Smart Self-Managed Tours

Country guide

Denmark

A photograph of Denmark
Photograph · Moahim · CC BY-SA 4.0

Denmark is the southernmost of the Scandinavian countries: the northern Jutland peninsula, which shares a short land border with Germany, plus an archipelago of 406 islands lying between the North Sea and the Baltic. Its population passed 6 million in May 2025, and roughly 40 per cent of that lives on Zealand alone — the largest island, and the one carrying Copenhagen. The land is flat and mostly arable, low, with sandy coasts, so a Danish route is measured in water crossings rather than in altitude. Beyond continental Denmark, the Kingdom also includes the Faroe Islands and Greenland.

Cities

Every city catalogued in this country so far, ranked by how much there is to see.

Practical information

Language spoken
Danish
National practical orientation; regional and minority languages may also be used
Dialling code
+45
International calling code; local area and mobile prefixes still apply
Currency
Danish krone (DKK)
Use the official local currency; card acceptance varies by place
Emergency number
112
Use only for an emergency; tourist assistance may use a separate number
Plug type
Type C, E, F and K · 230 V
Check that chargers support the recorded voltage before using an adapter
Tap water
Safe from the mains
Public drinking water is monitored by Danish authorities

Planning a visit

  1. January: seasonal closure recorded
  2. February: seasonal closure recorded
  3. March: seasonal closure recorded
  4. April: seasonal closure recorded
  5. May: seasonal closure recorded
  6. June: seasonal closure recorded
  7. July: seasonal closure recorded
  8. August: seasonal closure recorded — this month
  9. September: seasonal closure recorded
  10. October: no seasonality data recorded
  11. November: no seasonality data recorded
  12. December: seasonal closure recorded

Top things to see

Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.

  1. Royal Danish Theatre Royal Danish Theatre
    02 1 hour

    Royal Danish Theatre

    Det Kongelige Teater

    The Royal Danish Theatre, known locally as Det Kongelige Teater, stands as Denmark's national theatre and a prominent performing arts institution in Copenhagen. Founded in 1748, it serves as the country's principal venue for opera, ballet, and spoken drama.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  2. Copenhagen Opera House Copenhagen Opera House
    03 1 hour

    Copenhagen Opera House

    Operaen

    The Copenhagen Opera House, known locally as Operaen, is a prominent performing arts venue situated on Holmen island in central Copenhagen. It stands as one of Denmark's most significant cultural institutions, dedicated to opera and ballet performances.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  3. Pantomimeteatret Pantomimeteatret
    04 1 hour

    Pantomimeteatret

    Pantomimeteatret is a historic theatre located in Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen's famous amusement park. Established in the nineteenth century, this distinctive venue specialises in traditional Italian commedia dell'arte performances, particularly the Harlequin and Columbine pantomime tradition.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  4. Koncerthuset Koncerthuset
    05 1 hour

    Koncerthuset

    DR Koncerthuset

    DR Koncerthuset is Copenhagen's premier concert hall, serving as the home of the Danish National Symphony Orchestra. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the building opened in 2009 as part of the Ørestad development.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  5. Det Ny Theater Det Ny Theater
    06 1 hour

    Det Ny Theater

    Det Ny Teater

    Det Ny Teater is a historic theatre located in Copenhagen, Denmark. Its local name, Det Ny Teater, reflects its Danish cultural identity. The venue functions as a performing arts institution within the city's cultural landscape.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  6. Circus Building Circus Building
    07 1 hour

    Circus Building

    Cirkusbygningen

    The Circus Building, known locally as Cirkusbygningen, is a historic performance venue in Copenhagen. Constructed in the late 19th century, it was originally built to host circus performances and equestrian shows.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  7. Mogens Dahl Concert Hall Mogens Dahl Concert Hall
    09 1 hour

    Mogens Dahl Concert Hall

    Mogens Dahl Koncertsal

    Mogens Dahl Concert Hall is a dedicated concert venue in Copenhagen, known locally as Mogens Dahl Koncertsal. The hall serves as a performance space for classical and chamber music, positioned within the city's cultural infrastructure.

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  8. Folketeatret
    10 1 hour

    Folketeatret

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  9. Royal Danish Playhouse Royal Danish Playhouse
    11 1 hour

    Royal Danish Playhouse

    Skuespilhuset

    The Royal Danish Playhouse, known locally as Skuespilhuset, is a prominent performing arts venue in Copenhagen. It serves as the national stage for dramatic theatre in Denmark and stands as a significant cultural institution on the city's waterfront.

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  10. Absalon
    12 1 hour

    Absalon

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  11. Glass Hall
    14 1 hour

    Glass Hall

    Glassalen

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  12. Polar Bear with Cubs
    15 1 hour

    Polar Bear with Cubs

    Isbjørn med unger

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  13. The Lure Players
    16 1 hour

    The Lure Players

    Lurblæserne

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  14. Bremen Teater
    18 1 hour

    Bremen Teater

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  15. Christian IX
    19 1 hour

    Christian IX

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  16. Frederick VII
    21 1 hour

    Frederick VII

    Frederik VII

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  17. Georg Zoëga
    22 1 hour

    Georg Zoëga

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  18. Riddersalen
    27 1 hour

    Riddersalen

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  19. Øster Gasværk Teater Øster Gasværk Teater
    28 1 hour

    Øster Gasværk Teater

    Østre Gasværk Teater

    Østre Gasværk Teater is a theatre venue located in Copenhagen, Denmark. The building occupies a converted gasworks structure in the Østerbro district, giving it distinctive industrial architecture.

