Copenhagen to Aarhus

The Copenhagen to Aarhus drive offers one of Denmark's most rewarding coastal journeys, blending Viking history, seaside charm, and pastoral Danish landscapes. This 117-mile route along Zealand's northern coast and across the Great Belt Bridge provides stunning water views, historic towns, and authentic Danish countryside experiences. The journey takes you from the cosmopolitan capital through Roskilde's UNESCO-listed Viking heritage, across one of Europe's most impressive suspension bridges, and through Funen's rolling farmland before reaching Jutland's cultural capital. What makes this route truly special is its perfect balance of convenience and scenery—it's short enough for a leisurely day trip yet packed with enough attractions to warrant a two-day adventure. The Great Belt Bridge crossing alone is worth the drive, offering panoramic views of the straits connecting the Baltic and North Seas. Between May and September, the countryside explodes with yellow rapeseed fields, the beaches become inviting, and long Scandinavian daylight hours allow for unhurried exploration. This isn't a wild, remote adventure but rather a curated journey through Denmark's heartland, where every stop reveals layers of Nordic culture, maritime tradition, and remarkably preserved history.

Begin your journey from central Copenhagen by taking Vesterbrogade westward toward the E20 motorway. Merge onto the E20 heading west, which will be your primary route for the majority of the journey. After approximately 20 miles (30 minutes), you'll reach Roskilde—watch for exit 38 marked "Roskilde C" if you plan to stop at the Viking Ship Museum. The exit is clearly marked and easy to navigate back to the E20 afterward. Continuing west on the E20, you'll drive through pleasant Zealand countryside for another 40 miles (approximately 50 minutes) before approaching the Great Belt Fixed Link (Storebæltsbroen). The bridge toll is automatically collected via cameras, so maintain steady speed through the toll zone. The 11-mile bridge crossing takes about 15 minutes and offers spectacular views—weather permitting, you can see for miles across the straits. Once on Funen island, continue on the E20 through Odense (Denmark's third-largest city), which you'll bypass unless you choose to stop. From Odense, it's another 50 miles west to the Little Belt Bridge connecting Funen to Jutland. After crossing into Jutland, continue on the E45 north for the final 15-mile stretch into Aarhus. Traffic is generally manageable except during Friday afternoon rush hours and summer holiday weekends (late June through early August). The E20 and E45 are excellent motorways, well-maintained year-round with clear signage in both Danish and English. Weather rarely affects road conditions except during rare winter ice events.

Roskilde

30m from Copenhagen

Viking heritage

Roskilde (30-120 minutes): Located just 20 miles west of Copenhagen, Roskilde serves as the journey's cultural anchor. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roskilde Cathedral, burial site of Danish monarchs since the 15th century, dominates the skyline with its distinctive twin spires. However, the star attraction is the Viking Ship Museum (Vikingeskibsmuseet) on the waterfront, housing five reconstructed Viking vessels discovered in Roskilde Fjord. Plan at least 90 minutes here to explore the indoor exhibition and outdoor boatyard where craftsmen build replica ships using authentic techniques. Between May and September, you can even take a 50-minute sailing trip on a reconstructed Viking ship. The museum café serves traditional smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) with fjord views. For lunch, walk five minutes to the pedestrianized Algade street where Café Vivaldi and Restaurant Toppen offer quality Danish cuisine at moderate prices. Park at the museum's dedicated lot (40 DKK for 3 hours) or street parking downtown (25 DKK per hour). Nyborg (Optional, 30-60 minutes): If you have extra time, exit at Nyborg immediately after crossing the Great Belt Bridge. This charming coastal town features Nyborg Castle, one of Denmark's oldest royal castles, and a pleasant harborfront for coffee breaks. Café Liva near the harbor serves excellent pastries. Odense (Optional, 60-180 minutes): Denmark's fairy-tale city and birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen lies directly on the E20. The compact old town with cobblestone streets and colorful half-timbered houses makes a worthy lunch stop. H.C. Andersens Hus museum opened in 2021 as a world-class biographical experience. Multiple gas stations available at highway exits with competitive pricing. Fredericia (Brief stop, 15-30 minutes): Just before reaching Aarhus, this fortified town offers quick rest stops with gas stations, convenience stores, and fast food options along the E20.

