While Copenhagen’s city center has much to offer when it comes to food and culture, sometimes you need to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, and when that ever present wanderlust comes creeping in, you know it’s time to get back in touch with nature. One of my most memorable trips was to Møns Klint, a six kilometer long cliff in Borre. The cliffside is almost two hours south of the capital, but it’s well worth the trip.

While you’re at Møns Klint, you can take a 20-minute hike down to the shoreline, which also rests at the bottom of the cliff. Be sure to pack water and snacks because it’s a steep climb up many, many flights of stairs on the way back. You can also take a trail that goes to the top of the cliff if you want a more panoramic view of the sea. Lastly, next to this natural wonder sits the unique GeoCenter that traces the formation of Møns Klint back to prehistoric times.

Image by Heidi Peng | Forest Tower at Camp Adventure

If you prefer more forested trails, you can take an hour-long bus ride northwest of Møns Klint to Camp Adventure, which is home to the 135 meter high Skovtånet, or Forest Tower. Tickets to go up the Forest Tower are around 120 DKK each, but the trip and cost are totally worth it once you reach the top of the structure and get a breathtaking 360° view of the grounds. Camp Adventure is also well-known for its rope courses if you’re into climbing or ziplining.

Lastly, if you’re looking for something to satisfy your love of art and nature, you might want to take a look at Gisselfeld Kloster, where you can tour the romantic gardens and castle of the 16th century. On the renaissance-style castle grounds, you’ll be greeted by a knowledgeable tour guide who hails from California and now lives on the property!

Stay long enough and you might be treated to a soothing cup of tea and slice of rhubarb pie. The castle sits on a 3,850 hectares large estate in which you can see three man-made ponds, a man-made waterfall and grotto, and a glass greenhouse that houses an array of flora from every part of the world. The estate is also home to several fountains.

Image by Heidi Peng | Shaded path at Gisselfeld Klosters Skove

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the castle, however, is how it manages to remain so serene even when a major road actually cuts through part of the property. With the novel placement of garden paths and tunnels, the road manages to stay out of sight…and out of mind, making Gisselfeld Kloster the perfect “romantic” getaway.

But even if you can’t venture that far out of Copenhagen to visit these pristine sites, you can still escape into nature with the help of the many parks integrated into the city. One of the best outdoor study spots sits in the “secret” garden of the Royal Library, which is also close to the Black Diamond, and if you want to visit Østerbro, you can take a stroll through Fælledparken, an expansive park with soccer fields, a serene lake, and lots and lots of trees.

Of course, if you want to be by the water, you can also visit the canal or head out east toward a beach. Although if you’re not a fan of large crowds, I’d avoid heading toward the water on days when it’s warmer than 70°F. In the end, you’re never more than a 15-minute walk from a park, body of water, or garden, so if you want to have a quiet day in the city, you might as well grab a book, order a coffee, and explore the city until a speck of green catches your eye. Just get out and explore!