Answer your travel questions with our Denmark A – Z

Yes! To find out more about electric vehicles in Denmark, take a look at this handy guide. You can also find a route planner with EV charging points here. 

Everyone can go where they like in the Danish countryside as long as they are considerate of animals, plants and other people. It is your responsibility to be safe.

Here are some of the most important rules:

• You are allowed in public woods and forests 24 hours a day, all year round.
• You are only allowed in private woods and forests from 6 am until sunset, and only on roads and paths.
• All cycling is to be carried out on roads and trails, regardless of public or private land.
• Foraging for private use is allowed.
• It can be difficult to see if a wood or forest is publically or privately owned. Look for signs and follow the rule of thumb that red posts are used in public forests, and green ones are used on private land.
• Entry to a forest can sometimes be limited during the hunting season.
• You are allowed on uncultivated land (meadows, cliffs, coasts and beaches etc) on foot while pushing your bike.
• If you want to stay in a public forest /uncultivated land, you have to be at least 50 meters from the nearest building. If you want to stay on private ground, you have to be at least 150 meters from the nearest building.
• You can check further rules on: The Danish Nature Agency

The ruter.dk website offers excellent route planning information and downloadable routes and suggestions for smartphones and GPS devices, and is an essential for anyone wanting to explore Denmark by bike.

Yes we do! As bike enthusiasts ourselves, we totally get why you don't want to leave your darling bike outside in the cold.

The Bed + Bike scheme is a range of certified bike-friendly accommodation worth looking out. There are also basic shelters available for those who travel by kayak, bike or on foot from 30 kr per night, bookable via the Book en Shelter, Ud I Naturen and Naturstyrelsen websites.

Yes, there are multiple tour operators offering cycling holidays and tours in Denmark, including MTB Tours who offer mountain bike, multi-country trips and day trips. Cycle groups Rapha and Pas Normal Studios run group day trips that start and end in Copenhagen.

The short answer is: YES! You don't have to bring your own bike if you'd rather not.

In Copenhagen, touring bikes can be rented from Baisikeli and Copenhagen Bicycles for longer trips outside the city. You can take bikes on trains and metros to reach your start point, or hire a bike in the destination on arrival.

If you ask a Dane, there's no bad time to cycle around Denmark. But you might not agree with us...

The peak season for travel in Denmark is June-end August, when temperatures hit around 22◦C and there can be as many as 19 hours of daylight. Shoulder season (late spring and early autumn) is recommended for cyclists looking for quiet roads but reasonable temperatures. Winter (November-February) can be as cold as -1◦C and feels colder with wind chill.

1933: Denmark decriminalise same-sex relations

Denmark was among the first countries in the world to decriminalise same-sex relations between men, which had previously been punished with community service. Same-sex relations between women had, however, never been effectively illegal and thus this relation was not subject to neither ban nor decrimilisation.

1948: The first Danish LGBTQ interest group

The organisation that is nowadays known as LGBT Danmark dates back to 1948, which ranks it among the world's oldest existing LGBTQ organisations.

1955: The oldest gay bar in the world

Centralhjørnet is located in Copenhagen's historic Latin Quarter and is regarded as the world's oldest gay bar. It opened in 1917, where it was known as a place for men to meet other men up until 1955 when the bar would be publicly known as a gay bar.

1986: The establisment of Copenhagen's LGBTQ Film Festival

The film festival which is nowadays known as MIX Copenhagen was established in 1986. For the past couples of years, the festival has boycott films with cis-actors portraying trans characters.

1989: Denmark legalises same-sex unions

Denmark became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex unions in 1989, and the first same-sex couple to officially tie the knot was life-long LGBTQ activist Axel and his partner Eigil. They said 'I do' at Copenhagen City Hall.

1996: First Copenhagen Pride

In the same year Copenhagen was the European Capital of Culture, the city hosted EuroPride. This became the start of the annual Copenhagen Pride parade (previously known as Mermaid Pride).

2009: The World OutGames in Copenhagen

Building on the success of the 2003 EuroGames in Copenhagen, the city hosted the World OutGames in 2009. The entire city was dressed in rainbow colours and more than 5,500 athletes from 98 countries participated in the event.

2012: Equal marriage was passed

It took a bit longer than necessary for Denmark to go from legalising same-sex unions to passing a bill allowing equal marriage for all. But in 2012 Denmark became the 12th country in the world to allow same-sex marriages.

2014-17: Better rights for trans people

Denmark became the first European country to allow trans people to have their legal gender changed without having to undergo any surgeries or hormone treatments.

This act was followed up in 2017 when Denmark became the first country in the world to depathologise trans people which recognised what the LGBTQ community (and the majoriy of the Danish population) had known for years: trans people are not mentally ill.

2021: WorldPride and EuroGames

In 2021, Copenhagen will host the first-ever joint WorldPride and EuroGames where there'll be hundreds of events happening through the 11-day festival. We'll also be celebrating five LGBTQ-related anniversaries, including the 25th anniversary for Copenhagen Pride.

Find the latest weather forecasts for Denmark at the Danish Meteorological Institute.

Fireworks may only be fired between December 27th and January 1st. As a private person, it is forbidden to bring fireworks into Denmark.

If you live in an EU country and have a European firearms licence, you do not need special permission to use your weapon in Denmark for hunting or target shooting. If you live outside the EU, you can use your weapon for hunting or target shooting if you have a gun licence from your home country or a statement from the authorities that such permission is not needed.

You may carry a knife in public places if you have a 'recognized professional and/or leisure use', for example, in relation to a specific job or sport. It is legal to carry a pocket knife on a picnic, but illegal to carry the same knife when going out at night or in public places with many people.  

Please note that it is extremely uncommon for people to carry knives in Denmark.

