The Ultimate Denmark Road Trip: 11 Unmissable Stops from Copenhagen to Billund

When we first planned our Denmark trip, we thought we’d just drive straight from Copenhagen to Billund for LEGOLAND and call it a day. Boy, were we wrong! What started as a simple 3-hour drive turned into one of the most fun road trips we’ve ever taken. Denmark might be small, but it’s absolutely packed with surprises.

This drive, which spans roughly 260 km (about 160 miles), can easily be transformed into an unforgettable journey packed with sightseeing, discovery, and adventure.

Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you book through them – at no extra cost to you.

Copenhagen to Billund: Quick Road Trip Overview

Distance: 260km (160 miles) direct route
Driving Time: Around 3 hours non-stop (but you’ll want to stop EVERYWHERE!)
Best Time: May-September for full access to everything
Budget: €60-180 per person depending on attractions you choose
Perfect For: Couples, families, history buffs, adventurers, Viking lovers or anyone who loves discovering hidden gems

🚗 Pro Tip: Rent a car in Copenhagen – public transport exists between but you’ll miss half the magic of this route!

How to Get There: Your Transportation Options

Road Trip (Our Recommendation)

Why we loved it: Complete freedom to explore at your own pace, discover hidden gems, and stop whenever something catches your eye.

• Car Rental: Pick up in Copenhagen from major companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget – we rented with Europcar at Copenhagen Airport based on reviews and everything went smoothly)
• Cost: €200-400 for 2-3 days including fuel and tolls
• Pros: See everything on this list, flexibility, luggage space
• Cons: Parking costs in city centers, bridge tolls (230 DKK)
• Best for: Anyone wanting the full Denmark experience

We recommend using Rentalcars.com for car bookings as we found some of the cheapest rental rates there:

Train + Bus Combination

The practical alternative: Perfect if you prefer not to drive but still want to see some highlights.

• Route: Train from Copenhagen to Vejle (2 hours), then bus to Billund (30 minutes)
• Cost: Around 400-500 DKK per person each way
• Stops possible: Roskilde (direct train), Odense (easy), limited access to other attractions
• Pros: Relaxing, no driving stress, regular departures
• Cons: Miss many of our favorite smaller stops, less flexibility

Direct Bus to Billund

The budget option: Gets you there cheaply but you’ll miss the journey’s magic.

• Route: FlixBus Copenhagen to Billund (3.5-4 hours)
• Cost: 150-300 DKK per person
• Pros: Cheapest option, direct route
• Cons: Miss almost everything on our list, limited departure times

Our honest take: If you can drive from Copenhagen to Billund, absolutely do it. The road trip IS the experience – we discovered some of our favorite Denmark moments in places we never would have reached by public transport.

The Epic Journey Begins: Our 11 Favorite Stops

1. Roskilde

📍 30 minutes west of Copenhagen
⏱️ Allow 3-4 hours
💰 Cathedral: 50 DKK adults, Viking Museum: 130 DKK

We weren’t expecting much from our first stop, but Roskilde absolutely blew us away. Walking into the Roskilde Cathedral felt like stepping into a Dan Brown novel – literally dozens of Danish kings and queens are buried here, some in the most elaborate sarcophagi you’ve ever seen.

But here’s what really got us excited: the Viking Ship Museum. They’ve got five actual Viking ships that were deliberately sunk in the fjord 1000 years ago to block enemy attacks. You can walk right up to them, and in summer, they even sail replica Viking ships that you can join!

Why stop here? It’s a perfect blend of Viking history, medieval architecture, and coastal beauty.

🍽️ Where to Eat: Café Vivaldi (their smørrebrød is incredible)
🅿️ Parking: Plenty of street parking, 2-hour limit in city center
👶 Family Tip: Kids under 17 free at most attractions

Don’t miss: The view from the cathedral tower – on clear days you can see all the way to Sweden!

