DENMARK SOLO TRAVEL GUIDE
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! DENMARK TRAVEL GUIDE 2024
PLAN AND BOOK YOUR DENMARK SOLO TRAVEL
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VELKOMMEN TIL DANMARK!
Hi! I’m Gwen, and my passion is using my 28 years of solo global travel and sustainability knowledge and experience to help the solo over 50’s be and stay adventurous through solo travel with their eco-friendly, responsible travel foot forward. Here is my guide to Denmark solo travel, all from my solo travel in Denmark, so you can book and realize your solo trip to Denmark. What are you waiting for?
DENMARK: DID YOU KNOW?
About Denmark
Denmark – “Land of the Danes” is an archipelago of over 100 islands with no place further than 30 miles from the sea.
Denmark is home 11 UNESCU World Heritage Sites, including the Kronborg Castle (“Hamlet’s Castle”), as well as the world-class city and capital, Copenhagen, the oldest monarchy in the world, coffee lovers, double the number of bicycles to cars, rain or snow every other day, Cold Hawaii beach and the Tivoli Gardens, Lego, Lurpak butter, Carlsberg beer, the inventor of Skype, the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard (known as the “Father of Existentialism”), the nuclear physicist Niels Bohr, Hans Christian Andersen, and the oldest flag used by an independent nation.
Currently, Denmark is reported to be the least corrupt, as well as the happiest, country in the world.
Languages in Denmark
The official language is Danish, but there are several minority languages spoken, namely Faroese, German, and Greenlandic.
Danish Culture
The Danish have a long history going back to the Nordic people in the 1st century. The Kingdom of Denmark, however, was established in the 17th century. Danish culture stems from how they live with simplicity, politeness, and equality. They are direct and punctual.
Denmark is often considered the benchmark of civilization due to its social policies and core values of freedom and respect for the individual with tolerance and a strong sense of mutual trust.Denmark is known for its liberalism and are fairly relaxed when it comes to marriage – the country has a high divorce rate with nearly 20% of Danish couples participating in “paperless marriages” – cohabitating without ever marrying.
Approximately two-thirds of Danish people are Lutheran Christians with a third considered as non-religious. The country houses stunning old, as well as modern, architecture, and a national health care system.
Popular food include fish, pulled pork and chicken, cured or salted pork, fried pork and potatoes, rye bread and licorice. They also enjoy frequenting breweries and brew houses as the Danes have a 5000-year old tradition of brewing beer (the oldest beer going back to 2800 BC).
Popular Activities in Denmark
Football (soccer) is Denmark’s favorite and national sport. Danes also love to cycle. Denmark has many beaches and resorts that lend to popular activities like fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and other water-themed sports. Most Danish children participate in after school sports clubs – the most popular being football and handball.
The Danish also provide a wide contribution to the world’s literature, art, photography, cinema, theater, music, architecture, and science fields. In addition to general socializing in restaurants and brew pubs, traditional events and festivals are also observed by the Danish, based mostly around the Christian calendar, and are typically spent with family.
Best Food and Drink Tours in Denmark
DENMARK TRAVEL PLANNING
Danish Currency
Denmark uses the Danish Kroner (DKK or kr). Exchange rates are usually favorable for U.S. citizens. Check throughout your travel planning phase on any exchange rate changes.
Tipping in Denmark
Traveling in a new country is easier when you know the country’s tipping etiquette in advance as each country has its own rules. That said, country rules and norms can shift, so here is an international tipping resource for over 70 countries to use as a general guideline that I have found is constantly updated.
What’s not on there is how to tip a concierge, beauty salons or spas, travel or tour guides, etc. For these extras, it is acceptable to tip 10% at minimum. Remember, tipping is for good service only.
Additionally, you should always tip in the local currency (if tipping in cash), and do not be offended if your tip is refused as it may not be the norm. I feel it’s always better to offer a tip for good service than not, unless I know it will be considered offensive, like in Japan.
Denmark Holidays
It’s a complete bummer to spend time and money on the holiday of a lifetime only to show up at a key attraction, or try to access travel or banking resources, only to find them closed due to a national or local holiday.
Therefore, a key activity to do in your early Denmark vacation planning stage is to know the local and national holidays in Denmark.
