Denmark and Sweden by Train: Copenhagen and Malmo

Day 1 - London to Cologne

Check in at London St Pancras for your journey onboard the cross-channel Eurostar train to Brussels (c.2 hours) – train tickets included. High-speed lines between the two cities allows trains to travel at a maximum speed of 186mph whilst you relax in your seat admiring the changing scenery.

On arrival at Brussels-Midi/Zuid (Brussels South) station disembark and change for the Intercity-Express (ICE) train to Cologne HBF (Germany) – train tickets included. The train from Belgium to Germany covers 114 miles and the journey takes approximately 1 hour 53 minutes. Just under an hour after leaving Brussels the journey takes you through the city of Liège and its impressive and ultramodern train station designed by the well-known Spanish architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava, whose other masterpieces include the Turning Torso in Malmö (Sweden) and several structures within the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia (Spain). In the evening, on your right-hand side as you approach Cologne Hbf, look out for the twin towers of Cologne Cathedral which is located next to the station. On arrival, self-transfer to the 4-star Cologne Marriott Hotel. Situated in the vibrant city centre, the stylish Cologne Marriott Hotel is less than 10 minutes on foot from the main train station and the grand Gothic Cathedral. Much of Cologne was destroyed during the second world war and much has been rebuilt since. Its historic centre is compact and filled with cobbled streets and historic looking buildings. The city is also home to one of the world’s largest Picasso collections, on show at the Ludwig art museum.

Overnight at Cologne Marriott Hotel.

Cologne

Day 2 - Cologne to Copenhagen

After breakfast, self-transfer to the train station for your train to Copenhagen (c.9 hours 24 minutes) - train tickets included. Intercity trains from Cologne to Copenhagen operate via Hamburg where a change of train is required (c.40 minutes interchange).

On arrival in Denmark, self-transfer to the Copenhagen Admiral Hotel, which occupies one of the best positions in the city, directly on the waterfront and boasting superb views of the Opera House and the Royal Playhouse from its outdoor terrace. The historic Copenhagen Admiral, whose origins date from 1787, is located a short walk from Nyhavn, the 17th century harbourfront of the city, which is filled with restaurants and beautiful colourful houses. Copenhagen has an international vibe and multiple facets that will appeal to all interests. The centre of the city is its historical heart, known as Indre By (the inner city) and is filled with medieval buildings, colourful harbours, narrow cobbled streets and Royal Palaces. Popular attractions here include the Royal residence of Amalienborg Palace, the City Hall and Rosenburg Castle which was built by Christian IV, one of the most famous Scandinavian kings.

Overnight at the Copenhagen Admiral Hotel.

Nyhavn, Copenhagen

Day 3 - Copenhagen

For a first-time visitor to Copenhagen Sunvil would recommend that you explore the city on foot or by using one of the city bikes. The city centre is compact and easy to get around – with most sites in the inner city reachable within a 20-minute walk. Another popular way to view the city is by cruising its canal by boat or on a kayaking tour. There is much to explore in Copenhagen including the district of Christianshavn which is made up of a small group of islands, found across the water from Indre By. Colourful houses, cafés and picturesque canals fill this Bohemian quarter. It is probably best known for ‘Freetown Christiana’, which is one of Denmark’s most popular tourist attractions, attracting more than 500,000 visitors each year. The self-proclaimed ‘free city’ was founded in 1971 when a group of people took over an abandoned military base and still retains a ‘70’s vibe. Other highlights of the city include: The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen’s most iconic tourist attraction which was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale and unveiled on 23 August 1913; the Round Tower, known locally as Rundetaarn, which dates from the 17th century and is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe, with a great view of Copenhagen’s old district from its outdoor platform and a floating glass floor which allows visitors to view the core of the tower; the National Museum, a palace from the 1700’s, which will take you on a journey through Denmark’s history including the Stone Age, Viking Age and the Middle Ages; the shopping area of Strøget, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets (1.1km); the Marble Church (Frederik's Church) with its copper green dome, an impressive church from which you can enjoy a great view over the city; Tivoli Gardens, a much loved amusement park and national treasure which was founded in 1843. The park is filled with historic buildings, gardens, wonderful architecture and a mix of attractions to suit all ages, some even nostalgic, such as its oldest ride the wooden Roller Coaster that dates from 1914; the organic street food market of Reffen, and Copenhill, the new sports hub of the city.