2. Lejre Land of Legends – Time Travel Made Real

📍 15 minutes from Roskilde
⏱️ Allow 2-3 hours
💰 180 DKK adults, kids under 17 free
🌐 sagnlandet.dk
🎫 Official ticket site

Okay, I was skeptical about this one. “Living history museum” sounded a bit cheesy. But watching kids (and honestly, us adults) grinding grain with Stone Age tools, shooting arrows like Vikings, and exploring actual-size reconstructed longhouses? Pure magic.

The highlight is Denmark’s largest reconstructed King’s Hall – it’s massive and gives you serious Game of Thrones vibes. Plus, the staff dress up and stay in character, which somehow doesn’t feel corny here.

🎯 Best Time: Summer weekends for special Viking festivals
👕 Pro Tip: Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty – it’s very hands-on!

3. Trelleborg Viking Fortress

📍 20 minutes from Lejre
⏱️ Allow 1-2 hours
💰 95 DKK adults
🎫 Official Ticket Site

This one’s for serious history lovers. Trelleborg isn’t as flashy as some other stops, but standing in a perfectly preserved 1000-year-old Viking ring fortress? That’s some serious time-travel stuff right there.

The circular design is so precise it still boggles archaeologists’ minds. King Harald Bluetooth (yes, that’s where the tech name comes from) built this as part of his military network across Denmark.

📅 Visit If: You’re fascinated by military history or archaeological sites
Skip If: You’re rushing or have kids who get bored easily

Why stop here? To witness one of the most significant Viking archaeological sites in the country.

4. Storebælt Bridge (The Great Belt Bridge)

📍 Connecting Zealand and Funen
⏱️ Photo stop + driving time
💰 Bridge toll: 230 DKK (201 DKK with cash)
🌐 Check the most up-to-date toll prices here.

As you continue west, you’ll cross the Storebælt Bridge, also known as the Great Belt Bridge, connecting the islands of Zealand and Funen (connecting east to west Denmark). This stunning piece of engineering stretches over 18 km and is one of the longest bridges in the world. There is a toll to cross the bridge, but the views are worth every krone. It’s a sight to behold and a key highlight of any Danish road trip. The bridge is an engineering marvel that has made traveling between eastern and western Denmark much easier and faster.

The bridge’s construction took almost a decade to complete, and its impact on Denmark’s infrastructure has been immense, reducing travel times and boosting regional connectivity. If you’re interested in engineering or architecture, consider pulling over at one of the nearby viewing points to admire the scale and design of this structure. On a clear day, the view across the strait is breathtaking.

When you’re driving from Copenhagen to Billund, paying the toll to cross the bridge is largely unavoidable. It is the only road route that connects between east and west Denmark. The only other options with a car are ferry crossings, which take more time and the cost is usually comparable or more expensive.

📸 Photo Tip: There are designated viewpoints on both sides – the western approach has the best angles
☀️ Weather Note: Can be closed in extreme weather, check storebaelt.dk before traveling
💵 Payment Tip: The toll cash price is cheaper than paying by card if you’re looking to save a few Danish Krones.

Why stop here? Despite the fact that it is the only route across the Great Belt, you can also admire breathtaking sea views and snap some stunning photos of the engineering marvel.

5. Odense – Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tale City

📍 1 hour from the bridge
⏱️ Allow 4-6 hours (could easily spend overnight)
💰 H.C. Andersen Museum: 165 DKK adults
🎫 Official Ticket Site

No road trip from Copenhagen to Billund would be complete without a stop in Odense. This city is best known as the birthplace of beloved fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen. If you only make a couple of stops, make sure this is one of them.

The new H.C. Andersen Museum (opened 2021) is absolutely incredible – it’s built underground around his childhood home and tells his story through immersive exhibitions. Even if you think you know his tales, you’ll discover so much more about the man behind them.

