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Copenhagen, Denmark
Photo: seier+seier, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Northern suburbs is a green suburban district north of Copenhagen. The ghetto of the wealthy, the Whiskey belt; the nicknames are many, and the Northern suburbs is indeed home to most of the city's well-off population, but to casual visitors the difference may be subtle, due to the high income equality of Denmark and heavy taxation of the highest earners (up to 66% as of 2019). The district does however have more than its fair share of royal mansions, meticulously kept parks and golf courses.
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Brede Works
Guided tours of this complex from industrialization of Denmark. It is a rare display of a preserved full industrial complex from the 18th century, with both the works, homes of workers and leaders, the dining hall, garden and the rich factory owners home to put it all in context. Easily combined with a visit to Frilandsmuseet.
Open Air museum
This open-air museum covers a huge green area between Kongevejen and the Mølleå river, in fact it is one of the world's largest museums in terms of area covered. It houses more than 50 authentic relocated historical farms, houses, and windmills, and sometimes live activities like making butter are performed inside the houses. If your feet get sore, there are horse drawn carriages to take you around for a fee. Guided tours during Sundays. There are also some good picnic spots and a restaurant.
Furesø Lake museums of local history, Farum
This is a string of 4 museums housed in old historic buildings, 3 of them in the small village of Stavsholt. There is one permanent exhibition on Stavnsholtvej 170, which is the immigration museum, showcasing stories about the lives of individual immigrants through the times. The other 3 properties centers around local history, and have shifting art exhibitions as well as local history.
18th-century palace turned exhibition space, with many good art exhibitions usually on schedule (check their website). Also has a beautiful French inspired baroque garden with arcades, fountains and an embroidery parterre.
Nordre Mølle, Lyngby
This is a functioning museum water mill, which also houses Exhibitions about Mølleåen, and the industrial development connected to it. It is a good idea to call ahead, and get a tour since its openings hours seems a bit random.
Ryvangen Memorial Park
Mindelunden is a memorial park in Hellerup where the Danish freedom fighters who died in World War II are buried. The park has among other things a memorial wall, tombs for the victims of the KZ-camps and a shooting range which the Germans used for execution.
One of Denmark's top art museums, featuring paintings of Monet, Renoir, Dega, Pissarro, Gauguin, Hammershøi, Philipsen, and L.A.Ring. The museum is placed in a nice park, and has been extended with a striking building by the famous architect Zaha Hadid.
Lyngby
It is an old manor with a nice view over the lakes. There is a restaurant, a small art museum and there is a large garden with an outdoor stage. A nice alternative to the directions given above, is to take the baadfarten ferry's during the summer to the museums own pier.
While the inside of this palace and its inner garden is not open to the public, since it is one of the active royal properties, it still lends grace to the surrounding park, which is quite pleasant, and a good place for a stop if you are touring Mølleåen river.
The suburb Brønshøj is a village dating back to the early middle ages. It is reached by bus 2A, 5A or 350S all stopping at Brønshøj Torv (square). Close by the square is the church from the 12th century, the oldest building still in use is Copenhagen. Brønshøj served as the head quarter for the Swedish army during the attack on Copenhagen in 1659. Many street names between Brønshøj Torv and Bellahøj are named in memory of the war (Svenskelejren - 'the Swedish camp' and Svend Gønges vej). As of Sep 2019, Brønshøj Museum is under reconstruction.
Church from 1976 by world famous Danish architect Jørn Utzon. Especially the interior is striking.
Garderhøjfortet
A late 19th-century fort. The inside is only open on weekends and holidays, but the outside can be viewed at any time.
Quite an original church with expressionist architecture.
Stage by the Øresund coast, with a wide range of performances, from international ballet companies over comedy to conventional plays. Lists international performances, relevant for foreign visitors, on the English version of their website.
