DENMARK

From the wide beaches of Jutland to the rugged rocky shores of Bornholm: Denmark offers a surprising mix of nature, culture, and peaceful landscapes. Ideal for hikers, photographers, and anyone who loves the outdoors.

Currency
Danish Krone (DKK)

Time Zone
CET / UTC+1

Language
Danish, English widely spoken

Payment
Cards accepted everywhere

Power Plug
Type K (adapter may be needed)

Denmark is the southernmost of the Scandinavian countries, a compact nation consisting of the Jutland Peninsula and over 400 islands – of which around 70 are inhabited. The country borders Germany to the south and is connected to Sweden via the impressive Øresund Bridge. With a coastline stretching over 7,300 kilometers, the sea is never far away in Denmark.

Though Denmark may not have towering mountains, its landscapes offer surprising diversity. In Jutland, you’ll find windswept dune landscapes along the North Sea coast, rugged cliffs on the west coast, and the rolling hills of Mols Bjerge National Park. The Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, forms one of the world’s largest tidal flats. On the islands, open farmland alternates with beech forests, chalk cliffs at Møns Klint, and idyllic fishing villages. Thy National Park in the northwest offers Denmark’s last true wilderness, while the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea boasts rocky coastlines unique in Scandinavia.

Denmark is a true cycling nation – with over 12,000 kilometers of cycling routes and flat terrain, it’s perfect for exploring on two wheels. For hikers, there are numerous well-marked trails, including the 175-kilometer Hærvejen (Army Road), one of Europe’s oldest roads. The 110-kilometer Camønoen on the island of Møn and the coastal path in Thy National Park are among the most scenic hiking routes. Nature photographers will find rich subjects in the bird-rich marshlands, atmospheric fishing harbors, and characteristic Danish light.

Beyond nature, Denmark captivates with its hygge culture – the typically Danish art of coziness and togetherness. Historic cities like Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense offer a mix of Viking history, modern architecture, and world-class gastronomy. The countryside is dotted with castles, manor houses, and charming villages with half-timbered houses. Denmark proves that great natural experiences don’t require high altitudes – the beauty lies in the subtlety, the light, and the endless horizons.

travel stories

My Denmark Stories

Read more about the destinations in this beautiful country.

Helligdomsklipperne Bornholm: Walks, Boat Trip and Practical Info

Helligdomsklipperne – The Sacred Cliffs of Bornholm Regular readers will know by now that Bornholm [...]

Visiting Hammershus: Guide to Northern Europe’s Largest Castle Ruins

Hammershus – Ruins, Wind and Light at the Edge of Bornholm I’ve written about it [...]

Visiting Christiansø: Practical Guide for Your Day Trip from Bornholm

Christiansø – An Island Full of Silence, Light and History in the Baltic Sea If [...]

Visiting Dueodde Beach: Complete Guide to Bornholm’s Finest Beaches

Dueodde Beach – Beautiful White Beaches on Bornholm’s South Coast We’ve been visiting Bornholm for [...]

Fishing Boats on the Beach at Slettestrand and Thorup Strand, Denmark

Fishing Boats on the Beach: An Iconic Coastal Scene of Denmark In September we were [...]

Bulbjerg Knude: Hiking Along Denmark’s Only Bird Cliff

Bulbjerg Knude: Hiking Along Denmark’s Only Bird Cliff In September we spent a week in [...]

Himmelbjerget and Silkeborg: Hiking, Autumn Colours and Practical Tips for Denmark’s Lake District

Himmelbjerget – The Autumn Colours Around Silkeborg’s Lakes In the heart of Jutland, not far [...]

Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse: Photography, Walking Routes and Practical Tips for Denmark’s West Coast

Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse – Photography in Wind and Sand On the rugged west coast of [...]

Denmark Photo Book

In my photo books, I collect the most beautiful stories and photographs of a destination. In my book about Denmark, I have gathered 116 pages of the most stunning photos and locations into a beautifully crafted work.

  • Printed on high-quality glossy paper.
  • It makes a wonderful reference work or gift for anyone who loves nature or photography.
  • The locations include QR codes that give direct access to background information.

