Denmark Travel Guide: Plan Your Trip

Planning a trip to Denmark? Great idea! This Denmark Travel Guide will show you things to do in Denmark, cities in Denmark you should definitely visit, and lots of practical information to help you plan your Denmark trip.

Denmark is located in the north of Europe, bordering Germany, the Baltic Sea, and the North Sea. The Nordic country is the smallest and southernmost of the Scandinavian countries. The small country is made up of the Danish Archipelago and consists of around 406 islands, 70 of which are inhabited in Denmark.

Officially known as the Kingdom of Denmark, it also includes the Faroe Island and Greenland. It’s one of the founding members of NATO and is also a member of the European Union, the World Trade Organization and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The laid-back country has a rich culture and history with several UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit. With a world-class food scene, Denmark is a foodie’s paradise.

Denmark Travel Guide: quick facts

Size: 42,915.7 km² or 16,562.1 sq mi

People living there: More than 5,650,000

Capital of Denmark: Copenhagen

Governmental structure: A parliamentary democracy within a constitutional monarchy in which the monarch of Denmark, Queen Margarethe II, is head of state.

National day: June 5

Time zones:

UTC-4: Thule Air Base in Greenland
UTC-3: most of Greenland, including inhabited south coast and west coast
UTC-1: Ittoqqortoormiit and surrounding area in Greenland's Tunu county
UTC: Danmarkshavn weather station and surrounding area in Greenland's Tunu county, Faroe Islands
Central European Time (CET) / UTC+1: metropolitan Denmark

Currency: Danish krone

Power voltage and socket type(s): 230V, plug types C, F, E, K. If these don't match with your devices, make sure to bring a universal adapter.

Official religion(s)/Freedom of religion: Freedom of religion. Overall Denmark is a secular country with a small amount of the population identifying as Christian, Buddhist, and Muslim.

Official language(s) and general knowledge of English: The official language is Danish. English is widely spoken.

Drives on this side: right

International driver's licence accepted? Yes

Phone code: +45

Vaccinations required? No

Is it safe to drink the tap water? Yes

Want more quick facts about Denmark? Check out my post full of interesting facts about Denmark.

Denmark regions

Denmark is divided into five regions with each region being governed by a popularly elected regional council, where the regional chairman is selected. The regions were created as administrative entities in 2007 at a level above municipalities but below the central government.

Hovedstaden

The Capital Region of Denmark consists of Copenhagen and Frederiksberg. Scandinavia's coziest capital is packed with some of the best restaurants, cafes, and shops. From the city’s cutting-edge buildings to its old town and winding streets, the capital city of Denmark is the perfect combination of old and new. Read more about things to do in Copenhagen like visiting the famous little mermaid here.

Northwest of the capital is Denmark’s largest lake, Arresø, perfect for an evening walk. Copenhagen’s infamous alternative neighborhood, Christiana, offers up a mixture of art galleries, music venues, and organic eateries.

Tip: If you want to visit lots several museums and other sights in Copenhagen, it's worth looking into the Copenhagen Card.

Midtjylland

The Central Denmark Region is the second-largest region after the Capital Region. The region covers the central part of Jutland from coast to coast. It's home to Denmark’s second-largest city, Aarhus as well as Horsens, Herning, and Viborg. Generally, the landscape is very varied from the North Sea and sand dunes in the west, to charming bays and inlets on the east coast.

The popular Scandinavian destination is one of the best places to visit in Denmark and boasts a number of museums and exceptional restaurants. A great option for families, you can find LEGOLAND and the Mols Bjerge National Park to explore. Central Aarhus has its beautiful Old Town which acts like an open-air museum of Denmark’s rich past. For art lovers, the ARoS Art Museum features a rainbow skywalk designed by artist Olafur Eliasson

Nordjylland

At the top of Denmark’s Jutland peninsula, North Jutland is known for its unique light and long, sunny days. The regional capital of Aalborg can be counted among tje major cities of Denmark and has a strong maritime history. Here you'll find beautiful architecture, bold art and a thriving culinary scene. To the west and north of the capital, there are endless beaches, rolling landscapes, dunes, forests, and cliffs. The most northwestern point is the idyllic village of Skagen.

Thy park is Denmark’s oldest and biggest natural park is located on the north-west coast of Jutland. While here, tourists visiting Denmark can take part in a number of great outdoor actives including hiking and windsurfing. To learn more about Denmark’s fascinating Viking history, visit Lindholm Høje and Fyrkat.

