From Copenhagen: Lund and Malmö 2-Country Tour

Exploring Two Countries in One Day: Copenhagen, Lund, and Malmö

Are you craving a journey that combines history, modern architecture, and scenic views without the hassle of overnight stays? This day trip from Copenhagen takes you across the Öresund Strait to explore Helsingør (home of Hamlet’s castle), the charming university town of Lund, and the vibrant city of Malmö. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll enjoy a mix of sightseeing, culture, and local flavor—all in about nine hours.

What we love most about this tour is the opportunity to see Denmark and Sweden in one go—a rare experience that makes you feel like you’ve traveled much further than just a few kilometers. The ferry ride offers a relaxing break with picturesque views, and the stops at Hamlet’s castle and Turning Torso are visually unforgettable.

One small consideration is the short time at each location, which means you’ll need to stay focused to make the most of each stop. If you prefer to linger over museums or long meals, this might feel a bit rushed. Still, for those who want a quick, comprehensive taste of both countries, it’s a smart choice.

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and those curious about Scandinavian culture—especially if you’re visiting Copenhagen but want to dip your toes into Swedish sights without extra planning.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Cross two countries in a single day, experiencing Denmark and Sweden firsthand
• Includes ferry ride across the Øresund with scenic views
• Visit iconic sites like Hamlet’s castle, Lund Cathedral, and the Turning Torso
• Guided commentary adds context and fun facts throughout the day
• Time-efficient with well-organized stops, perfect for travelers with limited schedules
• Value for money with transportation, ferry, and bridge crossings included

A Deep Dive into the Copenhagen to Lund and Malmö Tour

The Experience at a Glance

This nine-hour guided tour from Copenhagen offers an impressive itinerary that combines history, culture, and modern architecture. Starting from a central meeting point outside the Grand Hotel, you’ll hop into a comfortable coach with a friendly guide—whose commentary is both informative and engaging, as many reviews highlight.

The tour is priced reasonably, considering the transportation, ferry, and entry points it covers. While you’ll need to pay your own admission to Kronborg Castle if you want to go inside, the outside view and surrounding ramparts are enough to leave a lasting impression.

What You’ll See and Do

Kronborg Castle in Helsingør is the first stop—famous as Hamlet’s fortress. Many travelers love the chance to see the castle’s exterior and the town’s charming streets during the free time allotted here. One review notes, “The drive from Copenhagen to Helsingør was very scenic, and the entire trip was worthwhile,” emphasizing how the coastal drive itself sets a perfect tone for the day.

Next comes the ferry crossing across the Øresund Strait—an experience that many mention fondly. The boat ride offers beautiful views of both coastline and water, giving you a moment to relax and take photos. Several reviews describe the ferry as a scenic highlight, with one reviewer mentioning, “the views on the ferry were picturesque and memorable.”

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring Helsingør and Its Surroundings

Once in Helsingør, you have about an hour and a half for self-guided exploration. This is enough to stroll the streets, snap photos of Kronborg Castle from the outside, and soak up the maritime atmosphere. Some travelers find this brief stop the perfect balance—enough to enjoy without feeling rushed.

Discovering Lund, the Swedish Jewel

The drive to Lund is scenic, with many reviews praising how the guide’s commentary made it easy to appreciate the area’s charm. In Lund, the cathedral is the star attraction—an imposing stone structure that’s often described as “majestic” and “impressive.” You’ll also have a chance to wander the narrow streets lined with houses dating to the 1700s.

Many guests rave about the relaxed atmosphere of Lund, especially if they take time for a fika—Swedish coffee and pastry break—at one of the cozy cafes. One reviewer shared, “We loved the way the town’s peaceful vibe contrasted with the busier cities we’d visited.”

Modern Malmö and Its Architectural Gems

After Lund, the tour continues south to Malmö. Here, visitors often highlight Malmö Castle and the Stortorget Square as key sights. The Turning Torso receives special mention—an architectural marvel and one of Europe’s tallest buildings, which makes for a quick but impressive photo stop.

