Denmark is a country that has perfected the art of coziness, embodied in the uniquely Danish concept of hygge.
More than just a word, hygge captures the essence of Danish culture — a warm, inviting feeling that wraps you up like a soft blanket on a cold day. It's about enjoying simple moments of togetherness, whether gathering with friends over a candlelit dinner or sipping coffee in a snug corner of a café.
You can sense hygge all around you in Copenhagen, where the charming cobblestone streets and colorful historic houses create the perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls, inviting you to slow down and savor the moment.
Let’s get into the nitty gritty details about why else you should head to Denmark!
Key Statistics to Know
To begin with, does Denmark have a lot of tourism?
Most definitely, yes, but how many tourists visit Denmark each year? Tourism in Denmark statistics by year look like this:
Of these figures, who visits Denmark the most? For tourism in Denmark statistics by country, Germany is Denmark’s biggest market, accounting for 62% of international stays in 2023.
- Germany: 20.02m
- Norway: 1.80m
- The Netherlands: 1.78m
- Sweden: 1.44m
- Great Britain: 1m
Tourism plays a vital role in Denmark's economy. In 2022, the tourism industry accounted for 5.7% of Denmark's GDP. The growth has continued, contributing DKK 74.4 billion to Denmark's economy in 2023. Revenue is projected to experience significant growth across all segments by 2029.
Local and international tourists stay in a range of accommodations around the country, most preferring to stay in holiday cottages.
- Holiday Cottages: 22,937,000
- Hotels: 19,165,000
- Camping Sites: 12,178,000
- Holiday Center/Resorts: 4,842,000
- Hostels: 2,761,000
So, why is Denmark a popular tourist destination and what is Denmark famously known for? Well, we can see this through the most visited attractions in 2023!
- Tivoli: 4,031,000
- Bakken: 1,875,000
- Copenhagen Zoo: 1,249,725
- Djurs Sommerland: 811,588
- Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: 702,426
This shows that tourists head to Denmark for the fun they can experience at theme parks, zoos and museums!
Let’s look at other top tourist destinations in Denmark!
Denmark's Most Popular Tourist Attractions: What to See and Do
Denmark is small but offers plenty to see and do. Unlike its neighbors, it has no mountains but features flat landscapes, white sand beaches and charming fishing villages. With over 400 islands, including Zealand, where the capital Copenhagen is located, Denmark is easy to explore. English is widely spoken and you can get around easily by car, public transport or bike.
So, what are the most popular tourist attractions in Denmark? Here are some must-visit places for your itinerary.
- Copenhagen: The capital city is known for its bike-friendly culture, historic landmarks like Tivoli Gardens and the Little Mermaid statue and trendy spots like Nyhavn Harbor. Explore museums, enjoy pastries and try unique activities like skiing on Copenhill.
- Aarhus: Denmark's second city, Aarhus, offers a lively arts scene with the ARoS Art Museum and the historic Moesgaard Museum. Its charming Latin Quarter is filled with cafes and boutique shops. Nearby, enjoy national parks and beaches.
- North Zealand: Known as the Danish Riviera, this area offers beautiful beach towns like Gilleleje and Tisvildeleje. Visit Helsingør for Kronborg Castle, the inspiration for Shakespeare's Hamlet, and the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.
- North Jutland: A wild, scenic region with stunning beaches, rolling dunes and attractions like Skagen, where the North Sea meets the Baltic. Highlights include a buried church and Thy National Park. It's best explored by car.
- Ribe: Denmark's oldest town, Ribe, features medieval streets, the Ribe Cathedral, and the Ribe Viking Centre, where visitors can experience Viking life. It's close to the Wadden Sea National Park, known for its birdlife and natural beauty.
- Odense: The birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, Odense is full of fairy-tale charm. Visit museums dedicated to the author, explore the historic town and enjoy local treats like Brunsviger cake.
- South Fyn Archipelago: A collection of picturesque islands south of Odense, perfect for island hopping. Ærø and Langeland are popular for their quaint villages and scenic beaches.
- Bornholm: Denmark's sunniest island, known for its beautiful coastline, charming villages and fine sandy beaches. It's a summer hotspot with early bookings recommended.