Sjaelland

The southernmost region of Denmark, the Zealand Region is named after the island of Sjaelland. Zealand and its archipelago are perfect for island-hopping holidays as well as exploring chalk cliffs, castles, ancient Viking history and some of the smaller towns in Denmark. The largest island in Denmark features a ton of beaches worth visiting.

Here, Roskilde is another one of the best cities to visit during a trip to Denmark. It has a historical center where you can find the Viking Ship Museum and see 800-year-old Viking ships. The coastline in Stevns Klint in the south Zealand region has some of the most important fossils in the world. Wander along the coastline and take in 65 million years of history.

Syddanmark

The regional capital of the Region of Southern Denmark is Vejle but Odense is actually the region’s largest city. The varying landscape of flat marshland on the west Jutland coast to the hilly areas in the east make this region a popular destination among hikers.

The south-west coast is home to the UNESCO protected Wadden Sea and can be especially rewarding for wildlife lovers. The region is also home to Denmark’s largest population of spotted seals, with the summer months being the best for sightings.

With a strong influence from Germany, the region’s cuisine is exquisite. For a traditional eating experience, try a South Denmark Coffee Table which consists of 14 types of cake. This can be found at a number of places across the region and is not for the faint-hearted.

How to travel to Denmark

Entry requirements

Citizens from the EU can freely travel to Denmark with no visa. If you’re not from a Nordic country or EU/EAA county then you may need a visa to travel. Citizens from the US do not need a tourist visa for all stays under 90 days. Those traveling from the US will need two blank pages in their passport and at least six months left on their passport.

Denmark is part of the European Union’s Schengen Agreement which means that you don’t need to show your national ID card or passport when you are traveling to and from Denmark if you’re from a Schengen Agreement country. It is, however, recommended that you still carry your ID or passport on you.

How to get to Denmark

By bus

It’s easy to travel by bus from Germany or via the Øresund bridge from Sweden. The bridge connects the Swedish city of Malmö to Copenhagen. There are a number of daily buses from Germany to Denmark. Although traveling by bus takes longer, it’s usually more cost-efficient. On average, the journey takes approximately 11 hours. You can reach Copenhagen from Sweden by bus in roughly 55 minutes. Budget long distance bus companies include Flixbus, Eurolines and Sindbad.

Check bus routes to Denmark with Flixbus.

By train

The capital can be reached easily by train with a train from Hamburg to Copenhagen taking around 5 hours. Copenhagen also connects with Swedish cities Goteborg, Stockholm, and Malmö. It takes 35 minutes to reach Copenhagen from Malmö.

Check here for train timetables and prices within Europe.

By ferry

Getting to Denmark by ferry is possible from Sweden, Germany, Norway, and the UK.

Stenaline provides ferry service from Sweden and Norway.
Scandlines can take you from Germany to Denmark by ferry.
DFDS Seaways connect the UK to Denmark by ferry.
Fjord Line offers ferry service between Norway and Denmark.
ColorLine also offers ferry service between Norway and Denmark.

Look here for a good overview of ferry routes and prices to Denmark.

Fly to Denmark

The biggest airport is Copenhagen airport on the island of Zealand. You should be able to find direct routes to Copenhagen from most major airports all over the world. Denmark’s second busiest airport, Billund, on the Jutland peninsula is another option when flying. If you’re heading to central Jutland then Aalborg is the third largest airport and services this area.

Check Skyscanner for the best flights to Denmark. They give you a good overview of flight options and prices.

How to travel around Denmark

Independent travel around Denmark

Whether you plan on visiting the capital or traveling around the country, Denmark has excellent connections and networks making it easy to navigate. Depending on where you’re going, there are plenty of modes of transport from plains and trains to ferries and boats. It’s easy to use the train network to travel beyond the capital. Non-European travelers can use the Eurail Denmark Pass for cheaper train travels. EU citizens can use the InterRail Denmark Pass.

The excellent road system means there are a number of long-distance coach routes that will show you the best of Denmark for a very reasonable price. They usually focus on certain regions and don't always have a website in English so make sure to use the Google Translate function in your browser. Alternatively, you can get in touch with the local tourist offices for more information.

Ferries also make up an essential service for Denmark with ferries and passenger boats taking you to and from the smaller Danish islands. Samsø Rederi is just an example of a domestic ferry company. It offers a ferry service between Jutland and Samsø.

Traveling by car is an easy and efficient way to get around Denmark due to the brilliant road system and may be more suitable if you’re on a tighter schedule. Just take into account you might need to pay toll when crossing bridges.