Overnight at the Copenhagen Admiral Hotel

Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen

Day 4 - Copenhagen

Why not take the train from Copenhagen Central Station to Helsingør (c.45 minutes - bookable locally) and visit Denmark’s most famous castle, Kronborg, immortalised by Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the 1600’s. Known by many as Hamlet’s castle, Kronborg was named Elsinore castle by Shakespeare, the English name for Helsingør. This magnificent renaissance castle has existed since 1420 and was rebuilt after burning to the ground and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Here you can learn of the castle’s rich history, explore crypts and catacombs and meet Holger the Dane (Holger Danske) a grand and impressive stone statue hidden deep beneath the castle and who, as legend says, will wake from his slumber and defend Denmark should the need arise. Another famous castle worthy of a visit is Frederiksborg castle in Hillerød which is located on three islands, surrounded by a beautiful baroque garden, an English inspired garden and a lake. Built in the 17th century by King Christian IV, Frederiksborg truly is a masterpiece and the largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia. Hillerød is c.40 minutes by train from Copenhagen city centre followed by a walk through the old streets to the castle or a local bus ride – bookable locally. Other places of interest within easy reach by train from Copenhagen include Roskilde (c.30 minutes – bookable locally) with its stunning UNESCO world heritage medieval cathedral and the Viking ship museum which is home to five original vessels from the 11th century, and Odense (c.1½ hours from the capital – bookable locally) which is the home of Hans Christian Andersen, the well-known author of fairy tale magic. The city is a historical literary wonder where you can step into a fairy tale garden for a photo next to Hans Christian Andersen’s statue and visit the tiny yellow house where he was born in 1805.

Overnight at the Copenhagen Admiral Hotel.

Statue of Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen

Day 5 - Copenhagen to Malmö

Today, self-transfer to the train station for your train to Malmö (c.39 minutes) - train tickets included.

The Öresund Bridge connects Skåne, Sweden’s southernmost region, to Denmark. Opened in 2000, this 16km structure, which consists of three sections – a bridge, the artificial island of Peberholm and a tunnel, is the longest road and rail bridge in Europe, and its construction has cemented a relationship between these two countries. On the bridge, the railway and motorway run on separate levels – the train on the lower deck and vehicle traffic on the upper deck. Direct trains operate throughout the day, approximately every 20 minutes. On arrival in Malmö, self-transfer to your hotel, the 4-star Elite Plaza. The Elite Plaza Hotel is located c.700m from Malmö Central Station, overlooking Gustav Adolf Square in the historic centre with restaurants, cafes, shops and parks in the vicinity. Malmö, bordered by the Öresund strait, is Sweden’s third largest city and its centre is best explored on foot or by cycling which is extremely popular. The city is well-known tor its beautiful parks such as Kungsparken (King’s Park), near the castle, which is the city’s oldest park and Pildammsparken. The historical market squares of Lilla Torg, which dates from 1590, and Stortorget, which is the oldest square in the city dating from 1540, are both surrounded by old buildings, smalls shops, bars and restaurants and are popular meeting places for locals and tourists especially during the summer months. Malmö’s town hall, with its Dutch Renaissance style façade can be found on the eastern side of Stortorget whilst the city’s oldest church, St Peter’s (Sankt Petri) with its Gothic exterior is less than 5 minutes’ walk from the square. Also worthy of a photo is the Turning Torso landmark – a neo-futurist residential skyscraper which gives the impression of a rotating tower.

Overnight at the Elite Plaza Hotel.

Malmo train station

Day 6 - Explore Skane

Why not head out of Malmö and explore Skåne - train connections allow for day trips to various places around the region. Easily reached (c.13 minutes by train – payable locally), is the second oldest city in Sweden, Lund, which was founded by the Danes around 1000AD and which is home to the country’s oldest university (c.1666). The medieval old town is centred on its strikingly beautiful cathedral. The town of Helsingborg (c.57 minutes by train – payable locally) has wonderful views across the Öresund strait to the Danish town of Helsingor. The centre of town is filled with cobbled streets, boutique shops and the keep from a medieval castle. Along the waterfront you will find a variety of lively bars and restaurants. The town of Ystad lies on the southern coastline of Skåne (c.49 minutes by train – payable locally) and is well-known as being the base for Henning Mankell’s fictional detective Kurt Wallander and for its medieval atmosphere. Ystad boasts cobbled streets, half-timbered houses as well as Cineteket, where you can read film scripts including those from the Wallander series.

Overnight at the Elite Plaza Hotel.

Ystad, Skane

Day 7 - Malmö to Cologne

Early morning (c.05:30), self-transfer to the train station in Malmö to commence your journey home. Transfer by Öresundståg Regional train from Malmö back to Copenhagen (c.36 minutes) where you will then take the Intercity train from Copenhagen to Hamburg before changing trains (c.42-minute inter-change) to continue your journey to Cologne (total journey duration is c.9 hours 24 minutes) – train tickets included. On arrival in Cologne, self-transfer to the 4-star Cologne Marriott Hotel. Note: To avoid an early morning departure from Malmö it would be possible to arrange an overnight stay in Copenhagen and to travel from Copenhagen via Hamburg to Cologne the following day. It would also be possible to arrange an overnight in Hamburg if required

Overnight at Cologne Marriott Hotel.

Cologne

Day 8 - Day of departure

Today, self-transfer to the train station for your train from Cologne to Brussels (c.1 hour 55 minutes) - train tickets included. On arrival at Brussels-Midi/Zuid (Brussels South) station disembark and change for the Eurostar train back to London St Pancras (c.2 hours) – train tickets included.