From Copenhagen: Lund and Malmö 2-Country Tour

Experience the best of Denmark and Sweden in a single day with this popular guided tour from Copenhagen. Covering highlights like Hamlet’s Castle, Lund Cathedral, and Malmö’s Turning Torso, this trip offers a fantastic mix of history, scenic views, and modern architecture. With an easy-to-follow itinerary, comfortable transportation, and knowledgeable guides, it’s a great way to see more beyond Copenhagen’s city limits.

We particularly love how smoothly the day flows — from castle visits to ferry rides and city strolls — making it ideal for those wanting to maximize their time. However, one thing to keep in mind is the short amount of time at each stop, which means you’ll need to prioritize what you want to see most. This tour suits curious travelers who want to tick off multiple destinations in a single day without the hassle of planning transport themselves.

Key Points
– All-Inclusive Experience: Ferry crossing, bridge toll, guided commentary, and comfortable transport included.
– Variety of Destinations: Mix of historic sites, vibrant cities, and modern architecture.
– Expert Guides: Engaging guides like Mario and Peter provide insightful commentary.
– Time-Efficient: Perfect for travelers on a tight schedule who want a comprehensive taste of both countries.
– Value for Money: Well-organized, with many reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and scenic stops.
– Practical Tips: Remember your passport, wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared for some walking.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

This tour is designed for those who want to see a mix of history, culture, and contemporary design in just one day. Starting early from Copenhagen, it’s clearly aimed at maximizing sightseeing without feeling rushed, thanks to well-planned stops and smooth transportation.

The Pick-Up and Early Drive

You’ll meet your guide outside the Grand Hotel on Banegårdspladsen 4, a central spot that makes for an easy start. From there, a comfortable bus whisks you out of the city, with the journey taking around an hour to reach your first major stop: Kronborg Castle. This UNESCO-listed fortress, famously linked to Shakespeare’s Hamlet, offers dramatic ramparts from which you can look out over the sea and imagine the historical intrigue that took place there.

Several reviews highlight the scenic drive along Strandvejen, Denmark’s scenic coastal road, which leaves travelers with plenty of Instagram-worthy views. One reviewer praised the “very scenic” drive, noting how it set the tone for the day ahead.

Free Time in Helsingør

Once at Helsingør (also known as Elsinore), you get about 1.5 hours of free time. This is the perfect window for a quick walk along the harbor, some shopping, or a visit to Kulturværftet, a cultural complex with cafes and exhibitions. Reviewers have mentioned enjoying the “beautiful city” and the chance to explore streets that date back to the 1700s.

Crossing to Sweden: Ferry Adventure

The highlight for many is the ferry crossing across the Øresund, a scenic boat ride that takes roughly 10-15 minutes. The ferry offers sweeping views of the water, the cityscape, and the famous Øresund Bridge itself — an engineering marvel that connects Denmark and Sweden. Several reviews rave about the ferry experience, with one mentioning it as a “picturesque” part of the day that adds a relaxed, fun element to the trip.

Lund: A Historic Treasure

Once across, the guide drives you to Lund, a charming university town packed with history. The Lund Cathedral is the star attraction, with its impressive architecture and stained glass windows. Behind the cathedral, expect to stroll through narrow streets lined with houses that date back to the 1700s. Reviewers have affectionately called Lund “fairytale-like” and appreciated the chance to soak in its peaceful, academic atmosphere.

Malmö: Old Meets New

After a leisurely exploration of Lund, the tour continues to Malmö, Sweden’s third-largest city. Here, you’ll get some free time to shop, with reviews noting Malmö’s lower purchase taxes making it ideal for picking up bargains. The Turning Torso — Sweden’s tallest building and a twisty skyscraper — is a quick photo stop that’s often praised for its striking design.

You’ll also visit Malmö Castle, a historic fortress that offers a glimpse into the city’s past, and walk around Stortorget, the city’s main square filled with cafes and lively energy. Several reviewers highlight that the short visits are enough to get a feel for the city but suggest that those with extra time might want to linger longer.

