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- Capital: Copenhagen
- Area: 42,926 sq km (Denmark)
- Population: 5.9 million (Denmark)
- Languages: Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic, German
The Kingdom of Denmark has, despite its relatively small size, punched above its weight internationally.
Vikings raiding from Denmark and the other Nordic nations changed the course of 9th and 10th Century European history; in the Middle Ages, the Union of Kalmar united all of Scandinavia under Danish leadership.
In more recent times, Denmark has developed a highly-competitive service-based economy with high employment levels and a generous social security system.
The Social Democrats led coalition governments for most of the post-war period until the 1980s, consolidating the country’s liberal reputation, although concerns at high taxation levels and tension over immigration have put the centre-right in office for several long periods since then.
The Kingdom of Denmark includes the territories of the Faroe Islands and Greenland.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Currency & banking
The krone is the official currency of Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands, introduced on 1 January 1875. Both the ISO code “DKK” and currency sign “kr.” are in common use
Debit and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, and many places also accept payment by phone, like Google Pay and Apple Pay. But it is still a good idea to have a bit of cash on you for small purchases. Foreign currency is rarely accepted, so you need Danish currency to get by.
You will find cash machines in towns and cities, and in most rural areas there will be at least one place where you can withdraw money, such as at a kiosk, grocery shop, or petrol station.
Just be wary of the charges you might incur for using your credit card overseas. These can include:
- International transaction fees
- High exchange rate margins
- ATM fees
- Potential ‘cash advance fees if you use an ATM
Tipping
For the most part tipping is not common in Denmark, with the exception of bars and restaurants where the locals tip when they are happy with the service or food.
There is no fixed rule of thumb for how much to tip, but tips tend to stay within 5-15% of the total amount of the bill. But remember that tipping is entirely up to you – there will be no hard feelings in any case.
Getting around
Driving in Denmark
The road system in Denmark is incredible and most of the roads are in excellent condition. Luckily, the Danish are not too crazy when it comes to driving! We travelled for two weeks around the country in a rental car with no issues whatsoever.
Rules of the Road
Laws and regulations are similar to those throughout Scandinavia, but there are some specific issues you need to consider before driving around Denmark.
- Headlights: Remember to keep your headlights on at all times—it’s a must in Denmark, even during the daytime. Newer cars in Denmark are programmed in a way that you can’t turn off the lights in the first place.
Seat belts: Everyone in the front and back seats being buckled in with seat belts is a national legal requirement, and they must be worn while operating a vehicle. - Children and car seats: Children under 3 years and measuring less than 135 centimetres must be seated in a properly-fitted child seat. If the vehicle does not have seat belts, children under 3 years old are prohibited from being in the car while it’s moving.
- Cell phones: Using cell phones while driving is strictly prohibited in Denmark. The use of a hands-free phone (not a headset) built into the car is permitted.
- Driving on the right: In Denmark, you drive on the right side of the road—similar to the United States and most of Europe. Overtaking (passing) is on the left.
- Speed limits: In Denmark, the speed limits are strictly enforced: 50 kilometres per hour (30 miles per hour) in towns and 80 to 90 kph (50 to 56 mph) on most open roads. On the highway, you can usually drive 130 kph (80 mph), but some parts allow only 110 kph (68 mph) with posted signs. Keep in mind that 1 kilometre equals 0.6 miles.
- Drugs and Alcohol: Driving under the influence of or drugs or alcohol is a definite no-no if you’re a tourist in Denmark.
- Tolls: Usually, you do not have to pay tolls for using highways in Denmark. However, the two major bridges, the Oresund Bridge (Øresundsbroen) between Denmark and Sweden, and the Storebelt Bridge (Storebælt Bro) between the island of Zealand (Sjælland) and Fyn (Fyn) charge high tolls.
Buses
You can also travel by coach using Denmark’s extensive network of long-distance coach routes. Bus connections are operated by providers including Eurolines Germany and FlixBus with routes between Danish towns and cities as well as multiple cities in Europe.
