Copenhagen and Beyond: Experience Denmark by Train

Indulge in a rail tour: celebrate Danish heritage, cuisine & culture

Experience the fairytale land of Hans Christian Andersen on a crafted tour of Denmark by train, gliding from cities bursting with Scandinavian charm to tranquil villages on the long, rugged coastline. Enjoy comforting hygge moments in cinnamon-scented cafes before losing yourself in Nordic nature, relaxing in first-class comfort as you glide past windmills and Viking-era mounds to reach museums, castles, and the cultural attractions add absorbing layers to Denmark’s rich heritage.

Our Danisch rail routes

Rail travel and accommodation packages in Denmark

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Copenhagen canal scene with boats and a picturesque backdrop of historic city buildings and calm waters.
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Highlights of Scandinavia: Nordic Capitals

11 Day(s) 10 Night(s)
No Size Limit

Explore the Highlights of Scandinavia on our 11-day rail tour. Experience Nordic charm and modern design in Copenhagen, Gothenburg, and Stockholm. Book today!

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Why choose a rail vacation in Denmark?

Unspoiled Nordic landscapes

Over 4,500 miles of picturesque coastline wraps around a rolling green landscape and over 400 islands in the Baltic and North Seas. Developed bike lanes and hiking trails make it easy and rewarding to get outdoors and experience the natural beauty of this verdant corner of Scandinavia.

Cosmopolitan cities bursting with character

Absorbing museums, trailblazing restaurants, Scandinavian aesthetics, and hip neighborhoods abound in Copenhagen and other compelling Danish cities. With a highly-developed rail system, you can build a vacation tailored to your interests, seeing more at your own pace and discovering what makes Denmark shine.

A happy country

Danes are some of the happiest people on the planet. Is it their welcoming, cosmopolitan cities or their unspoiled countryside? Their hygge lifestyle or their development of sustainable living? Explore Denmark by rail to find the answers and taste a little of what makes Denmark such a contented nation.

Highlights of exploring Denmark by rail

Copenhagen

Copenhagen, the vibrant capital, blends a touch of the old with plenty of contemporary charm. Grab a photo of the Little Mermaid, ride an antique rollercoaster in Tivoli Gardens, or stroll around the tall ships and pastel-colored facades in the Nyhaven canal district. Efficient public transit and pedestrian-friendly streets let you explore distinctive neighborhoods like bohemian Christiania and upscale Frederiksberg, making Copenhagen an inspiring starting point to tour around Denmark by train.

Aarhus

Denmark’s second-largest city, Aarhus, is an easy rail trip from Copenhagen and a cultural haven on the Jutland Peninsula. Known for its rich arts scene, Aarhus is home to the ARoS Art Museum, whose rainbow rooftop offers sweeping city views, and Den Gamle By, an open-air museum replicating Danish life through the centuries. The city’s docklands add a trendy touch with waterfront cafés, modern architecture, and green spaces, making Aarhus a lively, diverse stop on a Denmark by rail adventure.

North Jutland

North of Aarhus lies the wild and remote landscapes of North Jutland; a tranquil contrast to Denmark’s urban centers. Take a serene train ride through charming coastal villages to Skagen, Denmark’s northernmost town, famous for its soft-sand beaches and the point where the North and Baltic seas meet. Nature lovers can explore Råbjerg Mile, a massive migrating sand dune, art fans will enjoy the local art at Skagen Museum, and everybody can drink in the sea air and Nordic nature.

Odense

Odense, the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, fits neatly into a well-rounded tour of Denmark by rail. Although Denmark’s third largest city, its medieval streets and green parks mute the urban hustle and bustle. A fittingly fairytale castle, animated street markets, homely riverside cafés, and plenty of family-friendly diversions add to the easygoing vibe. Stroll through Andersen’s legacy while taking in Odense’s engaging mix of old and new that delivers a balanced insight into Danish culture.

Unforgettable journeys through Denmark by train

Summer life at the river in Aarhus

Copenhagen to Aarhus

Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, is around three hours by train from the country’s second-largest city, Aarhus. You’re never far from the Baltic Sea on a train ride that crosses islands and bridges, transporting you from the Little Mermaid to The Infinite Bridge in the Bay of Aarhus. It’s an essential and compelling rail journey that reveals some of Denmark’s contrasts.

Dunes close by Skagen with lonely beach house

Coastal scenes from Aalborg to Skagen

Skagen sits on the northern point of the Jutland Peninsula, where the Baltic and North Seas meet. This short journey on regional trains serenely follows the coast from culturally diverse Aalborg (Denmark’s fourth largest city) through a series of sleepy villages to Skagen, a charming haven for artists and nature lovers. Hop on and off the train at tranquil villages to elevate that feeling of getting away from it all. 