DENMARK TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Travel Documents for Denmark
From the U.S., you will need a valid passport with an expiration date greater than 6 months from your return date to the U.S. It is advised to always check the U.S. State Department in advance of traveling to Denmark for pertinent, up-to-date Denmark travel advisories and information. If you are not from the U.S., please check your government’s website.
At this time (October 2023), a travel visa is not required for U.S. citizens who travel in Denmark 90 days or less and within a 180-day period. However, in mid-2025 it is expected that the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETAIS) will go into effect that is designed to strengthen European borders and streamline entry. At that time, a printed ETAIS visa waiver (the “ETAIS”) will be required to enter the Schengen Area for tourist, business or transit purposes of 90 days or less. You will be able to apply online for the ETAIS visa waiver, which will also require a fee (7 EUR). Requirements for an ETAIS are available now. Watch for ETAIS updates if you are planning to solo travel to Denmark in 2025.
If you are not from the U.S., please check if your country is on the ETAIS list indicating whether you are required to obtain an ETAIS or a Schengen Visa.
Choose from Top Travel Document Holders
Vaccinations for Denmark
There are normally no vaccinations required for Denmark travel. The U.S. State Department provides up-to-date required vaccination information for traveling to Denmark. It is advised to always check for any Denmark travel restrictions and required vaccinations during your planning stage and again before you leave.
If you are not from the U.S., please check your government’s website.
DENMARK TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Electronics for Denmark
Want to use your 110V electronics while traveling around Denmark? Denmark’s voltage is 230V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. If you do not already have electronics (hair dryer, clippers, curling iron, etc.) made for Denmark’s voltage, you will need to bring a voltage converter to use your electronics. Below are top-rated power converters for you to compare and buy.
Choose the Converter That’s Right For You
Most smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras and similar electronics don’t require a converter (double-check your device(s) before you leave home), but you will still need a plug adapter.
Traveling to Denmark, Type C, E, F and K adapters will fit Denmark’s electronic outlets. I recommend bringing at least one of each adapter type accepted. I do not recommend using those single adapters for 100+ countries. They have been known to break and/or cause a power short.
Be prepared before you visit Denmark. Bring a solid, reliable, and grounded power adapter to safely charge your electronics in Denmark. Below are top-rated U.S. (Type A and B) to Denmark power adapter options, from the only brand I travel with, for you to compare and buy.
Choose the Denmark Adapter That’s Right for You
Type C Adapters
Type E/F Adapters
If you are going to another country in addition to your trip to Denmark, check this international travel adapter guide to make sure you’re prepared.
Cyber Security While Traveling
Having a virtual private network (VPN) service and portable WiFi is always a good idea to not just stay connected, but stay connected securely in your hotel and all public spaces, like airports, train stations, and restaurants.
- Portable WiFi Hotspot for Travel: Experience seamless connectivity with the Solis Lite, your pocket-friendly companion that offers secure and reliable mobile WiFi hotspot coverage in over 135...
- SIMO’s virtual, multi-carrier network, includes all the major carriers, so you can work, learn, or play from anywhere. Stay connected domestically or abroad with your personal Wi-Fi hotspot and...
- Built-in 4700 mAh Power Bank: Stay online all day with 16+ hours of battery life in your Solis Wi-Fi hotspot. Keep all your gadgets charged on-the-go.
- Perfect Case for SIMO Solis Lite 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot
- Featured Design: Strong compact light weight case, the round square design best matching the round shape of the Solis and making it easy to in and out of the case
- Assured Protection: Semi-hard carrying case protecting the device from shock, shake, scratch. PEVA materials with pressure or hit absorbing and water resistant. The round square design make it best to...
CITY GUIDES & ITINERARIES
Use my solo travel guides, itineraries, travel tips, day trip ideas, and recommended things to do in these top Danish destinations, all from my travel in Denmark, to plan your best Denmark solo travel.
The more I travel in Denmark, the more that gets added to this Denmark Travel Guide. Keep checking back.
Copenhagen
Best Things to Do in Copenhagen
Best Day Trips from Copenhagen
HOW TO BOOK DENMARK TRAVEL
It’s important to book the top three travel necessities early: flights, accommodations and ground transportation.
