← Helsingborg Marathon·2 nights

Copenhagen: Two Nights and a Lot of Flat Pavement

Two nights in a capital that is built for walking and cycling, with the airport on the same rail line as the marathon city.

Duration2 nights
TransitÖresundståg regional train; check the journey time for your date
DepartsHelsingborg Central station

After the Helsingborg Marathon: Copenhagen

The Route: Helsingborg → Copenhagen → Copenhagen Airport Logistics: One regional train over the Öresund Bridge, then walking and the metro. The airport is on the same rail network. Marathon Month: September Duration: 2 nights

Helsingborg Central ──(Öresundståg regional train)──> Copenhagen Central ──(2 nights)──> Copenhagen Airport (CPH)

Copenhagen Airport is the practical gateway for the Helsingborg Marathon, so ending the trip in the city is the logical extension. The Öresundståg regional train links Helsingborg, Malmö and Copenhagen, which means one ticket and no changes once you are on board. Check the journey time and book in advance on the rail operator's site.

September in Copenhagen. Early autumn is cool and often bright. The city is level, mostly paved and well served by metro and cycle lanes, which makes it a forgiving place for tired legs. Showers come off the sea without much warning, so pack a light waterproof.

Night one: the harbour and Nyhavn

Stay near the central station or on the harbour side, within a short walk of the metro. Compare cancellable rates on a booking site and ask about luggage storage and late checkout.

The flat walk to start with is the harbour front through Nyhavn, a 17th-century canal lined with painted townhouses. The pavement is level paving and cobbles. Expect cobbles to be harder on sore calves than they look, and expect crowds in the afternoons. The route from the central station to Nyhavn is a little over a kilometre.

Night two: Tivoli and the museums

Tivoli Gardens opened in 1843 and sits beside the central station. Opening dates and times vary through the year, and seasonal programmes change, so check the Tivoli website before you plan an evening there. Indoors, the National Museum and the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek are central, level and have seating. Check opening days and prices on each museum's website, as many close one day a week.

Where to eat

Copenhagen has a wide range of markets and restaurants. Check which ones are open on the days you are there, and book dinner ahead for the Sunday evening. The covered food halls at Torvehallerne, near Nørreport station, are a common lunch stop. Opening hours vary.

Getting to the airport

Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is reached by train and metro from the city centre, and the journey takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes. Buy your ticket for the right fare zone in advance. Allow a generous margin on an early departure, and check the first trains of the morning.