Denmark

Best known for its large dogs and Viking warriors, Denmark is a small, prosperous and highly functional kingdom in northern Europe that is often overlooked by travellers on their 'grand tour', although it has one of the highest standards of living in the world and plenty of charming experiences to offer visitors.

It is almost totally surrounded by water, consisting as it does of the Jutland Peninsula and 482 islands. Its only land border is with Germany. The country's capital city, lovely and lively Copenhagen, occupies the biggest of the offshore islands. With all the water it is not surprising that Denmark is very reliant on shipping and fishing; the country also has an important agricultural sector, though, and is famed in particular for its dairy products. Lovers of butter and cheese will enjoy a taste of Denmark!

Denmark boasts small green farms, blue lakes and white coastal beaches, the rural areas sprinkled with thatched cottages, castles and windmills across a gentle landscape which lends itself well to cycle touring. The cities are modern and bustling, but an air of medieval charm has been preserved in old sections of colourful buildings and cobblestone streets. The country boasts 280 museums, most of the important ones in Copenhagen, as well as the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde that is devoted to honouring Denmark's bold ancient mariners.

Other special attractions include the annual summer music festival in Roskilde, which is one of the largest in Europe; the Tivoli Gardens amusement park which has entertained crowds in Copenhagen since 1843; and one of the world's longest bridges, which spans 10 miles (16km), joining Denmark to Sweden.

The country is compact with an excellent road and rail transport system, and numerous ferry connections to the myriad offshore islands. It all adds up to a very civilised destination, as sweet and tempting as the rich, flaky pastry treats that the world has come to know as the 'Danish'.

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 66ºF (19ºC) and in the coldest month of February the average is 34ºF (1ºC). Being a coastal country Denmark can be rather wet and windy.

Money

Danish currency is the Krone (DKK), made up of 100 ore. ATMs are liberally sprinkled throughout the country, and all major credit cards are widely accepted, expecially Visa. Travellers cheques are welcome at banks and hotels. Most banks are not open at weekends, however Copenhagen has several bureaux de change which stay open late at night, seven days a week.

Passport Visa

The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, travellers to Denmark must hold proof of the following: (i) return or onward tickets, with confirmed reservations; (ii) the required documentation for the next destination; (iii) visible means of support (at least USD 30 or DKK 300) per day of stay in Denmark. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• United States citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in Denmark. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days in a six-month period.
• British citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in Denmark. Passport exemptions apply to holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. A visa is not required for passports endorsed British Citizen. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days in a six-month period for holders of passports endorsed British National (overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and British Subject (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom).
• Canadian citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in Denmark. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days in a six-month period.
• Australian citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in Denmark. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days in a six-month period.
• South African citizens must hold a valid passport (NOT a temporary passport), and require a Schengen visa for entry into Denmark.
• Irish nationals must have a passport valid upon arrival in Denmark. No visa is required.
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in Denmark. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days in a six-month period.

Health

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. Outbreaks of bird flu have been confirmed in wild birds, but the risk to travellers is very low. Precautions such as avoiding close contact with live birds, and ensuring that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked should be taken. 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).

Embassy Consulates

• Royal Danish Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 234 4300.
• Royal Danish Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7333 0200.
• Royal Danish Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 562 1811.
• Royal Danish Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6270 5333.
• Royal Danish Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 430 9340.
• Royal Danish Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 475 6404.
• Royal Danish Consulate General, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 (0)9 537 3099.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Copenhagen: +45 3341 7100.
• British Embassy, Copenhagen: +45 3544 5200.
• Canadian Embassy, Copenhagen: +45 3348 3200.
• Australian Embassy, Copenhagen: +45 7026 3676.
• South African Embassy, Copenhagen: +45 3918 0155.
• Irish Embassy, Copenhagen: +45 35 47 3200.
• New Zealand Consulate General, Copenhagen: +45 3337 7700.