In Denmark, you may not acquire, possess, carry or use firearms, knives or other dangerous weapons, except in specific cases with particular police permission. It is also illegal to use self-defense sprays such as CS gas in Denmark.

VAT is 25% in Denmark, but prices are always inclusive of VAT. 

Denmark has an extensive network of official tourist offices, where you can receive professional and friendly guidance and help planning your Danish holiday. Most tourist offices can assist with the booking of accommodation and experiences and all of them have a large selection of brochures and other sources of useful information. 

Whether you're looking for inspiration or information, your local tourist office can help. Tourist offices with a green L-sign posted outside offer their services in English, German and Danish. As well as information on the local area, they can also help you with trips to and information on other parts of the country.

Service charges are included in hotel, restaurant and taxi bills. If you feel you’ve received great service however, feel free to tip. How much you tip is entirely up to you, and there is no set etiquette for this in Denmark.

Denmark is within the Central European Time (CET) zone, thus, Denmark is 1 hour (UTC +1) ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). 

However, Denmark uses Day Light Savings time (also known as Summer time) which starts on the last Sunday in March and ends the last Sunday in October. During this period the time is using the offset UTC +2. You can check the specific dates for the time changes here.

Licensed taxis are readily available all over Denmark. It’s possible to hail them on the street, if the taxi light on their roof is on. You can also pick one up at the many taxi ranks in cities and towns, or by booking one in advance. Booking a taxi in advance will be slightly more expensive than hailing one. Like to book a taxi in Denmark ahead of time? Search taxi companies in Denmark here.

How it works 

Tipping is always included in the fare. If you have big luggage that needs to go on an outside rack, you will be charged extra. Most taxi drivers speak English and all will give you a receipt at the end of your ride. Drivers are required to display their licence number and rate cards. Payment can be made with cash or with credit card.

If you live outside the EU, you can reclaim the VAT you pay on goods you purchase in Denmark. You will be reimbursed between 10% and 19%, which amounts to the VAT minus and administration fee and you can only claim on purchases that are over 300kr. 

Refunds are only available for purchases made in shops which are part of the scheme. For more on the scheme and how to claim back VAT, visit the Planet website or the Global Blue Denmark website.

Most supermarkets have a wide range of products for people with dietary restrictions such as gluten allergies or lactose intolerance, and the bigger the store, the more likely it is that it will have a larger variety of products.

There are plenty of supermarket chains to choose from in Denmark, including Netto, Føtex, SuperBrugsen, Fakta, and Irma. The typical opening hours are from 8am to 10pm, however the specific opening hours can vary from store to store. 

You’ll notice many Danish flags (Dannebrog) flying around Denmark, particularly in homes around the countryside. Flying the Dannebrog, the striking red and white national flag, is an important symbol of pride. Flags on public buildings fly at half-mast on national days of mourning or remembrance. However, the Danish flag is also used in a celebratory manner which is why you might see the flag as decorations at birthdays and on Christmas trees.

Danish society is secular and tolerant, with a strong tradition for freedom of speech and expression. A large proportion of the Danish population observe Christian traditions such as confirmation, christenings and Christian holidays. Christmas celebrations in Denmark are particularly special.

Danish people strive for a feeling of "hygge", a unique Danish word which means cosiness or togetherness. It permeates all aspects of their lives, from the design and functionality of their homes and furniture, to family gatherings or simple nights at home forgetting about the stresses of the day. 

Denmark is a relaxed, liberal and thoroughly modern country. It is an egalitarian society where no person is more important than the next and everyone is treated with respect. There are many traditional aspects of Danish society which continue to play an extremely important part in everyday, Danish life...

Tobacco and cigarettes are only sold to people 18 years or older. You can buy cigarettes in convenience stores and supermarkets in Denmark. 

In Denmark it is against the law to smoke in indoor public places, except in specially equipped smoking booths. This includes restaurants, cafés, bars, all forms of public transport and taxis. You may smoke in bars or cafes with a license to sell alcohol, if they are smaller than 40 square meters in size. Hotels determine their own smoking rules but most hotels are non-smoking.

Businesses must display their smiley certificate for customers and in 2008, a new elite smiley face was introduced, which many eateries are now using in their marketing. 4 other grades of smileys are available, from happy down to sour, which signals that the restaurant has received a warning or a fine.

The smiley scheme was started in 2001 and has proven a very popular way for food consumers to check the quality of places to eat. The Food Authority awards all restaurants smiley faces or “Smileys” as determined by their food hygiene standards. 

You can buy nautical charts, digital prints, navigation manuals, harbour pilots and other marine products on the Weilbach Webshop. 

The National Survey and Cadastre is Denmark's public authority for maps and geodata. They can provide you with information on Danish ports, bridges and you can also access a free online harbour pilot via their site.

There are many opportunities to take to the sea without your own boat in Denmark, whether you dream of a few hours on the waves or weeks at sea. Package sailing holidays do not usually require previous sailing knowledge and boats come with an experienced crew that takes responsibility for all tasks and ensures the safety of all. The ship’s crew will take you through safety procedures at the start of your holiday, so that you can take part fully in all the activities, routines and duties on board. 

A week's sailing typically costs between 3,000 and 5,500kr per person, which includes use of the boat, on-board accommodation and all meals (excluding drinks).

Denmark is dotted with quaint marinas, over 350 in fact, so you are never far from a gateway to a holiday on water. From smaller atmospheric ports to large modern marinas in the bigger cities, there are marinas of all kinds all around the Danish coast. Many offer shower, toilet and electricity facilities. 

Prices for the use of marinas vary depending on the marina and size of your boat.  