Check Rentalcars.com for the most extensive comparison and the best deals for car rental companies.

The best places to stay in Denmark

One of the best booking resources I always use is Booking.com for booking hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts. It has a lot of filtering options so I can easily get a list of only the hotels that meet my criteria. If you're looking for a place to stay in Denmark, I highly recommend you check there.

When I want to book an apartment rather than a hotel, I use Airbnb.

What to pack for Denmark

Denmark has a very temperate climate that is moderated by the warm Gulf Stream. There are four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Summer is the hottest time and autumn tends to be rainy and cloudy. August is the hottest month with the average temperature being 15.7°C and reaching highs of over 25°C.

The west coast of Denmark sees more rainfall than the rest of the country due to a prevailing western wind. There are no truly dry periods but September to November tends to be the wettest season. No matter the time of year, taking items that layer up is key to packing for Denmark.

What to pack for Denmark in summer

A swimsuit
Sunglasses
Flip flops
Sunscreen
Shorts/skirts/dresses
A re-usable water bottle

What to pack for Denmark in winter

A warm, wind- and waterproof jacket
A thick scarf
A hat
Gloves
Warm boots
A re-usable water bottle

What to pack for Denmark in fall

A waterproof jacket
An umbrella
A scarf
Waterproof boots
A jumper or cardigan
A re-usable water bottle

What to pack for Denmark in spring

A waterproof coat
An umbrella
Clothes to kayer
Comfortable walking shoes
T-shirts
A re-usable water bottle

The best time to visit Denmark

Early summer is regarded by many as the best time to travel to Denmark, the days are long and there are fewer crowds. The temperature is pleasant without spring’s wet weather. July and August are a good time to travel as well, however, as it’s peak season, it’s usually busier around the most popular Denmark vacation spots and hotel and flight prices tend to be higher.

With a massive coastline full of beaches, the best time to go swimming in Denmark is between June and August with the average sea temperature being between 17°C and 22°C. Denmark welcomes Midsummer’s Eve, the longest day of the year, around June 21 with a country-wide celebration. For one of the country’s best music festival, visit Denmark during the first week of July to experience the Roskilde Music Festival.

What to eat in Denmark

Stegt flæsk, crispy pork with parsley sauce
Smørebrød, open-faced sandwich
Pølser, hot dog
Æbleskiver, small, round pancakes usually filled with apples
Wienerbrød, a Danish pastry, a sweet and buttery multi-layered pastry
Risalamande, a dessert made up of rice pudding mixed with chopped almonds, vanilla, and whipped cream usually served with a cherry sauce
Lakrids, licorice
Flodebolle, a sweet made from a wafer biscuit and marshmallow cream covered in a chocolate shell
Rugbrod, rye bread
Æbleflæsk, bacon, apples, onions, and sugar mixed together then served on rugbrod (rye bread)

Check out this article on Danish food for even more tips.

Famous events in Denmark

Roskilde Festival, Roskilde (June) – the largest music and cultural event in northern Europe attracting 80,000 people annually to enjoy a week of music and art.
Skagen Winter Swimming Festival, Skagen (January) – the event guarantees ice-cold sea dips, hot drinks and a close experience with the unique nature of Skagen.
Copenhagen Jazz Festival, Copenhagen (July) – one of the biggest jazz festivals in Europe, the city comes alive with jazz in the streets, city squares, and clubs.
Aarhus Festival, Aarhus (August to early September) – the 10-day arts and cultural festival is among one of the largest cultural events in Scandinavia with local, national and international artists.
Ribe International Viking Market, Ribe (May) – over 500 Vikings flock to Ribe to experience how the Vikings would have lived and worked 1,300 years ago.
Aalborg Carnival, Aalborg (May ) – the largest carnival in Northern Europe with up to 60,000 participants and more than 100,000 spectators, ending in a spectacular Grande Parade.
Classic Race Aarhus, Aarhus (May) – 300 racing cars from Denmark and abroad come to the historical race track for the event at Marselisborg Memorial Park.
Beer Festival, Copenhagen (May) – the three-day beer festival is popular among the Danish and beer enthusiasts.
Blokhus Wind Festival, Blokhus (May) – a beautiful kite festival on the beach in Blokhus with the opportunity to fly your own kite and enjoy great performances.
Odense International Film Festival, Odense (August) – experience national as well as international short films at the Danish film festival.

