours, as they might be closed during the winter season. The wooden roller coaster might look as if it could fall apart any second, but it did not fail on us and is quite the experience!

2. Bellevue Beach

If you are feeling more like a beach stroll or even a dip in the sea, head to Bellevue Beach. Danish architect Arne Jacobsen had a big influence on Klampenborg and designed many buildings in the area, including this beach. The iconic lifeguard towers and strandbad make this beach unique. Even though it’s small it’s worth visiting, whether you’re a tourist or a local. If you choose to bike from Charlottenlund, you’ll also pass by Jacobsen’s famous gas station—a great opportunity to stop for a delicious ice cream at Oliver’s Garage.

On the rare occasion of warm days in Denmark, the beach can get quite busy with Copenhageners coming there to swim and sunbathe. But it’s also lovely on sunny days during colder seasons, where you have it more to yourself. Just bring an extra layer, especially if it’s windy. And it is usually windy here! If you’re brave, take a dip in the cold sea like the locals; it’s considered to benefit both body and mind.

3. Wulff & Konstali Bellevue

After all that activity, you can warm up and relax with a coffee or tea at Wulff & Konstali. They just opened this location in the summer and it offers a great sea view. It’s located right next to the theatre and just steps from the beach. You can sit outside if it’s sunny or head indoors, where you can watch the boats sail by. At the time this post was written, a cappuccino is 44 DKK, which is pretty standard for Copenhagen (not cheap, but not expensive either). I’d rate it a 5 on my cappuccino index. The cozy vibe with upstairs seating, a fireplace, and that view make it a perfect place to unwind. As the Danes would say – meget hyggeligt!