Freeport Scheme 

If you are a member of a club that is connected to the Freeport Scheme, you can use other Freeport Scheme marinas free of charge. There are around 150 Danish Freeport marinas, as well as Swedish, Norwegian and German ports in the scheme. Find out more about the scheme from your sailing club.

If you are an experienced sailor, you can rent boats of all types in Denmark. Boats are usually rented on a weekly basis, but weekend rentals are also available in some places. Rental of a boat will include all the necessary safety and navigation equipment, as well as cookware, cutlery and crockery. 

Prices will vary depending on the type of boat, size and season. Average weekly rental price in the high season for a sailboat is between 4,000 and 15,000kr and between 4,300 and 9,000kr for motorboats.

Try this useful Journey Planner for suggestions on the best way of getting from A to B in Denmark. You can also use it to book tickets for trains and buses.

Denmark is an island nation and there are thousands of ferry routes between the islands and between Denmark and other countries. Search our list of ferry companies to find route details and prices.

If you prefer travelling by coach, or want to explore more remote areas of Denmark, the country has an extensive network of long-distance bus routes. These are operated by different companies and not all of them have English-language websites, so it’s a good idea to contact the tourist office of the destination you have in mind, to ask for their guidance on routes and tickets.

Non-European travelers in Denmark can take advantage of the Eurail Denmark Pass, for cheap train travel in and around Denmark. Eurail also offers a Europe-wide Eurail pass which includes travel in Denmark.

If you are a European citizen, you can use the InterRail Denmark Pass instead, for cheap rail travel round Denmark, or the InterRail Pass around Europe.

The Danish national rail operator DSB operates regular train services between Copenhagen and towns across Denmark and southern Sweden. A train from Copenhagen to Aarhus will take three hours, to Aalborg four hours and to Odense an hour and a half. You can see train routes, find times and book train tickets with DSB by calling +45 70 13 14 15. There is also the option of booking via the DSB website, where they have a handy tutorial for how to use their Danish booking system.

There are several daily flights from Copenhagen to cities around Denmark. SAS have direct flights from Copenhagen to Aarhus, Aalborg, Billund, Karup, Rønne (Bornholm) and Sønderborg. Alsie Express flies from Copenhagen to Sønderborg, and from Sønderborg to Rønne (Bornholm). Norwegian flies direct from Copenhagen to Aalborg. Not sure where to fly to in Denmark? Here's a handy list of airports in Denmark to help you decide!

It's easy to get around Denmark by public transport. Distances between places are small, so you can get from one end of the country to the other relatively quickly.

You can stroll around and enjoy nearly 500 charming private and public gardens in Denmark. A few gardens are only open for a single weekend each year but the vast majority open their gates over the summer months. There are gardens covering all kinds of gardening tastes and styles, from small intimate gardens to grand formal gardens. Your local tourist office will be able to advise you on open gardens in your area.  

As well as public gardens, Denmark has more than 200 flower farms, where you can find flowers in all colours, shapes and sizes.

Though it doesn’t seem like it, Denmark is the most densely populated country in Northern Europe, with 135.2 residents per km². Only 20% of its landmass is populated and 22% of the population lives in the capital, Copenhagen. 

Denmark’s population of 5.8 million people is divided into the following age groups: 

0 to 19-years-old: 22.5 % 
20 to 59-years-old: 52.2 % 
60 and above: 25.3 % 

In 2018, life expectancy for men was 79 years and 82.9 years for women. 

Statistics from 1 October 2018 – Source: Statistics Denmark.

In Denmark, you can buy prescription drugs in pharmacies, called Apoteker. Some non-prescription medicines can also be bought at approved sales outlets, such as supermarkets. 

Pharmacy opening hours are normally: 9am – 6pm Monday to Friday; 10am – 4pm on Saturday; closed on Sunday. There are also a number of 24-hour pharmacies around the country.

Winter break: The Danish school winter break takes place in week seven or eight (February) each year. 

Summer break: Danish school summer holidays begin on the last Saturday in June and run until the start of August each year. 

Autumn break: The Danish school autumn holiday is normally held in week 42 (October).  

The following days are annual Danish public holidays: New Year’s Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Whit Sunday, Whit Monday, Constitution Day, Christmas Day Eve, Christmas Day and 2nd Day of Christmas. 

You can check the specific dates on this website.

The Danish krone is the official currency of Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The currency sign is “kr.” and the ISO code is “DKK”.  

You can check the current currency rates on this website.

There are no restrictions on the amount of currency you are allowed to import or export, but anything over €10,000 (approximately 75,000kr) must be declared. Read more about the regulations at the Danish Tax Authority’s website.

International credit cards can be used in restaurants, hotels, petrol stations and shops, but the company has the right to charge you an extra fee. Not all of them do and you will be notified before making a payment, if an extra fee will be charged. 

Many smaller shops and supermarkets do not accept international credit cards.

The Danish currency is kroner (singular: krone), abbreviated as kr in both Danish and English. There are 100 øre in one krone, but øre coins are now rarely used in practice — the 50 øre coin is the only one still in circulation.

Banknotes are available in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500.
Coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 kr, along with the 50 øre coin.

While cash is accepted in most places, Denmark is a highly digital society. Many shops, cafés, and restaurants are now cashless, accepting only credit cards or mobile payments such as MobilePay or Apple Pay.

You should also note that some kiosks and supermarkets stop accepting cash after 8 PM.

Normal weekday opening hours for Danish banks are 9.30/10am to 4pm. Banks are closed on Saturday and Sunday. A large number of banks stay open until 5.30pm on Thursdays.

You can withdraw cash from bank ATMs in Denmark with Visa, Cirrus, Eurocard or MasterCard and you will be notified, before the withdrawal, of any charges you may incur. Most ATMs can be used 24/7.