Denmark's Food Scene: A Culinary Journey Through Danish Cuisine
Danish cuisine started with simple, local ingredients like bread, fish, pork and potatoes. With industrialization, new cooking methods and tools led to dishes like meatballs, sausages and the famous open-faced sandwiches called smørrebrød. By the late 20th century, Danish food became more diverse, blending traditional flavors with international influences, resulting in beautifully presented Nordic dishes. Today, visitors can enjoy classics like frikadeller (meatballs), smørrebrød, pastries and Danish hot dogs, showcasing a mix of history and modern twists.
Here’s a quick guide to what to eat in Denmark:
- Smørrebrød: Denmark’s iconic open-faced sandwiches on rye bread, topped with various ingredients like pickled herring, roast beef or shrimp with eggs. They’re popular for lunch and range from simple to gourmet.
- Tarteletter: Puff pastry shells filled with creamy chicken and asparagus, a comforting and traditional Danish dish.
- Pølse (Danish Hot Dogs): Street food classic with beechwood-smoked red sausages or grilled brown sausages, topped with remoulade, fried onions and pickles.
- Stegt Flæsk: Denmark’s national dish, crispy pork served with parsley sauce and potatoes. It’s a must-try and often found in all-you-can-eat options.
- Oysters: Fresh oysters from the Limfjord and North Sea, often enjoyed on an oyster safari where you gather and taste them right by the shore.
- Frikadeller (Meatballs): Pan-fried meatballs made from pork or veal, served with potatoes and red cabbage. A popular comfort food.
- Pickled Herring: A staple in Danish cuisine, herring is cured and pickled with vinegar, onions and spices, perfect as a smørrebrød topping.
- Rugbrød (Rye Bread): Dense, dark, and slightly sour, this bread is a Danish staple and the base of many traditional dishes. It’s high in fiber and healthy.
Sweet:
- Wienerbrød (Danish Pastries): These sweet treats, like the Cinnamon Snail (kanelsnegl), actually originated with Austrian bakers. Found in bakeries across Denmark.
- Æblekage (Apple Cake): A layered dessert of apple puree, crumble, macaroons and whipped cream, similar to a trifle.
- Flødeboller: Soft marshmallow treats coated in chocolate, crispy outside and fluffy inside, beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Best Time to Visit Denmark: Seasonal Trends in Tourism
Denmark's temperate climate is influenced by the surrounding seas, making it milder than expected for its northern location.
Here’s a detailed look at what to expect:
Winter (December to February)
- Average Temps: 0–2°C (32–36°F), with occasional dips to -10°C (14°F) or lower during cold snaps.
- Conditions: Days are short, with the sun setting as early as 3pm in December. The weather is often overcast, windy and rainy, especially on the coasts.
- Wind: Strong winds are common, particularly on the western coast, making it feel colder than it actually is.
- Snow: Snowfall occurs from November to April but is typically light and doesn’t last long. The country experiences about 20-25 snowy days per year.
Spring (March to May)
- Average Temps: 5–16°C (41–61°F). March is chilly with temperatures around 5°C (41°F). By May, it warms up to about 16°C (61°F).
- Weather: Spring starts cold and slowly becomes warmer and sunnier. It’s the driest season but still expect some rain.
- Nature: This season is great for experiencing Denmark’s blooming countryside and longer daylight hours.
Summer (June to August)
- Average Temps: 15–22°C (59–72°F), with peak temperatures occasionally reaching up to 30°C (86°F) during short heatwaves.
- Weather: Summer is the warmest and sunniest season. Coastal areas remain cooler due to sea breezes, making it comfortable even during warm days.
- Daylight: Very long days, with up to 17 hours of daylight in June. The sun rises as early as 3:30am and sets around 10pm, allowing plenty of time for outdoor activities.
- Rain: Rain showers are common but typically light and they often pass quickly.
Autumn (September to November)
- Average Temps: 8–18°C (46–64°F). September starts mild, with temperatures around 18°C (64°F). By November, it drops to about 8°C (46°F).
- Weather: This season is characterized by decreasing temperatures, increasing rainfall, and more overcast days. It can also be quite windy, especially on the western coasts.
- Nature: Autumn brings colorful foliage, making it a picturesque time to visit Danish forests and parks.
