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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Cologne and Copenhagen

6-day independent rail trip from Cologne to Copenhagen

Illustration of Cologne and Copenhagen

Railbookers runs Cologne and Copenhagen, a 6-day, 5-night independent rail vacation connecting the two cities by a single Deutsche Bahn train journey. The trip opens with two nights in Cologne, where you can climb the spires of the Dom Cathedral, cruise the River Rhine, and explore the Old Town at your own pace. On day 3, the train travels to Copenhagen via Hamburg and the Great Belt Fixed Link, a crossing the operator describes as one of Europe's last train ferry routes. The final three nights are spent near Copenhagen's Nyhavn, with a Copenhagen City Card covering free public transport for self-guided sightseeing, including Tivoli Gardens, a boat trip past the Opera House and the Little Mermaid statue, and an option to visit Kronborg Castle in Elsinore. With one rail leg and no escorted day tours, the trip suits independent explorers and first-time rail travelers looking for a simple, budget-friendly two-city break.

What to know before you look closer

  • There are 11 accommodation options listed across tiers and cities rather than one fixed hotel; the specific property in Cologne and Copenhagen depends on the tier selected.
  • Only one rail leg connects the two cities on this trip, from Cologne to Copenhagen via Hamburg; most days are spent exploring each city independently.
  • No escorted day tours are included in Copenhagen; days 4 and 5 are entirely self-guided, using the Copenhagen City Card for transport and attractions.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Cologne

    Your Journey Begins in Cologne

    Welcome to Cologne! Rhine-side Cologne plays host to spectacular views, especially from the river banks or from the top of its world-famous Cathedral. Spend an afternoon exploring the Old Town.

  2. Day 2overnight: Cologne

    Cologne

    Spend the day exploring the best of Cologne at your own pace - climb the Dom Cathedral spires, cruise down the River Rhine, or visit the Chocolate Museum.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Copenhagen

    Cologne to Copenhagen

    Travel by train to Copenhagen via Hamburg then the Great Belt Fixed Link. Check-in near the famous Nyhavn for a three-night stay.

  4. Day 4overnight: Copenhagen

    Copenhagen

    Explore Copenhagen at leisure with your Copenhagen Card including free public transport. Visit Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens, or take a boat trip past the Opera House and the Little Mermaid statue.

  5. Day 5overnight: Copenhagen

    Copenhagen

    Visit Kronborg castle in Elsinore, shop on Stroget (the world's longest pedestrianised street), or visit the lively Norrebro district.

  6. Day 6

    Your Journey Ends in Copenhagen

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your travels.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Cologne's Dom Cathedral and the Rhine riverbanks offer spectacular views over the Old Town.
  • Day 3The train journey from Cologne to Copenhagen crosses via Hamburg and the Great Belt Fixed Link, which the operator describes as one of Europe's last train ferry routes.
  • Day 4A boat trip in Copenhagen passes the Opera House and the Little Mermaid statue, with a Copenhagen Card included for free public transport.
  • Day 5An option to visit Kronborg Castle in Elsinore, shop on the pedestrianized Stroget, or explore the Norrebro district.

Included

  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Cologne
  • 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Copenhagen
  • Copenhagen City Card
  • Rail travel in standard class between cities

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. Rail travel in standard class between Cologne and Copenhagen is included, traveling via Hamburg and the Great Belt Fixed Link.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is an independent rail vacation. Both Cologne and Copenhagen are explored at your own pace, with no escorted day tours included.
What is included?
2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Cologne, 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Copenhagen, standard-class rail travel between the cities, and a Copenhagen City Card covering free public transport.
What hotels are used?
The package draws from 11 accommodation options across Cologne and Copenhagen, including Hilton Cologne, Pullman Cologne, and Maritim Koln Hotel in Cologne, and Absalon Hotel and Hypernym Luxury Apartments in Copenhagen; the exact hotel depends on the tier chosen.
What does the Copenhagen City Card cover?
Free public transport in Copenhagen, according to the day 4 itinerary description.

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