In order to be able to use your mobile phone in Denmark, your normal provider will need to have a roaming agreement with one of the Danish mobile phone operators. This is normal practice but it is a good idea to check both the availability and cost before you travel, as it can be quite pricey depending on where you're from or where you're calling. 

In some cases it might be cheaper to buy a Danish SIM card to use during your stay. You can find out more about buying Danish SIM cards and mobile phone shops in Denmark here. 

European mobile roaming tariffs 

Visit the European Commission’s website for the latest up-to-date information on roaming tariffs in Europe. 

Useful number 

If you lose your luggage or other items during your stay, you can call Denmark’s National Police on their non-emergency help number: 114. They will help you contact a local lost property office in the area you are visiting. 

On route to Denmark 

If your luggage is lost on your way to Denmark, you will need to contact the carrier you used, via their website. 

On-board trains 

For items lost on Danish trains, contact DSB Customer Centre on +45 70 13 14 15. 

At the airport 

Copenhagen Airport’s website has a useful lost and found section, for items lost in the airport.

Denmark is an open and tolerant country. As an LGBT traveller, you will experience a rich array of gay cafés and clubs (especially in Copenhagen and larger towns), a relaxed and friendly population and a wide variety of gay-friendly activities and experiences at your disposal.

Home dinners

Home dinners are a unique way to meet gay Danes. Meet Gay Copenhagen is not a dating agency, but an organisation that encourages intercultural exchange and provides opportunities for gay visitors to eat at home with Danish hosts.

Further reading

The website of the Danish National Organisation for Gay Men, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgendered persons is a great starting point for planning your trip and for finding LGBT-friendly accommodation in Denmark.

Danish people tend to have a very good level of English and it is easy to get around the country, even if you don’t speak Danish. You will find that Danes are happy to stop and help you in English. Foreign language films are always shown in the original version with Danish subtitles, both in cinemas and on television.

The national language of Denmark is Danish, a Germanic language. Danish has three special characters that come at the end of the alphabet: Æ, Ø and Å. The letter Å can also be written as AA, and you will notice many Danish cities start with this combination, such as Aalborg and Aarhus. You can learn a few useful words and phrases with this guide.

Most Danes have internet at home and/or mobile internet, so internet cafés are not that prevalent in Denmark. It’s very easy, however, to access the free wireless network that covers the country via hotels, cafés, libraries and other places such as trains and some buses. Pre-paid mobile internet services are available from certain telecommunication companies. 

Here is a guide to Internet use in Denmark for the visitor.

Visit the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration website to see rules on which foods you can bring into Denmark.

There are different regulations regarding importing and exporting alcohol and/or tobacco depending on whether you are travelling within the EU or outside the EU. Visit the Danish Customs Agency website to figure out how much you are allowed to carry when arriving in Denmark from the EU and outside the EU. 

Many courses have Pay & Play options, where you can simply turn up and play, without having membership of any golf club. You can find a Pay & Play course by sourcing this map, and you can book directly through the site (though in Danish).

You can pretty much play all year round in Denmark, depending on the snow. That means that winter greens are common between November and April.

Compared to the rest of Europe, it is relatively cheap to play golf in Denmark. Green fees start at around 200kr on weekdays and 300kr on weekends.

Golf is a really popular sport in Denmark; with over 200 courses in the country, there are many varied opportunities to get out on the green stuff. Courses tend to be quite close together, so in one holiday, you can try out a few different courses and find the one that best suits your play.

Guest players are welcome on most courses in Denmark, with payment of a green fee. Clubs have different prices and accessibility, so it’s a good idea to contact the course before you go.

Denmark is made up of the mainland peninsula called Jutland and over 400 scattered islands. The largest of Denmark’s islands, Zealand, is where you’ll find the capital city, Copenhagen. Denmark is part of Scandinavia and shares a similar geography with the south of Sweden, to which it is attached via the Oresund Bridge, and Germany, with which it shares a land border. The Kingdom of Denmark also includes the enormous, self-governing territory of Greenland, situated near North America and the autonomous territory of the Faroe Islands. 

Coast-to-coast

Apart from the 68km-long border (42 miles) with Germany to the south, Denmark is surrounded entirely by water. The furthest you can be from the coast at any point in Denmark is only 52km (32 miles). At its West Coast, it touches The North Sea and this coastline is dominated by long, windswept stretches of sand and dunes. The North Coast runs up into the Kattegat and Skagerrak seas and is also a dynamic coast, with some of Northern Europe’s biggest shifting sand dunes. To the east, you’ll find a more sheltered coast and the calm waters of the Baltic Sea. 

Natural features 

Total area: 42.934km² 
Total length of coastline: 7.314km (4545 miles) 
Highest point: 170,086m (Møllehøj) 
Biggest lake: Arresø (39,5km²)  
Longest river: Gudenå (176km/ 98 miles) 

Land use 

Agriculture: 66 % 
Forest and heathland: 16 % 
Cities, roads and construction: 10 % 
Lake, meadow and marsh: 7 % 

Biggest cities 

Copenhagen (Greater metropolitan area): 1,309,000 inhabitants 
Aarhus: 273,000 inhabitants 
Odense: 178,000 inhabitants 
Aalborg: 114,000 inhabitants 
Esbjerg: 72,000 inhabitants 

Statistics from 1 January 2018 – Source: Denmark’s Statistics.

Folk high schools (or summer schools) are a uniquely Danish experience. Denmark has more than 70, which offer courses and accommodation for people of all ages during the summer. Stays can range from one week to months and all participants eat together in the evenings. 

Courses range widely, from sports to creative disciplines such as art and philosophy. The price for a one week course is around 4,500kr including full board and a two-week course about 6,000kr. Most courses are taught in Danish. 

The Folk High School website explains all about the scheme and includes videos and brochures.

