A guide to exploring Denmark’s Coastal Line

Wonderful Copenhagen provides visitors with itinerary ideas when travelling in Denmark. The Coastal Line and its accompanying museums, restaurants, and nature, is among the top recommendations for how to plan your upcoming holiday

The Coastal Line runs from Copenhagen Central Station to Elsinore. (Photo: Marvin Kuhr)

Benedicte Vagner

Mar 29, 2025

If you’re thinking of planning your spring or summer holidays in Copenhagen this year, there are a variety of activities you can take part in. Wonderful Copenhagen, Copenhagen’s official tourist organisation, presented a guide of travel suggestions for both in and around the city.

One of Wonderful Copenhagen’s top suggestions involves exploring Denmark’s Coastal Line that runs from Copenhagen Central Station to Elsinore (Helsingør). The route offers a blend of history, nature, and gastronomy, making it ideal for those who wish to explore Denmark beyond the capital city.

A trip along Øresund

The Coastal Line (Kystbanen) follows the Øresund coast, and passes 14 stations that can take passengers to a variety of nature, food, and cultural experiences north of Copenhagen. The trip ends in Elsinore, home to Kronborg – otherwise known as Hamlet’s castle to Shakespeare fans.

The entire transportation route is included on the Copenhagen Card as free travel. The card also includes access to some of the areas of attraction. The route spans a distance of 46 km and takes a total of 55 minutes from Copenhagen to Elsinore.

Museums and castles

As the Danish weather can be unpredictable, having a few indoor activities on the list is never a bad idea. Museums such as Øresund Aquarium, Experimentarium (science museum), and M/S Maritime Museum are recommended by Wonderful Copenhagen as family-friendly activities.

There are also options for the sunnier days. In Elsinore, you can visit Kronborg, Denmark’s only UNESCO listed castle, where short productions of the play Hamlet can be watched around the castle, both inside and outside.

Karen Blixens Museum, one of Denmark’s most renowned authors, is another option that allows visitors to see her home as she left it, as well as the gardens surrounding the home.

The Karen Blixen Museum offers a blend of both history and nature. (Photo: Annemette Kuhlmann)

Exploring the great outdoors

The Øresund coast has several family-friendly beaches, including Marienlyst Beach Hotel which has swimming spots as well as water-activities, such as paddleboarding. Oddies, Rungsted Beach, is another place to go, with live music and barbecues during the summer.

The UNESCO listed Deer Park is perfect for biking and exploring an area of over 1,100 hectares with free-roaming deer. There is also a bird sanctuary of 15 hectares at Karen Blixens museum which is passed on the 16 km Blixen Ruten trail. This can be reached by train or by taking your bike through Route 9 along the coast and then following the Rudersdal route.

The Deer Park in Klampenborg covers 1,100 hectares with free-roaming deer. (Photo: Marvin Kuhr)

Restaurants and cafes

Wonderful Copenhagen recommends an array of restaurants and cafes along the Coastal Line, with a variety of gastronomic experiences. For fine dining, the two Michelin starred restaurants, Søllerød Kro and The Samuel, stand out.

For a more casual experience, Kilden i Skoven, a forest eatery, and Søly, a beachfront restaurant, provide dining experiences surrounded by nature.

If you are looking for a lighter meal or a coffee break, smaller cafe options also include Patio, Batting Bakery, and Cafe Cranks and Coffee. These are all located along the route of the Coastal Line and provide travelers with the chance to recharge before continuing on their journey.