Do I need a visa for Denmark?

Denmark is not only the gateway to Scandinavia in cultural terms, but certainly also geographically, and as such the country is well connected with the rest of the European continent and to Scandinavia. A plethora of ferries connects Denmark with Europe and Scandinavia, and Copenhagen airport even more so serves as the main Scandinavian hub, since its southern latitude makes it a natural stopping point for flights between Scandinavia and the rest of Europe.

What is the best time to visit Denmark?

The best months to visit are usually Jun, Jul, Aug.

What are the cultural customs in Denmark?

Sports are popular in Denmark, with association football reigning supreme in popularity and counted as the national sport, followed by gymnastics, (Olympic) handball and golf. Along with the other Nordic countries as well as Germany and France, Denmark is among the Handball superpowers and matches among those teams or world and European cups are closely followed by Handball enthusiasts. Badminton is also a popular sport in Denmark, and Denmark is the only non-Asian country to be considered a badminton powerhouse. Another trait of Danish culture as any tourist pamphlet will tell you, is "Hygge", which translates as something like "co…

Field guide

Denmark

Europe • Northern EuropeCopenhagenDanish krone (DKK) · kr

DK, Danmark, Kingdom of Denmark, Kongeriget Danmark

Updated February 5, 2026 at 10:59 PM · Sources

Names & aliases

DenmarkKingdom of DenmarkDKDanmarkKongeriget Danmark

Quick facts

CapitalCopenhagenCurrencyDanish krone (DKK) · krLanguagesDanishPopulation6,011,488Area43,094 km²Calling code+45Driving sideRight-hand

Climate (capital proxy)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

1°54

1°44

3°43

7°50

12°54

16°65

18°80

18°74

14°49

10°65

5°53

3°55

BestJunJulAug

Source: Open-Meteo Climate

Daylight

7:52 AM4:54 PM

9h 1m

Source: Sunrise-Sunset.org

Timezones

UTC-04:00UTC-03:00UTC-01:00(+2 more)

IANA zones (1)

Europe/Copenhagen1 cams

Source: REST Countries

Pre-trip intel

Safety & entry

Source: U.S. Department of State

No data source connected

Safety highlights

No summary available.

Needs review

No bullet notes stored.

Source: U.S. Department of State

Entry & docs

Denmark is not only the gateway to Scandinavia in cultural terms, but certainly also geographically, and as such the country is well connected with the rest of the European continent and to…

Denmark is not only the gateway to Scandinavia in cultural terms, but certainly also geographically, and as such the country is well connected with the rest of the European continent and to Scandinavia. A plethora of ferries connects Denmark with Europe and Scandinavia, and Copenhagen airport even more so serves as the main Scandinavian hub, since its southern latitude makes it a natural stopping point for flights between Scandinavia and the rest of Europe.

Source: Wikivoyage

On the ground

Getting around & connectivity

Source: Wikivoyage

Getting around

*[https://www.rejseplanen.

[https://www.rejseplanen.dk/webapp/index.html?language=en_EN#!P|TP!histId|0!histKey|H572599 Rejseplanen - "The Journey Planner"]
From Sweden
Swedish private train operator [https://www.snalltaget.se/en Snälltåget] operate direct trains from Stockholm to Copenhagen (almost) daily. The travel time is around 6 hours. [https://www.sj.se/en SJ] used to operate direct trains along the same route, but have temporarily suspended this offer due to a lack of rolling stock. In the meantime, more connections between Stockholm and Copenhagen can be reached by transferring in Malmö.
“Øresundståg” is an international regional/interregional train service connecting Copenhagen to various towns and cities in Southern Sweden. The trunk line from Copenhagen to Lund via Copenhagen Airport and Malmö is served by an Øresundståg every 15 minutes during the day and once an hour all night long. Beyond Lund, most of the daytime services are extended once an hour to Gothenburg, Helsingborg, Kalmar and Karlskrona respectively.
Both SJ and Snälltåget operate night trains between Sweden and Germany going via Denmark. While traveling to/from Denmark on these trains is possible, the timings of the trains usually make them unattractive for Danish destinations.

Source: Wikivoyage

Wi-Fi, SIMs & staying online

No summary available.

No bullet notes stored.

Source: Wikivoyage

Local wisdom

Etiquette, tipping & staying well

Etiquette & respect

Sports are popular in Denmark, with association football reigning supreme in popularity and counted as the national sport, followed by gymnastics, (Olympic) handball and golf.