Officially Jægersborg Dyrehave and literally in English The Deer Garden
A forest park north of Copenhagen. It covers around 11 km². The northern boundary is at Jægersborg Hegn (Forest), which until 1832 was part of Dyrehaven. Eremitageslottet is a small royal hunting castle placed on a hilltop in the northern part of the area. There are several event's taking place here throughout the year, The Hubertus hunt the 1st Sunday of November is a huge sporting event with hundreds of "hunters" in red jackets on horseback. While the erimetage running event, the largest in the country, takes place on the 1st Sunday of October. There are also sometimes theatrical performances in the Ulvedalene (Valley of wolves, do not worry they are long gone) - check with a tourist information for details.
Rent a pony to ride in Dyrehaven. If you have small children, you can rent tiny ponies, that the children can ride, while you are walking the ponies.
colloquially known simply as Bakken
The world's oldest intact surviving amusement park, and has a reputation for being more folksy than its downtown rival, Tivoli. While the number of rides are hardly impressive, except for the large wooden "Rutchebanen" (lit. the rollercoaster) which dominates the park, the atmosphere it gets from the surrounding forest is quite enchanting, and the many old and very traditional pubs and restaurants is the real attraction of the place.
Science center
Excellent "hands-on" science museum for kids of all ages. Rich with activities centered around nature and technology, and does wonders teaching complex subject easily through self experimentation. Has changing themed exhibitions (check website for current ones).
Copenhagen racecourse
One of the most beautiful gallop runways in the world. Right at the border, and with great views over, the Dyrehaven park. A few restaurants, a grill with excellent fresh grilled sausages, etc., and a picnic area. When there are races on Fridays, it is a good place to go for some beers while watching the races.
Has both row boat, canoe and kayak rental during the summertime. offers pickup and delivery service for a minimum fee of 500 kr. This place is in the middle of the canal connecting Furesø and Lyngby sø lakes.
Canoes, kayaks and row boat rentals, This is the outlet closest to Furesøen, Sophienholm and Hotel Frederiksdal. Also has pick up and delivery of Canoes for a minimum of 500 kr.
This place poses a bit of dilemma, while it is by far the easiest place to get to with public transportation, since it is just a short walk from the S-train station, they do not offer pick up services if you plan to do longer trips. Also doubles as a restaurant.
Copenhagen's own Copacabana, and probably the country's most famous beach, with half a million visitors per year. Wide (but packed on sunny days) sandy beach and a large grassy area. Toilets, ice cream kiosk, beach volleyball fields, and 3 piers.
Nice beach with a huge grassy area for oozing in the sun, and a narrow strip of sand before the calm waves of Øresund. There is also a large pier with better facilities (Charlottenlund Søbad) but it has a 20 kr entrance fee. The old fortress behind the beach has a camping ground (see sleep section).
An artificial sand beach and marina in the Furesø lake, there are lifeguards stationed here during the season, and the restaurant has great view over the lake, and is a good option for a brunch if you are in the area. Also a small kiosk for ice cream, etc., and a pier for the baadfarten ferries.
A cozy sand beach near the canoe rental place in Frederiksdal. It is kid friendly with lifeguards keeping watch. There is both shallow water for the kids, and a pier out to the deeper water in the Furesø Lake. Excellent spot for a picnic on the grassy areas and there is also a restaurant (see listing in eat section) and ice cream shop.
This small beach,marina and park is hidden away at the end of a residential street of Strandvejen street. While the beach here is not as good as the other beaches in the area, it is less crowded and closer to the city. The small marina is open to visiting yachts, and there is cluster of Tennis courts right behind it.
A modern continuation of the traditional par force hunts that has been held in Dyrehaven park for hundreds of years, but the game have now been replaced by two riders wearing fox tails on their backs. It is an annual spectacle with almost 30,000 spectators watching the 50-odd riders wearing fancy deep red jackets, ride through a challenging course. Most of the spectators head straight for the Magasin dam, where the riders pass through a water obstacle, and 5-10 riders usually makes an involuntary but spectacular plunge into the freezing water. Takes place in late October or early November, contact a tourist information desk for details.