Inside the large cities in Denmark, there are excellent public transport options, including local buses, which are cheap and efficient.
Ferries in Denmark
As you’d expect from a country made up of so many islands, boats and ferries provide an essential service. It’s also a refreshing way to travel.
Several major tour operators run ferry and cruise services to Denmark from other major European destinations, including Scandlines, Color Line, Fjord Line and Stena Line. DFDS operates a two-night cruise from Copenhagen to Oslo with overnight travel to Oslo, a day (6.5 hours) in the city and overnight travel back, among other routes.
Within Denmark, there are numerous ferries and passenger boats that will take you to the many smaller Danish islands.
Train travel in Denmark
It’s easy to travel by train from Copenhagen to the rest of Denmark. A train from Copenhagen to Aarhus will take three hours, to Aalborg four hours and to Odense an hour and a half. DSB is the official Danish national rail operator, and you can see train routes, find times and book train tickets on the DSB website or by calling +45 70 13 14 15.
Copenhagen’s transport options
Public transport in Copenhagen is inexpensive and easy to use. You can pay per journey in cash at a machine in a metro or train station or in person on a bus. Copenhagen is divided into zones, and fares depend on how many zones you are travelling through.
The Copenhagen Card gives you unlimited public transport in the capital region of Denmark, plus free entry to over 80 museums and attractions. It is available for a 24, 48, 72 and 120-hour period, costing €54-133 for adults, with a version for children 10-15 years old costing less.
You can also buy a City Pass, a digital travel ticket for unlimited public transport over a 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120-hour period. There is a version for adults and another for children over 12.
Health advice
The US Center For Disease Control maintains an updated list of medical advice for those travelling to Denmark
The CDC recommends being up to date with all your regular shots. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot
They also suggest being vaccinated for hepatitis A. There is also some advice about protection for hepatitis B and rabies – but this depends to some degree on where you are heading and what you are doing.
Healthcare
The healthcare system in Denmark is of very high quality, generally regarded as one of the best in the world; life expectancy is high and infant mortality is low.
Costs of medical care for those who are not local or from an EU country, such as tourists, can be very high. It is therefore important to take out appropriate travel insurance, which should include repatriation to your home country in the event of an emergency.
As always when you travel you should take out the necessary travel insurance coverage. We always use World Nomads but there are plenty of other insurance companies that offer travel insurance
Safety & Culture
Denmark consistently ranks among the safest and happiest countries in the world, making it a welcoming destination for tourists. Still, as with any international travel, it’s prudent to take basic precautions. Here are key points to consider regarding safety in Denmark:
1. Overall Safety and Crime Rates
- Low crime rate: Denmark has a relatively low level of crime. Violent crime is rare, and when it does occur, it generally does not target tourists.
- Petty theft: The most common safety concern for travellers is petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing and bag snatching) in high-traffic areas such as train stations, busy shopping streets, and popular tourist attractions.
2. Personal Security Tips
- Keep valuables secure: Use a zippered or locked bag, avoid keeping phones or wallets in back pockets, and stay attentive in crowded areas where pickpocketing can happen.
- Be mindful in entertainment districts: While Denmark’s nightlife is largely safe, busy bars and clubs in cities like Copenhagen can attract pickpockets, especially late at night.
- Use common sense at night: Walking in well-lit, busy areas is typically safe, but it’s still wise to travel with a friend or use licensed taxis or public transportation if you feel uncomfortable.
3. Health and Emergency Services
- Emergency number: In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or ambulance.
- Healthcare: Denmark has an excellent healthcare system. Visitors from EU/EEA countries can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for essential care. If you’re travelling from outside the EU, make sure your travel insurance covers medical expenses abroad.
- Pharmacies: Pharmacies are widespread, and pharmacists typically speak good English. Many medicines that are prescription-only elsewhere might require a Danish prescription, so bring an adequate supply and relevant paperwork if you have ongoing medical needs.
4. Local Etiquette and Cultural Norms
- Respect for public space: Danes are generally orderly—loud or disruptive behaviour in public could draw unwanted attention.
