Two days in Lejre - Land of Legends, history and places to stay
Spend a full day at Lejre Land of Legends, then explore Lejre Museum, ancient monuments and nature on day two. Plan your stay with accommodation, local food and practical tips for travelling from Copenhagen by train and getting around.
Your two-day itinerary
- Day 1: A full day at Lejre Land of Legends, with time for the Royal Hall, the historical settings and the day's activities.
- Day 2: Lejre Museum, the stone ship and a walk through the countryside. You can also add a visit to a farm shop or Herslev.
Stay overnight in the area and continue exploring the next morning. Choose your accommodation and extra stops to suit whether you are travelling on foot, by bike or by car.
Only have one day? See our day trip from Copenhagen to Lejre by train and bike.
Day 1: Spend a full day at Lejre Land of Legends
Lejre Land of Legends (Sagnlandet Lejre) deserves a full day. Explore landscapes and historical settings from different periods of Denmark's past. Take your time on the trails, meet the guides and discover the site together.
The Royal Hall and life in the past
Step inside the great Royal Hall, built on the basis of archaeological discoveries in Gammel Lejre. Continue through the other historical settings to see how people lived, worked and cooked through the ages.
There is plenty for children to investigate, while adults can explore the craftsmanship, buildings and landscape. Check the day's programme when planning your visit, and leave time for activities and breaks.
Picnics, lunch and dinner
Bring a packed lunch and find a spot for a break at Land of Legends. You can also check the site's current food and drink options.
For a restaurant meal at the end of the day, Restaurant Herthadalen is close to Land of Legends. Restaurant Fasaneriet is another option near Ledreborg. Check opening days and book a table before you travel.
Day 2: Gammel Lejre, royal halls and nature
After an overnight stay, spend your second day exploring the history and countryside beyond Land of Legends. Start in Gammel Lejre, then choose a walk or a longer outing.
Lejre Museum - the landscape of legendary kings
Lejre Museum tells the story behind the royal halls and ancient monuments in the area. The exhibition explores Lejre's role as a centre of power in the Iron Age and Viking Age. Look out for the small Odin figurine.
A visit gives you the background to explore the countryside and discover traces of the people who lived here.
The stone ship and traces of the royal halls
Walk from the museum to the stone ship and the sites of the ancient royal halls. This is the historical setting for the Royal Hall you saw reconstructed at Land of Legends.
Follow the paths through the countryside and pause to enjoy the views across hills and fields. Use the museum's information and route maps to choose a walk that suits you.
A walk along Skjoldungestierne
For a longer walk, follow the Skjoldungestierne trails through Skjoldungernes Land National Park. Choose a manageable route and plan your return. You do not need to fit all the area's attractions into one day.
Extra outings by bike or car
If you would like to explore further, add one of these stops to day 2 or stay another night. They are outside the main itinerary in Gammel Lejre, so allow time for travel.
Hegnsholt - a farm shop and country life
At Hegnsholt, visit the farm shop and discover the organic farm. The selection changes with the seasons, and you may be able to stop for coffee or homemade cakes. Check opening hours before visiting.
Herslev Bryghus and a visit to the fjord
Herslev Bryghus is a place to sit down and sample local beer and food. If you have time, combine your visit with a walk in the countryside around Herslev.
Herslev Beach is an option for a break by Roskilde Fjord. Friis-Holm chocolate is another local speciality in Herslev. Check what the businesses currently offer, and consider booking a table at the brewery.
Where to stay in Lejre - make it an overnight trip
Choose a base that suits your plans. Some places are in Gammel Lejre, while others let you explore more of the municipality. Plan travel between your accommodation and the day's attractions before booking.
Tiny House in Gammel Lejre
Tiny House in Gammel Lejre offers a stay with countryside views and a base close to Gammel Lejre's history and nature.
Skoemagerkroen - rooms, cabins and dining
At Skoemagerkroen near Kirke Såby, combine a stay in a room or cabin with dinner at the inn. It is outside Gammel Lejre, so plan your journey to Land of Legends and the museum.
Heart of Nature near Hvalsø
Heart of Nature offers cabins and glamping in the countryside near Hvalsø. Choose it if you would also like to explore this part of the national park.
Gl. Lejre shelter - a night near the ancient monuments
For a night outdoors, Gl. Lejre Shelteren is close to the stone ship and Lejre Museum. It is available on a first come, first served basis and cannot be booked. Bring your own sleeping gear and read about the facilities and rules before setting off.
Take the train from Copenhagen to Lejre - and explore the area
Take the train from Copenhagen Central Station (København H) to Lejre Station. Check current departures and journey times in your journey planner. From the station, continue towards Gammel Lejre or Land of Legends.
Bringing a bike lets you explore further. Land of Legends is about four kilometres from the station via Ledreborg Allé, through hilly countryside. Check the train operator's rules for bicycle tickets and any required reservations before travelling.
Bus 233 connects Lejre Station and Land of Legends. Check the current timetable and the attraction's opening days to plan your connection.
If you are travelling without a bike or car, choose accommodation and stops with transport in mind. Herslev, Hvalsø and Kirke Såby are extra outings that need more planning than the route around Gammel Lejre.
Read about transport in Fjordlandet, and find more things to do in Lejre and activities in Lejre.
