Denmark

Denmark is a masterclass in balancing historic charm with cutting-edge modernity, where fairytale castles sit alongside world-renowned contemporary design. Known as one of the happiest nations on earth, it offers you a lifestyle centered around hygge—a unique Danish concept of cozy contentment and togetherness. You can spend your days cycling through the vibrant streets of Copenhagen or exploring the rugged, windswept coastlines of the North Sea. From its rich Viking heritage to its revolution in New Nordic cuisine, this Scandinavian gem provides a refined yet welcoming atmosphere. It is a place where efficiency meets elegance, making every journey through its islands and peninsulas feel effortlessly enjoyable.

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We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.

1 city

3 guides

$128 Daily Budget

Quick Facts

Capital

Copenhagen

Languages

Danish

Currency

Danish krone (DKK; symbol kr.)

1 $ ≈ 6.34 kr

Plug Type

Sockets: Type E and K (Type C often works; Type F often compatible); 230 V / 50 Hz

Driving Side

Right

Dial Code

+45

Entry Requirements

Check requirements →

Time Zone

CET/CEST (UTC+1/UTC+2)

Emergency

112 (Police/Fire/Ambulance)

Why Visit Denmark

The Art of Hygge

Experience the world-famous Danish lifestyle of hygge, which prioritizes comfort, warmth, and simple pleasures. Whether you are enjoying a candlelit coffee in a historic square or a picnic in a lush park, you will feel the unique sense of well-being that defines the local culture.

World-Class Gastronomy

Denmark has evolved into a global culinary powerhouse, home to some of the planet's best restaurants and the innovative New Nordic movement. You can enjoy everything from Michelin-starred masterpieces to high-quality street food at local markets.

Cyclist's Paradise

With over 12,000km of dedicated cycle paths and a flat landscape, Denmark is best explored on two wheels. In cities like Copenhagen, bicycles often outnumber cars, offering you a healthy, eco-friendly, and truly local way to see the sights.

Fairytale History

Walk through the real-life inspirations for Hans Christian Andersen’s stories, from the cobblestone streets of Odense to the majestic Kronborg Slot. The country is dotted with well-preserved Renaissance castles and Viking runestones that bring ancient legends to life.

Stunning Coastal Nature

No point in Denmark is more than 50km from the sea, providing easy access to white sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs. Visit the shifting sand dunes of Skagen or the 128-meter high chalk cliffs of Møns Klint for breathtaking natural views.

Top Experiences

Top-rated tours and activities in Denmark

View all activities

Cities & Destinations

Best in May

Denmark

Copenhagen

Moderate

From $128 /day

Cost Guide Where to Stay

Regions

Copenhagen and Zealand

The capital region blends urban sophistication with royal history, featuring the iconic Nyhavn harbor and the world-renowned Tivoli Gardens. Beyond the city, the island of Zealand offers the massive Frederiksborg Slot and the striking white cliffs of Møns Klint.

Jutland

Denmark's mainland peninsula is a land of diverse landscapes, from the creative hub of Aarhus to the original LEGOLAND in Billund. In the far north, the town of Skagen is famous for its unique light and the point where two seas, the Skagerrak and Kattegat, visibly meet.

Funen

Often called the Garden Island, Funen is the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen and feels like a living fairytale. Its capital, Odense, features charming timber-framed houses, while the southern archipelago is perfect for sailing and island-hopping.

Bornholm

Located in the Baltic Sea, this 'Sunshine Island' is a favorite for its round medieval churches and smoked fish delicacies. It offers a distinct landscape of rocky coastlines in the north and fine white sand beaches in the south.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit is during the summer for long daylight hours and mild weather, or during the late spring and early autumn for fewer crowds. Winter offers a cozy atmosphere with famous Christmas markets despite the colder temperatures.

Peak Season

Jun, Jul, Aug

Summer brings 'White Nights' with daylight lasting until 23:00 and temperatures ranging from 20–25°C (68–77°F). This is the busiest season for festivals and coastal activities, but accommodation prices are at their highest.

Shoulder Season

Apr, May, Sep, Oct

Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures between 10–16°C (50–61°F). May is particularly beautiful as flowers bloom, while September features golden foliage and manageable tourist numbers.

Off-Peak

Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

Winter is dark and chilly, with temperatures hovering around 1–5°C (34–41°F). While January and February are the coldest, the low season offers the best value for city breaks and museum visits without the wait times.

Getting Around

Denmark features a highly efficient, integrated public transport network comprising trains, metros, and buses. Bicycles are the most popular and often the fastest mode of transport in urban centers like Copenhagen.

Train

The national rail service (DSB) connects major cities like Aarhus and Odense, while the S-tog suburban rail serves the Greater Copenhagen area with high frequency.