- Bicycles and pedestrian lanes: If you’re on foot, avoid walking in bicycle lanes. Cyclists in Denmark travel quickly, and you risk collisions if you inadvertently step into their lane.
- English proficiency: Most Danes speak excellent English, so communication barriers are minimal if you need directions or assistance.
Climate
Denmark has a predominantly humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb). About one-fifth of the southern Jutland Peninsula displays a temperate oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb). Denmark is a Nordic and Scandinavian country in Northern Europe, to the southwest of Sweden and south of Norway. The only land borders are with Germany in the south. The North and Baltic Seas share maritime borders with the country, along with its numerous offshore islands. The northern temperate latitudes and proximity to vast bodies of water mainly influence the climate.
Denmark lies in the temperate zone between 54°N and 57°N. The Nordic country consists of the Jutland Peninsula and more than 443 named islands. The landscape is mostly flat, with an average elevation of 31 meters above sea level. Mollehoj in the Ejerbjerge hills is the highest natural point in Denmark at a mere altitude of 170 meters. Rolling plains form a chunk of the terrain, along with sandy coastlines and large dunes. Odense, Gudena, Susa, Skerjn, and Vida are important rivers that flow across the country. The largest lake is Lake Arreso, with an area of 15.39 square miles. The area of inland water is 270 square miles. The coastline is 1057 miles long, excluding the shorelines of the numerous offshore islands. Any location in the country is at a maximum distance of 32 miles from the coast. The Kingdom of Denmark includes Greenland and Faroe Islands.
The best time to visit Denmark
The best time to visit Denmark is between June and August in the summer. Copenhagen temperatures are in the range of 12.2°C to 22.2°C, and it is generally warm everywhere. The nights tend to be cool, even though the days are occasionally hot. Early summer in June is cooler and drier than the later part of the season. Rainfall frequently occurs for short periods. The daily sunshine lasts above 8 hours in the summer, but the peak of 8.5 hours occurs in late spring in May. The average seawater temperatures of the North Sea are in the acceptable range of 16.1°C to 18.3°C. Summer is the time to experience the famous Nordic white nights, particularly during the middle part of July. Early autumn has comfortable weather, with bright colours over the landscape.
The worst time to visit Denmark
The worst time to visit Denmark is during the severe winter from December to February. The nights are frigid, and even the days are cold and dark. Temperature variations are little, with strong winds, especially in the north. The daily sunshine is feeble and hardly lasts for 1.5 hours in most regions. The daylight lasts for less than 7.5 hours in December and January, and the skies are often cloudy. The precipitation is moderate in frequent short bursts. The average seawater temperatures register below a dangerously cold 2.2°C. Moderate snowfall occurs for 5 days to 8 days during each month in the winter.
Month-by-month
December, January and February are cold months, although temperatures usually hover just above freezing. The islands can be a little warmer, but are usually windy. Days are short, and it’s normally dark by early afternoon. Winter sports are plentiful, and you have a chance of seeing the northern lights. Christmas markets open in early December in cities and villages across the country, and the Tiovli Gardens are decked out for the festive season.
Events and Festivals
- Christmas markets open at the end of November — the most well-known is probably in Tivoli Gardens, where you can enjoy a glass of gløgg and peruse the wooden stalls full of craft items and festive food.
- On New Year’s Eve, Amalienborg Square has fireworks displays and a parade by the Royal Guard.
- Vinterjazz is a country-wide jazz festival in early February.
- Denmark’s prestigious summer jazz festival season starts in early July with the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, followed by Sommer Jazz in Arhaus in mid-July and Æro Jazz in Ærøskøbing in late July.
- Christmas markets open at the end of November — the most well-known is probably in Tivoli Gardens, where you can enjoy a glass of gløgg and peruse the wooden stalls full of craft items and festive food.
- Every year in mid-October, over 300 museums, galleries and churches in Copenhagen open their doors after hours for Kulturnatten (Night of Culture).