The world's oldest fun run, where 19,000 runners challenge themselves on a 13.3-km course through the beautiful Dyrehaven park, and have done so every year in early October since 1969. If you plan to attend it is a good idea to reserve a spot ahead as there is cap of 19,000 participants for logistical reasons and considerations for the wildlife in the park, Send an email to elob@ultimate.dk to secure yourself a place on the starting line.
They play soccer in Superliga, the top tier. The stadium (capacity 9800) is at the north edge of Farum.
They were promoted in 2026 and play in Superliga. The stadium capacity is 10,000.
You cannot miss this characteristic round cafe cafe with the copper roof. The food is typical cafe fare, but done very well. You can eat with a great view of Øresund or the Chartlottenlund forest on the other side. You can bring your dog if it is not wet, so do not let it swim in Øresund just before you eat. Easy parking
This restaurant close to Brede værk and the open air museum, was the original canteen for the workers at the mill factory, and has been serving food in the current house for more than 100 years - and still has the gas lamps and a beautiful glass ceiling as it did when it was built. In good weather there is outdoor serving, of the French-inspired menu, with view over the picturesque lake.
This tiny restaurant is superbly located on a large patch of grass, between the blue Øresund sea and the green Dyrehave park, in an idyllic small yellow half timbered house with thatched roof, which used to work as porter's lodge for the surrounding entertainment area in the 19th century. The chef is trained in France which shows on the menu - which also shows connection with the nature surrounding the restaurant. Not much space, and few tables, so book ahead.
The restaurant is in connection with the open air museum, and is a convenient location for a brunch or lunch if you are visiting the museum, and the setting is quite beautiful. Has gotten some harsh review on their service though.
A very traditional inn from the turn of the 20th century, now only functioning as a restaurant, with white chalked walls and thatched roof. It' possible to sit outside and eat in the garden. Menu and crowd is as Danish as they come. Good option if you have been canoeing as it is very close to the Nybro Canoe rental place.
This charming old white building, is in the middle of the forest right near the entrance to Dyrehavsbakken, It has been serving food to the guest of the forest since 1888, and takes its name from the hunter who opened it back in the days. Middle of the road cuisine, but the deer - fresh from the surrounding forest, is recommended.
A hangout for locals in nice weather, is this restaurant located right next to the lake bath of the same name. While there is a few tables indoors, the real attraction is the outdoor tables by the lake, where you can dine till you drop with food from the barbecue.
Almost running on its 150th year, this old inn is outstandingly located, near one of the old mills on Mølleå river, in the middle of the forest. The menu is modern - yet classic - Danish cooking, with the menu changing along with the seasons. Offers cooking courses if you arrange this ahead.
A lunch restaurant in the Dyrehaven park, it is housed in charming red brick building dating back to the 18th century, which used to be the home of a forest ranger. Traditional Danish lunch with rye bread, salmon and cheese as well as some excellent cakes.
Very traditional Danish lunch restaurant (smørrebrød), but they are open all day. Can be busy so reservations are recommended, but usually they will find you a seat soon anyways. Good place to have drink too. And in the summer you can sit outside.
This is the restaurant in Hellerup Sailing Club. But non-members are welcome (although some tables are reservered for club member). You get excellent food at reasonable prices and in the summer you can enjoy the spectacular view over Øresund from the rooftop terrace.
This is another old inn, turned restaurant. A romantic setting on the edge of a forest, by a lovely old church and village pond, topped of with a view over a small palace.While expensive, it is one of the top restaurants in Copenhagen, and has a shiny star in the Michelin guide to prove it. One the most extensive wine menus in the country, and the service is usually top quality.
Often live music Friday and Saturday.
A club for alternative music in genre's like synthpop, dark wave, and industrial, in the basement of a cafe. Only open when events are taking place, so check dates on their website (in English).
