Denmark Travel Guide: Complete Tips & Must-See Spots

“Denmark is like a secret little place with its own special language.”
helena Christensen

Table Of Contents

Top Five Destinations In Denmark
Did you know?
Denmark Map
Good To Know Before You Go
Our Denmark Gallery
- Flights, Accommodations, and Everything You Need to Book in One Place
Our Top Recommended Travel Products

Top Five Destinations In Denmark

Copenhagen is Denmark’s vibrant capital city and the country’s cultural and financial center. Fantastic Nyhavn and intriguing Christianshavn are major draws for visitors. Drop down into one of many classic bars in Nyhavn for a beer. The city is full of Dutch Renaissance architecture and medieval churches. It has fantastic restaurants, buzzing nightlife, and great shopping.
Odense is the charming birthplace of Han Christian Anderson. This was also the haven for worshippers of the Norse Gods. The city is full of vibrant colors and a strong sense of community. Many sites to visit include Funen’s Abbey, the 11th-century Saint Canute’s Cathedral, and the Viking Castle.
Aarhus and its environs have Iconic sites, a lively music scene, pristine beaches, castles, and twisted forests. This eighth-century fortified Viking settlement was a trade center for centuries due to its strategic location. It is famous for its music festivals. The old town area has beautifully preserved houses and is lovely to stroll through. The 13th-century Aarhus Cathedral is well worth a visit.
The wild and untouched Northern shores, Beautiful windswept seaside, buried churches, and dramatic nature.
Kronborg Castle is the magnificent 13th-century home of Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the town of Elsinore. It is dramatic in both architecture and setting.

Did you know?

Demark Stats

Population: 5.8 million
Capital City: Copenhagen
Currency: Danish Kroner (DKK)
Government type: Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
Monarch: Margrethe II
Prime Minister: Mette Frederiksen
Ethnic groups: Danish (includes Greenlandic (who are predominantly Inuit) and Faroese) 86.3%, other 12.7% (largest groups are Polish, Syrian, German, Iraqi, and Romanian)
Languages: Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect), German (small minority)
Religions: Evangelical Lutheran (official) 74.7%, Muslim 5.5%, other/none/unspecified of less than 1% each: Roman Catholic, Jehovah’s Witness, Serbian Orthodox Christian, Jewish, Baptist, Buddhist, Mormon, Pentecostal, and nondenominational Christian 19.8%
U.S. State Department Risk Level: 2 due to terrorism
Terrorist groups: Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps/Qods Force (2019)
GDP: 348.1 billion, Rank 16th
Denmark averages 171 days of precipitation in either rain or snow.
There are 7,314 miles of Denmark’s coastline.
Denmark is the world’s fifth-largest importer of food despite its small population.
The diverse economy comprises agriculture, tourism, and energy.
Denmark’s inventions include Google Maps, the loudspeaker, Lego bricks, dry cell batteries, and insulin.
Major trading partners: Germany, Sweden, the U.K., the US, the Netherlands, Norway, and Japan.
Life expectancy: 81.2 years.
The literacy rate is 99%.

Fun Facts

Denmark is the world’s largest meat consumer per capita.
The Danish flag is the oldest in the world, created in 1219.
It has been named one of the happiest countries on earth multiple times.
A word that reflects the Danish soul, Hygge, is about creating a cozy feeling of togetherness, well-being, and warmth.
The Danish alphabet has three additional letters.
The Danish Monarchy is the oldest continuing Monarchy in the world.
Danish pastry originated in Austria. It was brought there by Austrian bakers who had relocated to replace Danish bakers after the Danish bakers went on strike.
Bike culture is prevalent and widely regarded as a safe and effective mode of transport. Denmark has 12,000 km of bike paths and lanes. 75% of Danes continue to bike in the winter, and 50% bike to work daily.
Danes are the world’s highest consumers of coffee.
Soccer is the national sport.
Denmark has the two oldest amusement parks in the world. Walt Disney visited Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen and was so inspired that he created Disneyland.
Shakespeare’s famous play Hamlet was set at Elsinore Castle, which is modeled on Denmark’s Kronborg Castle.
On Denmark’s Faroe Islands, the population of sheep is twice that of humans.
Denmark is the biggest producer of minks.
Hans Christian Anderson, a fairy-tale author, is the most famous Dane.