Spring months can still be cold, with temperatures as low as 50°F, and highs of about 60°F in May. It’s the driest season, though the difference is minor as rainfall is pretty steady throughout the year. May can be a great time for visiting Copenhagen — it’s less busy than in the summer months, but the weather is good.
The weather is most conducive to outdoor adventures in June, July and August. Days are warm but rarely hot, averaging between 68°F and 78°F. Of course, the weather is wildly variable, so always be prepared for rain or a drop in temperature, even in the summer. Landscapes are in full bloom throughout the summer, days are at their longest (up to 17 hours in July) and all the sights are open and fully operational. The coastal areas can get very busy, especially in July when the Danish take their summer break.
Events and Festivals
Fall is a lovely time to visit Denmark, particularly September and early October, when the weather is still good and days are still long, but the crowds are much smaller than you’ll find in the summer. The changing foliage paints the landscape glowing golden, and coffee shops often have warm, welcoming fires. The northern lights start becoming visible in October, though the probability of seeing them is somewhat lower than in other regions of Scandinavia.
Events and Festivals
Visa information
What is Schengen?
Schengen refers to the EU passport-free zone that covers most of the European countries. It’s the largest free travel area in the world.
What is a Schengen Visa
A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows a person to travel to any members of the Schengen Area, per stays up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
The Schengen visa is the most common visa for Europe. It enables its holder to enter, freely travel within, and leave the Schengen zone from any of the Schengen member countries. There are no border controls within the Schengen Zone.
However, if you are planning to study, work, or live in one of the Schengen countries for more than 90 days, then you must apply for a national visa of that European country and not a Schengen Visa.
The 26 Schengen countries are:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
From 2024 visitors to a Schengen country that currently does not require a visa to enter will be required to obtain an ETIAS. ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. It is a completely electronic system that allows and keeps track of visitors from countries who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. It is similar to the US ESTA programme. The ETIAS will cost only €7 for each application and will last for 3 years.
Citizens of Which Countries Need a Schengen Visa to go to Europe?
The countries whose citizens are required to obtain a Schengen visa in order to enter any member country of the Schengen Area are:
| Afghanistan | Gabon | Oman |
| Algeria | Gambia | Pakistan |
| Angola | Ghana | Papua New Guinea |
| Armenia | Guinea | Palestinian Authority |
| Azerbaijan | Guinea-Bissau | Philippines |
| Bahrain | Guyana | Qatar |
| Bangladesh | Haiti | Russia |
| Belarus | India | Rwanda |
| Belize | Indonesia | Sao Tome And Principe |
| Benin | Iran | Saudi Arabia |
| Bhutan | Iraq | Senegal |
| Bolivia | Jamaica | Sierra Leone |
| Botswana | Jordan | Somalia |
| Burkina Faso | Kazakhstan | South Africa |
| Burma/Myanmar | Kenya | South Sudan |
| Burundi | Kosovo | Sri Lanka |
| Cambodia | Kuwait | Sudan |
| Cameroon | Kyrgyzstan | Suriname |
| Cape Verde | Laos | Swaziland |
| Central African Republic | Lebanon | Syria |
| Chad | Lesotho | Tajikistan |
| China | Liberia | Tanzania |
| Comoros | Libya | Thailand |
| Congo | Madagascar | Timor-Leste |
| Cote D’ivoire | Malawi | Togo |
| Cuba | Maldives | Tonga |
| Dem. Rep. Of Congo | Mali | Tunisia |
| Djibouti | Mauritania | Turkey |
| Dominican Republic | Mongolia | Turkmenistan |
| Ecuador | Morocco | Uganda |
| Egypt | Mozambique | Uzbekistan |
| Equatorial Guinea | Namibia | Vietnam |
| Eritrea | Nepal | Yemen |
| Ethiopia | Niger | Zambia |
| Fiji | Nigeria | Zimbabwe |
| North Korea | Northern Mariana’s |
Electrical
Which power plugs and sockets are used in Europe?
In Europe, the power plugs and sockets are of type F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Check out the following pictures.
Type F: also known as “Schuko”. This socket also works with plug C and plug E.
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| Type F: This socket also works with plug C and E |