Copenhagen Day Trip from Billund

A One-Day Adventure from Billund to Copenhagen

During our one-week holiday in Billund, we decided to dedicate one day to exploring Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital. It’s about a 3-hour drive each way — long, but totally worth it for a glimpse of this beautiful city full of canals, royal charm, and cozy Scandinavian vibes.

We left early in the morning and returned in the evening — tired but full of memories (and one very surprising parking bill 😅)

Scenic Boat Ride Through the Canals

Our first stop was the Copenhagen Canal Boat Tour, and it was absolutely worth it. The boat glides through the city’s historic canals, passing under low bridges, modern architecture, and colorful old houses lining Nyhavn Harbor.

We loved that the kids could sit back, relax, and enjoy the views while we learned interesting stories about the city — from the Royal Danish Opera House to the famous Little Mermaid statue.

💡 Tip: The covered boats are perfect even if the weather changes suddenly (and it often does in Denmark!).

As we floated past the beautiful waterfronts, I couldn’t help but think — the scenery from the boat ride reminded me so much of Amsterdam. The narrow, pastel-colored buildings standing side by side, the gentle reflections in the water, and the cozy cafés along the canals gave the same warm, charming feeling. Both cities share that mix of history and water — but Copenhagen adds its own Scandinavian touch, with a calmer, cleaner, and more minimal vibe.

Kongens Nytorv –
The Square Beside Nyhavn

Just next to Nyhavn, you’ll find Kongens Nytorv, one of Copenhagen’s most beautiful and historic squares. It’s surrounded by elegant buildings like the Royal Danish Theatre, the Hotel d’Angleterre, and several high-end shops.

It’s also a major hub — from here, you can walk straight into Nyhavn’s colorful canal or hop on the metro to explore other parts of the city.

💡 Fun fact: The square dates back to the 17th century, built by King Christian V, and it’s still the heart of local celebrations and events today.

Watching the Royal Guards at Amalienborg Palace

Next, we walked to Amalienborg Palace, home of the Danish royal family. We arrived just in time to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony — a unique experience that feels like stepping into a fairy tale.

The kids were fascinated by the guards’ tall hats and synchronized steps, and we couldn’t help but admire how elegant the palace square looked surrounded by classic buildings.

Frederik’s Church (The Marble Church)

Right next to Amalienborg Palace, you’ll find the stunning Frederik’s Church, also known as the Marble Church. Its grand green dome towers above the city and is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic landmarks — you can see it from almost anywhere near the harbor.

We stopped here after watching the Changing of the Guard and took some of our favorite family photos in front of the church. The architecture is breathtaking up close — soft marble tones, elegant columns, and that beautiful round dome that glows in the daylight.

Inside, the church is peaceful and beautifully detailed, with delicate murals and soft natural light. The craftsmanship was so breathtaking it made me want to sing at the top of my lungs, “How Great Is Our God!” — but of course, we had to stay quiet and simply let the moment fill our hearts.

💡 Travel Tip: Entry is free, and if you have time, you can also climb the dome for panoramic views of the city — it’s one of Copenhagen’s hidden gems.

A Fan of Scandi Interiors

As someone who loves Scandinavian interior design, Copenhagen felt like inspiration everywhere. From café interiors to hotel lobbies and even public spaces — you see that clean, natural aesthetic everywhere:

• Neutral tones with soft wood finishes

• Simple, functional furniture

• Cozy “hygge” vibes with warm lighting

I couldn’t stop taking photos of the spaces we passed! If you’re a design lover, Copenhagen is a dream. Even small bakeries feel like stepping into a design magazine.

Lunch & City Strolls

We grabbed lunch at a cozy café near Nyhavn — sandwiches, pastries, and (of course) Danish coffee! Everything was fresh and beautifully served.

Afterward, we continued exploring the city center on foot. Copenhagen is incredibly walkable, and the atmosphere feels both vibrant and relaxed at the same time.

The Most Expensive Parking Fee Ever!

Before heading back to Billund, we returned to the parking garage — and got the biggest surprise of the day:
a €50 parking fee! 😅

Definitely the most expensive parking we’ve ever paid on a family trip!
So here’s our friendly warning: Copenhagen parking can be pricey — plan ahead and look for park-and-ride options if possible.

Back to Billund

We ended the day with a peaceful drive back to our stay at LEGOLAND® Holiday Village in Billund — the perfect home base for families exploring Denmark. The kids quickly fell asleep in the car while we chatted about the colorful canals, royal guards, and that cozy Scandinavian charm that makes Copenhagen so special.

Staying at LEGOLAND Village made our trip so easy — it’s family-friendly, fun, and just steps away from the park. We loved the themed cabins, relaxed atmosphere, and the fact that everything is designed with kids in mind.

It was a long but unforgettable day — and totally worth it.

Watch Our Copenhagen Vlog on YouTube

If you’d love to see more of our Copenhagen adventure — from the scenic boat ride through Nyhavn to the royal guards at Amalienborg and the breathtaking Marble Church — we captured it all on video! 🎬

Watch our full vlog here: 6 Hours in Copenhagen | Family Day Trip from Billund

You’ll get a closer look at the city’s canals, the beautiful architecture that reminded us of Amsterdam, and the real family moments that made this day so special. Don’t forget to subscribe to follow our next travel stories from Billund and beyond!

Family Travel Essentials for Denmark

Traveling with kids requires good preparation. Here are some essentials we packed that made our trip much easier (and you can easily shop them via Amazon):

• Cooler Lunch Box – Almost every Danish family brings one! Food in Denmark (and especially inside Legoland) can be expensive, so having a cooler lunch box with sandwiches, fruit, and snacks saves money and keeps everyone happy.

• Comfortable Backpacks – Perfect for carrying snacks, water, and rain jackets.
  

• Reusable Water Bottles – Staying hydrated is key when exploring a theme park.
  

• Rain Ponchos – Denmark’s weather can be unpredictable, so these are a lifesaver.
  

• Portable Power Bank – Great for keeping your phone charged for maps, photos, and videos.
  

• Lightweight Stroller – If you’re traveling with younger kids, this makes walking around much easier.
  

• Packing Cubes – To keep everyone’s clothes organized during the road trip and hotel stay.
  
  

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