No travel Denmark guide would be complete without the booking tools below. These, along with fun Denmark things to do and ecotourism ideas, will allow you to realize your solo trip to Denmark.
Cheap Flights to Denmark
With the ever-growing demand for airline tickets to Denmark, flights book quicker these days. Find cheap flights to Denmark now.
Don’t Wait to Book Your Flight to Denmark
Places to Stay in Denmark
Second in importance to buying airline tickets to Denmark is finding the best place to stay in Denmark for your solo travel to Denmark. Develop your Denmark travel itinerary now and find the best accommodations in Denmark to knock one more item off your Denmark travel planning list.
Find the Best Solo Travel Accommodations in Denmark
Getting Around Denmark
Denmark does not have rideshare like Bolt or Uber. Carpoolworld is an option, however.
There are also taxis, of course, and you can easily find a rental car if that better suits your Denmark solo travel itinerary.
Find the Best Deals on Denmark Rental Cars
Denmark also part of Europe’s incredible bus and train network, so getting around and booking transportation is easy.
Things to Do in Denmark
Here are some more of the top things to do in Denmark to book for your Denmark solo travel.
Top Historical Things to Do in Denmark
DENMARK ECO-TRAVEL IDEAS
There are ways to reduce your eco and carbon footprint through air travel, accommodations, tours, and activities in Denmark. To help avoid greenwashing businesses, here are some eco-friendly or sustainable travel (also called responsible travel) tips and resources, you can use to book your travel.
Air Travel Tips
Skyscanner provides a ‘Greener flights’ filter highlighting flights that emit less CO2.
Purchase carbon offsets through your airline or through a third party, like MyClimate.org, Carbonfund.org, or terrapass. Carbon offsetting allows you to buy a certificate to reduce carbon emissions, a major contributor to climate change, which in turn contribute community projects across countries to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Ground Transportation
The best eco-friendly forms of ground transportation in Denmark are public transportation, walking, or renting a bicycle or electric scooter. They are also apt to cost less than other ground transportation.
Explore Denmark Bike and Electric Scooter Rentals
Try to avoid renting a car in Denmark by using the amazingly convenient and inexpensive buses and/or trains.
Carpoolworld in Denmark is an alternate option to traditional ridesharing.
Bolt and Lime also have electric scooters to rent in Denmark for faster and cleaner commuting. Search Bolt and Lime for select city availability.
Accommodation Tips
Look for accommodations with the following self and third-party assessed certifications when you book:
Green Globe – Green Globe certifies hotels, resorts, conference centers, transportation, attractions, tour operators, and other tourism businesses globally on sustainable operations and management. Look for Denmark and other European Green Global members.
Green Key Global is an internationally recognized environmental certification for the lodging and meetings industries, including hotels and hostels, campsites and holiday parks, restaurants and attractions in 65 countries. Search for Green Key awarded sites.
Living Building Challenge – if you want to stay in a true, sustainable building, find one certified by the Living Building Challenge. LBC’s certification directory shows all project types globally. Hopefully they will put in a filter soon to allow searching by hotels or hospitality type.
LEED Certified – the USGBC’s LEED Certified label on buildings, like many of the Marriott’s hotels, are those that have verifiably employed multiple and varying green building strategies to improve human and environmental health. Search the LEED directory for Denmark certifications.
Green Lodging Program – Audubon International has an environmental stewardship certification through third-party verification. Search its certified members directory.
GSTC Certified – the Global Sustainable Tourism Council provides global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, as well as international accreditation for sustainable tourism Certification Bodies. Booking sites that offer GSTC certified sustainable are bookdifferent, EcoHotels, and Transat.
Another way to find an establishments implementing eco-friendly or sustainable practices, certified or not, is through Booking.com in which you’ll need to find and review each establishment’s ‘Sustainable Initiatives’ within the booking process. Starting 2022, however, you’ll be able to filter searches for accommodations with the Travel Sustainable badge.
Find Your Travel Sustainable Stay in Denmark
Eco-Friendly Things To Do
Denmark has ecotourism ideas available to explore for your next vacation.
Search Green Global and Green Key awarded members for eco-friendly activity providers in Denmark. Some may also have the GSTC Certified logo.
