When to go
Denmark has a temperate coastal climate in which the sea keeps temperatures mild all year round. Summer, from June to August, is the most popular time to travel, with long, bright evenings – near midsummer it barely gets fully dark. It is the season of festivals, and beaches and outdoor cafés hum with life. Spring and early autumn are pleasant with fewer tourists, while winter is dark and raw but cosy, with Christmas markets and candlelight.
- Summer (June–August): warmest, bright nights, festivals, peak season
- Spring and autumn: mild, cheaper, fewer crowds
- Winter: dark and chilly, but snug and atmospheric
Transport
Denmark has one of Europe's densest and most reliable transport networks. The trains of DSB connect the whole country, and from Copenhagen you can reach most larger cities in a few hours. If you travel a lot by bus, train and metro, the Rejsekort is the smartest solution – an electronic travel card you top up and check in and out with.
Great bridges tie the country together: the Great Belt Bridge (Storebælt, opened 1998) links Zealand and Funen, while the Øresund Bridge (opened 2000) carries on to Malmö in Sweden. Ferries sail regularly to the islands and to Bornholm in the Baltic. In Copenhagen the driverless Metro is fast and runs around the clock.
Currency – the Danish krone
Denmark is a member of the EU but does not use the euro. The currency is the Danish krone (DKK), divided into 100 øre. A few places accept euros, but they give change in kroner and at a poor rate, so using the local currency is recommended.
Denmark is almost a cashless society. Payment cards are accepted everywhere, even for the smallest amounts, and many Danes use MobilePay, a mobile payment app. Visitors manage perfectly well with an international payment card; cash is rarely necessary.
Budget
Denmark is one of Europe's most expensive countries. Accommodation, eating out and especially alcohol cost more than in most of Europe. A cup of coffee, a hotel room or a dinner out can surprise the unprepared. You can save by staying in hostels, shopping at supermarkets like Netto and Rema 1000, and using the city's free cycle paths and parks rather than taxis.
Language
The official language is Danish, but almost all Danes speak fluent English, so travellers rarely face a language barrier. In southern Jutland, near the border, many also understand German. A few polite Danish words such as tak (thank you) and hej (hello) always go down well.
Safety and daily life
Denmark is among the safest countries in the world, with low crime and high trust between people. You can walk around safely even in the evening. Ordinary common sense is enough.
- Sockets: types K and E, 230 volts – bring an adapter
- Bicycles: hire one and experience the city like a local
- Opening hours: shops are often open 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on weekdays and close earlier at weekends; supermarkets stay open longer
The Copenhagen Card
If you plan several days in the capital, the Copenhagen Card can pay off. It gives free entry to more than 80 museums and attractions plus free public transport throughout the metropolitan area, including trains to and from the airport. It comes in various durations and saves both money and the hassle of tickets.
With this practical information in your back pocket you are well equipped to experience Denmark – a well-organised, safe and hospitable country where things work and where the journey is as pleasant as the destination itself.