Denmark Map

Good To Know Before You Go

Tipping is not needed in Denmark, as it is included in your bill. It is not customary or expected. This includes restaurants, cab drivers, porters, bartenders, and other service workers. Credit cards are accepted everywhere.
Overall, the clothing is stylish and well-kept. They are casual dressers, often wearing jeans and comfortable shoes. Women often wear dresses, and nylon stockings remain trendy.
Do not jaywalk in Denmark, or you will be fined. Danes are rule followers, which is why their society is so organized.
Driving is easy in Denmark with normal rules of the road. Just be very careful with bicycles!
Before getting on a bike in Denmark, become familiar with the norms. There is a bike traffic issue, which can overwhelm visitors. Practice first!!
The life of a Dane is often defined by three words: simplicity, politeness, and equality.
Danish people don’t give much value to possessions or high income. The simple life is the essence of the Danes.
Greetings in Denmark are polite and involve a handshake. The Danes consider initiating a conversation with them while riding public transportation to be disrespectful.
Women and Men are equal in Denmark. They receive equal compensation.
Danes are happy and peaceful people.
The Danes are very private people, and the unspoken rule of privacy is always to be respected. If you walk past a home with open windows, do not peer inside; it is considered very rude.
They pay the highest taxes in the world for healthcare, social services, and unemployment benefits.
Denmark has a deep folk music history. The arts are essential to their lives, and many concerts and music programs are available for travelers.
The Danes are known for their Folklore and storytelling. You will be richly rewarded if you can engage them to share a story.
Denmark has a heavy seafood and meat diet.
The Danes prefer to be left alone and would appreciate it if you left their dogs alone, too. Admire from a distance.
The weather can be harsh, and even summers never get that hot. Plan layers even for summer travel.
Most Danes speak excellent English.
Spirits are expensive in Denmark. Beer is the most popular drink.
Most restaurants and tourist sites do not allow smoking.
It is a very safe country.

Denmark Essential Info

U.S. Consular Emergency
The 24-hour number from a U.S. Phone is 1-888-407-4747
Outside of the U.S., 011-202-501-4444

U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen
Address: Dag Hammarskjölds Alle 24
2100 Copenhagen
Phone: +45 3341 7100
Emergency after hours: +45 3341 7400

US Consulate in Nuuk
Address: Postboks NR 552
Nuuk 3900 Greenland
+299 38 41 00

Emergency Numbers
GENERAL 112
Police 114

Country Code
+45 Denmark
+299 Greenland
+298 Faroe Islands

Time Zone
UTC+1

Driving
Right side

Adaptors
“Standard” Euro plug
Type C or F

Tourism Office
https://visitdenmark.com

New York Office: usa@visitdenmark.com

When To Travel to Denmark

Denmark is a top-rated destination for tourists. It is the happiest place to live on earth, so why wouldn’t you want to be there? It also rains (and rarely snows) every other day of the year, so the weather can be an issue if you don’t plan for it. During the peak tourist season, July & and August can be crowded. May and September can still have nice weather but with fewer crowds.

Summers stay mild but may get chilly or feel like there is no summer. June is the driest month of the year. Days are long, and you will see everyone outside. Winter months are the low season, but the Christmas markets and festivals draw many visitors; keep that in mind. The noted “Hygge” indeed occurs in winter, and Danes just cozy up at home for the short, cold days.

Overall, Denmark can be a year-round destination if you plan accordingly.

Summer 54-72°F (12-21 °C)
Spring 34-61°F (1-16 °C)
Fall 39-62°F (4-17 °C)
Winter 30-39°F (-1-4 °C)

Our Favorite Denmark Resources

This resource section contains some Amazon affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

Travel Books/Guides

Our trip to Denmark was during a two-week trip to seven different countries. What we can pack is limited, and it had to have bang for the space required. These guides served us well in planning and during our travels.

Lonely Planet’s Denmark (Country Guide)

This is a passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice, the highlights Denmark has to offer, and what hidden discoveries await you. Sample Danish food, immerse yourself in Viking history, wander amazing castles, and stop by the home of Lego—all with your trusted travel companion. This travel guide provides detailed information to help you plan your visit to this amazing country. Discover this travel guide here.

Denmark Rick Steves Snapshot Copenhagen & the Best of Denmark

Full disclosure: We are huge Rick Steves fans; we rarely don’t recommend one of his wonderful guides. For a few days there, the Denmark version did an excellent job. We love his travel style and perspective. His off-the-beaten-path approach and independent travel philosophy match well with how we travel. The guides never disappoint. This book made the cut into our suitcase and was a fantastic resource. Find this must-have guide here.

Our Favorite Websites

Denmark Tourism

www.visitcopenhagen.com

2. U.S. Department of State: Bureau of Consular Affairs Denmark Country Info

We cannot encourage you enough to visit this website as you plan and prepare for your trip. The U.S. Federal Government addresses safety, security, travel risks, entry and exit, visa document requirements, emergency U.S. Embassy contacts, health, local laws, special circumstances, threats, traveler vulnerabilities, government warnings, and transportation in Denmark. This is your best and most reliable resource for all this important info. Check back often before you go, as things can change quickly. Being prepared is essential for all travel, but especially for international travel.

Denmark International Travel Information (state.gov)

3. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers Health Resource

This CDC travel resource provides essential health info for your specific destination. Using their tool, you can determine which vaccines, medications, and health advice recommendations are needed for Denmark.

CDC’s Travelers Health Page for Denmark

Our Favorite Maps

Denmark National Geographic Adventure Map, 3329. Easy to read the map with practical road and travel information. We enjoyed the National Geographic maps as they provided accurate details. It seems geared toward the adventure traveler, which we appreciate. Hundreds of points of interest are on this map, including our beloved Castles. Though we default to Google Maps, it was excellent for planning. Find this essential map here.

