Denmark
Europe · Copenhagen · DK
Denmark is a country that has elevated everyday design and social well-being into national identity. Copenhagen balances royal palaces with experimental architecture, world-class restaurants with outdoor food markets, and cycling infrastructure so seamless that bicycles outnumber cars in the city center. Beyond the capital, the landscape flattens into a patchwork of windmills, thatched-roof cottages, and coastlines where the North Sea meets white sand beaches. Aarhus, Denmark's second city, offers a compact old town and a striking harbor bath, while the island of Bornholm sits out in the Baltic like a granite outpost of Scandinavian light. Danish food culture has undergone a renaissance in recent decades, from New Nordic tasting menus to the humble smorrebrod open-faced sandwich, layered with herring, dill, and pickled beets. The Jutland peninsula stretches northward to the Skagen painters' colony, where the North Sea and Baltic merge in a visible meeting of waters. Denmark's flat terrain makes it ideal for cycling holidays.
Overview
Denmark is a country in Europe. Its capital is Copenhagen and the international dialling code is +45. Languages commonly used in everyday life here include Danish. Local currency is the Danish Krone (DKK). Our guide covers 1 airport, including Copenhagen Airport. We also list 1 city in Denmark: Copenhagen.
Getting around Denmark
Copenhagen's public transport (metro, S-train, buses and harbour ferries) is punctual and well signed, and the city is famously bicycle-friendly — a bike is often the fastest way across town. DSB trains link the capital with Odense, Aarhus, Aalborg and the ferry port at Hirtshals, and the Øresund Bridge connects Copenhagen with Swedish Malmö.
For the islands, ferries are the link to Funen, Zealand and Lolland/Falster. Denmark drives on the right, and the motorway network is efficient. One travel card (Rejsekort) or a travel app covers most buses and trains.
When to visit Denmark
June to August are the warmest and busiest months, with long daylight hours and outdoor events; Copenhagen and the beaches around the coast are at their best. May and September are milder and quieter.
Hygge — the cosy atmosphere of candles, coffee and warm interiors — is a strong reason to visit in autumn and winter, when cafés and cultural venues shine. Danish weather changes quickly in every season, so pack layers and rain protection.
Eating and drinking
Denmark is the home of New Nordic cuisine and the Michelin-starred restaurant Noma in Copenhagen helped put it on the map, but everyday Danish food is simple and comforting: smørrebrød (open rye-bread sandwiches), frikadeller (meatballs), herring and the famous wienerbrød pastry that the Danes call "Danish".
The Danish coffee and craft-beer scene is strong, and kaffepause (coffee break) is a serious institution. Restaurants often expect you to ask for the bill; a 5–10% tip is appreciated but service charge is usually included.
Money and local customs
Denmark is outside the eurozone and uses the krone (DKK). Cards — including contactless — are accepted almost everywhere, even at small market stalls; many Danes rarely carry cash at all.
Danes are polite, direct and punctual; a firm handshake and a "hej" start most interactions. Follow the "Jantelov" social modesty — avoid excessive boasting. Shops close early on Saturdays and, like the rest of the region, many close on Sundays outside central shopping streets.
Compare hotels, cover your trip and stay connected.
- Capital
- Copenhagen
- Currency
- Danish Krone (DKK)
- Languages
- Danish
- Calling code
- +45
- Internet TLD
- dk
Entry requirements
Check who can enter →See which passports travel visa-free or need a visa to enter Denmark.
Which nationalities can enter Denmark?
Current visa status for tourism for the origins we cover, with links to the detailed requirements.
Airports (1)
All airports →Cities (1)
All cities →Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Denmark?
For the origins we track, travellers from Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina and Australia currently enter Denmark visa-free for tourism. Entry rules depend on your passport and the purpose of your trip, so check the current requirements for your own nationality with our entry requirements tool.
What is the capital of Denmark?
Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark, and the country sits in Europe.
What currency is used in Denmark?
You pay with Danish Krone (DKK) in Denmark. Exchange rates move day to day, so check the current rate before you change money or use your card abroad.
Which languages do people speak in Denmark?
The languages we list for Denmark are Danish. A couple of greetings in the local language go a long way when you travel, even in cities where another language is widely used.
What is the international dialling code for Denmark?
The dialling code for Denmark is +45 — keep the plus sign when you save the number.
Which airports serve Denmark?
Copenhagen Airport (CPH) in Copenhagen is the airport we cover for Denmark.
Which cities in Denmark do you cover?
Our guide lists 1 city for Denmark: Copenhagen (capital).