EXPLORE DENMARK

Your Comprehensive Destination Guide

At a Glance

Total area: 42,933 square kilometers

Capital: Copenhagen

Religion: Evangelical Lutheran (Church of Denmark) — about 74% of the population are members
Population: Approximately 5.9 million

Languages: Danish (official); English is widely spoken; German is taught in schools and spoken in some southern areas
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)

Banking Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 am–4:00 pm

Telephone/Communication: The country code is +45. Denmark has an advanced telecommunications infrastructure. Mobile networks: 4G and 5G are widely available. Internet penetration is high, with widespread broadband and mobile internet coverage

Climate: Temperate oceanic climate.

Mild winters with average temperatures around 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F)
Cool summers with average temperatures around 17°C to 21°C (63°F to 70°F)
Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year

VAT in Denmark

Visitors from outside the EU can claim a VAT refund on goods bought in Denmark if the total purchase amount exceeds a certain minimum (usually around 300 DKK) and if they export unused goods outside the EU within 3 months. The refund process requires proper documentation (receipts and tax-free forms) from the retailer.

How to claim a VAT Refund:
When departing Denmark or the EU, you typically complete this process at the airport or border. Some companies help with VAT refund processing (like Global Blue or Planet).

Travel Requirements

Entry & Visa

Visa-Free Travel:

U.S. passport holders can enter the Czech Republic (a Schengen Area country) without a visa for tourism, business, or short-term study for up to 90 days within 180 days.

Passport Validity:

Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your departure date from the Schengen Area.

Proof of Funds:

You may be required to demonstrate sufficient financial means for your stay.

Return or Onward Ticket:

While not always mandatory, it’s advisable to have a return or onward ticket to show your intent to leave the Schengen Area within the allowed period.

Travel Insurance:

While not a strict entry requirement, it’s highly recommended to have travel medical insurance that covers potential health issues or accidents during your stay. Some accommodations may request proof of insurance upon check-in.

Getting there from the US

Direct Flights from the U.S. to Denmark

Several U.S. cities offer nonstop flights to Copenhagen:

U.S. City	Airline	Route Notes
New York (JFK)	SAS, Norse Atlantic	Daily or near-daily service
Newark (EWR)	United Airlines	Year-round nonstop
Chicago (ORD)	SAS	Frequent service
Washington, D.C. (IAD)	SAS	Seasonal direct
Boston (BOS)	SAS	Seasonal or year-round
Los Angeles (LAX)	SAS	Often seasonal; long-haul direct
San Francisco (SFO)	SAS (historically)	May return depending on season/demand
Miami (MIA)	Norse Atlantic (seasonal)	Budget-friendly long-haul option

Most other U.S. cities will require a 1-stop connection through major European hubs like

Frankfurt (FRA)
Amsterdam (AMS)
London Heathrow (LHR)
Paris (CDG)
Reykjavík (KEF) (via Icelandair)
Oslo (OSL) or Stockholm (ARN) with SAS

Travel Safety Tips

General Safety:

Denmark is considered one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates.
Violent crime is rare, but always stay alert in crowded areas and tourist hotspots to avoid petty theft, such as pickpocketing.

Pickpocketing & Theft:

Watch your belongings, especially in busy places such as Copenhagen’s city center, train stations, and tourist attractions.
Keep valuables in front pockets or use a money belt.

Bicycle Safety:

Denmark is very bike-friendly, but traffic moves fast.
If you rent or use a bike, always obey traffic rules, use bike lanes, and wear a helmet where required.
Be cautious at intersections.

Public Transport:

Public transportation is safe and reliable.
To avoid fines, always buy a valid ticket before boarding trains, buses, or metros.

Natural Conditions:

The weather can be unpredictable—dress in layers and be prepared for rain or wind, especially if visiting coastal areas or islands.

Emergency Numbers:

Dial 112 for emergencies (police, fire, ambulance).

Local Laws & Customs:

Drug laws are strict; avoid any illegal substances.
Alcohol consumption is legal from age 18, but public intoxication is frowned upon.
Most public indoor spaces prohibit smoking.

COVID-19 & Health:

Follow any local health guidelines or restrictions. Denmark has high-quality healthcare, but travel insurance is recommended to cover any unexpected medical needs.

Stay Connected:

Have a local SIM card or roaming plan to easily access maps, emergency contacts, and translation apps.

Cultural Respect:

Danes value privacy and modesty. Respect personal space and be polite in public interactions.

Health Safety Tips for Denmark

Healthcare Quality: Denmark has a high standard of healthcare services with modern hospitals and clinics. Emergency medical services are efficient and reliable.

Travel Insurance: Even though Denmark has excellent healthcare, make sure to have comprehensive travel health insurance that covers medical treatment and possible evacuation.

Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry into Denmark from the U.S. However, it’s recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccines such as:

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis
Polio
Influenza (especially during flu season)

COVID-19: Stay updated on any COVID-19 entry requirements or restrictions, which may change. If necessary, carry a mask for use in healthcare settings or crowded places.

Food and Water Safety: Tap water in Denmark is safe and clean to drink. Food safety standards are high, but always practice common sense—eat from reputable restaurants and wash fruits/vegetables if you prepare your meals.

Medication: Bring any prescription medications you need, along with the prescription note. Pharmacies are widely available, but some medicines may require a prescription.

Sun Protection: Despite the cooler climate, Denmark’s summers can have intense UV rays, so use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect your skin.

Mental Health: Travel can be stressful, so take time to rest and stay hydrated. If you have any medical conditions, carry any necessary documentation and emergency contact info.

Fun Facts!