Our Favorite Apps

Copenhagen Travel: Full city guide in your pocket. Click the A.R. button and turn yourself 360 to see what is near you to visit. Has offline maps.

Google Maps: Trip and Holiday Organizer. The app instantly displays all your travel options, restaurants, activities, and accommodations when you enter any address, landmark, or city. We have come to rely on it when using public transportation; it has been flawless in getting us on the right bus or metro. Find it on your App Store.

Rick Steves Audio Europe App includes a vast library of Rick Steves’ audio content. Get cultural and travel info. Includes self-guided tours of top attractions and historic walks—a must-have. Find on your local app store.

Duolingo-Language Lesson: Audio lessons that help improve your listening and speaking skills. Find on your local app store.

Learn The Danish Language – Drops Focus is a practical app that uses picture-enhanced learning. Great to practice before you go. Easy and fun.

Google Translate: We often use this to practice the proper pronunciation of Danish words. As we always encourage, learning the basics of greeting and thanking people in the local language is essential. Google Translate was an easy app to use. If needed, you can enter text in English, and it will speak back in Danish to help you communicate with locals. Furthermore, it came in very handy to translate text into images instantly.

Do you have a favorite Denmark travel resource? Share your favorites in the comments section at the bottom of this page or

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Flights, Accommodations, and Everything You Need to Book in One Place

Are you planning a vacation this year? Start your research early to explore your options and find what fits your budget. By booking your own travel, you’ll uncover great deals and have complete control over your itinerary. The links below can be used for all elements of your trip, not just accommodations.

It is essential to price out accommodations on various sites. Expedia is a US-based company, whereas Booking.com is a European company. Not all properties appear on both, so it is best to check both. Our personal first choice is Booking.com. If the establishment has a website, check the price there as well. Click the link below to check out hotels and vacation homes in the area. It may be just the motivation you need to start planning that next grand adventure.

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Our Denmark Gallery

Our Top Recommended Travel Products

Travel Insurance

Squaremouth.com
Our Favorite Travel Insurance Site!

We strongly advocate comprehensive travel insurance, not only for minor inconveniences but also for major, unexpected events such as medical emergencies. We never leave home without it. Our go-to resource is Squaremouth.com. which offers a user-friendly platform that connects you with top-rated, reputable insurance carriers. Plus, they’ll mediate on your behalf if you run into any issues.

To empower you as a consumer, we recommend you read our blog post on why travel insurance is essential and how to secure the best coverage from leading companies at an affordable price.

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MedjetAssist
Medical transport back home from anywhere in the world

Medjet is a leading provider of global air medical transport. Unlike traditional travel insurance, which typically covers medical evacuation to the nearest facility, Medjet goes further by ensuring you’re transported back to the U.S. to the hospital of your choice once you’re stable enough to fly. Medjet offers membership plans that focus on medical transport, while Medjet Horizon provides expanded coverage for broader protection. Individual trip policies start at just $99, and annual policies are available for around $300. Most policies have an age limit of 74.

To learn more about how Medical Evacuation membership with Medjet Assist works, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.

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Accommodations and Airfare

Booking.com
Hotels, Home rentals, BNBs, Flights, and other Transportation & Tours

Booking.com connects millions of travelers to unforgettable experiences, a wide range of transportation options, and incredible places to stay—from homes to hotels and beyond. As one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces, it supports well-known brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes. For its convenience, variety, and reliability, it’s our preferred booking platform.

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Expedia and VRBO
Hotels, home rentals, BNBs, flights, and other transportation & tours

Expedia is a U.S.-based company with a mission to make global travel accessible to everyone, everywhere. At Wanderers Compass, we embrace independent travel, and platforms like Expedia are essential to making that a reality. Expedia allows you to book every aspect of your trip—from flights and accommodations to rental cars, cruises, and activities—making it a one-stop shop for all your travel needs.

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Transportation

Daytrip
Personalized city-to-city private car transfer service

Daytrip provides an affordable private car service for city-to-city transfers worldwide, and we absolutely love their service. It’s a cost-effective alternative to renting a car, offering comfortable, stress-free travel with scenic stops along the way. For example, we used Daytrip for travel between Budapest and Vienna, enjoying some fantastic detours to local attractions. With professional drivers and customizable routes, Daytrip ensures a smooth ride while allowing you to explore hidden gems and unique sights along your journey.

To learn more about Daytrip, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.

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Travel Experiences

Viator
The leading marketplace for travel experiences

Viator believes that travel is all about creating unforgettable memories. With over 300,000 experiences to choose from—ranging from simple tours to extreme adventures, plus a wide array of unique, niche activities—it’s never been easier to make lasting memories. We frequently use Viator during our travels and especially appreciate its flexible cancellation policy, which provides peace of mind with every booking.

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Shopping

Wanderers Compass Amazon Storefront
An excellent source for all travel essentials and guides that we have vetted ourselves

Amazon is one of the world’s most comprehensive online shopping platforms, offering lower prices, a wide selection, and fast delivery through its global fulfillment network.

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