Metro

Copenhagen's automated metro runs 24/7, and the trip from the airport to Kongens Nytorv takes about 12–13 minutes.

Bicycle

Denmark is a cyclist's dream: the national cycle route network spans about 4,770 km, and there are around 12,000 km of signposted cycle routes nationwide. Rentals are widely available and bikes are permitted on most trains.

Bus

Extensive city and regional bus networks supplement the rail lines; A-buses in the capital run every few minutes, while night buses (N-buses) operate after midnight.

Ferry

Vital for exploring the archipelago, ferries connect many of the 400+ islands, including major routes to Bornholm and between Jutland and Zealand.

Food & Drink

Danish food culture is rooted in hearty, seasonal ingredients that have been elevated by a focus on quality and presentation. While traditional meals center on rye bread, fish, and pork, the modern scene is defined by creative 'New Nordic' techniques that emphasize local foraging and sustainability.

Must Try

Smørrebrød

These artistic open-faced sandwiches use buttered Rugbrød (dark rye bread) as a base for toppings like pickled herring, roast beef, or tiny cold-water shrimp.

Stegt flæsk med persillesovs

The national dish of Denmark, consisting of crispy fried pork belly served with boiled potatoes and a creamy, fresh parsley sauce.

Wienerbrød

Known globally as a 'Danish,' these multi-layered, flaky pastries are filled with custard, jam, or almond paste and are a staple of every local bakery.

Frikadeller

Traditional Danish meatballs made from a mix of ground pork and veal, usually served with red cabbage and pickles.

Stjerneskud

A 'shooting star' sandwich featuring a fried fish fillet and a steamed fish fillet served on bread, topped with shrimp, asparagus, and caviar.

Rødgrød med fløde

A classic summer dessert made of thickened red berry compote served with a generous splash of cold heavy cream.

Pølser

Danish hot dogs sold from iconic street carts (Pølsevogn), typically topped with remoulade, fried onions, and thinly sliced pickles.

Akvavit

A potent distilled spirit flavored with herbs like caraway or dill, traditionally sipped slowly during festive lunch gatherings.

Money & Costs

Denmark is a premium destination with high costs for dining and accommodation, averaging ~$128 / 813 kr per day. It is one of the world's most digitalized societies where physical cash is increasingly rare.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory as service charges are legally included in bills, but rounding up or leaving ~5–10% for exceptional service is appreciated.

Cards

High; cards and mobile payments are accepted nearly everywhere, including kiosks and flea markets, and many establishments are entirely cashless.

ATMs

ATMs are abundant in all towns. Fees and withdrawal limits vary by operator and your bank; check for any fees disclosed on screen before confirming.

Culture & Etiquette

Danish society is deeply egalitarian and informal, yet highly values punctuality and social order. You will find that people are direct but polite, and there is a strong emphasis on community responsibility and mutual trust.

✓

Always follow the rules of the bike lane; signal with your hand when stopping or turning to avoid collisions with local commuters.

✓

Be extremely punctual for social and business appointments; arriving even 5 minutes late is considered quite rude in Danish culture.

Do not walk in the dedicated bicycle lanes, as cyclists move fast and expect these paths to be clear of pedestrians at all times.

✓

Say 'Tak' (thank you) frequently; Danes use it to show appreciation for everything from a meal to a simple transaction at a shop.

Avoid boasting about personal wealth or achievements; the 'Law of Jante' is an unspoken social code that values modesty and equality over individual status.

✓

Bring a small gift, such as flowers or chocolate, if you are invited to a Danish home for dinner or coffee.

Do not enter a home with your shoes on unless specifically told otherwise; most Danes prefer guests to leave their footwear at the door.

✓

Wait for the green man before crossing the street, even if no cars are coming; jaywalking is generally frowned upon and occasionally fined.

Safety & Health

Denmark is consistently ranked as one of the world's safest and least corrupt countries. While serious crime is very low, travelers should remain vigilant against petty theft in crowded tourist hubs.

Tap Water

Safe to drink

Vaccinations

No special vaccinations are required; ensure routine immunizations like MMR and DTaP are up to date before arrival.

Common Scams

⚠ The 'Map' Distraction: A thief places a map over your phone or wallet on a restaurant table to steal it while 'asking for directions'.
⚠ Fake Petitioners: Individuals asking for signatures and donations for fraudulent charities in high-traffic areas like Strøget.
⚠ Transport Pickpockets: Highly organized teams operating at Copenhagen Central Station and on crowded S-trains during peak hours.
⚠ Fake Undercover Police: Scammers posing as plainclothes officers to 'inspect' your wallet for counterfeit currency or drugs.