Odense is not just about Andersen; it’s also a lively city with a great food scene, bustling markets, and cultural events. Make sure to check out the city’s vibrant cafes, and if you’re a foodie, head over to Storms Pakhus, a street food market offering everything from Danish classics to international dishes. Odense’s blend of history, culture, and culinary delights make it a must-visit stop on your journey.

🏨 Sleep Here: Hotel Odense or Radisson Blu H.C. Andersen
🍺 Local Tip: Albani Brewery tours (Odense’s own brewery since 1859)
🚶‍♀️ Walking Route: Follow the yellow footprints through the old town for a self-guided Andersen tour

Insider secret: The museum garden has hidden passages and surprises – perfect for kids (and adults) who love exploring!

6. Egeskov Castle – Your Fairy Tale Castle Moment

📍 30 minutes from Odense
⏱️ Allow 2-3 hours
💰 265 DKK adults, includes castle, gardens, and museums (summer price)
🌐 egeskov.dk
🎫 Official Ticket Site

If you’ve ever wondered what a “real” fairy tale castle looks like, this is it. Egeskov literally rises out of a lake, complete with towers, turrets, and everything you’d expect from a Disney movie. But it’s 500 years old and absolutely authentic.

The castle interior is stunning (check out the Great Hall!), but honestly, we spent most of our time in the gardens. There’s a hedge maze that had us lost for 20 minutes, vintage car museums, and even treetop walking paths.

🚗 Parking: Free on-site
🥪 Food: Castle café is pricey but convenient, or pack a picnic for the gardens
🌺 Best Photos: Late afternoon when the light hits the castle walls or golden hour at sunset

Why stop here? To experience one of the best preserved water castles from the Renaissance period in all of Europe.

7. Vejle – Modern Denmark Meets Nature

📍 30 minutes from Billund
⏱️ Allow 2-3 hours, perfect overnight stop
💰 Many attractions free

Vejle surprised us completely. We expected a quick stop, but ended up loving this place. The “Wave House” (Bølgen) really does look like frozen waves – it’s become an Instagram sensation for good reason.

The town sits right on Vejle Fjord, and the walking paths along the water are gorgeous. Plus, it’s way more affordable than staying in Billund if you’re looking for an overnight base. It is also possible to get a train to Vejle direct from Copenhagen.

🏨 Where We Stayed: Four Points by Sheraton Vejle (rooms with kitchenettes, perfect for families)
🎨 Culture Fix: Vejle Art Museum has great Danish modern art
🚌 Billund Tip: Regular buses to Billund (30 minutes) if you don’t want to drive every day

Why stop here? For stunning natural beauty and a glimpse of cutting-edge Danish design.

8. Koldinghus Castle – The Phoenix Castle

📍 20 minutes south of Vejle
⏱️ Allow 1-2 hours
💰 100 DKK adults
🌐 denkongeligesamling.dk/en/koldinghus/
🎫 Official Ticket Site

This castle has the most dramatic story – it burned down completely in 1808 but has been beautifully restored with this amazing mix of medieval ruins and modern architecture. The contrast is striking and somehow works perfectly.

Great views over Kolding from the towers, and the art collections inside are really impressive. Only stop here if you’re not rushed – it’s beautiful but not essential if you’re short on time.

In our opinion, Egeskov Castle is a better castle to visit if you only choose one.

Why stop here? To explore a magnificent castle with panoramic views and a fascinating history.

9. Jelling Stones – Denmark’s Birth Certificate

📍 30 minutes from Vejle
⏱️ Allow 1 hour
💰 Free to see stones, museum 120 DKK adults
🎫 Official Ticket Site

These might look like just old stones, but they’re literally Denmark’s birth certificate. King Harald Bluetooth had them carved to announce that Denmark was now a Christian country. The UNESCO designation isn’t for nothing – this is where Denmark as we know it began.

The visitor center does a great job explaining why these stones are so significant. It’s a quick stop but historically crucial.