Sitting men sculptures at Esbjerg beach in denmark

Odense to Esbjerg

From the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, Odense, to artsy Esbjerg is under two hours by rail. This ride connects two lively cities with quirky and intriguing museums yet inimitable, underscoring how varied a vacation around Denmark by train can be.

oresundsbron bridge connecting Copenhagen and Malmo

A Scandinavian rail odyssey from Copenhagen to Malmo

40 minutes by high-speed train whisks you from Denmark’s capital across the Øresund Strait to Malmo, a vibrant coastal city in Sweden. It’s a journey across the striking Øresund Bridge and via an underwater tunnel. Savor stunning sea views while elevating a Danish rail vacation to a cross-border Scandinavian vacation before returning to Denmark the same day!

Good to know about trains in Denmark

Danske Statsbaner (DSB) operates Danish State Railways, including Intercity, IntercityLyn (intercity trains with fewer stops), regional services (Regionaltog), and urban trains.

 

Reservations are not obligatory but are available on Intercity or InterciyLyn trains. We reserve seats for you in all our packages. Reservations are unavailable on regional services.

Amenities on Danish trains

Spacious first-class compartments and commuter-friendly open-space second-class carriages are available on most trains (we always book first-class on our rail tours).

A vacation around Denmark by train means you’ll spend time on Denmark’s modern intercity trains. Onboard amenities include air-con, Wi-Fi, power outlets, toilets, and luggage racks. First-class passengers receive non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.

Facilities are similar to Regionaltog services, which include a variety of trains, including double-decker carriages on the busiest routes.

Download the DSB app to display e-tickets and check timetables.

International Connections

Copenhagen is a thriving international rail hub, with several operator using high-speed routes to connect Denmark’s neighbors. DSB also runs slower Eurocity trains between Denmark and Germany.

Talk with our rail travel experts to arrange seamless connections that allow you to explore Denmark by train as part of a multi-country European rail vacation.

10 reasons Rail Escape is your ticket to an unforgettable Danish rail vacation

Expertly curated journeys

See the best of Denmark with exclusive travel packages that showcase different sides of the country. Our trips feature carefully chosen destinations, scenic routes, and superior accommodations. Packages include airport transfers for complete convenience.

Premium hotels in prime locations

We choose high-quality hotels in welcoming neighborhoods, close to major train stations. We prioritize premium lodgings and boutique hotels that will enrich your experience, with breakfast included so you are refreshed and refueled for more Danish rail adventures.

Superior rail tickets

We book first-class seats wherever possible and sort through the timetables to find the fastest trains and smoothest connections, so you can kick back on a leisurely journey through Denmark by train.

Worry-free travel

We provide everything you need for a seamless journey, including train schedules, hotel reservations, and electronic train tickets, while our travel specialists are ready to help anytime you need assistance.

European rail travel expertise

Our team has traveled extensively across Europe and stays up-to-date with train services in Denmark and beyond. We love sharing insights and conjuring fresh ideas for stylish and relaxing ways to explore Europe and Denmark by rail.

Customize your dream Danish rail odyssey

We love creating absorbing rail escapes, and our European travel experts can tailor an itinerary around Denmark by train that reaches the sights you have always wanted to see.

Extend your rail vacation across Europe

As European rail travel experts, we can transform a Danish vacation into one that crosses international borders, finding the rail connections you need to enjoy a multi-stop European rail adventure in a singular getaway.

Fun for all ages

Our rail tour packages suit travelers of all ages, including families with young and older kids, couples, and senior citizens.

Travel like a local

A Rail Escape vacation allows you to travel like locals and enjoy a more immersive experience, seeing the country through the same lens as citizens.

Eco-friendly travel

Trains produce less carbon than road or air travel, for a cleaner and greener way to explore more of Denmark.

Why travel Denmark by rail?

Denmark DSB long distance trains

Comfort and Convenience

Danish trains are modern, clean, and comfortable, with first-class carriages and onboard amenities like Wi-Fi and quiet zones. Services are frequent, so you can forget about renting a car and embark on a relaxing rail itinerary that takes you where you want to go, on an itinerary we’ve tailored exclusively for you.

A European rail hub

Frequent high-speed trains connect Denmark with Germany and Sweden. If you dream of a cross-continental rail vacation of incredible variety, explore compact Denmark by train before crossing international borders to roam around Europe in one incredibly layered vacation.

Flexible, efficient rail travel

The frequency and reliability of Danish trains give you the flexibility to move around at a speed that works for you. No dashing around; many compelling journeys around Denmark by rail only take a few hours and open tickets are common, so you can enjoy inimitable Danish moments at your own pace, with all the stress taken out of the journey.