Healthcare is of an excellent standard; EU residents should carry a European Health Insurance Card, while others must have comprehensive travel insurance for private clinics.

Language

Danish is the primary language, but English is spoken fluently by nearly the entire population. Tourists will have no difficulty communicating in English in shops, restaurants, and hotels.

English Spoken: Widely spoken

Key Phrases

Key Phrases
Meaning	Local	Pronunciation
Hello	Hej	Hey
Thank you	Tak	Tack
Yes / No	Ja / Nej	Ya / Nai
Excuse me / Sorry	Undskyld	Un-school
Do you speak English?	Taler du engelsk?	Tai-ler do eng-gelsk?
I don't speak Danish	Jeg taler ikke dansk	Yai taela iga dansk
Goodbye	Farvel	Fah-vel
The bill, please	Regningen, tak	Rai-ning-en tack

Visa & Entry

Denmark is a member of the Schengen Area. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) began operating on 12 Oct 2025 with a gradual rollout using biometrics, and is expected to be fully operational at all external border crossing points from 10 Apr 2026. ETIAS is planned to start operations in the last quarter of 2026. Note: Faroe Islands and Greenland are not part of Schengen; Schengen/Denmark visas do not automatically grant entry there.

Max Stay

90 days in 180-day period

Passport Validity

Issued within the last 10 years; valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area (Denmark also requires at least 2 empty passport pages).

Visa-free for

USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Singapore, Brazil

Check requirements →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denmark safe for solo travelers?

Denmark is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world with very low rates of violent crime. You can feel comfortable walking alone in most areas, even at night. However, you should still remain vigilant against petty theft and pickpockets in crowded tourist areas like Copenhagen Central Station or the busy Nyhavn harbor.

How expensive is a trip to Denmark?

Denmark is one of the more expensive European destinations, with an average daily budget of approximately $128 / 813 kr. You should expect to pay around $4.71–$7.07 / 30 kr–45 kr for a coffee and $24–$41 / 149 kr–261 kr for a main course at a mid-range restaurant. To save money, consider buying food at local supermarkets or eating at street food markets where meals cost roughly $14–$21 / 90 kr–134 kr.

When is the best time to visit Denmark?

The peak season is from June to August when the weather is warmest, typically ranging from 18–22°C (64–72°F). During these months, you can enjoy up to 17 hours of daylight, which is perfect for outdoor festivals and coastal exploring. If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, the shoulder seasons of May and September also offer pleasant conditions.

Do I need a visa to visit Denmark?

Denmark is part of the Schengen Area, which allows citizens from many countries, including the US, Canada, and Australia, to enter for tourism for up to 90 days within a 180-period without a visa. You must ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen zone.

Is English widely spoken in Denmark?

English proficiency in Denmark is among the highest in the world for non-native speakers. You will find that almost everyone, from shop assistants to public transport staff, speaks excellent English. While learning a few basic Danish phrases like 'Hej' (hello) and 'Tak' (thank you) is appreciated, you will have no trouble navigating the country using only English.

What is the best way to get around Denmark?

The most efficient way to travel is using the integrated public transport network of trains and buses, which covers the entire country. For travel within cities like Copenhagen, renting a bicycle is often faster and more convenient than taking a car. The national rail service, DSB, offers comfortable and reliable connections between major regions like Zealand and Jutland.

Is the tap water safe to drink in Denmark?

The tap water in Denmark is of exceptionally high quality and is often cited as some of the cleanest and best-tasting in the world. It is perfectly safe to drink and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets high health standards. You can save money and reduce plastic waste by carrying a reusable bottle and refilling it at any tap.

What should I eat while visiting Denmark?

You must try the traditional Smørrebrød, which are artistically topped open-faced sandwiches on dark rye bread. For a hearty dinner, the national dish of Stegt Flæsk (crispy pork belly) is essential. Don't leave without visiting a local bakery to try authentic Wienerbrød pastries, which are far superior to the 'Danish' pastries found elsewhere in the world.

What does 'Hygge' mean and how can I experience it?

Hygge is a Danish concept that describes a feeling of cozy contentment and well-being through enjoying the simple things in life. You can experience it by visiting a dimly lit, historic cafe, sharing a meal with friends, or simply wrapping up in a warm blanket while watching the rain. It is about creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people.

Can I pay with credit cards everywhere in Denmark?

Denmark is a nearly cashless society, and credit or debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including at small cafes, street food stalls, and on public transport. While it is useful to have some cash for emergencies, you can easily complete an entire trip without ever using physical cash. Just ensure your card has a chip and PIN, as this is the standard.

Why you can trust this guide

Jan Křenek

35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data

Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.

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