Sports are popular in Denmark, with association football reigning supreme in popularity and counted as the national sport, followed by gymnastics, (Olympic) handball and golf. Along with the other Nordic countries as well as Germany and France, Denmark is among the Handball superpowers and matches among those teams or world and European cups are closely followed by Handball enthusiasts. Badminton is also a popular sport in Denmark, and Denmark is the only non-Asian country to be considered a badminton powerhouse.
Another trait of Danish culture as any tourist pamphlet will tell you, is "Hygge", which translates as something like "cosy" or "snug". Danes themselves will be quick to point out this is somehow a unique Danish concept, which is hardly in tune with reality, but it does probably take a more prominent place in the culture than in many other countries. It usually involves low-key dinners in people's homes, with long conversations over candlelight and red wine in the company of friends and family, but the word is broadly used for social interactions.
Another important aspect of Danish culture is understatement and modesty, which is not only prominent in Danish behavioural patterns but also very much an important trait in the famous Danish design, which dictates strict minimalism and functionalism over flashiness, something that transfers well to the Danish people as well.
The Danes are a fiercely patriotic bunch, but in a sneakingly low-key kind of way. They will warmly welcome visitors to show off the country, which they are rightly proud of, but any criticism - however constructive - will not be taken lightly, although most Danes will happily spend hours to prove you wrong over a Carlsberg beer, rather than becoming hostile. It will not get you far though, and if you manage to convince anyone of any other flaws than the taxes being too high, the weather too bad, or other trivialities, you should immediately return home and run for political office. For the same reasons outsiders on long term stays are by many viewed with a certain amount of suspicion. As the homogeneous society is often thought to be the key to Denmark's successes, you will often hear resident foreigners complain about a constant pressure to become ever more Danish.

Source: Wikivoyage

Tipping guidance

Traditionally, tipping has not been common, but is being introduced by outside influences.

Traditionally, tipping has not been common, but is being introduced by outside influences. Since service charges are automatically included in the bill at restaurants and hotels, and tips for taxi drivers and the like are included in the fare, tipping should be given only as a token of real appreciation for the service. The tips will most often be split between the waiters and the kitchen. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, any extra service (such as carrying bags) will be listed on the receipt according to rate. While tipping is not expected, nor required, tipping for outstanding service is obviously greatly appreciated.

Source: Wikivoyage

Health & wellness

Health services in Denmark are of a high standard, although waiting times at emergency rooms can be quite long for non-emergencies.

Health services in Denmark are of a high standard, although waiting times at emergency rooms can be quite long for non-emergencies. Except for surgical procedures there is no private healthcare system to speak of, all is taken care of by the public healthcare system and general practitioners. All visitors are provided with free emergency care, until you are deemed healthy enough to be transported back to your home country. Citizens of EU countries, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and certain British dependencies are all entitled to additional basic medical services during their stay, but other nationalities should have a valid travel insurance for any additional medical care needed after any emergency is dealt with. Transportation home is also not covered by the system. English speakers should not have any trouble communicating with staff in English.
Danish doctors do not hand out prescriptions or pills at the rate common in North America, Japan and Southern Europe. There is a general trend of letting the body's own immune system take care of diseases, rather than using medicines. So if you show up at the local GP with minor illnesses like the common flu, expect to be sent back to your bed to rest, rather than receiving any treatment, if you are otherwise of good health. Pharmacies (Danish: Apotek) are usually well stocked, but brand names may differ from those in your own country – check the generic name ("INN"). Staff is highly trained, and major cities usually have one 24 hour pharmacy. Many drugs that are prescription-free in other countries, require prescription in Denmark, which is not trivial to get (see above). Medicines available in supermarkets and drug stores are very limited; i.e., allergy drugs and light painkillers (based on paracetamol/acetaminophen, acetylsalicylic acid or ibuprofen).
Dentists are only partly covered by the public healthcare system, and everyone, including Danes, pay to visit their dentist. Danes and other Nordic citizens have some of the expenses covered by the public healthcare system, while non-Scandinavians should generally be prepared to foot the entire bill themselves, or forward the expenses to their insurance company. Prices are notoriously high compared to the neighbouring countries, so unless it is urgent to see a dentist, it will probably be more economical to wait until you return home, or pass into Germany or Sweden.
Tap water is potable unless indicated, which is very rare indeed. The regulations for tap water in Denmark even exceeds that of bottled water in general, so do not be offended if you notice a waiter filling a pitcher of water at the sink, it's perfect for drinking. However, most places charges a fee for the service.
Nearly all beaches are fine for bathing on sunny days – even parts of the Copenhagen harbour have been opened for bathing (read the Stay safe section). At quite a few beaches though, rainwater run-off from residential areas pours directly and untreated into the sea and flooding sewers are an increasing issue after heavy rain. During this time, bathing is not recommended at these places. Several municipalities issue bathing water quality data continuously on-line, so check up if you are going to bath after heavy rains. Winter bathing in the sea has become quite popular, but be careful. Jumping straight into ice-cold sea water without any preparation is dangerous.