Top Denmark Eco-Friendly Things to Do
Eco-Travel Products
There are more ways to do your part for the planet in your responsible travel, like bringing sustainable and eco-friendly products to protect Denmark’s environment.
There are more ways to do your part for the planet in your responsible travel. Read my 10 Easy Eco-Travel Tips and view my suggested Eco Travel Resources to learn more.
DENMARK TRAVEL SAFETY
Before You Go
Always consult your government’s Denmark travel advisory for your Denmark travel destination in the beginning travel planning phase and up to your departure date.
Buy Denmark travel insurance and international medical insurance for your solo travel in Denmark to protect yourself and cover for emergencies.
Safety in Denmark
Some consider Denmark the safest country to visit. Still, use your common sense while traveling. There could still be instances of theft or pickpocketing, which usually happens in public transport areas. All are expected to obey traffic signs, of course, and this includes pedestrians so be careful to watch bicycle paths as there are many bicyclists in Denmark. Beyond that, there is nothing I can recall from Denmark making it a “safety concern”. As always, my standard tips for solo and female solo travelers are:
- always carry photo ID with you; if you don’t want your passport on you at all times, at least carry a copy of it.
- always be “street wise”.
- always be aware of your surroundings, especially if you feel the need to imbibe or feel the need to “let loose” – you’re on vacation so have fun!
- never leave your food or drink unattended.
- keep your belongs on your person, or at least in your view in close proximity, at all times.
- be open to meeting and talking with new people – that is where a lot of the travel experience lies – but be careful on how you divulge personal information.
- research places in advance, if possible, so you know what to expect (i.e., “have a familiar view” – I like to Google the street view of new addresses I’m going to first).
- if something, someone or someplace makes you feel uncomfortable, go with your gut – leave.
DENMARK BUDGET TRAVEL TIPS
Best Time to Visit Denmark
Denmark is considered an expensive country to visit, but this should not deter you from visiting, even if just for a few days. Consider what you’d like to see and budget wisely.
Like other Scandinavian countries, Denmark’s high, tourist season, and most expensive time, is the summer (July and August), when the weather is warmest. Crowds are not as heavy in the spring (April and May) and autumn (September to October), and prices in these months are better than the summer season. If you want the best weather and prices, try booking well in advance or opt for visiting late spring or early autumn.
If visiting Copenhagen, you could consider staying outside the city and take public transportation in to see the sights.
Budget Accommodations
Eating out in Denmark, especially Copenhagen, can be pricey. Private homes and hostels can be found for a less expensive stay, especially if you can cook your own meals.
Staying in hostels could save you a lot of money on accommodations in Denmark, especially if you stay in a dorm-style room. Save more money by booking well in advance.
Many Denmark hostels also offer private rooms, which I choose from time to time. Private rooms in hostels could possibly be cheaper than hotels in Denmark – it depends on where you stay and how far in advance you reserve.
Don’t overlook exploring hostels in Denmark if you’re on a budget.
Reserve Your Denmark Hostel
Best Time to Book Travel
Ready to book your Denmark solo travel? The sooner you book your reservations, the more you’re likely to save money and get the best flight, accommodation, and rental car choices and deals.
Don’t miss out and find the best Denmark flight deals. The best time to book travel is now. Bundling flight, hotel and/or transportation reservations may even save you more money on your trip to Denmark.
Book Denmark Travel Early to Save Money
PERSONAL STORY
I’ve had the pleasure to visit Copenhagen, a beautiful city with stunning architecture, in 1995 and in 2021. I remember chilly and rainy weather in May 1995, but September 2021 weather was gorgeous. Tivoli Gardens are definitely worth a visit, as well as seeing the changing of the Danish Royal Guard at the Amalienborg Palace, which happens at noon daily.
I always like to get a nice view of a city I’m visiting, and the Round Tower, which is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe, provided just that. It is also neat architecturally – you walk up a spiral walk to the top. After that vertical hike, it was nice to kick back with a Carlsberg at Nyhavn, the waterfront harbor surrounded by colorful buildings (see picture at top of this page). Nyhavn is a great place for people watching, eating, music, and resting your feet. It’s also a location to catch one of the harbor cruise boats, a definite must for more city sites and information.