Destinations in Denmark

Frequently Asked Questions about Denmark

What is the best time to visit Denmark?
The best time to visit Denmark is from May through September. During this period, you’ll enjoy pleasant temperatures (15-21°C), the longest days (up to 17 hours of daylight in June), and all outdoor facilities are open. May and early June are ideal for hikers and cyclists – fewer crowds and nature in full bloom. July-August is peak season with warmest weather but more tourists. September offers beautiful autumn colors and quieter conditions. For city breaks and hygge atmosphere, November-December with Christmas markets can also be magical.
Do I need a visa to visit Denmark?
Denmark is part of the EU and the Schengen Area. EU/EEA citizens can travel freely with just an ID card. Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can visit for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date. For other nationalities, check the Danish Immigration Service website for visa requirements.
Can I pay with euros in Denmark?
No, Denmark uses the Danish Krone (DKK), not the euro – despite being an EU member. However, paying by debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard) is extremely common and accepted virtually everywhere. In fact, many shops, restaurants, and even market stalls are cashless and only accept card payments. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns. While some tourist areas might accept euros, you’ll get a poor exchange rate, so paying by card or in DKK is always recommended.
How do I get to Denmark?
Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup) is Scandinavia’s largest hub with excellent international connections. From the UK, you can fly directly to Copenhagen, Billund, or Aarhus. By car, you can drive via Germany and enter Denmark across the border or via the Scandlines ferries from Puttgarden to Rødby or Rostock to Gedser. From Sweden, the Øresund Bridge connects Malmö to Copenhagen. Train connections from Germany (Hamburg-Copenhagen) and Sweden are also available via DSB and SJ.
Do I need a power adapter for Denmark?
Denmark uses power plug type K (230V, 50Hz), which has an additional grounding pin compared to the standard European plug (type C/F). Most European appliances with type C plugs will work fine in Danish sockets. Travelers from the UK, US, or Australia will need an adapter. If you’re bringing US appliances, you may also need a voltage converter as Denmark uses 230V.
Is Denmark expensive?
Yes, Denmark is one of the more expensive countries in Europe. Dining out is particularly pricey – expect to pay DKK 150-300 (€20-40) for a main course at a mid-range restaurant. Accommodation and public transport are also relatively expensive. However, you can save money by using supermarkets (Netto, Lidl, Rema 1000), staying in hostels or campsites, and taking advantage of free attractions like Copenhagen’s parks and beaches. Denmark’s high quality of service and infrastructure often justifies the cost.
Do people speak English in Denmark?
Yes, Danes speak excellent English – Denmark consistently ranks among the top non-native English-speaking countries in the world. You can easily get by with English in hotels, restaurants, shops, tourist attractions, and even in smaller towns. Most signs, menus, and public information are available in English. While learning a few Danish phrases is appreciated, you won’t have any communication problems during your visit.

Climate & Best Time to Visit

Denmark has a temperate maritime climate, moderated by the warm Gulf Stream. This makes Danish weather milder than you might expect at this northern latitude, though also changeable. Summers are pleasant but rarely hot, winters are relatively mild but can be windy. The country enjoys four distinct seasons, with the coastal regions receiving more rainfall than inland areas. Compared to most of the UK, Denmark is slightly drier but similar in overall feel.

Month Temp (°C) Rainy Days Sun Hours Suitable For
January -1 to 3 11 1 City breaks, hygge, winter atmosphere
February -1 to 3 8 2 City breaks, indoor culture
March 1 to 6 9 4 Early spring walks, fewer crowds
April 4 to 11 8 6 Cycling, hiking, spring blooms
May 8 to 16 8 8 Cycling, hiking, photography, wildflowers
June 12 to 19 9 9 All outdoor activities, long days, beaches
July 14 to 21 10 8 Beach, cycling, hiking, festivals
August 14 to 21 10 7 Beach, cycling, hiking, all activities
September 11 to 17 11 5 Hiking, photography, autumn colors
October 7 to 12 12 3 Autumn landscapes, mushroom foraging
November 4 to 8 12 2 Atmospheric photography, cozy cities
December 1 to 5 11 1 Christmas markets, hygge, winter mood

Tip for photographers: May and early June offer the magical “white nights” when it never gets completely dark – perfect for extended golden hour shooting. The west coast of Jutland provides dramatic storm light in autumn and winter. For wildlife photography, visit the Wadden Sea during bird migration in spring and autumn when millions of migratory birds stop here.

Useful Links

A collection of helpful websites for planning your trip to Denmark.

Official Tourism

  • VisitDenmark – official national tourism website with comprehensive information
  • VisitCopenhagen – official Copenhagen tourism guide
  • VisitAarhus – tourism portal for Denmark’s second city and region

National Parks

Hiking

Cycling

Transport

  • DSB – Danish State Railways, train schedules and tickets
  • Rejseplanen – national journey planner for all public transport
  • Scandlines – ferries from Germany to Denmark
  • Bornholmslinjen – ferries to Bornholm

Weather

  • DMI – Danish Meteorological Institute forecasts
  • Yr.no – reliable Norwegian weather service

Accommodation