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Denmark Travel Information 2026: Transport, Costs, Seasons, and Regions to Stay

  • Writer: Thor
    Thor
  • Jan 11
  • 5 min read

Updated: Jan 17

This Denmark travel information page is written for travelers who want practical planning details. Denmark is compact and well-connected, so most first trips combine Copenhagen with one additional region, such as the West Coast of Jutland, Aarhus and East Jutland, or an island stay. Planning is simplest when you choose a clear regional focus and match it to the season, transport style, and daylight.

Last updated: January 2026

Colorful buildings line a canal in Nyhavn, Copenhagen, with boats docked and people gathered. Festive lights create a vibrant mood.

Denmark travel information for travelers: Quick overview and key details

Quick overview

  • Best time to visit: Late May to early September for long daylight, cycling, and easy coastal logistics. April to May and September are often good for city breaks with fewer crowds.

  • Typical stay length: 3 to 7 days for a first trip, depending on how much of Denmark you want to cover.

  • Daily budget (excluding flights): Budget 95 to 170 EUR, mid-range 180 to 300 EUR, comfort 320+ EUR.

  • Main gateways: Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is the most common international entry point, with Billund (BLL) used for western Denmark and Legoland-area routes.

  • Best regions to base yourself: Copenhagen and Zealand, Aarhus and East Jutland, North Jutland, West Jutland coast, Funen, Bornholm.

Key facts

  • Country: Denmark

  • Local currency: Danish krone (DKK)

  • Language: Danish (English is widely used in visitor settings)

  • Time zone: CET (summer: CEST)

  • Emergency number: 112

  • Police (non-emergency): 114

  • Tap water: Generally safe to drink

  • Power sockets: Type C and F, 230V



Transport

Getting to Denmark

Most international arrivals enter through Copenhagen Airport (CPH). Billund (BLL) is a common gateway for west/central Denmark and family-focused itineraries.

Useful official starting points:

Getting around Denmark

Denmark is straightforward to travel by train between major cities, with local transit in urban areas and buses supporting regional connections.

Copenhagen is easy to cover by walking and metro, while day trips and regional moves are often simplest by train. For island stays, check ferry schedules early in peak season.

Ferries, bridges, and island logistics

Denmark includes several islands connected by bridges and ferries. Your itinerary may include bridge crossings and ferry legs depending on your route, especially if you add Bornholm or smaller islands.

For practical planning, use Rejseplanen for combined train and bus routes, and check island-specific ferry schedules on the relevant operator site.

Costs and money

Denmark is generally a medium-to-high cost destination, with accommodation and sit-down dining typically the biggest expense categories. Costs become more predictable when you book accommodation early for summer, plan a limited number of paid attractions per day, and use public transport plus walking in cities.

Card payments are widely accepted across Denmark, and cash is not commonly required for normal visitor spending.

Indicative examples in euros, to make budgeting easier:

  • Local public transport (city ticket): often about 3 to 6 EUR, depending on city and ticket type.

  • Coffee: often about 3 to 6 EUR.

  • Budget restaurant meal: often about 14 to 28 EUR.

  • Mid-range dinner: often about 25 to 60 EUR per person, depending on venue.

  • Beer in a bar: often about 7 to 12 EUR.

  • Hotel room: often about 110 to 240 EUR per night in major cities, with higher prices in peak summer and weekends.


Seasons and planning

Late spring to early autumn

Best for coastal travel, cycling, and long daylight. This is also the busiest period, and prices rise fastest in Copenhagen and popular summer areas.

Autumn

A strong choice for city breaks, food, and museums. Weather becomes more changeable, and coastal areas are quieter.

Winter

Winter is best for city-focused itineraries. Daylight is shorter and outdoor plans are more weather-dependent, but Copenhagen and other cities maintain a strong indoor culture scene.


Regions to stay

Copenhagen and Zealand

Best for first-time visitors who want a major city base, easy public transport, and the widest range of dining and neighborhood options.

Special places to visit (region highlights):

  • Central Copenhagen neighborhoods and waterfront areas

  • Day trips on Zealand (easy by train)

  • Coastal towns north of Copenhagen (summer-focused)

Hidden gems:

  • Dragør (small historic harbor town near Copenhagen)

  • The Louisiana area in Humlebæk (combine coastal time with culture)

Aarhus and East Jutland

Best for a second-city base with strong food and culture, plus easy access to nearby towns and countryside.

Special places to visit (region highlights):

  • Aarhus city core and harborfront

  • Day trips to smaller East Jutland towns (rail and bus options)

  • Summer coastline stops along the east coast

Hidden gems:

  • Ebeltoft (small-town atmosphere with coastal scenery)

  • Mols Bjerge area (best for nature-focused day trips)

North Jutland

Best for wide beaches, dune landscapes, and a calmer pace outside the largest cities.

Special places to visit (region highlights):

  • Skagen area (northern tip logistics)

  • Coastal beaches and dune routes

  • Aalborg as a practical base city

Hidden gems:

  • Råbjerg Mile (moving dune landscape)

  • Løkken and the quieter coastal stretches outside peak weekends

West Jutland coast

Best for big-sky coastal landscapes, long beach walks, and summer-focused road-trip travel.

Special places to visit (region highlights):

  • North Sea coastline stops and beach towns

  • National park style landscapes (plan by specific area)

  • Sunset-focused coastal evenings in summer

Hidden gems:

  • Thy area detours (calmer routes outside the busiest hubs)

  • Small fishing villages (best visited outside peak midday)

Funen

Best for a slower island base, short driving distances, and a mix of small towns and countryside.

Special places to visit (region highlights):

  • Odense as the main city base

  • Small coastal towns and harbors

  • Cycling-friendly day routes in summer

Hidden gems:

  • Faaborg area coastal stops

  • Smaller island day trips (if ferry timing fits your plan)

Bornholm

Best for a distinct island stay with beaches, coastal trails, and a different pace from mainland Denmark.

Special places to visit (region highlights):

  • Coastal routes and viewpoints

  • Small fishing villages and harbors

  • Summer swimming and cycling days

Hidden gems:

  • Early-morning coastal walks before day-trippers arrive

  • Less-visited beaches outside the main south-coast hubs


Visa and entry

Denmark applies Schengen short-stay rules, and whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and residence status. For official guidance, use the Danish Immigration Service short-stay visa information: Ny i Danmark: Short-stay visa

To check how the 90 days in any 180-day period rule applies to your plan, use the EU short-stay calculator: EU short-stay calculator

For full visa and entry details, link to your Denmark visa and entry rules article.


FAQ

Is Denmark expensive?

Denmark is generally a medium-to-high cost destination. Your overall budget is most influenced by accommodation choice, how often you dine out, and how many intercity moves you add.

How many days do you need in Denmark?

For a first trip, 3 to 7 days is a practical range. Shorter trips work well if you focus on Copenhagen and one additional region.

Do you need cash in Denmark?

Card payments are widely accepted, and cash is not commonly required for normal visitor spending.

What are the emergency and non-emergency numbers in Denmark?

For emergencies, call 112. For police matters that are not emergencies, call 114. For region-based medical advice numbers, see the official overview: VisitDenmark: Emergency Numbers


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