Walks & Trips

August 2025

Charlottenlund Skov offers a generous route that can be as relaxed or as long as you like. With forest trails, open grassy stretches above the beach, and plenty of places to pause, it's easy to spend a full morning or afternoon here without feeling rushed.

The second in a new series for those days when city loops aren't quite enough. Outside the City is our guide to dog-friendly walks beyond Copenhagen.

Getting to the park

By train: Take the S-tog to Charlottenlund Station. From there, it's about a 20-minute walk through the forest down to the beach.

By bike: About 25 minutes from Østerbro, along Strandvejen or through Gentofte's quieter residential streets.

By car: Parking is available near Charlottenlund Fort and along Strandvejen, but fills quickly on sunny weekends.

If you're arriving by train or parking near Charlottenlund Station, it's worth taking a short stroll through Forstbotanisk Have before heading across the road into Charlottenlund Skov. Founded in 1838 by Frederik VI, this is Denmark's oldest existing forest botanical garden. The peaceful grounds are home to a varied collection of trees and plants from around the world, with winding paths, picnic benches and quiet spots to pause.

Off-lead and easygoing

Dogs are allowed off-lead in most of Charlottenlund Skov, and the mood here is relaxed. The paths wind through beech and pine, often within earshot of the sea. It's not fenced, but the scale is small enough that you rarely feel out of reach.

The forest is especially lovely with sunlight filtering through the trees, and there's good shade throughout. It's spacious, with several paths to follow from one end to the other.

You can enjoy the route in different ways: start on the grassy stretch above the beach and loop into the woods, or begin under the canopy and emerge at the water. Some prefer walking along the grass behind the shoreline before turning into the forest near one of its corners. However you do it, the transitions feel natural.

The beach here is a wide, grassy-backed stretch with a mix of stones and sand. There's space to sit or wander near the water, and while it isn't officially a dog beach, some dogs do paddle outside the lifeguarded zones — more on that in our guide to Copenhagen's beaches ranked for summer 2025.

What to notice

Charlottenlund Fort

A former coastal defence installation, now a campsite with a kiosk and public toilets. You can walk through the grounds, or head up to higher ground with your dog for a good view — even a peek down at the campers.

Charlottenlund Slot and Slotshave

Set just north of the forest, the 18th-century Charlottenlund Palace and its formal gardens are well worth a visit. You can wander past the elegant facade or sit in the surrounding parkland before or after your walk.

Det Gule Hus

A yellow half-timbered house tucked within the castle gardens and forest. Originally built as a gazebo, it has also housed gardeners and security staff. Today, it's a familiar landmark with benches out front and a popular place to pause.

The forest edge

There's something quietly magical about how the trees stop and the sea begins. Morning light is especially good here.

The mix of locals

Joggers, dog walkers, prams, kids with sticks. It's lively but low-key, especially in early morning or on grey-weather days.

Places to eat and drink

Den Lille Butik

A small café adjacent to the main carpark, with a dog hook outside if you need to pop in and order. Better still, there's a grassy garden space with plenty of seating where dogs can settle beside you. They serve hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, and pastries.

Iskiosk

A convenient stop for coffee, hotdogs and ice cream, especially if the café is busy or you're just after a quick bite.

Emil's

A popular stop near the fort for ice cream.

Café Jorden Rundt

At the southern end of the beach by the søbad, this cafe welcomes dogs indoors or out. A good option if you need a proper sit-down.

Atelier September

A 10-minute walk from the fort, this outpost of the well-loved café chain sits on Strandvejen and welcomes dogs inside. While not part of the walking route, it's a nice option if you're nearby and want a quieter coffee stop.

Practical details

• Dogs: Off-lead allowed with control
• Toilets: At Charlottenlund Fort and in the white beachside buildings
• Café/kiosk: Den Lille Butik, Iskiosk, Emil's (ice cream), Café Jorden Rundt, and Atelier September (10 minutes from the fort)
• Water: Bring your own
• Bins: Found along the main paths and within the forest
• Parking: Charlottenlund Fort or Strandvejen

How long to stay

There's no set route here. You might follow the paths through the forest, spend time on the grass above the water, or settle into a café for a while. It's the kind of place where time passes easily, without much need for a plan.

A last word

Charlottenlund Skov isn't dramatic, but it doesn't need to be. It's the kind of place where a walk feels like enough on its own. Just trees, sea air, and space to move at a slower pace.