Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Denmark
 |  | Fact File : Denmark |
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| | | Denmark | | Did you know?
Hans Christian Andersen's stories have been translated into more languages than any other book except the Bible.
Language
Danish
Visas
None required from UK if staying less than three months.
Getting there
Many scheduled airlines fly from the UK to the capital's Copenhagen International Airport. Eurolines runs a fairly cheap bus service and it's easy to get to Denmark by train, though either of these options means a long trip. A Scandinavian Seaways ferry takes 19 hours overnight and allows you to bring your car - and includes the option of a reclining chair or cabin in the ticket price.
Flying time from London
About two hours
Getting around
Denmark has an extensive public transport system and trains and buses are reliable, cheap and frequent. The Marguerite Route is a scenic network across the country for car and motorbike touring, and there are many regional and national bicycle routes.
Currency
Danish krone
Costs
Bottle of beer £2-£4; roll of camera film £4-£5; moderate meal £15; litre of petrol 60p-70p; four-mile taxi ride £4-£8. All prices vary.
Weather
Considering its northern latitude Denmark has a reasonably mild climate. However, the average daily temperature in January and February is still around freezing, with cloudy skies the norm. Surrounded by the sea, rain is to be expected year-round, though from May to September the climate is generally comfortable. Expect temperatures in the mid 50Fs(10C) in May, rising to the high 60Fs (15C-20C) by July/August.
Time difference
One hour ahead of GMT
International dialling code from the UK
00 45
Voltage
Like most of Europe, Denmark runs on 220V,50Hz AC. Most UK 240V appliances will handle 220V and vice versa, but you'll need an adaptor for the two round-pin "europlug" sockets.
Opening hours
Though shopping hours outside Copenhagen are conservative: 9:30am-5:30pm on weekdays and only until 2pm on Saturdays, the Danes like to keep going late into the night. Little begins in the bars and clubs before 10pm, or ends before 3am.
Health - Before you go
The EHIC form, available from the post office, will cover basic healthcare costs on the Danish equivalent of the NHS. It can be worth taking out travel insurance for ease and flexibility of where and how you're treated.
Health - When you are there
Dial 112 in an emergency. Local pharmacies are helpful for minor complaints, and since most Danes speak English there shouldn't be a problem explaining what's wrong. Pharmacies will also be able to recommend a doctor or dentist.
Warnings
As a pedestrian or motorist learn to watch out for cycle lanes: they (and fast-moving cyclists) are easy to veer into accidentally.
Emergency
Call 112 for emergency police, fire and ambulance services. The British Embassy is at Kastelsvej 40, Copenhagen. Tel: 35 44 52 00.
Customs
Though the Danes pride themselves on being thoroughly modern, nothing captures their perspective on life better than the concept of "hygge", which roughly means cosy and snug - shutting out the turmoil of the outside world and striving for a warm, intimate mood. Hygge influences everything from the design of Danish homes to their fondness for small cafes and intimate bars.
Pets
Cats and dogs can travel between Denmark and the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme, providing that they have been fitted with a microchip, vaccinated against rabies, and issued with an official PETS certificate. This takes several months to set up, so see your vet.
Tipping
Service charges are included in restaurant bills and taxi fares, but it's not uncommon to round up the bill.
Tourist office
Danish Tourist Board, 55 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9SR. Tel: 020 7259 5959.
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