There is a passport control when entering Denmark from a country outside the Schengen area and some nationalities need a visa to enter Denmark. Following Brexit, UK citizens are not required to have a visa to visit Denmark. You can check visa requirements for your country at the Danish Immigration Service’s website.

The following countries are part of the Schengen Agreement: 
Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

Denmark is part of the Schengen agreement, which eliminated border passport control between Schengen countries in Europe. This means you no longer need to stop or show your passport when travelling between Denmark and Germany or Denmark and Sweden. You must still have your passport with you, however, when travelling in Schengen countries as a form of identification.

Following Brexit, UK citizens can travel to any country in the Schengen area, including Denmark, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. 

Border openings post-corona are subject to change. You can find out about entry requirements in place on our Safe Travel in Denmark page.

If you need emergency dental treatment, you can visit any dentist that is part of the Danish National Health Service. Your local tourist office can help you locate a local dentist in case of emergency. You can also call the Danish Dental Association, for help with finding local dentists and emergency dentists, on +45 70 25 77 11.

You can get medical treatment anywhere in the country by contacting a Danish National Health Service doctor, during consultation hours. If you are in urgent need of medical care outside office hours, you can contact an emergency doctor (Lægevagten). Once on the site, click where you are on the map of Denmark to find the telephone number of the emergency doctor in your area. 

Emergency medical care 

If you are covered by public health care in an EU country, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, you are entitled to emergency healthcare during your stay in Denmark.

You are entitled to free emergency treatment in hospital or emergency rooms in cases of sudden illness, accident or worsening of chronic illness, during your holiday in Denmark. 

In serious cases, you would be transported back to your own country, at your own expense, as soon as you were well enough to be moved. 

Note: It is important to know that you would not be entitled to free treatment, if it was deemed that you had travelled to Denmark exclusively to receive medical care. 

112 is Denmark’s emergency number for life-threatening emergencies. Call (+45) 112 to access police, ambulance and fire brigade services.  

For police, when it’s not an emergency, call (+45) 114. You can also find contact information on the Danish Police’s website. 

In case of injuries or sudden illness, you can speak to a nurse or doctor, or to go to a hospital emergency department. You can see an overview of the regions here, if you know where you are in the country, the numbers are below: 

Capital Region: call (+45) 1813 

Region Midtjylland: call (+45) 70 11 31 31

Aalborg: call (+45) 70 15 03 00

Region Sjaelland: (+45) 1818 

Region Syddanmark: (+45) 70 11 07 07

Visit the Danish Foreign Ministry’s website for full listings of Danish embassies, consulates and trade missions around the world.

Denmark uses two-pin continental plugs and 220 volt (50Hz) like most other European countries. Visitors from Ireland or the UK will need adaptors for electrical appliances, while those from North America will need a transformer to use 110/125 volt appliances.

The import, export, sale, purchase, delivery, receipt, production, processing and possession of drugs are defined as criminal offences. Cannabis is included in the definition of drugs.

Danish wheelchair users gather and register information on wheelchair accessibility at attractions and restaurants all over Denmark. The result is the biggest accessibility database of its kind in Scandinavia. This excellent resource is in Danish, but ask the local tourist office of your destination for help accessing its information. 

Many of the Danish State Forests offer facilities to enable access for mobility-impaired visitors. Your local tourist office can help you find information from the Danish Forest and Nature Agency’s website, which lists all disabled facilities in Danish.

If you need to rent a wheelchair or another device to assist you during your holiday in Denmark, contact one the following services: Senior Shop on +45 39 43 05 50, or Dansk Plejeteknik on +45 58 85 34 40.

Accessibility on Danish trains, buses, ferries and at airports is tailored to meet the needs of disabled visitors. Most ferries have special cabins and wide elevators for disabled passengers. Disabled toilets are provided on trains, as well as lifts and ramps for access on and off the train.

The Accessibility Label is a tourism labelling scheme for accessibility. Details of all the attractions and services participating can be found on the Accessibility Label Scheme website.

Physical accessibility in Danish society has been rapidly improving over the last few decades. As a disabled visitor, you can access a wide variety of places, services and experiences on holiday in Denmark. Many local tourist offices have disability guides to their local area.  

The Danish climate is moderated by the warm Gulf Stream and is therefore milder than surrounding Scandinavian countries. Denmark has four distinct seasons. The spring months, April to May, are the mildest, while the summer months of June, July and August are the hottest. Autumn, from September to November, tends to be rainy and more overcast. Winter runs from December to March and is normally cold, with frost and snow. 

Temperatures 

Denmark is located in the North Temperate Zone and has a mean temperature of 7.7˚C (46˚F) . Statistically, February is the coldest month (mean 0.0˚C/32˚F)  and August the warmest (mean 15.7˚C/ 60˚F). 

Winds 

The prevailing wind is westerly, which means that the west coast of Denmark receives more rainfall than the rest of the country. The annual rain fall in Denmark averages 61 cm (24 in) of precipitation. 

Sea temperatures 

Denmark is surrounded by coastline and swimming in the sea is a popular pastime. The seawater temperature around Denmark, from June to August, is between 17˚C (63˚F) and 22˚C (72˚F). In August, this can rise to around 25˚C (77˚F). 

If you’re looking for a cycling experience in Denmark where everything is planned and organised for you, then a package cycling holiday is just for you. This type of holiday will usually include bike hire, a detailed itinerary, any ferry tickets, accommodation with either full or half-board and in some cases, luggage transportation. 

The routes are designed by local experts who ensure that the tour takes you past the most beautiful scenery and along small roads with little traffic. Package holidays for cyclists are not usually group tours, which means you can normally choose when you start and finish your adventure. 

You will find it easy to navigate whilst cycling in Denmark, as the country has over 11,000km of sign-posted routes. Just find your route name, number or logo and follow the signs. Routes criss-cross each other, so it is possible to combine routes and take in the entire country by bike. 