🏛️ Museum Tip: Interactive displays make the history come alive
📍 GPS: Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church | Thyrasvej 1, 7300 Jelling, Denmark

Why stop here? To visit a crucial piece of Danish history that shaped the country as we know it.

10. Givskud Zoo – Safari in Denmark?!

📍 30 minutes from Jelling
⏱️ Allow 3-4 hours
💰 260 DKK adults in summer
🌐 givskudzoo.dk

This place is absolutely wild (pun intended). You drive your own car through enclosures with lions, zebras, giraffes – it’s like being on safari without leaving Europe! You can also get the zoo’s Safari Bus if you don’t want to drive yourself.

The dinosaur park is equally impressive – life-size dinosaur replicas scattered through a forest setting. Some even move and make sounds!

🚗 Car Tip: Keep windows closed in the lion section (obviously!)
🦴 Don’t Miss: The fossil dig area where kids can hunt for “dinosaur bones”
🍽️ Food: Pack lunch or eat at the safari restaurant

Why stop here? For a family-friendly adventure and a chance to see exotic animals in a more natural setting.

11. Aarhus: Denmark’s Cool Second City

📍 45-60 minutes from Vejle
⏱️ Full day
💰 Varies by attraction

Okay, Aarhus isn’t exactly “on the way” from Copenhagen to Billund, but if you have an extra day, it’s absolutely worth the detour. This is Denmark’s second-largest city, but it feels like a big town with incredible energy.

ARoS Art Museum has this amazing rainbow walkway on the roof that gives you 360-degree views over the city. Den Gamle By (The Old Town) is like a time machine – an entire town recreated from different periods in Danish history.

🏨 Base Option: More hotel choices than Billund and often better prices
🍻 Nightlife: Way better than anywhere else on this route
🚌 Billund Access: Direct buses if you don’t want to drive

Where to Stay in Billund (And Why We Chose Vejle Instead)

Billund accommodation can be seriously expensive, especially during peak season (June-August) and Danish school holidays. We’re talking €200-400+ per night for basic family rooms near LEGOLAND. We stayed in Vejle (30 minutes away) and saved a fortune while getting better amenities. Here’s the breakdown:

If You’re Staying in Billund

Pros:

• Walk to LEGOLAND and LEGO House
• No daily driving to attractions
• More time at the parks

Cons:

• Limited restaurant options outside hotels
• Significantly higher prices
• Books up fast during peak times
• Less authentic Danish town experience

Best Billund Options:

• LEGOLAND Castle Hotel – The ultimate splurge for LEGO-obsessed families
• Hotel LEGOLAND – Themed rooms, early park access
• Lalandia Resort – Indoor water park, great for families
• Best Western Plus Hotel Billund – More affordable, good location

Why We Loved Staying in Vejle

The Sweet Spot: 30 minutes to Billund, way better prices, actual Danish town charm. Smaller than neighboring Aarhus though.

What We Loved:

• Saved 50-70% on accommodation costs
• Fantastic restaurants along the fjord
• Easy bus connections to Billund if you don’t want to drive daily
• Beautiful evening walks along Vejle Fjord
• Real Danish town experience vs tourist bubble

Vejle Accommodation Winners:

• Four Points by Sheraton Vejle – Our choice! Rooms with kitchenettes, perfect for families
• Hotel Vejle – Central location, good breakfast
• Scandic Vejle – Reliable chain, family rooms available

Alternative Base: Aarhus

For Culture Lovers: Denmark’s second city with way more to do in the evenings.