Source: Wikivoyage

Scams & street smarts

Dial [tel:112 1-1-2] (Alarm 112) for emergency services in situations that are dangerous for life, health, property or the environment, such as accidents, serious crime and fire.

Dial [tel:112 1-1-2] (Alarm 112) for emergency services in situations that are dangerous for life, health, property or the environment, such as accidents, serious crime and fire. This is toll free, and will work even from cell phones without a SIM card. For the police in non-emergencies call [tel:114 1-1-4] (Service 114).
Generally: Denmark is a very safe country, with almost no risk of natural disasters or animal attacks. There is one poisonous snake in some heathlands (Hugorm, the European viper; rare and non-aggressive), and a stinging, bottom-dwelling fish called "Fjæsing", known as Greater Weever (Trachinus draco) in English. Its sting is painful, and strong enough that medical treatment is always encouraged; for children and the elderly it is indeed often lethal. Red stinging jellyfish sometimes infest bathing waters in great numbers. Their sting can be painful, but has no adverse effects on humans. They are dish-sized, easy to spot and avoid. As in the rest of Europe and the world at large, borrelia-carrying ticks have also been on the rise in Denmark. Always check your body for them when you have been in the wild, especially when legs and arms are bare and the vegetation high. If a red ring forms around the bite in a week or so, you should seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
Since 1 August 2018 it has been prohibited by law to wear garments that hides the human face in public, unless there is a credible purpose, such as to protect against cold weather or a virus outbreak. The law is officially called [https://politi.dk/tildaekningsforbud tildækningsforbud] (cover ban), also known as maskeringsforbud (masking ban) and burkaforbud (burqa ban). A fine of 1,000 kr is given at the first violation, 2,000 kr for the second violation, 5,000 kr for the third violation and 10,000 kr for the fourth violation. The police has issued a set of guidelines that give an assessment of what can be considered a credible purpose. Wearing a burqa, niqab or balaclava in public is not considered a credible purpose according to the guidelines.
Since 1 January 2021 the Law on Consentual Sex (Samtykkeloven) is in force. In short, the law makes it punishable to have sex with another person without their consent. If it can't be established that consent was given, the event constitutes rape.
Compared to most other countries, crime and traffic are only minor risks, and the only crime to worry about is non-violent pickpocketing, except in some suburban districts, where you should be wary at night.

Source: Wikivoyage

Practicalities

Money & essentials

Danish krone (DKK) · krGDP/cap $71,026.483Inflation 1.4%Plugs & voltage

Source: World Bank GDP per capita

Source: WorldStandards (plugs)

Highlights

Top places

Source: Wikivoyage

1Fanø2Copenhagen

Cams

Cams in this country

Source: Webcam DB aggregates(prisma://webcams)

1HARBOR: 1

Top cities (1)

Skødstrup · 1

Browse cams

Plan

Plan your trip

Trip planning

Source: Affiliate hub config(local://affiliate)

Flights via Skyscannerflight, transport Hotels via Booking.comhotel, lodging Travel Insurance via SafetyWinginsurance Guided Tours via Viatortours, experiences International eSIM via Airaloconnectivity

Links are templates; confirm final tracking codes before launch.

Reference

Country reference data

Reference

ISODKTLD.dkBorders1Translations26Google Maps OpenStreetMap

Show full reference data

Identifiers

ISO Alpha-2DKCCA3DNKCCN3208CIOCDENFIFADENTLD.dk

Borders

DEU

Demonyms

Danish / Danish; Danois / Danoise

Translations (26)

ara الدنماركbre Danmarkces Dánskocym Denmarcdeu Dänemarkest Taanifin Tanskafra Danemarkhrv Danskahun Dániaind Denmarkita Danimarcajpn デンマークkor 덴마크nld Denemarkenper دانمارکpol Daniapor Dinamarcarus Данияslk Dánskospa Dinamarcasrp Данскаswe Danmarktur Danimarkaurd ڈنمارکzho 丹麦

Sources