Riding in a comfortable car with Daytrip, you’ll cross Denmark via its islands, offering you amazing views as well as stops. Stop at Roskilde to admire the first ever “Brick Gothic” cathedral, where you'll find the tomb of Harold Bluetooth, and the Baroque Roskilde Palace next to it, is the perfect send-off to Denmark. On the German side, visiting Kiel serves as a little preview of Hamburg, with its waterfront to the Baltic Sea and chilly winds. Stop by the Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research to observe seals in their outdoor seal aquarium.

As your car trip comes to a close, your driver will deliver you to your final destination in Hamburg and offload your luggage for you. Sound like a perfect adventure through northern Europe? Read on to plan your trip from Copenhagen to Hamburg!

Another outstanding thing about Hamburg is its dedication to the arts, which can be seen in its diverse range of cultural offerings. From the high art at the Kunsthalle, full of masterpieces from medieval to contemporary art (including Caspar David Friedrich’s “Wanderer above the Sea of Fog”), to the Reeperbahn Festival, Germany’s largest club festival. And then there is Elbphilharmonie, which is renowned for both its innovative and striking architecture and for being one of the most acoustically advanced halls in the world.

Manage your timing

To avoid heavy traffic, especially during rush hours near major cities, try to plan your departure early in the morning or later in the evening. It’ll definitely save you some energy and time. Plus, if you leave early, you’ll get to explore more on the way.

Prepare for changing weather

The weather in northern Europe can change on a dime, especially when crossing over the open waters of the Baltic Sea. When packing your day bag, include a light jacket for possible rainy or windy conditions, and a few insulating layers as well!

Copenhagen to Hamburg by train

There are direct trains operated by Deutsche Bahn running between Copenhagen and Hamburg. The train tickets can cost nearly twice as much as the bus, with prices starting at $48 (45 euros). There are usually five direct trains a day, which get you to Hamburg in just under 5 hours. There are several more that require you to make two transfers; one in Fredericia and the other in Flensburg. These indirect trains can take up to seven and a half hours.

Copenhagen to Hamburg by plane

It is possible to fly from Copenhagen to Hamburg, but it is definitely not the best option. Scandinavian Airlines operates a handful of direct flights daily, with tickets costing 120 euros and up. While the flight time is just over an hour, after you factor in getting to and from the airport, plus 2 hours for check-in and security, flying doesn't save you any time and will often be the most expensive option.

Copenhagen to Hamburg by private car service

While there are direct trains and buses, if you value comfort, privacy, and most importantly, an unforgettable experience, Daytrip's private car service is the best way to get from Copenhagen to Hamburg.

Your private driver will pick you up at your accommodation in Copenhagen, load your luggage, and set off to your final destination in Hamburg. No worrying about getting to bus or train stations with heavy bags!

You’ll enjoy a stress-free and comfortable drive with your English-speaking Daytrip driver who will be happy to enlighten you about the surroundings. And even better, you can stop for sightseeing at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Roskilde, with the world's largest brick Gothic cathedral, or the medieval port town of Lubeck.

You won’t have to worry about parking, driving, navigating, catching trains, buses, or flights. All you need to do will be to enjoy the trip full-on.

Copenhagen to Hamburg by rental car

If you prefer to drive yourself from Copenhagen to Hamburg, you can rent a car, though the island hopping experience can be a bit frustrating. Drive south through Denmark, crossing over to Germany via the Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link (currently a ferry crossing from Rødby, Denmark to Puttgarden, Germany), and then continue on to Hamburg.

The trip takes around 5 hours in ideal conditions, but it depends on traffic and the ferry crossing. Costs include fuel, vehicle rental, and the ferry ticket. If you're not driving back to Copenhagen, also make sure you get a rental that you can return in a different city. Ferry prices can vary, and booking in advance might save some money.

Lose yourself in Speicherstadt

Without a doubt, Hamburg's biggest attraction is the Speicherstadt. Built between 1883 and the late 1920s, this warehouse complex is the largest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step inside and you'll find that they're no longer warehouses but fun attractions and museums. There's the Internationales Maritimes Museum Hamburg with thousands of model ships, and The Deutsches Zollmuseum (lit. “German Customs Museum”) where you can learn about the port's customs and smuggling.

But not everything is sea-related. Check out rare auto prototypes at the Automuseum Prototyp, enjoy a locally roasted cup of coffee at Kaffeerösterei, or learn about Hamburg's history at the spooky Hamburg Dungeon. The city's single most popular attraction is here as well: the enormous model railway system at Miniatur Wunderland.

Start your day with a Franzbrötchen

Dive into the local cuisine by trying Franzbrötchen, a unique pastry native to Hamburg. This cinnamon-flavored treat is similar to a croissant but sweeter! Head to any local bakery in the morning to get them fresh and warm—a perfect start to your day in Hamburg.

Tour the Reeperbahn

Experience Hamburg’s famous Reeperbahn, also known as the "Sinful Mile", the center of the city’s nightlife. This vibrant street in St. Pauli has an array of clubs, bars, and theaters. For an authentic taste of Hamburg's music scene, catch a live band at one of the many venues or enjoy the energetic atmosphere as you walk along the area.

Visit the Hamburg Fish Market

No trip to Hamburg is complete without a visit to its legendary Fish Market. It’s been operating since 1703! The market is not only about fish; you can find fresh fruits, flowers, clothing, and more. It opens early on Sunday mornings and is a great place to join in everyday Hamburger life, enjoy live music, and snack on various local foods.

Summer sees locals and travelers at beaches like Oevelgönne and Blankenese, enjoying frequent public festivals, or relaxing in open-air cinemas at night.

Autumn is perfect for scenic bike tours and exploring the foliage in local parks, while cultural events pick up as the weather cools.

Winter offers the charm of Christmas markets, museum visits, and ice-skating on Alster Lake, with indoor skiing available at the Snow Dome in Bispingen, compensating for the region's flat terrain. But be careful, during the winter season the winds can be quite strong.