• Distance to Billund: 60-75 minutes
• Why Consider It: Better nightlife, restaurants, museums for adults
• Best For: Couples or families with older kids who want city experiences

Top Aarhus Hotels:

• Villa Provence – Boutique charm in the Latin Quarter, walking distance to everything
• Hotel Royal – Historic luxury in the heart of the city, elegant rooms
• Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel – Modern high-rise with great city views
• Scandic Aarhus City – Family-friendly chain hotel, central location
• Comwell Aarhus – Contemporary design, excellent breakfast
• Wakeup Aarhus – Budget-friendly but stylish, perfect for younger travelers

Our Honest Accommodation Tips

Book Early: Billund fills up fast, especially the themed hotels. Book as soon as you have dates to avoid higher prices and have more choice
Check Package Deals: Some hotels include LEGOLAND ticket
Weekend vs Weekday: Massive price differences, especially in Billund
Transport Factor: If staying outside Billund, factor in daily driving/bus costs

Money-Saving Reality: Even with daily transport costs, staying in Vejle saved us over €400 for three nights compared to Billund prices. That’s a lot of LEGO sets!

Money-Saving Tips We Learned the Hard Way

• Copenhagen Card: If starting in Copenhagen, get this for museum discounts
• Fuel Up: Gas is cheaper at supermarket stations (Bilka, Føtex)
• Lunch Strategy: Many museums have expensive cafés (Denmark can be expensive in general) – pack your own sandwiches
• Attraction Combos: Several castles offer combo tickets
• Accommodation: Vejle or Aarhus are much cheaper bases than Billund

What We’d Do Differently (And What We Nailed)

If We Had Less Time: Skip Trelleborg and Koldinghus Castle, focus on Roskilde, the Jelling Stones, Odense, and Egeskov Castle– these three give you the perfect mix of history, culture, and fairy tale magic.

If We Had More Time: Spend a full day in Aarhus and add Ribe (Denmark’s oldest town) – we’re already planning this for our next trip!

For Families with Young Kids: Lejre, Egeskov, and Givskud Zoo are absolute musts. The interactive experiences will create memories that last a lifetime. Consider spending extra time at each rather than rushing through more stops.

For History Buffs: Add extra time at Jelling, Trelleborg, and consider the detour to Ribe. You could easily turn this into a Viking heritage trail.

What We Nailed: Taking our time, staying flexible, and not over-planning. Some of our best discoveries happened because we saw something interesting and just stopped.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this Copenhagen to Billund road trip take?
Straight driving can take as little as 3 hours without stops, but you’ll miss a lot. To see some of the highlights on this list, minimum 1 full day. To see everything, 2-3 days. Don’t forget you can always stop at places on the drive going back the other way from Billund to Copenhagen!

Is it worth renting a car?
Absolutely! Public transport exists but you’ll miss the flexibility and many of the smaller stops.

What is the best time time of year to road trip from Copenhagen to Billund
May through September for full access to everything. Winter is possible but some attractions have limited hours.

How much should I budget for a road trip?
€60-180 per person depending on how many attractions you visit and where you stay.

Can I do this with young children?
Yes! Lejre, Givskud Zoo, and Egeskov Castle are particularly great for families. Odense is also a fun city to walk around and a great midpoint to stop at too.

Is English widely spoken in Denmark?
Yes, especially at tourist attractions. Most Danes speak excellent English.

Is driving difficult in Denmark?
Driving in Denmark is relatively easy and straight forward, especially compared to some of the more crazier driving we’ve encountered in places like Sicily, the Balkans and Eastern Europe. We found driving in Denmark much more relaxed and easier.

Can I visit Billund from Copenhagen and return on the same day?
Yes it is possible, though it will be a very long day. Driving 3 hours each direction plus spending the entire day in Billund at your favorite attraction (LEGOLAND and Lego House are the two most popular places) will be very tiring, but doable. However you will miss out on a lot of the best sights in between these two cities.

Ready to Plan Your Epic Denmark Road Trip?

🚗 Car Rental: We recommend booking through Rentalcars.com for best prices. We chose Europcar as it had the best reviews at Copenhagen airport. Our rental experience with Europcar was smooth and seamless.
🏨 Accommodation: Booking.com has great options in all these towns
🎫 Attraction Tickets: Many offer online discounts for advance booking

Questions about any of these stops from Copenhagen to Billund? Drop us a comment below – we love helping fellow travelers plan their Danish adventures!