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For many, a trip to Copenhagen will likely revolve around eating and drinking in the city’s coolest restaurants and bars or hitting up local shops for some of the best design labels in Europe. Maybe a day trip to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art could be on the itinerary, too. But between the heart of the city and this renowned museum, there’s an entire coastal stretch that most travelers ignore—but shouldn’t. A 30 to 60 minute train ride from Central Station will take you to Michelin-starred restaurants, world-class museums, and wellness hotels that can add exciting layers to a typical trip to Copenhagen. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, the region is perfectly suited for a dedicated visit. Here’s how to do it right.
Where to Stay
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How far north you want to go will determine your lodging options. Skodsborg Spa Hotel, a sea-facing wellness retreat, is a great choice if you don’t want to drive as it’s easily accessible by train, via a 22-minute ride from central station. Originally built in 1852 by a Danish king, Skodsborg today immerses guests in a throwback take on wellness—so it’s less about woo-woo treatments and more about lingering in the sauna, relaxing massages, hatha yoga, and lung-busting outdoor fitness classes. (And if you’re into cool-water swimming, the sea is just across the street from the hotel grounds.) Minimalist, cozy interiors reinforce the tranquil ethos of the hotel; while meals at on-site Brasserie Carl focus on healthy eating in a holistic way, meaning nothing supremely restrictive but still mindful. You can partner grilled artichokes with a chocolate and hazelnut bar plus champagne for dinner.
Newer still and with a totally different energy is at 69-room Park Lane Copenhagen, which opened in a historic building (once a cinema) in Hellerup in January 2025. Local design studio &Tempel oversaw the modernization that involved preserving many of the property’s original details, such as stucco ceilings and grand chandeliers. Layered on top are creature comforts that speak to contemporary jetsetters, like marble fixtures, chevron wood floors, sleek wardrobes with built-in LED lighting, and sculptural lamps and sconces.
Where to Eat and Drink
From indulgent bakeries to innovative fine-dining meccas to the hippest natural wine bars you can think of, we all know that Copenhagen is one of the most exciting food-and-drink destinations on the planet. But you don’t have to stick to the heart of the city to taste the best of it. If you love to shoot for the (Michelin) stars, the north has plenty to offer. In fact, one of Denmark’s three three-Michelin-starred restaurants can be found this area of the city: Jordnær, from husband-and-wife team Tina and Eric Vildgaard, is located in the town of Gentofte. Given its more tucked-away location, Jordnær has become something of a destination restaurant, to which people gladly trek to savor Eric’s bold, creative cuisine and Tina’s hospitality. The kitchen’s ingredient-first ethos means only the finest (from the dainty edible flowers to the enormous chunks of langoustines) ends up on your plate. Say yes to all the caviar: It’s one of Eric’s favorites and regularly shows up on a number of dishes throughout the tasting menu.
Head a bit further north to the leafy, charming town of Holte, which is only a 10-minute drive west of Skodsborg Spa Hotel, and you’ll find another Michelin-starred gem. Inside a historic 17th-century inn adjacent to a lush park, Søllerød Kro is as opulent as any fine-dining experience in central Copenhagen, but it’s an especially lovely choice for a languorous multi-course lunch. Brian Mark Hansen’s French-inspired menu features the best of the season, from snappy white asparagus to plump oysters and juicy quail. But consider yourself especially lucky if your meal includes the tenderloin draped with a delicate sheet of beetroot and then ladled with a special caviar sauce. Yes, it’s as luxurious as it sounds, and is best enjoyed with a glass of Champagne.
For more Michelin-starred treats, Parsley Salon and The Samuel are newcomers that showcase just how robust the fine-dining scene is in the area. Chef Allan Schultz’s intimate and stylish Parsley Salon thrives in its use of foraged ingredients and locally sourced seafood. And at chef Jonathan Berntsens’s The Samuel, which is named after his son, wine is chosen first—then, he builds his recipes. The wine list is 52-pages strong (including a number of bottles won at auction) so you know you’re in for a treat. And don’t miss the opportunity to visit the cheese cabinet for the dessert course.
For a more casual meal, head to the Hellerup location of Atelier September, the beloved breakfast and brunch spot from chef Frederik Bille Brahe. Cloud-like pancakes cloaked in blueberries and a dollop of cream, cakes in a variety of flavors, and fluffy omelettes all make for a great start to the day. The Brede Spisehus, surrounded by bucolic forest, was renovated in 2022. Historically, this was a mess hall for local workers. The main dining room retains plenty of that historic charm. But the menu is definitely suited to a more modern palate. Think veggie-loaded smoked salmon sandwiches, scallops in a horseradish cream sauce, and a summer-perfect salad of pickled cherry tomatoes and grilled peaches.
What to Do
There’s a lot in this pocket of Copenhagen that doesn’t involve indulging in caviar and wine. For art and design lovers, Ordrupgaard has an impressive collection of Danish and French fine art (including Manets and Gauguins) exhibited inside a stunning three-winged mansion, a striking modern addition by Zaha Hadid, which was inaugurated in 2005, and the underground Snøhetta’s Wing that debuted in 2021. If you think that’s a lot to explore, there is another part to the museum that can’t be missed: Finn Juhl’s House, an architectural masterpiece that dates back to 1942.
Nature is a big draw for this part of greater Copenhagen, and a short drive (or cycle) east of Ordrupgaard is Bellevue Beach, a nearly 2,300-foot long sandy beach dotted with service kiosks and lifeguard towers designed by the legendary Arne Jacobsen. From there, you can continue cycling north to Dyrehaven, which translates to “deer park” thanks to the 2,000 wild deer that call this natural oasis home. In addition, you can also check out the Hermitage Palace, which was built for the king of Denmark in 1734.
And for a bit of local craftsmanship, schedule a visit to textile designer Karin Carlander’s studio in Raadvad, a 10-minute cycle from Skodsborg Spa Hotel. She handmakes and handweaves everything from tea towels and coasters to scarves and tote bags.