Cycle routes are particularly safe in comparison to other countries and national cycle routes tend to follow smaller by-roads, undisturbed forest roads and pathways. 

National cycle routes 

There are 11 national cycle routes in Denmark, which cover a total of over 4,000km. National routes are signposted with a white route number in a red square and bicycle symbol on a blue, square sign. (Note that Route 10 on Bornholm has a green, rather than blue, background).  Odd route numbers 1 to 9 run North to South, while even routes 2 to 8 run East to West. There are two circular routes: Bornholm (Route 10) and the Limfjord Route (Route 12). 

Regional and local routes 

Denmark also has an extensive network of regional and local cycle routes, each with their own signage. The regional route signs follow the same patterns as the national; white route numbers from 16 to 99 on a blue background. The local route network also uses the same system but with numbers from 100 to 999. 

Here are a few rules of the road for cyclists that will help you enjoy a relaxing break on two wheels. 

Essential bike equipment 

Your bike must have a bell, a white reflector visible from the front, yellow reflectors on the pedals and wheels and a red reflector at the back. Bikes come with these things as standard in Denmark but if you’re bringing a bike with you from abroad, you’ll need to make sure yours is fitted with these. 

When cycling in the dark, you must have a working white light at the front and a red at the back. You can pick these up from convenience stores and bike shops in Denmark. 

Bike trailers must have two white reflectors on the front and two red on the back, with two yellow reflectors on each side. After dark, you must make sure your trailer has a red light either fitted at the back or the left-hand side. 

Taking children on your bike 

If you are over 15 years of age, you can transport two children under eight years old on your bike, providing you have the necessary cycle seats. If you have a bike trailer, you can take two children of any age. Children on bike seats and in trailers must always be fastened in. 

Helmets 

You are not legally required to wear a helmet. But it is a great idea to use one anyway! 

Danish traffic regulations 

You must always cycle on the right-hand side of the road and if there’s a bike path, you should use this. If you are turning left, cross over the road you will join, so that you are waiting with the traffic on the right-hand side. Then go with the traffic when the light is green. Cyclists must use their arms to signal that they are slowing down, turning or stopping. Read more about cycling laws and rules in Denmark. 

A good bike and a good cycling guide are the first two steps towards a successful cycling holiday. The Danish Cycling Federation has a large selection of guides and maps available to buy online. 

Bike maps 

You can plan your bike route online with the Naviki app and website, available in multiple language versions.

It couldn’t be easier to cycle in Denmark and cycling holidays are extremely popular. For full details on bike rental in Denmark, inspiration for cycling holidays and much more, read our Cycling in Denmark page.

The Bus, Train and Metro Complaints Board deals with complaints regarding to travel by public transport in Denmark. Their website is mainly in Danish, but it also contains an English guide for complaints as well as an English complaint form. The appeal board's telephone number: (+45) 88 88 82 16 - Wednesdays and Fridays 9:30-11:30 am.

The Holiday Home Rental Complaints Board deals with complaints relating to Danish holiday cottages or rental of holiday cottages abroad by Danish companies.

The Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Complaints Board deals with complaints relating to services provided by Danish hotels, restaurants, amusement parks, hostels and other similar companies. 

There are 6 casinos in Denmark and each one is based in a hotel. Danish law requires that you present photo ID on entry and register your name, address, date of birth and nationality. You must be 18 years or older to enter. 

You can try your luck at all the regular casino games, as well as slot machines and touch-screen roulette, at the following casinos: 

• Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Copenhagen 

• Hotel Marienlyst, Helsingør 

• Radisson Blu H.C. Andersen Hotel, Odense 

• Munkebjerg Hotel, Vejle 

• Hotel Royal, Aarhus 

• Radisson Blu Limfjord Hotel, Aalborg

It’s free to drive everywhere on Denmark’s road network, with two exceptions: the Great Belt Bridge (Storebæltsbro) and Øresund Bridge (Øresundsbro). The Great Belt Bridge links the islands of Zealand (Sjælland) with Funen (Fyn). It is the longest suspension bridge in Europe and the third-longest suspension bridge in the world. Øresund Bridge is another great feat of engineering and links Denmark to Sweden. 

Bridge toll booth payment 

Both bridges are open 24/7 and are closed only in extreme weather. You can pay to use the bridges with either cash or card at the bridge toll booths. You are not allowed to cycle over the bridges directly but can take your bike with you on the train across.

The parking rules can vary depending on the place and area. Here are some of the general parking rules: 

• Parking and waiting in a car is generally permitted in the right side of the road, but prohibited on main roads and motorways.  

• You may not park on roads with an unbroken white line down the middle, anywhere within 5 metres (16 feet) of a pedestrian/bicycle crossing or 10 metres (33 feet) from an intersection. You may also not park within 12 metres (40 feet) of a bus stop, where the curb is painted yellow.  

• Parking restrictions with regards to certain times and days are written on signs at parking areas and areas where you may not park. Police may remove illegally-parked cars or hand out a fine on the spot. 

• In Denmark, parking discs are required where time-limited parking is allowed, and most Danes set the ‘clock’ on the parking discs whenever they park as a precaution. 

• Be sure to check whether you are parking in a ‘paid parking’-area. You can read more about the ‘paid parking’-areas in Copenhagen on this website. 

In Denmark traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road. Overtake to the left and stay in the right-hand lane of multi-lane roads, when not overtaking. Signs and rules of the road follow international conventions, but here are some extra things to take note of when driving in Denmark: 

Right of way 

Red and white triangular signs or white triangles painted on the road mean give way to traffic on the road you are about to enter. 

Buses 

Give way to buses pulling out of bus stops. They will indicate before doing so. 

