Copenhagen

The coastal city of Copenhagen is packed with old-world charm alongside avant-garde architecture. It’s a vibrant and modern city, with a long and fascinating history. It has been the capital of Denmark for nearly 600 years and is home to the oldest resident monarchy in the world.

Copenhagen is the biggest city in Scandinavia, occupying a pleasant and strategic spot on the Baltic east coast of Denmark’s largest island, Zealand. Its harbour is overlooked by the world-famous statue of the Little Mermaid.

Visitors are often first struck by the cleanliness and orderliness of this busy and dynamic capital. This is epitomised in the suburb of Christianshavn, with its picturesque canals and old cobbled streets all in pristine condition.

Most of the attractions in Copenhagen are situated within one square mile (3 square km) of flat terrain in the centre, making it easy to explore on foot or by bicycle, the vehicle of choice for locals.

Five streets in the heart of the city have been merged to provide the world’s longest pedestrian mall of Strøget, running between Rådhuspladsen and Kongens Nytorv. It’s packed with historic gabled buildings, dynamic department stores, numerous interesting little shops, restaurants, pavement cafes, theatres and world-class museums and galleries.

Copenhagen is not short on green lungs either. Parks such as the ever popular Tivoli Gardens abound in this city, which prides itself on its strict anti-pollution laws and lack of glass and chrome skyscrapers.

Climate for Copenhagen

Copenhagen’s continental climate is mild through all four seasons. Summers (June to August) bring temperatures averaging around 68F (20C), while in mid-winter (December to February) temperatures hover just above or below freezing. The hottest month is July and the coldest month is February. Rainfall is moderate too, but showers are possible in any season. Winter days get far fewer daylight hours than summer days, which are long. Early summer is the best time to visit Denmark; the month of June is particularly lovely because the days are longest and the weather is at its most pleasant.

Health Notes when travelling to Denmark

There are no specific health risks in Denmark and medical facilities are first class. No vaccinations are required, though eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines; free emergency treatment is available to all foreign visitors at public hospitals. After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance.

Safety Notes when travelling to Denmark

Most visits to Denmark are trouble free and crime levels are low, but tourists should be wary of opportunistic muggers, pickpockets and bag snatchers, especially in crowded areas, train stations and bus stops. Visitors should take precautions to keep personal belongings safe.

Customs in Denmark

Denmark is an egalitarian society. Women and men are treated equally.

Duty Free in Denmark

Residents of non-EU countries entering from outside the EU are allowed 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco, as well as 1 litre of spirits, 4 litres of wine and 16 litres of beer.

Doing Business in Denmark

Business in Denmark tends to be conducted in a straightforward manner, though somewhat less formally than in some other parts of Europe. Greetings are made with a handshake, introductions are usually made using one’s first name and it’s normal to greet women first.

Punctuality is vital and, if running even five minutes late, it’s important to call and apologise. Danes tend to be open-minded and friendly, and one can expect some small talk at the start of a meeting on a range of topics. Business cards are exchanged before or after the meeting.

Dress should be smart and neat, without being ostentatious, and English is widely spoken and understood. Business hours are usually 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. In the summer months (June to August), some Danes are on holiday, so it’s best to check before arranging a business trip.

Communication in Denmark

The international country code for Denmark is +45. visitors can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones; public WiFi is widespread.

Tipping in Denmark

Those working in Denmark’s service industry generally receive good wages. Service charges are usually included in bills so tipping isn’t common. However, small tips are appreciated by bellhops, valets, maids, porters, or taxi drivers if guests feel the service has been good. Usually rounding up to the nearest kroner is acceptable.

Passport/Visa Note

The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, travellers to Denmark must hold proof of the following: return or onward tickets, with confirmed reservations; the required documentation for the next destination; visible means of support (at least DKK 350) per day of stay in Denmark. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passport has at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. No documents issued more than 10 years priot to date of travel will be accepted. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans:

United States citizens must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days within a six month period, extension of stay is possible. There are no COVID-19 related requirements regarding test or self-isolation when entering Denmark.

Entry requirements for Canadians:

Canadian citizens must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days in a six-month period. There are no COVID-19 related requirements regarding test or self-isolation when entering Denmark.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:

UK citizens must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days within a six month period, extension of stay is possible. There are no COVID-19 related requirements regarding test or self-isolation when entering Denmark.

Entry requirements for Australians:

Australian citizens must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days in a six-month period. There are no COVID-19 related requirements regarding test or self-isolation when entering Denmark.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Irish nationals must have a passport valid for the duration of their stay. No visa is required. There are no COVID-19 related requirements regarding test or self-isolation when entering Denmark.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days in a six-month period. There are no COVID-19 related requirements regarding test or self-isolation when entering Denmark.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South African citizens must hold a passport, not a temporary passport, valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay. A Schengen ‘C’ type visas must be valid for the visited Schengen Member State. There are no COVID-19 related requirements regarding test or self-isolation when entering Denmark.

Nightlife in Copenhagen has a couple of gears and the real party doesn’t start until late at night. Most jumpstart the evening in a variety of cafes and bars, ranging from renovated historic buildings with new edgy decor to newly built and fashionable eateries.

Themed bars are a perfect way to begin the night, as they let patrons enjoy easy listening music and nice meals before late-night DJs take over with more energetic tracks. Certain areas of the city, such as Nyhavn and Boltens Gård, are long-time Copenhagen nightlife districts that always promise great venues, often staying open until about 5am.

The 150-year-old Pantomime Theatre stages commedia dell’arte productions with free admission, while the modern Tivolis Koncertsal offers classical entertainment from opera to symphonies. Last-minute discounted tickets are often available at the ticket kiosk across from the Nørreport train station at the corner of Fiolstræde and Nørre Voldgade.