Bank holidays in Denmark

New Year’s Day
Maundy Thursday
Good Friday
Easter Sunday
Easter Monday
Day of Prayer
Ascension Day
Whit Sunday
Whit Monday
Constitution Day (June 5)
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
Second Day of Christmas

Cultural customs to be aware of in Denmark

Denmark is a well-oiled machine and Danes tend to follow the rules. Courteous behavior is expected from everyone whether it be locals or tourists. Follow the rules when you travel Denmark and remember not to jaywalk across the street. When cycling through Danish cities, use your hand signals. Generally, cultural customs are easy to follow here but don’t be surprised by Dane’s lack of social pleasantries. The lack of please’s and thank you’s might be a surprise for non-Scandinavian travelers.

Don't forget travel insurance

No matter how well you plan and research a trip, there are always things that happen beyond your control. Something might get canceled, you can get ill or hurt while traveling or one of your electronics might break or get stolen. When misfortune strikes, travel insurance has got you covered. I've had ongoing travel insurance ever since I started traveling to make sure I'm covered for every trip I go on. Don't have insurance yet? You can get a free quote here:

Basic phrases and their pronunciation

Hello
How are you?
Thank you
Yes
No
Do you speak English?
I don’t speak Danish
Can we have the bill?
Train station
Bus stop
My name is
What’s your name?
How much is it?
Sorry
Where is
Toilet (men’s)
Toilet (women’s)
City center
I’m from
Where are you from?

Goddag/Hej (pronunciation – go-day/high)
Hvordan har du det? (vor-dahn hah du deh)
Talk (tahk)
Ja (yeh)
Nej (nigh)
Taler du engelsk? (tay-ler doo eng-elsk)
Jeg taler ikke dansk (Yai tai-ler igge dansk)
Kan vi få regningen? (kahn eve fo rehh-ning-ehn)
Togstasjon (tog sta-shon)
Busstopp (boos stohp)
Mit navn er… (meet now-n air…)
Hvad hedder du? (Ved hell-er do?)
Hvor meget koster det? (Vor my-et kaw-sta day?
Beklager (bi-clay-er)
Hvor er (vor air)
Toilet Herrer (toy-let hair-ah)
Toilet Damer (toy-let day-mah)
Centrum (cen-trum)
Jeg er fra… (Jai air fra…)
Hvor kommer du fra? (Vor kom-ah do fra?)

Travel safety in Denmark

Denmark is one of the safest countries in the world and visitors have little to worry about in terms of crime. Ranked number five in the Global Peace Index, Denmark is generally very safe. As with any big tourist areas, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur, although rare. Although it’s known to be one of the safest countries to travel, still use the same common sense you would anywhere else in the world.

The use of cash and cards in Denmark

The majority of places accepts cards in Denmark with the most commonly accepted cards being visa and MasterCard. ATM’s are widely available throughout Denmark although not all cash machines are available 24 hours outside of Copenhagen. You can easily get by without cash during your trip, using only card. You may need small amounts of cash for bus tickets if buying from the driver, street food and parking money if needed.

Calling abroad, WiFi and data use in Denmark

Those with a SIM card from an EU country don't have to pay roaming charges when calling, texting, or using data in Denmark. The same goes for some global phone plans.

Skyroam offers both day passes and monthly subscriptions providing you with 4G throughout your trips. I've been using their daily passes not just when I travel outside the EU (no roaming charges for me in the EU) but also as a backup for when I think I'll go over my phone's data plan.

Tipping in Denmark

Tipping is not customary in Denmark as service, including gratuities, is already included in the bill and salaries are decent. Even at restaurants and bars, there's no need to tip. It won't be frowned upon if you top for excellent service but it also won't be expected. You can read more about that here.

A brief history of Denmark

Denmark has a rich history that dates all the way back to C.12500 BC when the first hunters inhabited the Danish lands. Between 700-1000, the Vikings ruled the sea as Denmark was the Viking capital of England. During this time the Dane’s became notorious for plundering churches and monasteries.

The German occupation of Denmark in WWII finished in 1945 after five years. Following on from the war, Denmark was a leader in industrial design with cool clean lines that features in its architecture, silverware, and furniture. As a founding member of the UN in 1945, Denmark went on to join the European community in 1973. With the first female prime minister in office and the legalization of same-sex marriage in the 2010s, Denmark has come along away from its Viking days. Much of the country’s culture and history can be still be seen today throughout Denmark.

And that's it!! I hope these Denmark travel tips have given you an idea of what to see in Denmark and how to plan your trip to this beautiful country.