Cyclists 

Denmark has more cyclists than most places and you should pay particular attention to them when turning right. Make sure you give way to cyclists and motorcyclists continuing straight when you turn right. 

Mobile phones  

The use of mobile phones while driving is strictly prohibited while driving. Use of the phone handsfree is permitted. However, the handsfree system must be built in to the car. A headset is not considered to be a handsfree system. 

Motorway driving 

You must indicate when changing lane on the motorway. Use your hazard lights to warn others of unexpected queues or traffic slowing down. 

Speed limits 

In Denmark, the speed limits are: 50km/h (31.1mph) in urban areas; 80km/h (50mph) on motorways outside urban areas; 130km/h (81mph) on motorways in most places and 110km/h (68mph) in others; 80km/h (50mph) on dual carriageways and normal roads outside of urban areas. 

On motorways, cars and motorcycles with trailers have a speed limit of 80km/h (50mph) and on normal roads 70km/h (44mph). Failure to drive within speed limits in Denmark will result in an on-the-spot police fine for foreign visitors. 

Parking 

Parking and waiting in a car is generally permitted in the right side of the road, but prohibited on main roads and motorways. You may not park on roads with an unbroken white line down the middle, anywhere within 5 metres (16 feet) of a pedestrian/bicycle crossing or 10 metres (33 feet) from an intersection. You may also not park within 12 metres (40 feet) of a bus stop, where the curb is painted yellow. Parking restrictions with regards to certain times and days are written on signs at parking areas and areas where you may not park. Police may remove illegally-parked cars or hand out a fine on the spot. In Denmark, parking discs are required where time-limited parking is allowed, and most Danes set the ‘clock’ on the parking discs whenever they park as a precaution. 

Blood alcohol limit 

The blood alcohol limit in Denmark is 0.5 per thousand, equivalent to approximately two measures. However, the easiest rule of thumb is: don’t drink and drive.

Denmark is a great place to drive. It's relatively safe and distances between sights and cities are short. If you follow the Danish rules of the road and take care when driving in Denmark, you can enjoy a truly tailor-made holiday. You'll get the chance to venture out into Denmark's best countryside, visit Denmark's attractions around the country and really get a feel for Denmark and Danish living. 

If you’re arriving at Copenhagen Airport, you’ll be able to rent a car from there and get on with your journey around Denmark.

Bringing your car to Denmark is no problem at all, as long as it is properly registered in your home country and has a national licence plate. You must have a valid national driving licence (in Roman type) or an international driving licence with you at all times when you drive. 

Foreign vehicles must have valid insurance. The Danish Association of International Motor Vehicle Insurance gives guidance on insurance requirements for cars registered in different parts of the world. 

Car safety equipment 

Seatbelts must be worn by all passengers. Children up to 7 years old must be secured in a child car seat appropriate to their height and weight. You must always have your lights switched on when driving and you need to have an emergency triangle in the car. Use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited. 

If you are riding a scooter or motorbike, you must wear a helmet.

If official campsites are not your thing and you crave the serenity of a night camping in the wild, Denmark is the country for you. With over 1,000 areas for wild camping, there are a multitude of natural camping experiences waiting for you. No caravans or motorised vehicles are allowed in these places. They are pure, unspoiled spots where you must leave nothing but your own footprints behind. 

Wild camping sites are often equipped with running water and toilet and around a third have shelters you can sleep in. You may only sleep a maximum of one night at each location. Be sure to read the Danish Nature Agency’s guidelines for wild camping prior to your trip.

About 200 campsites in Denmark are open during the winter months, so with a well-insulated caravan (and good thick socks!) you can enjoy the Danish outdoors all year round.

You can rent cabins in many of Denmark’s campsites and you typically bring your own linen along, unless you are paying for a luxury cabin. A week's cabin rental costs around 3,500kr at peak season.

Camping in Denmark: Your Guide to Affordable Overnight Stays

Denmark offers a fantastic camping experience with diverse options to suit every budget. On average, an overnight stay at a three-star campsite costs around 95 DKK for adults, but prices can vary depending on the location and facilities. Children typically pay between half and two-thirds of the adult price, making it an affordable family vacation option.

Additional Costs to Consider

Besides the overnight fee, you can expect to pay between 20 and 30 DKK per day for electricity. Some campsites may also have an environmental fee.

Year-Round Camping and Off-Season Discounts

While some campsites are only open during the summer months, approximately 200 campsites remain open year-round. These campsites often offer lower prices during the off-season, providing budget-conscious travelers with excellent value for their money.

Plan Your Danish Camping Adventure Today!

Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the experience, Denmark's campsites offer a unique way to explore the country's natural beauty while enjoying comfortable and affordable accommodations. Start planning your Danish camping adventure today!

In Denmark, you have around 570 campsites to choose from, so there's a wealth of options for sleeping out in Denmark’s countryside. Campsite standards tend to be very high in Denmark, with well-maintained facilities, great security and plenty of space for individual units. A campsite is awarded between one and five stars for quality and a site with three or more stars will be supervised around the clock.

Around 90% of Danish campsites with a star classification provide campervan facilities and the possibility of filling your water tank. Many campsites also have special spaces set aside for motorhomes.

Read more about motorhomes at Danish campsites at the Danish Campsites website and see more than 400 campervan and motorhome sites and their facilities at the Stellplatz Danmark website.

Some towns and harbours around Denmark make special provisions for campervans in the summer months, where you can park your campervan and enjoy local sights during the day and sleep in your campervan at night, for a small fee. Ask at your local tourist office for details of provisions in your areas. As well as this, there are many farms around Denmark that offer pitches and places to park campervans on their land (called farm camping).