Return Journey

The return trip includes a drive over the Øresund Bridge, offering more spectacular views and a fitting end to the day. The bus then heads back to Copenhagen, arriving around 7-8 pm, depending on traffic and stops.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers excellent value with bus transport, ferry crossing, bridge toll, and guided commentary included. The guides, like Mario and Peter, are lauded for their engaging and informative style, making the trip both fun and educational.

However, note that entrance fees to Kronborg Castle are not included, and lunch is also extra. Reviewers recommend bringing snacks or planning for a quick lunch in Lund or Malmö, where local eateries serve up delicious Swedish fare, including acclaimed meatballs.

The Group Size and Comfort

The tour operates with a bus that is not wheelchair accessible and involves some walking, including a 10-minute walk to Kronborg Castle. Travelers praised the smooth, polite driving style of guides like Alan, who was commended for his professionalism and the wealth of information he provided.

The group size tends to be moderate, allowing for interaction with guides but still providing some personal space. Expect a friendly, conversational atmosphere, which many reviews describe as warm and engaging.

Practical Tips for the Trip

• Bring your passport — necessary for entering Sweden and crossing the border.
• Wear comfortable shoes, especially since some walking and a short walk to Kronborg are involved.
• Bring a camera for the stunning views, castles, and cityscapes.
• Pack some snacks and water — while food isn’t included, there are plenty of cafes and shops.
• Be punctual, as the day is tightly scheduled with limited free time at each stop.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for history buffs, architecture lovers, and those eager to see more of Scandinavia without the hassle of planning transportation themselves. It’s also an ideal option for travelers with limited time in Copenhagen who want a comprehensive taste of Swedish culture and scenery.

Travelers who enjoy guided commentary and structured itineraries will appreciate the knowledgeable guides, especially if they’re interested in local stories and historical tidbits. Foodies will find Malmö’s shopping and local eateries appealing, though they should keep in mind that the tour stops are brief.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

At a price point that includes transport, ferry, and guided insights, many reviews highlight the great value for money. The mix of iconic sights, scenic water crossings, and charming cities makes this an engaging day out. The experience is especially enriched by guides like Mario, who are praised for their friendliness, humor, and wealth of knowledge.

If you’re after an organized, hassle-free way to visit two countries in a single day, with plenty of photo opportunities and cultural highlights, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s especially suited for those new to Scandinavia or travelers who want to make the most of their time.

For those who prefer more time at each destination or a more in-depth experience, consider extending your visit or choosing a private tour. But for a taste of Sweden from Copenhagen with smooth logistics and a friendly guide, this trip offers a well-balanced and memorable adventure.

FAQ

Do I need a passport for this tour? Yes, a valid passport is required for entry into Sweden and to cross the Øresund.

How long is the ferry ride? The ferry across the Øresund takes about 10-15 minutes, offering lovely views and a relaxing break in the journey.

Is entrance to Kronborg Castle included? No, entrance fees to Kronborg Castle are not included. You’ll get a brief exterior visit and can explore on your own.

What should I wear? Comfortable shoes are recommended because there is some walking involved, including a short walk to Kronborg Castle.

Can I bring my own food? While food isn’t included, you may want to bring snacks or buy something during your free time in Lund or Malmö.

Is the bus accessible? The bus isn’t wheelchair accessible, so travelers with mobility issues should plan accordingly.

How much free time will I have at each city? Expect about 1 to 1.5 hours in Helsingør, Lund, and Malmö for sightseeing, shopping, or a quick meal.

What’s the best part of the tour? Many travelers highlight the scenic ferry ride, the guides’ engaging commentary, and the chance to see iconic sites like Lund Cathedral and Turning Torso.

Is this tour suitable for children? The trip involves some walking and a structured schedule, so it’s best suited for older children and teenagers comfortable with sightseeing and walking.

To sum it up, this day trip from Copenhagen offers a well-balanced mix of history, scenery, and modern city sights across Denmark and Sweden. It’s a practical choice for travelers wanting to see more without the stress of organizing transport, with guides who keep the experience lively and informative. Whether it’s your first visit to Scandinavia or a quick cultural fix on a longer trip, this tour provides an authentic and enjoyable way to explore two countries in one go.