Spring has arrived in Copenhagen, and if you’re starting to feel the itch to get outside, here are three hikes I think are absolutely worth Googling.
I’m not linking anything, because there are already plenty of good blogs, route descriptions, GPX files, YouTube videos and maps out there. Just search the trail name plus “hiking” and you’ll quickly find what you need.
- The Copenhagen Classic: Amarminoen
This is probably the easiest “real hike” to do from Copenhagen.
Amarminoen is around 27 km / 17 miles, but you can get off roughly halfway if you don’t want to do the whole thing. What I love about it is how much variety you get for almost no effort: coastline, woodland, wetlands, open skies and those huge views across Kalvebod Fælled.
No, it’s not remote wilderness. You’ll still feel the city nearby at times. But that’s also the charm. A short bus or metro ride, and suddenly you’re walking through some of the best nature right on Copenhagen’s doorstep.
Google: “Amarminoen hiking”
- Deep woods, Vikings and maybe a swim: Skjoldungestien
You probably won’t see many actual Vikings, but you will get Danish nature at its best.
Skjoldungestien has forest, marshland, rolling hills, lakes, coastline and a historic finish in Roskilde if you walk the full route. It’s about 30 km / 19 miles, so it can be a long day hike, a relaxed overnighter, or something you split up using the train.
One of the best things about it is how easy it is to reach the trailhead in Hvalsø from Copenhagen. And depending on your route and timing, you can even add a swim in a forest lake or by the coast.
Google: “Skjoldungestien hiking”
- A really, really nice lake view: Ringsted Oplevelsessti
This one takes a little more effort to reach — about an hour from central Copenhagen by train and bus — but it rewards you with proper peace and quiet.
Ringsted Oplevelsessti is around 32 km / 20 miles and takes you around Haraldsted Sø, a big, beautiful lake with wide views and a much calmer feel than the trails closer to Copenhagen. Along the way there’s local history, small obstacles and activity spots, and a good chance of seeing goats, cows, horses and plenty of birds.
Near the final stretch there’s also a smaller lake where you can swim, which is a pretty great way to end a long walk.
Google: “Ringsted Oplevelsessti hiking”
What now?
Just Google “hiking” plus one of these trail names:
Amarminoen
Skjoldungestien
Ringsted Oplevelsessti
You’ll find Danish and English resources with maps, GPX files, transport tips, route descriptions, blogs and vlogs from people who have actually walked them.
There’s a lot more to Copenhagen than Copenhagen.
See you out there.