You can always park and sleep in your campervan and motorhome in official campsites in Denmark. There are also rest stops around the country, including public car parks, where you can pull up, refresh, refill water, sleep overnight and use the services, provided you don't make a camp. If this is not allowed at specific car parks, you will see signs stating this.

As a general rule, it’s possible to bathe naked on nearly all Danish beaches, with the exception of a small number of beaches where it is prohibited. If it is prohibited, there will be a sign stating this. If you do decide to go without your clothes on the beach, the only rule is that you show respect to other beach users. 

Find guidelines on nudist bathing and locations on the Strand Guide website (site is in Danish). 

Denmark has 240 Blue Flag beaches. The Blue Flag designation means they meet a number of high environmental standards. The Blue Flag is awarded by the international organisation FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) and a blue flag is a much sought-after designation. Check out this map of all the Blue Flag beaches in Denmark. 

Visiting Blue Flag beaches with your dog 

Denmark has always welcomed dogs on its beaches! The international Blue Flag organisation recommends that countries do not allow dogs onto Blue Flag beaches during peak summer months. However, Denmark allows dogs on all its beaches, all year round, as long as they are on a lead between 1st April and 30th September. From 1st April to 30th September, dogs can only swim free out in deeper water, as long as it is over the low-tide line, on non-Blue Flag beaches. Dogs are allowed to swim on Blue Flag beaches from 16th September to 31 May. 

Note: In April and from 16-30 September, dogs can only be let off the lead to swim on Blue Flag beaches over the low-tide line, as on all Danish beaches. 

There are lifeguards on many Danish beaches during the summer months, providing an important safety service to swimmers and beach users. The Tryg Foundation, local authorities and other organisations have collaborated to provide a network of lifeguard towers, staffed with lifeguards from the Danish Swimming Federation along Denmark’s beaches. 

The Danish Council for Greater Water Safety’s website contains maps of beaches serviced by the lifeguard network.

In Denmark you have The Danish Animal Welfare Society, who cares about animals. 

If you find wild animals or other animals that needs care, you can call the Animal Rescue Centre 1812. The lines are open 24 hours and 7 days a week. 
The Danish Animal Welfare Society has a network of volunteers and corporates with the National Rescue Centers called Falck, to help animals that need care. 

The Danish Animal Welfare Society has 7 shelters scattered throughout the country. You cannot bring animals to the shelters before you have called 1812. The Animal Rescue Center 1812 will decide what kind of action that has to be done in each situation.

The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration website contains full details on which animals you can bring to Denmark and under what conditions. You can also read more about Pet Passports.

Popular places to fish include Great Belt (between Zealand and Funen), Little Belt (between Funen and Jutland) and for the adventurous with good sea legs, The Yellow Reef, a high plateau area on the edge of the Norwegian Deep, off the North Coast of Denmark. 

Search this detailed list of angling waters in Denmark.

Denmark also has a number of Put & Take lakes where you can fish without a fishing licence or permit. The Put & Take website has an English homepage, from which you can click through to a list of Put & Take lakes around Denmark.

You can join an organised fishing trip as an individual, but many operators also organise group tours where you can choose the destination yourself. Special tours are also available, such as family trips, shipwreck tours or trips for certain species like mackerel or flatfish. Troll fishing is possible of the coast of Bornholm. The type of boat, services they provide, and duration of trip vary from company to company. 

A tour of four to six hours typically costs about 250kr for adults and slightly less for children, not including the mandatory fishing licence you need to buy.

All anglers between 18 and 65 years of age must have a fishing licence to fish in Danish waters. It’s easy to buy licences, issued either by day, week or season. Licences can be bought online here. Read more about angling in Denmark on the Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark website.

Fishing permits

Fishing rights in most natural lakes and streams around Denmark are privately owned and as well as your fishing licence, you will need a permit to fish in these waters. At many places, a boat can be rented with fishing rights included. Your local tourist office will be able to provide you with fishing permits and price lists.

The Nature Agency owns a number of recreational fishing areas that are freely accessible to anglers. Some of these sites are free to fish while others require a paid fishing permit. The Nature Agency website pinpoints all these fishing areas on a map, but the website is in Danish. 

The My Fish Maps website is a handy English resource that lists good places for fishing in Denmark, as well as comments from other anglers on different spots for fishing.

Denmark has some of the best angling waters in Europe and you are never far from a peaceful lake, rushing stream or open sea to go fishing in. 

It’s free to fish in Denmark’s coastal waters, if you have a fishing licence. In streams and lakes, you will need to have permission from the landowner or a fishing permit to fish in that area, as well as a fishing licence. Inland water tends to be privately owned. Local angling societies often rent out water spots for fishing and there will be signs in these areas stating that fishing by others is prohibited.

Alcohol laws in Denmark are different for spirits compared to beer and wine. The age limit for buying beer and wine in Denmark is 16 years in shops and 18 years in bars and restaurants. For buying alcohol with a percentage higher than 16.5%, the legal age in Denmark is 18 everywhere. You can buy alcohol in many convenience stores and supermarkets in Denmark.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect city break hotel, a quaint little inn in the countryside, a family friendly campsite, or a summer house by the coast, you’ll be able to find your ideal accommodation in Denmark. Source our accommodation site to find your place to stay during your visit to Denmark.

You are allowed to fly with drones in Denmark under the following rules:

The drone’s weight must be no more than 25 kg and the drone must not be flown higher than 100 meters. The drone must always be fully visible to the person flying and all features must be fully mastered and under their control.

The following distances must be kept from these sites:

• Military air base: 8 km
   
• Other airports: 5 km
   
• Buildings and private property: 150 m
   
• Streets/roads: 150 m
   
• Sites of accidents: 200 m

You are only allowed to fly your drone in urban areas for professional purposes.

You can find more information here.