Best Time to Visit
- The best time to visit Denmark is during the summer months (June to August). The weather is the most pleasant, with mild to warm temperatures ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- June is slightly cooler but has the longest days, perfect for enjoying outdoor events and exploring the city on foot.
- July and August are the warmest months and are great for beach visits, although rain showers can still occur.
How to Get Around Denmark: Transportation Options for Tourists
Getting around Denmark is easy and convenient with various transportation options, connecting the country via land, sea and air. Let’s go over some of the various methods of transport to see what suits you best!
- Trains: Denmark's rail system is well-connected and reliable, run mainly by DSB. There are fast intercity trains for major routes and regional trains for local destinations. Tickets cover travel within zones and Eurail passes are accepted. You can buy tickets via the DSB website or app, or at ticket machines.
- Buses: City buses operate frequently in major cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus. Regional buses connect smaller towns, while long-distance coaches link major cities with comfort features like Wi-Fi.
- Domestic Flights: Domestic flights are available between cities like Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg and Billund, mostly operated by SAS and Norwegian Air.
- Ferries: With numerous islands, Denmark offers many ferry routes to explore its beautiful coastlines and islands.
- Driving: Self-driving is popular and safe, with short distances between attractions. Renting a car is easy, and scenic routes like the 3,600km Marguerite route highlight Denmark's nature spots.
- Biking: Denmark is very bike-friendly, with over 10,000km of cycling routes. Many locals, especially in Copenhagen, commute by bike, and rentals are widely available.
For tourists, the Copenhagen Card and City Pass offer unlimited public transport access and entry to attractions, making travel even easier!
How Safe Is Denmark for Tourists? Safety and Travel Tips
Traveling to a new country where you don’t know the norms or customs can be daunting. You don’t want to stand out as a tourist or make a fool of yourself. That’s why we’ve put together some tips about Denmark to help you make your travels just a bit smoother!
Dos:
- Use Apps to Save Money: Download travel cards or the ‘rejsekort’ for cheaper fares on public transport. Look for early bird ‘orange tickets’ on the DSB app for train discounts and the Copenhagen Card offers savings on attractions, while apps like Too Good To Go provide discounted leftover meals.
- Watch Out for Bikes: Denmark is very bike-friendly, with many cycling routes. In cities like Copenhagen, bike lanes are everywhere, and cyclists have priority. Stay clear of bike lanes when walking to avoid accidents.
- Plan Your Visit Wisely: Summer is peak season with great weather but higher prices. Consider visiting in May, June or September for fewer crowds. Note that some places close in off-peak seasons.
Don'ts:
- Don’t Bring Cash: Denmark is mostly cashless, with card payments being the norm. Carry a card or use mobile payments instead.
- Don’t Worry About Unattended Strollers: It’s common to see strollers left outside shops or cafes. It’s a local custom as parents believe fresh air is good for children.
- Don’t Make Noise in Quiet Zones: On DSB trains, respect the ‘Stillezone (quiet zone) where talking and phone calls are not allowed.
Safety in Denmark
Denmark is generally very safe with low crime rates (26.07 Crime Index and 73.93 Safety Index) and ranks 13th globally for safety. Travelers should, however, still be cautious due to recent warnings about potential risks:
- Terrorism: There has recently been an increased risk of terrorist attacks in public places, so stay alert and avoid large crowds.
- Pickpocketing: Can occur in tourist areas like landmarks, museums and public transport. Keep a close eye on your belongings.
- Gang Crime: In Copenhagen, especially in Christiania, gang activity and unrest can occur. Photos are not allowed in Christiania and taking pictures can lead to confrontations.
Post-Pandemic Tourism Trends: How Has Denmark Recovered?
Travel in Denmark bounced back quickly after the pandemic, reaching pre-2020 levels by 2022, thanks largely to German and Dutch visitors.
Most Danes (80%) see tourism as beneficial, boosting the local economy, supporting businesses, creating jobs and adding to the variety of restaurants and cultural activities, supporting Denmark’s aims to be seen as Northern Europe's most eco-friendly destination by 2030.
Conclusion
Looking to book a trip to Denmark but need a little bit of help? Why not have a chat with a Danish private guide to see how they can tailor your trip to your travel style? You can also book a pre-organized private tour!
When you’re there, be sure to take a deep breath and feel the hygge around you.