Danhostel Lyngby Vandrehjem
Really out of the way place in the middle of the forest, on the Mølleå river, in a house which used to be a boarding school dating back to 1917. If you really want to escape the rush, this idyllic village is a good option. You better have a canoe and your own wheels handy though, as the bus only goes here 5 times a day. Otherwise it is a 20 minute walk through the forest to the nearest bus stop that sees regular traffic.
This Inn is teeming with traditions, tracing it roots more than 400 years back, to 1687, but do not worry - it has been thoroughly renovated, and has an up scale feel to for the price. Also houses a rather good à la carte restaurant.
A small hotel, in charming yellow brick building from the 1930s. it is at the entrance the huge Dyrehaven park, and many rooms have windows facing the park, with an old fashioned 30s feel - you'll be the judge whether that is good or bad (pictures on the website). Also doubles as a solid traditional restaurant.
Cheap hotel in central Lyngby, all rooms either share bathroom with other rooms in the wing, or 2 rooms share one in the new wing. Has 2 shared kitchens for cooking, and wireless internet in all rooms. The key holder is at the Post-Pub (see drink listing)
Excellent option for the price, this hotel and conference centre is housed in big baroque mansion from 1755, in a quiet neighbourhood. Nice views over the large park on the property - you can even arrange a picnic with row boat in the dam. Also home of a nice restaurant.
An 87-room hotel and conference centre in green surroundings, mainly catering to business customers, but private guests are welcomed. Nice and modern rooms, and a big terrace for outdoor dining and drinking in summer.
Part of the Scandic chain of hotels, which is one of the largest mid-range hotel chains in Scandinavia, and housed in the same building as the Lyngby Storcenter mall (see listing in buy section).
Up scale hotel in classical mansion just off the main street in Hellerup, in a beautiful park. Shared facilities are top notch, but the standard rooms are rather crammed for the price and the furnishings are classic, some might call them outdated. Free wireless throughout the hotel, and internet terminals available at every floor.
Conference hotel in a striking white building from the 60s - and with 60 rooms, all with a beautiful view over the Mølleå river and green surroundings. Extra amenities include table tennis, billiards, sauna and a bar.
Historic beach hotel with more than 350 years on its back, but it has been thoroughly renovated. Most of the 22 rooms have fantastic views over the Øresund strait. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Camping inside the old fortress grounds, complete with canons and the works. Right by the beach of the same name.
Well equipped camping grounds, which also rents out small huts. Good stop if you are touring Mølleåen.
A large shopping mall in central Lyngby, with more than 120 shops, restaurants and supermarkets over 34.100 m².
This smaller sibling of the famous department store on Kongens Nytorv, is across from Lyngby Storcenter, and is more of a classic department store, then it is more mall like competitor on the other side of the street.
Shopping mall on the waterfront of the Tuborg area, near the Experimentarium museum. Mainly high-end shops.
Mall in central Holte with speciality stores, two supermarkets and a library with internet access on the 3rd floor.
Independent international book shop with a small cafe
Danish book stores tend to be rather small, but this one a decent size and some English paperback titles available.
1000 Chairs
Lyngby Pharmacy
One of four 24-hour chemists in the city, outside regular opening hours there is a 15 kr service fee.
By car
There are two highways leading north of city Helsingørmotorvejen (route 19) starts on Østerbro, and runs north roughly halfway between the E/B (Holte) and C (Klampenborg) S-Train lines, just west of…
By train
The main mode of transport for locals is the S-trains, and while they are useful getting to and from the city center, they are not that useful to tourists as a way to get around, as they mainly cater…
By bus
In the Copenhagen suburbs, public transportation is built around the railway network. Almost every bus line begins at a Station, and will usually also end at one.
By boat
Baadfarten has been sailing passengers on the Mølleå canal, and on Furesø, Bagsværd and Lyngby lakes, in their famous and charming white boats, for more than 100 years.
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