Denmark – Travel Guide
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All about Denmark
Denmark FAQ
What is Denmark known for?
Like the rest of Scandinavia, Denmark is known for its high-quality design and architecture. It is dubbed in various surveys and polls throughout the years as the `happiest country in the world`, it is often pictured as a romantic and safe place, likely linked to Hans Christian Andersen as a `fairy tale` on its own.
Denmark is also known for Danish Lurpak® butter, it is world famous and can be bought in stores in more than 100 countries worldwide. Denmark is also known as the Danish manufacturer producing LEGO bricks. The birthplace of LEGO is said to be in Billund which is a small Danish Town. This is where the original Legoland resort is. The use of bicycles is renowned worldwide and part of the Danish culture. Something that attracts people of all ages to the capital of Copenhagen`s Tivoli Gardens known to be the second oldest amusement in the world. People also relate Denmark to it`s Viking history, Faroe Islands and Castles.
What are the best places to visit in Denmark?
The main part of Denmark proper is Jutland (North Jutland, Central Jutland), a peninsula north of Germany, but Denmark also includes a great number of islands, of which the major ones are Zealand and Funen. Most of the islands are situated in the small shallow sea of Kattegat and the Baltic Sea, between Jutland and Sweden. The new region of Hovedstaden consists of the municipalities of Copenhagen and Helsingor, and the regional municipality of Bornholm. By grouping these counties together to make bigger regions it gives you many different things to discover.
How many days should I spend in Denmark?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Denmark?
Transport in Denmark is reasonably priced, quick, clean and efficient. A comprehensive journey-planning website: www.rejseplanen.dk (download the Rejseplanen app) is extremely helpful with getting around Denmark. The website also has great information about modes of transport and how to buy tickets.
Trains: You will find train transportation reasonably priced with vast coverage of the country and frequent departures. The primary Danish train company is Danish State Railways or DSB. Eurail passes are valid on all DSB trains. The trains are comfortable, modern and on-time. Tickets can be purchased at station ticket offices, from vending machines in the stations and via DSB`s website.
Car: Driving is a great way to get between cities and is very easy, with well-maintained roads everywhere. There are no toll-roads except the two big bridges. Car rentals can be found in larger towns. Touring the country by car can be a wonderful experience and is highly recommended.
Bike:Biking in Denmark is generally safe and easy. The Country boasts extensive bike paths that are link the different towns throughout the country. Drivers are used to bikes everywhere, as it is a part of Denmark`s culture, and all major cities have dedicated, curbed bike lanes along the main streets. Denmark is quite falt, but can be windy, cold or wet on a bike.
By Bus:All majorcities and towns have a local and regional bus system. Long-distance buses run a distant second to trains.
Ferries: Boats are everywhere in Denmark. The only way to get to most of the smaller islands is by ferry. This is the best way to get to Bornholm, a Danish island in the Baltick Sea.
What is the currency of Denmark?
The currency in Denmark is called the Kroner, written DKK. Once you`re in Denmark you`ll have to use Kroner in most places. It is recommended to exchange at least some money before you leave home so that you can avoid lines at airport ATMs. There are various ATMs throughout the city.
Tipping in Denmark can vary. According to the Danish law, service charges (including gratuity) are normally included at restaurants, hotels, and taxis. Make sure to check your bill at restaurants and to see if service charges are included or not. If there is a service charge there is no need to leave a tip. According to some sources, it is customary to leave up to 10% to the waiter, if the service is satisfactory.For more detailed information, consult our guide by clicking visiting Tipping in Denmark
Do people speak English in Denmark?
The country`s written and spoken language in Denmark is Danish. However, English is widely spoken and understood throughout. We suggest you get a good guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
Best time to visit Denmark
Out of all the Scandinavian countries, Denmark offers the least extreme in regards to climate. Denmark has a temperate climate and offers four distinct seasons of spring, summer, fall and winter. The country has a prevailing western wind, and the west coast of Denmark receives more rainfall than the rest of the country.
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The best time to visit is May through August when the days are at their longest, temperatures are relatively warm and the landscape is blossoming. Bear in mind, though, that the summer months can get uncomfortably crowded. Fall runs from September to November and tends to be rainy and cloudy. The winter months of December to March are normally cold, with frost and snow. Copenhagen attracts visitors all year and you should have no problem finding plenty going on throughout the year in the city.