Happiest Country: Denmark consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world, thanks to its strong social welfare, work-life balance, and community spirit.
Bicycles Everywhere: There are more bicycles than people in Denmark! Copenhagen alone has over 600,000 bikes, and about 62% of Copenhageners commute to work or school by bike.
Denmark is the birthplace of LEGO, having invented the world-famous bricks in 1932. The LEGO Group’s headquarters is still in Billund, Denmark.
No Middle Names? Danish people often don’t have middle names in the traditional sense. Instead, many use their mother’s or father’s surname as a second surname.
The Oldest Monarchy: Denmark has one of the oldest continuous monarchies in the world, dating back over 1,000 years.
The Little Mermaid Statue: Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, Copenhagen’s “Little Mermaid” statue is famous but surprisingly small—only about 1.25 meters tall.
Wicked Weather: Danes have a saying about their unpredictable weather: “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.”
Free Education: Denmark offers free education at all levels, even for international students in many programs.
Hygge Culture: The Danish concept of “hygge” (pronounced “hoo-gah”) means cozy comfort and enjoying the simple things in life—like candles, warm drinks, and good company.
It is illegal to start a car when a person is underneath it.
You must have a functioning bike bell if you ride a bike in Denmark.
And here’s a quirky one: You can legally keep a pet hedgehog in Denmark!
Longest Place Name: Denmark has a famously long place name — “Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu.” (Okay, that’s actually in New Zealand, but Denmark has some tongue-twisting town names like “Sønderjylland.”)
Copenhagen’s “Freetown Christiania”: An autonomous district in Copenhagen known for its unique lifestyle and open cannabis trade. It operates with its own rules, attracting curious visitors worldwide.
Green Energy Leader: Denmark produces almost half of its electricity from wind power, leading the world in sustainable energy.

Top Places to Visit in Denmark

Copenhagen—The Vibrant Capital

What to See & Do

Tivoli Gardens: This historic amusement park and gardens in the city center is magical at night with lights, rides, and live entertainment.
Nyhavn: Iconic 17th-century waterfront with colorful buildings, cafés, and boat tours on the canals.
The Little Mermaid Statue: Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, an iconic symbol of Denmark.
Rosenborg Castle: Renaissance castle housing the Danish crown jewels and royal artifacts.
Christiansborg Palace: Seat of the Danish Parliament with royal reception rooms and tower views.
National Museum of Denmark: Explore Danish history from the Stone Age to modern times.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: Located just north of Copenhagen, renowned for modern art and stunning seaside views.

Culture & Experiences

Copenhagen Food Scene: This city is known for its New Nordic cuisine. Try Michelin-starred restaurants like Noma or casual smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches).
Biking: The city is very bike-friendly—rent a bike to explore like a local.
Strøget: One of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, full of boutiques, cafes, and street performers.
Freetown Christiania: A unique, self-governed district known for its art, alternative culture, and colorful murals.

Aarhus—Denmark’s Second City

ARoS Aarhus Art Museum: Famous for its “Your Rainbow Panorama” rooftop installation with a colorful glass walkway.
Den Gamle By (The Old Town) is an open-air museum recreating Danish town life from different historical periods.
Moesgaard Museum: Archaeological and ethnographic collections in a stunning modern building.
Latin Quarter: Quaint streets with shops, cafés, and a vibrant nightlife.

Odense—Home of Hans Christian Andersen

Hans Christian Andersen Museum: Dive into the life and stories of the beloved fairy tale author.
Odense Zoo: A wonderful family-friendly attraction.
Funen Village: Open-air museum showcasing traditional Danish village life.
Odense Cathedral: A beautiful Gothic church dedicated to St. Canute.

Roskilde

Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for being the final resting place of Danish monarchs.
Viking Ship Museum: Explore real Viking ships and interactive exhibits.
The city hosts the annual Roskilde Festival, one of Europe’s largest music festivals.

Skagen

It is located at Denmark’s northern tip, where the North and Baltic Seas meet.
It is known for its unique light that inspired the Skagen Painters, an artists’ colony in the late 19th century.
Visit the sandy beaches, quaint harbor, and art museums.

Bornholm Island

It is popular for its rocky coastline, medieval round churches, and artisan crafts.
The island is an excellent destination for cycling, hiking, and exploring charming fishing villages.

Museums & Culture

Designmuseum Danmark (Copenhagen): Celebrates Danish design and crafts, including iconic furniture and fashion.
The National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum for Kunst): Denmark’s largest art museum houses Danish and international works.
The Royal Danish Theater: Offers opera, ballet, and theater performances in historic venues.
Literature & Fairy Tales: Museums and festivals inspired by Hans Christian Andersen celebrate Denmark’s rich storytelling tradition.

Experiences & Things to Do

Hygge: Experience Experience Danish hygge, which involves cozying up in cafés with candlelight, pastries, and warm drinks, particularly during the colder months.
Castles & Palaces: Explore numerous castles, such as Kronborg (the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet), Frederiksborg Castle, and Egeskov Castle.
Coastal Adventures: Denmark’s coastline offers sailing, windsurfing, and beautiful beaches.
Festivals: Enjoy events like the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, the Aarhus Festival, and the Roskilde Festival.

The quote by Hans Christian Andersen, “To travel is to live,” beautifully captures the spirit of Denmark.

This small Nordic country, rich with history, culture, and charm, invites travelers to experience life fully. Whether you stroll along the colorful Nyhavn harbor in Copenhagen, cycle through endless flat landscapes, or cozy up with a cup of coffee in a hygge-inspired café, Denmark teaches us that travel is more than just seeing new places—it’s about immersing yourself in moments that awaken your senses and enrich your soul.

Denmark’s seamless blend of tradition and innovation encourages visitors to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures. From fairytale castles to vibrant urban life, traveling here reminds visitors to live honestly; they must embrace curiosity, openness, and joy in discovery.

So when you journey to Denmark, remember Andersen’s timeless insight: every step you take is a step toward truly living.