Traveling Denmark by train FAQ

How far in advance should I book my Danish rail trip?

Book with us as early as possible. Demand increases significantly during the peak travel season in the European summer from June to August. Book online or by contacting one of our travel experts and we’ll plan your itinerary, secure premium hotels in convenient locations, and reserve the tickets you need as they become available, typically at least 2 months before travel in Denmark.

Yes, very. Danish trains are family-friendly and children can travel free when accompanied by adults. There are countless destinations when exploring Denmark by rail with young travelers, from Copenhagen’s Tivoli Garden theme park to the original Legoland in Billund.

Free Wi-Fi and power outlets are available on Intercity trains in Denmark, and some regional services. Free Wi-Fi is provided at busy central stations. 

Intercity Danish trains are air-conditioned and have first-class compartments and second-class open-seating carriages. Free Wi-Fi, power outlets, luggage storage, and toilets are onboard.

 

Most regional services offer first-class seating (not on the Odense to Svendborg line), are air-conditioned, and have power sockets. Onboard Wi-Fi is only available on a limited number of regional services.

 

Onboard catering is not provided. Seats with tables mean you can nibble on Danish pastries and other portable goodies as you cruise between destinations. First-class passengers are given light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages free of charge.

Most Intercity trains can be accessed directly by wheelchair users. On other services, the driver can deploy a ramp. Staff can also help with transporting luggage and discounted tickets are offered to disabled passengers. Let us know when booking so we can discuss accessibility and arrange the assistance you need when traveling Denmark by rail. 

Overall, Denmark has excellent wheelchair access. Most Danish train stations provide disabled toilets and elevators, plus disability services. Details are displayed under ‘services’ at individual stations on the DSB website.

First-class lounges are found at the central stations in Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense. They are available to holders of DB1 (aka first-class) tickets, which we book for all valid journeys through Denmark by train.

As a member of the Schengen Area, passports are not routinely checked when traveling from other Schengen countries to Denmark, which includes trains from Germany and Sweden. Spot checks may take place, so keep your passport or identity documents handy.

No – seat reservations are not mandatory on DSB (Danish) trains, only a valid ticket for travel that day. However, seat reservations are recommended at busy times, so speak to our rail travel specialists who can help with reservations when arranging your tour.

Catering is not available on Danish national trains. However, light snacks and beverages (coffee, tea, water) are provided with first-class tickets. We always book first-class trains for our rail tours through Denmark when available.

High-speed and intercity Deutsche Bahn (German) and DSB (Danish) trains connect Copenhagen and Hamburg in Germany in just over five hours. Onward trains can take you to Berlin (around 2 ½ hours) and beyond.

 

Frequent Direct DSB and SJ (Swedish) trains travel from Copenhagen Central and Copenhagen Airport to Malmo in Sweden in approximately 40 minutes. Continue to Stockholm (4-5 hours) and onto cities in Sweden and Norway. 

When is the best time to visit Denmark?

Activities and experiences can be influenced by the season when traveling around Denmark by train. Here’s a quick insight, season by season. 

Winter (December-February)

Embrace the warming comforts of a hygge lifestyle as canals freeze and log fires crackle. Sip spicy warming Gløgg and visit Christmas markets and ice rinks to raise the temperature. It may be cold outside, but there are plenty of ways to feel the warmth.

Spring (March-May)

As nature stirs into life, this is a time to explore Denmark’s lush countryside and glimpse sunsets on tranquil beaches. It can still feel wintry, but rays of sunshine encourage visitors to hit cycle paths and roam city parks in bloom. Danish gastronomy is in touch with nature, and colorful food markets become ever more tantalizing as summer approaches.

Summer (June-August)

See Denmark by rail in summer to enjoy a quintessential Danish beach holiday and discover the taste of Nordic summers on cafe terraces. Nibble smørrebrød in parks, party at the Roskilde festival, take dips in harbor baths, and make the most of the warmer days, just like the locals do.     

Fall (September-November)

As golden leaves tumble and the woolen sweaters come out, Denmark adopts a distinctly hygge personality. Hearty harvest flavors take over Denmark’s restaurants, hikers head into autumnal forests, culture fans dodge the rain in museums, and parents take kids for Halloween in the timeless Tivoli Gardens theme park.

Plan Your Rail Escape in Denmark

From Copenhagen’s vibrant waterfront to Aarhus’s modern art and Odense’s Hans Christian Andersen charm, exploring Denmark by train offers a leisurely and seamless way to experience more Nordic charm. With perfectly timed connections and thoughtfully chosen accommodations, we’ll tailor your journey so every stop reveals another layer and showcases the sights you want to see. Speak with our rail travel specialists to make your next vacation an unforgettable rail escape.

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