The Great Belt Bridge: Time your crossing for clear weather if possible. The east bridge suspension span rises 254 feet above the water with 1.6-mile spans. Pull into the small parking area on Funen side (Knudshoved) for photos of the bridge structure. On clear days, you can see Sweden to the east. Roskilde Fjord Views: Before entering Roskilde, the E20 offers glimpses of the serpentine fjord. Consider a brief detour to Frederikssund along Route 207 for waterfront hiking trails and bird watching—particularly excellent during spring and autumn migrations. Funen Countryside: Between June and August, Funen's landscape transforms into a patchwork quilt of golden wheat and electric-yellow rapeseed fields. The gentle rolling hills between Odense and the Little Belt Bridge exemplify Danish agricultural beauty. Several unsigned farm roads offer pull-off opportunities for photos, particularly around Vissenbjerg. Little Belt Bridge (Lillebæltsbroen): Less dramatic than its Great Belt sibling but historically significant as Denmark's first major bridge connection (1935). The parallel new bridge (1970) creates a striking double-span visual. Coastal paths at Middelfart (Funen side) provide excellent vantage points. Vejle Fjord: As you approach Aarhus from the south on E45, the highway runs along Vejle Fjord's northern shore. Several rest areas provide fjord access and picnic facilities. The forested hillsides rising from the water create a more dramatic landscape than the earlier, flatter sections. Hidden Gem—Jelling Stones: A 15-minute detour north from Vejle brings you to Jelling, home to UNESCO-listed runestones from 965 AD, often called "Denmark's birth certificate." The site includes massive Bronze Age burial mounds and a medieval church. Free admission, parking available.

Departure Timing: Leave Copenhagen by 8:00 AM to enjoy Roskilde without crowds and reach Aarhus by early afternoon with stops. Morning light favors photography on the Great Belt Bridge crossing eastbound, while westbound (your direction) benefits from afternoon sun—consider this if you're photography-focused. Weather: Danish weather is notoriously changeable. Pack layers even in summer, and keep rain gear accessible. Wind on the bridges can be strong; high-sided vehicles may experience buffeting but passenger cars handle well. Check DMI.dk (Danish Meteorological Institute) for forecasts. Parking: In Roskilde, use the Viking Ship Museum lot rather than hunting for street parking. In Aarhus, consider parking at P-hus under Bruuns Galleria (city center) for convenient access. Many Danish parking meters require the EasyPark app or license plate registration. Cell Coverage: Excellent throughout the entire route with 4G/5G coverage from all major carriers. No dead zones. Bridge Safety: The Great Belt Bridge is occasionally closed during extreme weather (rare). Check brobizz.com/en for current conditions. Keep both hands on the wheel during crossings as crosswinds can be sudden. Language: English is widely spoken at all tourist sites, restaurants, and gas stations. Highway signs use international symbols.

Fuel Costs: For an average car (7.5L/100km or 31 mpg), expect to use approximately 14 liters (3.7 gallons) of fuel. At current Danish prices (approximately 13 DKK per liter or $7.50 per gallon), budget 180 DKK ($26 USD) for gasoline one-way. Bridge Tolls: Great Belt Bridge toll is 245 DKK ($35 USD) for passenger vehicles under 6 meters. Payment is automatic via license plate recognition; you'll receive an invoice by mail or can prepay online via brobizz.com. The Little Belt Bridge has no toll. Food: Coffee and pastry in Roskilde: 60-80 DKK ($9-12). Lunch at mid-range restaurant: 150-200 DKK ($22-30) per person. Traditional smørrebrød platter: 120-180 DKK ($17-26). Gas station convenience meals: 60-90 DKK ($9-13). Dinner in Aarhus: 200-350 DKK ($30-50) per person at quality restaurants. Parking: Roskilde Viking Museum parking: 40 DKK ($6) for 3 hours. Aarhus city center parking: 25-35 DKK ($4-5) per hour, with daily maximum around 200 DKK ($30). Accommodation: If splitting the journey overnight, Odense hotels range from 700 DKK ($100) for budget options to 1,400 DKK ($200) for upscale properties. Aarhus hotels: 900-1,800 DKK ($130-260) depending on location and season. Total Day Trip Estimate: 700-900 DKK ($100-130) per person including fuel, tolls, meals, parking, and attractions.

May through September offers ideal conditions, with May and June being particularly special when rapeseed fields bloom brilliant yellow and tourist crowds remain manageable. July and August bring warmest weather (averaging 20-22°C/68-72°F) but also peak crowds and higher accommodation prices. September offers a sweet spot: mild weather, autumn colors, and fewer tourists. The long Scandinavian daylight hours (sunset after 10 PM in June) allow for leisurely exploration without rushing. Avoid November through March unless necessary—short daylight hours (sunset around 3:30 PM in December), frequent rain, and cold temperatures diminish the scenic experience. However, winter's dramatic skies and empty landscapes appeal to some photographers. The Roskilde Festival (late June/early July) creates traffic congestion and accommodation shortages—plan around it unless attending. Danish summer holidays (weeks 28-32, roughly mid-July through early August) mean heavier traffic and busier attractions, particularly weekends.