This traditional Danish open-faced sandwich is simple, beautiful and full of flavour — and it is the perfect lunch stop when you are exploring Copenhagen after arriving at Copenhagen Airport.
Try smørrebrød in Copenhagen after landing at CPH Airport
If you are planning a trip to Copenhagen, make time for smørrebrød, also written as Smorrebrod by many international visitors. It is one of Denmark’s most iconic dishes and a great introduction to Danish food culture.
Smørrebrød is usually served on dense rye bread and topped with carefully arranged ingredients such as pickled herring, smoked salmon, prawns, roast beef, potatoes, eggs, herbs, cheese or seasonal vegetables. It may look simple, but a good smørrebrød lunch is all about balance: rich toppings, sharp pickles, fresh herbs, creamy sauces and high-quality bread.
For travellers arriving at Copenhagen Airport, booking a rental car through Terminal3.dk gives you a flexible way to explore the city, visit restaurants outside the most central streets and continue to day-trip destinations around Zealand.
What is traditional Danish smørrebrød?
Smørrebrød means “buttered bread”, but the modern version is much more than that. A slice of rye bread becomes the base for classic Danish toppings, often served as a plated lunch rather than a quick sandwich. Many restaurants offer both traditional combinations and modern versions with creative seasonal ingredients.
Popular smørrebrød toppings include:
- Pickled herring with onions, capers, curry salad or dill
- Roast beef with remoulade, horseradish and crispy onions
- Egg and prawns with mayonnaise, lemon and herbs
- Smoked salmon with dill dressing or fresh greens
- Potato with chives, radish, fried onions or herbs
- Cheese with fruit, nuts or savoury garnish
Most visitors try two or three pieces for lunch. If you are new to Danish food, start with one fish topping, one meat topping and one vegetarian or potato option.
Where to eat smørrebrød in Copenhagen
Copenhagen has many excellent places to enjoy smørrebrød, from classic lunch restaurants to newer Nordic dining rooms. It is a good idea to book ahead, especially for popular restaurants and weekend lunches.
Restaurant Schønnemann
Restaurant Schønnemann is one of Copenhagen’s classic smørrebrød institutions. It is a strong choice if you want a traditional Danish lunch experience with a wide selection of toppings and an old Copenhagen atmosphere.
Aamanns
Aamanns is known for a modern, high-quality approach to smørrebrød. It is a good option for travellers who want classic Danish flavours presented with a more contemporary Nordic style.
Selma
Selma is a popular Copenhagen smørrebrød restaurant for visitors looking for a modern lunch with careful presentation and seasonal flavours. It is often recommended for travellers who want something refined but still recognisably Danish.
Restaurant Kronborg
Restaurant Kronborg is another central option for traditional smørrebrød. It suits visitors who want a classic Danish lunch close to many of Copenhagen’s main sightseeing areas.
Opening hours, menus and availability can change, so always check directly with the restaurant before travelling across the city.
Explore Copenhagen by car between food stops
Copenhagen’s city centre is easy to explore on foot once you have parked, but a rental car can be useful if you are staying outside the centre, travelling with family, carrying luggage or planning to combine the city with coastal towns, castles and museums outside Copenhagen.
After lunch, you can add several Copenhagen highlights to your route:
- Nyhavn for colourful harbour views and classic photos
- Amalienborg for royal history and elegant architecture
- The Marble Church for one of Copenhagen’s most recognisable domes
- Tivoli Gardens for rides, restaurants, lights and atmosphere
- Christianshavn for canals, cafés and harbour walks
- The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek for art, sculpture and architecture
If you are driving into central Copenhagen, check parking rules carefully. Many streets have paid parking, time limits or residential restrictions, and the city has heavy bicycle traffic. Park once, walk between nearby sights and use your car for longer distances.
Smørrebrød and easy day trips from Copenhagen
A rental car from Copenhagen Airport is especially useful if you want to explore beyond the city. You can enjoy smørrebrød in Copenhagen, then drive to nearby coastal towns, museums and historic attractions.
Dragør
Dragør is a charming old fishing town close to Copenhagen Airport. Its yellow houses, harbour views and cobbled streets make it a convenient stop before or after collecting your rental car.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is one of Denmark’s best cultural day trips. It combines world-class art, sea views and beautiful architecture north of Copenhagen.
Kronborg Castle
Kronborg Castle in Helsingør is a famous historic site and a popular trip for visitors interested in Danish history, Shakespeare and coastal scenery.
Roskilde
Roskilde is another rewarding day trip, known for its cathedral, Viking Ship Museum and historic town centre.
Why book car rental at Copenhagen Airport with Terminal3.dk?
With Terminal3.dk, you can search and compare car rental options at Copenhagen Airport before you travel. This helps you choose the vehicle that fits your itinerary, whether you need a compact city car, an automatic rental car, a family vehicle, an SUV or extra luggage space.
The CPH Car Rental Centre is connected to the airport terminals, making it convenient to continue your journey after landing. Once you have collected your car, you can drive to your hotel, visit Copenhagen’s restaurants and plan day trips without depending on fixed train or bus schedules.
Suggested Copenhagen smørrebrød itinerary by car
Morning: Arrive at Copenhagen Airport, collect your rental car and drive toward your hotel or the city centre.
Late morning: Visit Nyhavn, Amalienborg or the Marble Church before lunch.
Lunch: Enjoy traditional Danish smørrebrød at one of Copenhagen’s classic or modern lunch restaurants.
Afternoon: Explore Tivoli Gardens, Christianshavn, a museum or a harbour area.
Evening: Drive to Dragør, your hotel area or a restaurant outside the busiest centre for a relaxed dinner.
Practical tips for your smørrebrød lunch
- Book a table ahead for popular smørrebrød restaurants.
- Check lunch serving times, as many traditional restaurants focus on daytime service.
- Try a mix of fish, meat and vegetarian toppings.
- Allow time for parking if you are driving into central Copenhagen.
- Respect cyclists and look carefully before turning or opening car doors.
Book your Copenhagen Airport car rental and taste the city
Smørrebrød is one of the best ways to experience Danish food culture, and Copenhagen is full of excellent places to try it. With a rental car from Terminal3.dk, you can explore the city at your own pace, visit restaurants beyond the most obvious tourist streets and continue your trip to castles, museums, beaches and harbour towns around Zealand.
Search for car rental at Copenhagen Airport today and start planning your Copenhagen food route with Terminal3.dk CPH Car Rental Centre.