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  20. Amerikakaj
    29 1 hour

    Amerikakaj

    Kristina

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  21. Aveny-T
    31 1 hour

    Aveny-T

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  22. Bådteatret
    32 1 hour

    Bådteatret

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  23. Carl Nielsen memorial
    34 1 hour

    Carl Nielsen memorial

    Den fløjtespillende Pan

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  24. Christian IV
    35 1 hour

    Christian IV

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  25. Christian IV
    36 1 hour

    Christian IV

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  26. Fishwife
    38 1 hour

    Fishwife

    Fiskerkonen

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  27. Frederik VI
    39 1 hour

    Frederik VI

    Frederik den Sjette

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  28. Galerie Birch
    40 1 hour

    Galerie Birch

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  29. Niels Juel
    43 1 hour

    Niels Juel

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  30. Niels W. Gade
    44 1 hour

    Niels W. Gade

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  31. Republique
    46 1 hour

    Republique

    Teater Republique

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  32. Thor sculpture
    49 1 hour

    Thor sculpture

    Thor i kamp med jætterne

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  33. Agnete and the Merman
    51 1 hour

    Agnete and the Merman

    Agnete og Havmanden

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  34. A Mother
    52 1 hour

    A Mother

    En moder

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  35. Comedy Zoo
    54 1 hour

    Comedy Zoo

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  36. De fire Vinde
    55 1 hour

    De fire Vinde

    De Fire Vinde

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  37. Lion and Horse
    58 1 hour

    Lion and Horse

    Løven og hesten

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  38. Maratonløber
    59 1 hour

    Maratonløber

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  39. Mod lyset
    60 1 hour

    Mod lyset

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  40. Museumsbygningen
    61 1 hour

    Museumsbygningen

    Studio Oliver Gustav

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  41. Natalie Zahle
    62 1 hour

    Natalie Zahle

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  42. TAP1
    64 1 hour

    TAP1

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  43. Teatret ved Sorte Hest
    65 1 hour

    Teatret ved Sorte Hest

    Teatret Ved Sorte Hest

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  44. Water Art
    68 1 hour

    Water Art

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  45. Davis Gallery
    70 1 hour

    Davis Gallery

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  46. Galleri Bopa
    73 1 hour

    Galleri Bopa

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  47. Grok
    75 1 hour

    Grok

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  48. In the Gallery
    76 1 hour

    In the Gallery

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  49. Kosmisk Rum
    77 1 hour

    Kosmisk Rum

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  50. Til Værks
    78 1 hour

    Til Værks

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  51. Victor Borge
    79 1 hour

    Victor Borge

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  52. Nørrebros Theater Nørrebros Theater
    80 1 hour

    Nørrebros Theater

    Nørrebro Teater

    Nørrebros Theater, locally known as Nørrebro Teater, is a theatre venue situated in the Nørrebro district of Copenhagen. The building serves as a cultural institution within the city's performing arts landscape.

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  53. AbNorma
    82 1 hour

    AbNorma

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  54. Absalon
    84 1 hour

    Absalon

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  55. Afrodite
    86 1 hour

    Afrodite

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  56. Alexandersalen
    88 1 hour

    Alexandersalen

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  57. Amagerfolk
    89 1 hour

    Amagerfolk

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  58. Amagerkatten
    90 1 hour

    Amagerkatten

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  59. Arken
    95 1 hour

    Arken

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  60. Art Room 8
    98 1 hour

    Art Room 8

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  61. Asclepius
    99 1 hour

    Asclepius

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen
  62. Ask Yggdrasil
    100 1 hour

    Ask Yggdrasil

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Copenhagen

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·

Common questions

How long should a first trip to Denmark be?

Five to seven days allows three or four days in Copenhagen and time for one rail-linked extension such as Odense, Aarhus or North Zealand. Adding Jutland and several islands requires extra nights rather than longer day trips.

What entry documents are needed for Denmark?

Denmark’s New to Denmark portal is the official short-stay visa reference. Check the passport-specific rule and Schengen conditions there, including which country is responsible for an application on a multi-country trip.

What is the best way to travel around Denmark?

Copenhagen Airport has direct metro and rail connections. Intercity trains link Copenhagen, Odense, Aarhus and Aalborg, while Rejseplanen combines train, bus and ferry options even when fares remain operator-specific.

When is a practical time to visit Denmark?

May through August provides Denmark’s longest days and the broadest seasonal opening pattern. Coastal weather can still change quickly, and island ferry frequency should be checked outside the main summer period.

What money and payment basics apply in Denmark?

Denmark prices goods in Danish kroner (DKK), not euros. Payment conditions are not recorded here; keep an alternative available for any terminal or small operator that does not accept the preferred card.

What practical safety details should I save for Denmark?

Use 112 for emergencies in Denmark. The supply is 230 V across Type C, E, F and K sockets, and mains tap water is recorded as safe.