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The waterfront canal of Nyhavn, Copenhagen
Denmark your way

Tailor-made Denmark vacations shaped around your passions

The waterfront canal of Nyhavn, Copenhagen

On a vacation in Denmark, you’ll find a kingdom of turreted castles, ultra-modern buildings and tiny fishing villages with clusters of brightly painted houses. Viewed under the ethereal light of a Nordic summer sun, there’s a fairytale quality to this often-overlooked country — one that’s fitting for the home of Hans Christian Andersen and various Norse myths.

We’ve explored Denmark’s islands, cities and countryside and can help you discover aspects of the country that intrigue you, whether that’s Scandinavian design, Renaissance history or Viking heritage.

Want to walk in the footsteps of Shakespeare’s Hamlet? We can arrange a privately guided tour of North Zealand that includes Elsinore and Kronborg Castle. To explore Danish culinary traditions, you could learn how to make smørrebrød, the country’s signature open-faced sandwich, in a cooking class. We can also help you get to know cool and confident Copenhagen, whether that’s on a private cycling tour or by taking a cruise along the canals.

Creating tailor-made tours for over 25 years

Suggested tours for Denmark

These tours give you a starting point for what your vacation to Denmark could entail. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.

Suggested activities for Denmark

Whatever your interests, our specialists will build activities into your trip that connect to how you want to experience Denmark.

  • Copenhagen bike tour
    Biker passing Copenhagen canal

    Copenhagen bike tour

    Copenhagen

    Copenhagen bike tour

    The best way to experience Copenhagen is like a local — on two wheels. This privately guided tour will lead you on a route that takes you past the Queen’s castle, through leafy parks, beside quiet canals, and along the renowned Bicycle Snake.

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  • Copenhagen harbor & canal tour
    Copenhagen canal

    Copenhagen harbor & canal tour

    Copenhagen

    Copenhagen harbor & canal tour

    Get a waterside view of the city on a private boat tour through Copenhagen’s canals. You’ll be able to relax as you glide past the city’s major sights, including the Amalienborg Royal Palace, and learn more about the city’s changing face.

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  • Cooking class Smørrebrød
    Slicing rye bread

    Cooking class Smørrebrød

    Copenhagen

    Cooking class Smørrebrød

    Denmark’s signature dish is smørrebrød, open-faced sandwiches built on dark, chewy rye bread. Taking a class, in which you learn to make smørrebrød from a professional chef, can offer a glimpse into Danish culinary heritage, history and culture.

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Why travel with Audley?

  • 100% tailor-made tours
  • Fully protected travel
  • Established for over 25 years
  • 98% of our clients would recommend us

Best time to visit

Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Denmark, including information about climate, events and festivals.

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Useful information for planning your vacation in Denmark

What language is spoken in Denmark?

Danish is the official language of Denmark, but English is widely spoken across the country.

What's the currency of Denmark?

The currency of Denmark is the Danish krone (kr or DKK). You’ll find ATMs in all cities and larger towns, and credit cards are widely accepted, though paying by American Express may not always be possible. In rural areas, it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller transactions.

What food and drink should I try in Denmark?

In Denmark you should try smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches), stegt flæsk med persillesovs (pork in parsley sauce with potatoes), frikadeller (meatballs), and regional cheeses.

In general, the Danish food scene is innovative and varied with seasonal ingredients and farm-to-table cuisine popular. Copenhagen has a handful of Michelin-starred restaurants, or, at the other end of the scale you’ll find stalls selling pølser (hot dogs) in most towns.

For something sweeter, look out for bakeries selling crispy, golden pastries, and for æbleskivers (pancake balls with an apple filling) in cafes and restaurants.

Carlsberg and Tuborg are the most popular beers in Denmark, but there are lots of microbreweries around the country producing plenty of regional varieties. In winter, gløgg (mulled wine) is popular, and akvavit is drunk as a digestif, particularly on festive occasions such as Christmas, Easter, or midsummer.

How much should I tip in Denmark?

Tipping 10% of the total in restaurants in Denmark is typical. Some restaurants will automatically add a mandatory gratuity to your bill, and if so, no additional tip is needed. Tipping in most pubs and bars is not expected. Tipping is not common for tour guides and driver-guides because the cost of your tour typically includes a gratuity.

Where can I find the latest travel advice for Denmark?

For the latest travel advice for Denmark, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the State Department website.

What can I experience in Denmark?

Cycle along Copenhagen’s canals, explore Viking culture, learn to cook like a local, or visit castles and palaces in Denmark. You might like to kayak along Copenhagen’s many waterways to discover the city from a new perspective, or take a bicycle tour of the city, or a boat tour of the harbor and backwaters.

You could see the crown jewels and the country’s parliament in the city’s palaces and castles, take a cooking class to learn how to make smørrebrød, visit markets and museums, or ride one of the world’s oldest roller coasters in Tivoli Gardens. Outside Copenhagen, you can explore Hamlet’s world on the edge of the Øresund Sound, take a day trip to Sweden, or delve into Viking history and its influence on Europe.

Where can I stay in Denmark?

In Denmark you can style in modern, minimalist design hotels, restored historic buildings, and boutique urban retreats. You’ll find elegant, contemporary design combined with 18th-century grandeur in Copenhagen’s landmark Hotel d’Angleterre, Nordic chic and a Michelin-style dining at a converted warehouse on the docks, and a magnificent fairytale pleasure palace by the Tivoli Gardens. For more details, take a look at our collection of places to stay in Denmark.

Where should I go in Denmark?

Effortlessly cool Copenhagen is Denmark’s star attraction, but it’s also worth venturing to Roskilde, Helsingør, and Øresund Sound. In Copenhagen, you’ll discover a compact, modern metropolis with a strong cafe culture, great museums, and lively nightlife. The waterfront cafes and brightly painted houses of Nyhavn should be your first stop, before visiting the 17th-century Rosenborg Castle, the Christiansborg Palace, and the Little Mermaid statue.

Copenhagen is also home to a collection of first-class museums, the Tivoli Gardens — the oldest amusement park in Europe — and the ‘free town’ of Christiania, a collectively-run alternative district with quirky architecture and eco-conscious restaurants, stores, and workshops.

Beyond Copenhagen, you can board a virtual Viking ship and visit a youth culture museum in Roskilde. Lording over the waterfront in Helsingør is Kronborg Castle, setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet, while north of Copenhagen, the Louisiana Modern Art Museum houses a vast collection of modern and contemporary art.

How long does it take to fly to Denmark from the US?

It takes around seven hours to fly from the East Coast of the US to Denmark, and around 11 hours from the West Coast.

What's the time zone in Denmark?

The time zone in Denmark is UTC+1 hour. Daylight Savings Time is observed from the last Sunday of March through the last Sunday of October.

What's the best way of getting around in Denmark?

The best way to get around in Denmark is by train or by car. The Danish rail network is comfortable and reliable and will take you to most destinations, but you could also rent a car for complete freedom to travel when and where you wish. If you’d prefer not to drive, we can arrange a private vehicle with a driver-guide to take you between destinations.

Do I need a visa to visit Denmark, and what do I need to check with my passport?

Use our travel tool to find up-to-date visa and passport requirements for Denmark. Enter where you’re traveling to and from (including any stopover destinations en route or flight layovers), along with your intended travel dates and passport details, for a full list of requirements.

Do I need vaccinations to visit Denmark?

Speak to your doctor for up-to-date advice on immunizations for Denmark and ensure that you’re up to date with routine vaccinations at home. You can also check the recommended vaccinations by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Other popular destinations

Still looking for ideas? If Denmark has captured your interest, we think you might also like these destinations.