April – June
Spring usually brings bright sunlight and cloudless skies. This is often referred to as the best time to go to Denmark as you`ll find longer days, fewer crowds and ideal weather conditions for getting out and about. June offers the best weather during the spring months with pleasant temperatures without spring`s wet weather.
Events and Festivals
– Independence Day (June 5)
– Distortion (June)
– Viking Festival (June) Midsummer`s Night – countrywide, longest day of the year (June 21)
July – August
During the summer months of July and August, the climate is warmest (averaging between 61° and 77°) and the landscapes are the prettiest. This is when the tourist facilities are operating at full steam. The downfall of the summer season is this is also when the Danes vacation (typically July), and they usually all head to the countryside or the more popular stretches of coastline making it an extremely busy travel time. For a bit of peace and quiet, head inland.
Events and Festivals
– Rock Festival (July)
– Copenhagen Jazz Festival (July)
– Funen Festival (July)
– CPH Opera Festival (July – August)
– Fire Festival Regatta (August)
– Fall Ballet Festival (August)
– Aarhus Festival Week (Late August to Early September).
September – November
Autumn can be a great time to visit, with the falling leaves offer a beautiful ambiance and less crowds. Bear in mind that the temperatures start to become noticeably cooler and the fall season can get quite wet. September the temperatures are still quite pleasant, but in November, the weather is not so favorable when it gets rather cold and the nights are often freezing. The prices are the most affordable during the month of October before rate increases start to take effect for the Christmas markets and twinkling lights of November and December.
Events and Festivals
– Aarhus Festival week (September)
– Copenhagen Blues Festival (September or October).
December – March
During the winter months the temperatures are cold but rarely severe and are definitely less frigid than those of its northerly Scandinavian neighbors. Winter temperatures seldom drop below 30°F, thanks to the warming waters of the Gulf Stream, February tending to be the coldest month of the season. The possibilities for outside pursuits are limited in the winter months, but there is much to be said for fewer tourists and more attractive prices on hotels and airfares. As March approaches, temperatures typically start to rise.
Events and Festivals
– Tivoli Christmas Market (December)
– Winter Jazz Event – Music in Copenhagen (January – February)
– New Year`s Eve Copenhagen – Amalienborg Square (December 31).
Tipping in Denmark
The questions “when?” and “how much?” can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these “tips” will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
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Tipping in Iceland
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use the Danish Krone (DKK)?
The currency of Denmark is the Danish Krone, written DKK. Some shops catering to tourists will accept payment in Euros but not U.S. dollars. Once you`re in Denmark you`ll need to use the Danish Krone in most all places.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
In general it`s not customary to tip in Denmark, however it is also not illegal or rude to tip in these places either. According to Danish law, any service charge (including gratuity) needs to be included in the restaurant`s price for menu items. However, there are still times where you should leave a gratuity; it all depends on the service and if the service charge is included or not. Often times you will find that many bills already have the service charge added into the total. If there isn`t a service charge and the service was exceptional, or if you are dining at a very nice restaurant you can leave a tip, 10% is typically the standard to go by.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
Tipping in hotels in Denmark is not customary; the services are included in your bill. However, you are welcome to leave a small tip for your maid or bellman, they would be appreciative but do not expect it, and the same would be true for other services around the hotel.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
Tipping cab drivers is unusual and never expected in Denmark. The price of the ride will cover any service charge. However, if the taxi driver was particularly helpful tipping etiquette dictates that you should round up a bit to the nearest krone and let the taxi driver keep the change.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
Tipping tour guides is not expected in Denmark. However, if you had an exceptional experience and felt you wanted to express your appreciation to your tour guide, you can tip him or her as little or as much as you desire. Any tip amount would be appreciated.
Final Thoughts:
Remember it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. Unlike in the US, waiters, tour guides, hotel staff, etc. are paid a decent wage, and tipping is not the standard practice. Service is built into the system and service charges are already included in the prices.
Top cities in Denmark
More Cities in Denmark
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What to expect while traveling
