Denmark Travel Guide

Full Name

Kingdom of Denmark

Former Name

None

Capital City

Copenhagen

Government Type

constitutional monarchy

Area Size

43,094 sq km

Time Zone

UTC/GMT +1 hour

Climate

Denmark has a mild climate with no extremes of heat or cold. In the light summer months of June to August, the average daytime temperature is 19ºC and in the coldest month of February the average is 1ºC. Being a coastal country Denmark can be rather wet and windy.

Geography

Denmark consists of the peninsula of Jutland (Jylland) and 443 named islands (1419 islands above 100 m² in total (2005)). Of these, 76 are inhabited, with the largest being Zealand (Sjælland) and Funen (Fyn). The island of Bornholm is located somewhat east of the rest of the country, in the Baltic Sea. Many of the larger islands are connected by bridges; the Øresund Bridge connects Zealand with Sweden, the Great Belt Bridge connects Funen with Zealand, and the Little Belt Bridge connects Jutland with Funen. Ferries or small aircraft connect to the smaller islands. Main cities are the capital Copenhagen, Århus, Aalborg and Esbjerg and Odense.

Languages

Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect), German (small minority)

Culture

Hans Christian Andersen is known beyond Denmark for his moralistic fairy tales, such as "The Emperor's New Clothes", "The Little Mermaid", and "The Ugly Duckling". Karen Blixen (pen name: Isak Dinesen), Nobel laureate author Henrik Pontoppidan, Nobel laureate physicist Niels Bohr, and the Philosopher Søren Kierkegaard have also made a name for themselves outside Denmark. The capital city of Copenhagen includes the Tivoli gardens, the Amalienborg Palace (home of the Danish monarchy), The Little Mermaid. Historically, Denmark, like its Scandinavian neighbors, has been one of the most socially progressive cultures in the world. For example, in 1969, Denmark was the first country to legalize pornography. And in 1989, Denmark enacted a registered partnership law, being the first country in the world to grant same-sex couples nearly all of the rights and responsibilities of marriage.

History

Once the seat of Viking raiders and later a major north European power, Denmark has evolved into a modern, prosperous nation that is participating in the general political and economic integration of Europe. It joined NATO in 1949 and the EEC (now the EU) in 1973. However, the country has opted out of certain elements of the European Union's Maastricht Treaty, including the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), European defense cooperation, and issues concerning certain justice and home affairs.

Travel Information

The national airlines are SAS (SK) and Sterling Airlines (SA). Copenhagen (CPH) (Kastrup) is 8km southeast of the city. A rail link connects the airport and main railway station in Copenhagen. There are also high-speed Intercity trains to Funen and Jutland with additional connections to Malmø (Sweden) on a 30-minute journey via the Øresund link. There are also regular bus services from the airport departing every 10 to 20 minutes. Facilities: An outgoing duty-free shop, a wide range of car hire firms, bank/bureau de change, and several restaurants and bars. Århus (AAR) (Tirstrup) is 44km from the city. Buses connect with flight arrivals; taxis are also available. Facilities: Duty-free shop, a wide range of car hire firms, bank/bureau de change, a post office and a restaurant. Billund Airport (BLL) (Billund) is approximately 2km from Legoland. Main ports: Copenhagen, Esbjerg, Frederikshavn, Hanstholm and Hirtshals. There are regular ferries to and from the Faroe Islands, Germany, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Sweden and the UK. DFDS Seaways is one of the main operators. North Jutland is connected to the Faroes, Iceland, Norway and Scotland during the summer by ferries. Several major cruise lines call at Copenhagen. Copenhagen is connected by rail to all other major European cities, and typical express journey times to Copenhagen are: from London 24 hours; Hamburg 4 hours 30 minutes; Berlin 11 hours 30 minutes. All international trains connect with ferries where applicable. All the major road networks of Europe connect with ferry services to Copenhagen; it is advisable to book ferries in advance. Eurolines coaches serves destinations in Denmark.

Accommodation

Travellers without reservations can book at one of the provincial tourist offices. Denmark's fine beaches attract many visitors, and there are hotels and pensions in all major seaside resorts.

Visa Requirements

Visas are not required by all nationals of the EU, Australia, Canada and USA for the following durations: nationals of EU countries who may stay for an unlimited period; nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to three months (no paid or self-employed work allowed). Nationals not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to above except: EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed. Holders of a Gibraltar Identity Card issued to British Citizens or British Dependent Citizens for tourist visits of up to three months. Denmark is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.

Getting Around

The network of scheduled services radiates from Copenhagen (Kastrup). Other airports well served by domestic airlines include Ålborg, Århus, Billund, Esbjerg, Karup, Rønne, Skrydstrup, Sønderborg and Thisted. Domestic airports are generally situated between two or more cities which are within easy reach of each other. Internal flights are usually of no more than 30 minutes’ duration. There are frequent ferry sailings from Kalundborg to Århus, Ebeltoft to Sjællands Odde and Rønne to Copenhagen. The larger ferries usually have restaurants or cafes and may have TV, video and cinema lounges, shops, play areas for children and sleeping rooms. Local car ferries link most islands to the road network. The main cities on all islands are connected to the rail network: Ålborg, Copenhagen, Esbjerg, Herning, Horsens, Odense and Randers. Danish State Railways operates a number of express trains called Lyntogs which provide long-distance, non-stop travel. Intercity IC3 trains are faster and more direct. Seat reservations are compulsory. Children under 10 years old travel free. The Englænderen boat-train runs between Esbjerg and Copenhagen and connects with ferries from the UK. Traffic drives on the right. The road system in the Danish archipelago makes frequent use of ferries. Country buses operate where there are no railways, but there are few private long-distance coaches. There are cycle lanes along many roads and, in the countryside, many miles of scenic cycle track. Bikes can easily be taken on ferries, trains, buses and domestic air services. Car rental is available to drivers over the age of 20, and can be reserved through travel agents or airlines. However, many firms will only hire vehicles out to drivers over 25 years of age. Copenhagen has an integrated bus and urban train network, known as S-tog, as well as a new Metro. Taxi fares include tips.

Health & Safety

There are no specific health risks in Denmark, and medical facilities are first class. There is a small risk of tick-borne encephalitis in forested or rural areas during summer, and insect protection is advised. Free emergency treatment is available to all foreign visitors at public hospitals, and due to a reciprocal health agreement UK passport holders receive free medical and hospital treatment. To make use of this service, UK national should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Most visits to Denmark are trouble-free, and crime levels are low. During the tourist season, however, muggers, pickpockets and bag-snatchers become active especially in crowded areas and on the train station in Copenhagen. Visitors should take precautions to keep personal belongings safe.

National Holidays

1 Jan - New Year’s Day. 5 Apr - Maundy Thursday. 6-9 Apr - Easter. 4 May - Common Prayer Day. 28 May - Whit Monday. 17 May - Ascension. 5 Jun - Constitution Day. 25-26 Dec - Christmas.

Currency

Danish Krone (DKK)

Electricity

230v AC, 50Hz

Working Hours

Office hours: Mon-Fri 9.00am - 4.00/5.30pm (some offices close earlier on Fridays).

Emergency Numbers

112