Denmark: Explore the Charming Kingdom of Majestic Landscapes
Often overlooked by travellers, the Kingdom of Denmark is small yet prosperous. This thriving country in northern Europe enjoys some of the highest standards of living in the world, and contains a host of interesting attractions and experiences for visitors.
The capital of Copenhagen is lively, occupying the biggest of the offshore islands. Denmark is almost totally surrounded by ocean and its terrain is made up of the Jutland Peninsula and some 406 islands. It has excellent road and railway systems, in addition to numerous ferry connections to the myriad offshore islands.
With all this water, it’s not surprising that Denmark is extremely reliant on shipping and fishing. The country also has an important agricultural sector and is famed in particular for its dairy products, with lovers of butter and cheese sure to be in culinary heaven.
The countryside is both charming and majestic, with small green farms, blue lakes and white coastal beaches. Thatched cottages, castles and windmills are sprinkled throughout rural areas across gentle landscapes perfect for cycling.
The cities are modern and bustling, while still retaining a medieval feel preserved in old districts of colourful buildings and cobblestone streets. The most important of the country’s 300 museums are found in Copenhagen, while the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde is devoted to honouring Denmark’s bold mariners of the past.
Other notable attractions include the annual summer music festival in Roskilde, which is one of the largest in Europe; the Tivoli Gardens amusement park, which has entertained crowds in Copenhagen since 1843; and one of the world’s longest bridges, spanning 10 miles (16km) and joining Denmark to Sweden.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Danish is the official language, but English is understood and widely used.
- Passport/Visa:
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.
- Currency:
Danish currency is the krone (DKK), made up of 100 ore. ATMs are easily found throughout the country, and all major credit cards are widely accepted, especially Visa. Most banks are not open on weekends but Copenhagen has several bureaux de change that stay open late at night, seven days a week.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round European-style, two-pin plugs are standard.
Overview
Denmark is a land of epic natural beauty and gorgeous sightseeing opportunities. The coastline is diverse, consisting of unspoilt beaches, ancient fjords and small coves, with a countryside of lake districts, rolling hills and gentle valleys dotted with windmills.
Most people are unaware of Denmark’s amazing beaches, with some 200 Blue Flag shorelines providing excellent bases from which to fish, kayak, kitesurf and windsurf beneath the surprisingly warm Danish summer sun.
Visitors should jump aboard a ferry to explore more than 400 islands and marvel at the awesome bridges, such as the 10 mile (16km) Oresund link to Sweden. They can also take a week to cycle through beech woods, spend a day out in the Tivoli Gardens amusement park in Copenhagen or explore sleepy medieval villages.
For the more culturally inclined, there are many old castles, quaint traditional architecture and picturesque cobblestone villages and towns. Additionally, a visit to the Viking Ship Museum is devoted to honouring Denmark’s bold ancient mariners.
With such a huge coastline and emphasis on fishing, sampling some of the fresh seafood in the country is an absolute must. The Danish food scene has exploded and is now considered the culinary capital of Scandinavia and a gastronomic destination of note.
Denmark is small and boasts excellent roads, railway systems and numerous ferry connections to the myriad offshore islands. Indeed, the charming and hospitable kingdom of Denmark offers visitors a varied, exciting and unforgettable experience.
Climate in Denmark
Despite being situated in northern Europe, the weather in Denmark isn’t extreme. However, its maritime location and influence of the Gulf Air Stream can make the climate unstable. Winter weather is usually cold and overcast, with potential snowfall between January and March.
Summers (June to August) are relatively warm and sunny. Average temperatures in Copenhagen range from 27°F (-3°C) in midwinter to 72°F (22°C) in midsummer. Rainy days are common all year round but the wettest months in Denmark are August, September, and October. It is worth noting that it can be wet and windy at any time of year.
There is not a great variation in temperatures between night and day in Denmark. But winter days get far fewer daylight hours than long summer days. Early summer is the best time to visit Denmark. The month of June is particularly lovely because that is when the days are longest and the weather 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.
Tourist Offices
Danish Visitor Service, Copenhagen: +45 70 22 24 42 or http://www.visitdenmark.com
- Tourist Authority Offices in the United States:
Danish Tourist Board, New York: +1 212-885-9700 or [email protected]
- Tourist Authority Offices in the United Kingdom:
Danish Tourist Board, London: +44 020 7259 5958 or [email protected]
Denmark Embassies
- In the United States:
Royal Danish Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 234 4300.
- In Canada:
Royal Danish Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 562 1811.
- In the United Kingdom:
Royal Danish Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7333 0200.
- In Australia:
Royal Danish Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6270 5333.
- In Ireland:
Royal Danish Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 475 6404.
- In New Zealand:
Royal Danish Consulate General, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 22 047 3500.
- In South Africa:
Royal Danish Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 430 9340.
Foreign Embassies in Denmark
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Copenhagen: +45 3341 7100.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Copenhagen: +45 3348 3200.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Copenhagen: +45 3544 5200.
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Copenhagen: +45 7026 3676.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Copenhagen: +45 35 47 3200.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Consulate General, The Hague (also responsible for Denmark): +31 70 346 9324.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Copenhagen: +45 3918 0155.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