Many reviews express delight at the blend of old and new in Malmö, from historic sites to contemporary structures like the Turning Torso and the Västra Hamnen neighborhood. The lower taxes in Sweden make it a popular shopping spot for souvenirs, so you might find good deals on goods to take home.

Crossing Back Over the Öresund Bridge

The return journey takes you across the Öresund Bridge, a modern engineering feat connecting Denmark and Sweden. The bridge itself is often described as a highlight, providing a scenic backdrop as you head back to Copenhagen.

Why This Tour Works

The transportation is comfortable, with a small group size that makes the experience more intimate and flexible. The guidance is often praised—Mario, Peter, and Allen are mentioned as knowledgeable and enthusiastic, making the history and local culture come alive.

Reviews reveal that many travelers appreciated the mix of sightseeing, commentary, and free time. The inclusion of ferry rides, the bridge crossing, and the chance to see both medieval and modern architecture makes this tour feel like a well-rounded Scandinavian snapshot.

Practical Considerations

While most reviews are glowing, some mention that the time at each stop is limited—around 1-1.5 hours per location. If you’re someone who prefers to linger longer or explore museums inside, this might feel rushed. Also, the tour isn’t accessible for wheelchair users, and you’ll need to bring your passport to cross into Sweden.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially since there’s about a 10-minute walk to Kronborg Castle, and walking shoes will keep your feet happy.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re visiting Copenhagen and want a fast, organized way to see some Scandinavian highlights, this is a good choice. It’s especially appealing for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and those who enjoy scenic travel. The guides’ expertise and the variety of stops mean you’ll get a solid overview without the hassle of planning transportation or navigating language barriers.

However, if you prefer long visits to museums or are traveling with mobility issues, you might find the short stops limiting. Still, for an active, well-structured day trip that covers a lot of ground, this tour delivers a rewarding experience.

The Sum Up

This guided day trip from Copenhagen to Helsingør, Lund, and Malmö offers a rich blend of history, modern architecture, and scenic views, all within a manageable timeframe. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and a carefully curated itinerary, you’ll enjoy a taste of both Denmark and Sweden without the complexity of independent travel.

It’s ideal for those who want a well-organized, engaging tour that covers the essentials—Hamlet’s castle, Lund Cathedral, and the Turning Torso—plus some memorable ferry and bridge crossings. If you’re looking for value for money and a compact Scandinavian adventure, this trip is hard to beat.

For travelers who are eager to see both countries, appreciate scenic drives, and enjoy brief explorations of historic sites, this tour offers a rewarding, efficient way to tick off multiple highlights in just one day.

FAQ

Do I need a passport for this tour?
Yes. You will need your passport to enter Sweden, and it’s essential to bring it along. If you forget, you’ll have to return to Copenhagen at your own expense.

Is inside admission to Kronborg Castle included?
No. The tour includes an exterior view of Kronborg Castle and free time in Helsingør, but entering the castle itself costs extra if you wish to explore inside.

How long is the ferry ride?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, most reviews describe it as scenic and memorable, with ample time to enjoy the views and take photos.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not accessible for wheelchair users, and there’s a 10-minute walk to the castle. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking parts of the tour.

What language is the commentary in?
Guides provide commentary in English, with audio guides also available in Spanish and Italian.

Can I buy souvenirs during the trip?
Yes, you’ll have some free time in Helsingør and Malmö for shopping, especially since Swedish stores tend to have lower taxes, making it a good shopping opportunity.

What should I bring?
Pack your passport, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera. Remember to bring any personal items you may need, as food and drinks are not included.

This tour balances structure and scenic variety, making it a fantastic way to experience some of Scandinavia’s most iconic sights in a single day. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning traveler, it offers a lively, enriching snapshot of Denmark and Sweden’s shared heritage and modern charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: