Denmark Nature & Forest School Study Tour 2027

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Denmark ECE Study Tour

18th - 24th April, 2027
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Learning in Nature, the Danish Way

The Denmark Nature & Forest School Study Tour is designed for early childhood educators, centre directors, and education leaders who want to explore Denmark's world-leading approach to outdoor learning.

This unique study tour begins with two inspiring days in Copenhagen, where you'll discover the Danish culture, history, and values that underpin one of the world's most respected education systems. Through guided experiences and cultural immersion, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the Danish philosophy of wellbeing, play, and childhood before travelling across Denmark to Billund.

On the journey to Billund, we'll stop in the charming city of Odense, the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, to visit the award-winning Hans Christian Andersen Museum. This beautifully designed museum brings Denmark's most beloved storyteller to life through immersive exhibits and interactive experiences, offering a fascinating insight into the stories that have inspired generations of children around the world.

Billund is best known as the birthplace of LEGO® and is recognised as Denmark's Capital of Children—a town intentionally designed around children's learning, creativity, and wellbeing. During our stay, we'll enjoy a visit to the incredible LEGO House, an interactive experience celebrating creativity, imagination, and play, providing yet another inspiring perspective on how Denmark values childhood.

While in Billund, you'll work alongside Into the Out, founded by Irish educator Jen Fagan Simonsen, an internationally respected leader in nature pedagogy and outdoor learning. Through exclusive workshops, professional discussions, and visits to innovative forest kindergartens and nature-based early learning settings, you'll observe children and educators in action while exploring practical approaches that can be adapted to your own context.

Renowned for its play-based philosophy and strong tradition of outdoor learning, Denmark has long embraced the belief that children thrive when they spend significant time in nature. Throughout the tour, you'll experience how educators confidently use forests, natural landscapes, and the changing seasons as powerful learning environments that foster creativity, resilience, wellbeing, and independence.

Beyond the professional learning, you'll enjoy memorable cultural experiences, from exploring the vibrant streets of Copenhagen to discovering the unique child-centred culture of Billund and experiencing authentic Danish hospitality and hygge. Travelling with like-minded educators from around the world, you'll build lasting professional connections while gaining fresh inspiration and practical ideas to take back to your own setting.

This is far more than a study tour—it's an opportunity to experience one of the world's most innovative education systems firsthand and return home with renewed confidence, practical strategies, and a fresh perspective on what learning in nature can look like.

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Inclusions

Your complete experience, with all essentials included to allow you to focus fully on learning, connecting, and exploring innovative ECE practice
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What's included

Quality Accomodation

6 nights in quality 4 Star Hotels

Meals

Daily Breakfast

Welcome reception

Welcome reception in Copenhagen

Visit the Forest Tower & Forgotten Giants

Visit the spectacular Forest Tower, an award-winning architectural landmark set within the forest, where you'll walk above the treetops, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, and discover the whimsical Forgotten Giants sculptures hidden among the woodland.

Tivoli Gardens

Optional group visit to Tivoli gardens (weather dependent)

Private transport

Private coach transport from Copenhagen to Billund and return

Museum Visit

Visit to the Hans Christian Andersen Museum in Odense

Visit LEGO® House

Visit LEGO® House in Billund, an interactive world of creativity, innovation, and play that showcases the power of hands-on learning and imagination.

School visits/workshops

3 full days of Early Childhood school visits and workshops

Farewell dinner

Farewell dinner in Billund

Tour leaders

Tour leadership and local coordination as well as on-ground tour co-ordination from an experienced Australian tour leader

Certificate

Certificate of Participation for 25 hours of professional learning (available on request)

Networking

Opportunities to connect with like-minded educators

What's not included

Flights

Travel Insurance

Airport Transfers

Available Packages

Select from single or twin share accommodation, with the option to add a companion so you can share this professional and cultural experience with someone close to you
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Whether you prefer your own space or sharing with a colleague, plus the option to bring a companion, we’ve designed packages to suit different travel styles and comfort levels

Accommodation

Comfortable Accommodation Throughout Your Stay
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Carefully selected hotels that prioritise comfort, convenience, and easy access to transport, giving you a relaxing base after full days of professional learning and exploration.

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Scandic Palace Hotel

Check inSunday, Apr 18, 20273:00pm
Check outTuesday, Apr 20, 202710:00am
Experience the Scandic Palace Hotel, located at Rådhuspladsen in the heart of Copenhagen. This historical gem, dating back to 1910, combines modern amenities with a rich architectural heritage. Enjoy stunning city views and indulge in local cuisine at the on-site dining options. The hotel also embraces sustainability, ensuring an eco-friendly stay.
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The Lodge Billund

Check inTuesday, Apr 20, 20273:00pm
Check outSaturday, Apr 24, 20279:00am
The Lodge Billund offers a charming stay in unique wooden chalets, surrounded by a large garden perfect for relaxation. Located near Legoland and Lalandia, it's an ideal spot for family adventures. Enjoy cozy accommodations combined with outdoor play areas and inviting rustic design.
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Your Pathway Through Denmark’s Early Childhood Education Landscape

1. Copenhagen

Copenhagen, Denmark

2. Billund

7190 Billund, Denmark

Elevating Early Childhood Practice Through Professional Learning
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Professional Learning

Join us for a unique professional learning experience as we take a deep dive into the pedagogy of play in one of the most inspiring places in the world to explore it - Billund, the Children’s Capital and home of LEGO®. Throughout the study tour, we’ll discover how play, outdoor learning, child agency, and thoughtfully designed learning environments come together to support children’s wellbeing, creativity, and learning.

Participants will experience these principles firsthand through visits to a range of inspiring Danish early childhood settings, including a traditional forest kindergarten, alongside guided reflection, practical workshops, and engaging discussions. Rather than simply observing practice, we’ll unpack the thinking behind it-exploring why the Danish approach works and how its key principles can be adapted to different educational contexts around the world.

You’ll leave with research-informed insights, practical strategies, fresh perspectives, and plenty of inspiration to take back to your own setting and teaching practice.

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About Into the Out

INTO the OUT is a Danish consultancy specialising in outdoor learning, play-based pedagogy, and the design of inspiring outdoor learning environments for children. Working with schools, municipalities, and early childhood settings, INTO the OUT supports educators in creating meaningful learning experiences that foster curiosity, wellbeing, creativity, and a lifelong connection with nature.

Through professional development, workshops, consultancy, and tours, INTO the OUT combines research with practical, hands-on experience to help educators translate theory into everyday practice.

INTO the OUT was founded by Irish educator Jen Fagan Simonsen, who has a background in teaching across various countries in Europe, early years leadership, and outdoor learning. Jen is also the author of Udendørs læring gennem leg (Outdoor Learning Through Play) and is passionate about sharing the principles behind the Danish approach to play and outdoor education with educators from around the world.

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Cultural Immersion

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Guided Walking Tour of Copenhagen

Experience the Danish way of Life! Discover the true meaning of hygge on this relaxed walking tour through Copenhagen’s most charming streets and hidden corners. Led by a local Dane, you’ll explore the peaceful Nyboder district, historic laneways, green hideaways, and cobblestone paths while hearing stories of royal drama, quirky kings, and everyday Danish life. Along the way, enjoy traditional treats like flødeboller, pastries, and a warm drink — because hygge is all about comfort, connection, and shared moments. We finish the tour with a relaxed group lunch, the perfect way to reflect and soak up more of that unique Danish atmosphere.

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Forest Tower & Forgotten Giants

Escape the city to visit Denmark's spectacular Forest Tower, where a beautifully designed treetop walkway leads to breathtaking panoramic views across the surrounding forest. Along the way, discover the whimsical Forgotten Giants sculptures hidden throughout the woodland, creating a unique blend of nature, art, and architecture.

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Tivoli Gardens

Step into the enchanting world of Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's oldest and most beautiful amusement parks, renowned for its stunning gardens, historic charm, and magical atmosphere. Whether you enjoy the rides, live entertainment, or simply wander through its beautifully landscaped grounds, Tivoli offers a quintessential Danish experience in the heart of Copenhagen.

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Hans Christian Andersen Museum visit

A Magical Stop in Odense. On our journey from Copenhagen to Viborg, we’ll make a special stop in the charming town of Odense — the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen. Step into the world of Denmark’s most beloved storyteller as we visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, a beautifully curated space that brings his life and fairy tales to life. Wander through interactive exhibits and atmospheric displays that trace Andersen’s humble beginnings, creative genius, and global legacy. From The Little Mermaid to The Ugly Duckling, you’ll gain insight into the man behind the stories that have touched generations. This inspiring stop offers a perfect blend of history, imagination, and culture — a fitting pause before we continue our journey to Viborg.

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LEGO® House

Visit the world-famous LEGO® House in Billund, an interactive attraction celebrating creativity, innovation, and the power of learning through play. Explore inspiring hands-on experiences that reflect Denmark's child-centred approach to imagination, problem-solving, and lifelong learning.

Itinerary

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Day 1 - Arrival in Copenhagen

Arrive in Denmark’s vibrant capital and settle into the centrally located Scandic Palace Hotel, overlooking City Hall Square. In the evening, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll meet fellow travellers and get a taste of modern Nordic cuisine.

Accommodation: Scandic Palace Hotel, Copenhagen
Meals: Dinner

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Day 2 - Exploring Copenhagen

This morning, travel beyond Copenhagen to visit the spectacular Forest Tower and the enchanting Forgotten Giants, where you'll experience one of Denmark's most unique architectural and nature attractions while enjoying panoramic views across the forest canopy. Return to Copenhagen in the afternoon, with free time to explore the city or join an optional visit to the iconic Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's oldest and most charming amusement parks.

Accommodation: Scandic Palace Hotel, Copenhagen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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Day 3 - Copenhagen to Billund

Depart Copenhagen by private coach and head west to Billund. Along the way, we’ll stop in Odense to visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, where you’ll explore the life and legacy of Denmark’s most beloved storyteller.

Arrive in Billund and begin your learning journey with a visit to the world-famous LEGO® House, where creativity, imagination, and the power of play provide the perfect introduction to Denmark's child-centred approach to education.

Accommodation: The Lodge, Billund
Meals: Breakfast

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Day 4 - Understanding Playful Learning

Begin the day with an educational visit to a Danish early childhood setting, observing how play is embedded in everyday learning and how educators create environments that foster curiosity, creativity, and child-led exploration. In the afternoon, explore the principles of playful learning through a Danish lens, drawing on current research and local perspectives on childhood to understand how play supports learning, wellbeing, and lifelong engagement.

Accommodation: The Lodge, Billund
Meals: Breakfast

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Day 5 - Risk, Resilience & Outdoor Learning

Visit a nature-based early learning setting to experience firsthand how Danish educators confidently embrace outdoor learning and encourage children to take appropriate risks in natural environments. Through workshops and discussion, explore child agency, educator mindset, risk-benefit thinking, and practical strategies for communicating the value of outdoor learning with families.

Accommodation: The Lodge, Billund
Meals: Breakfast

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Day 6 - Reflection & Action Planning

Conclude your educational visits with another inspiring forest kindergarten or nature-based learning environment, providing further opportunities to observe Danish practice in action. Finish the tour with a facilitated reflection workshop where you'll share insights, identify key takeaways from your visits, and develop practical actions you can confidently implement in your own educational setting.

Accommodation: The Lodge, Billund
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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Day 7 - Return to Copenhagen

fter breakfast, we'll depart Billund at approximately 9:00 am, arriving back in Copenhagen at around 1:00 pm, where the tour concludes.

If you'd like to explore more of Billund, you're welcome to extend your stay and enjoy more time discovering the town and its attractions. Alternatively, you may choose to depart directly from Billund Airport rather than returning to Copenhagen.

Meals: Breakfast

Customer Reviews

Real Experiences. Real Impact.
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Discover how educators have found inspiration, connection, and renewed purpose through our international early childhood education study tours.

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