Denmark Travel and Backpacking Guide

Welcome to my backpacking Denmark travel guide! Denmark is the southernmost of the Scandinavian countries. This majestic country offers an amazing symbiosis of cosmopolitan cities and rural tranquility. You’re never far from beautiful medieval castles, enviable coastline, or rich culture and numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit. With stunning scenery that offers the intrepid explorer plenty of opportunities to discover and appreciate the richness and beauty of nature, it is no wonder that backpacking Denmark is high on any traveler’s list.

If the country isn’t on your bucket list, it should be, because Danes like to demonstrate their passion for modernity and Denmark is indeed a very modern country. However, as soon as you leave the airport, you realize that Denmark retains its medieval feel out on the terraces of its fashionable bars and restaurants.

Denmark is seen as providing a high quality of life and being one of the world’s happiest countries. This is the country that offers so much more than just Carlsberg and Smørebrød that it blows my mind more backpackers don’t take advantage of it. Denmark is, however, notoriously expensive.

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For many travelers, the thought of backpacking Denmark for more than a couple days is a bank account draining nightmare. So how to significantly reduce your total backpacking cost without making too many sacrifices? Is it even possible to travel to Denmark on a budget?

In this Denmark travel guide, you will get all the hacks and tips you need to travel to Denmark on a budget. Get Denmark travel itinerary, in-depth tips on backpacking in Denmark, top things to do in Denmark, where to go, where to stay, and more!

By the end of this Denmark travel guide, you will fear the high prices in this part of Europe no longer. In addition, once you get to know what’s on offer in Denmark you will probably start preparing for a backpacking trip right away!

Let’s dive right in!

Where to Go Backpacking in Denmark

There are five regions in Denmark with each region being governed by a popularly elected regional council. Backpacking Denmark offers up the opportunity to explore a vast array of landscapes. From wandering the streets of the major cities and trekking the Camønoen hiking trail to island hopping around the Faroe, Denmark has plenty to keep budget backpackers busy.

A journey backpacking in Denmark takes you past the highlights of southern Scandinavia. One of the reasons I love Denmark, in particular, is because there are more stunning natural landscapes, history, and culture than one can possibly take in a single backpacking trip. Backpacking in Denmark is the journey that keeps on giving.

Visit Egeskov Castle in Funen. Explore the myriad of hiking and cycling trails in Thy National Park. Discover the amazing food culture in Copenhagen. Become enchanted by the Viking burial grounds of Lindholm Høje.

Whether you’re a landscape photography enthusiast, history buff, a foodie, adventure evangelist or just love getting lost in big cities, Denmark has all of those things on offer and in abundance.

Obviously, backpacking Denmark isn’t the same as trekking through Southeast Asia or South America. Although, in stark contrast, things generally are a lot more organized in Denmark.

If you love keeping things a bit more under control, access to efficient transportation, and can tolerate a certain degree of spontaneity, you are going to love traveling here! Now let’s take a look at my favorite backpacking itinerary for one week in Denmark below.

One Week Backpacking Denmark Itinerary

Here is a backpacking Denmark travel itinerary to make certain that you don’t miss a thing on your trip. This backpacking route can easily be combined with another, done in reverse, and customized based on your preferences!

Total Traveling Time – 5 to 7 days

Backpacking Copenhagen (2 days)

It’s hard to resist the charms of Copenhagen. But what is Copenhagen known for? There are many green spaces, the Little Mermaid statue and Freetown Christiania. the latter is a hidden gem and a special place that is home to Green Light District where you can purchase cannabis.

It has the busiest airport in Scandinavia serving the Danish capital and also Southern Sweden thanks to its location adjacent to the Øresund Bridge. Its city center is quite compact and you can cover the main sights by foot. There’re plenty of activities and experiences for people of all ages and interests. Therefore it’s a logical starting point for any trip across Denmark.

Copenhagen is the epitome of the Scandinavian way of life. Alternative culture thrives in the self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood of Christiania. Definitely, the most interesting hippie district to visit in Copenhagen that boasts some trendy smoky bars, vegetarian restaurants, and concert venues. The city also has all the eating, drinking and partying options you’d expect of a major Western European capital with some fine waterfront settings, the highlight of which is 17th Century Nyhavn.

Backpacking Roskilde (Half Day)

Only half an hour from Copenhagen, Roskilde is a perfect spot for a day trip from the Danish capital. Steeped in Viking history, Roskilde should be high on everyone’s travel bucket list. This is an ancient Viking city that used to be the historical capital between the 11th and the 13th centuries.

Roskilde highlights include a 13th Century cathedral and a compelling Viking Museum. It will take you back in time and allow you to start getting to grips with the history of Denmark. Roskilde is also the setting for the largest Scandinavian festival, held over a week each summer. Roskilde Festival attracts folks from all over Europe!

If you visit Roskilde as part of the suggested one-week Denmark itinerary, you may want to hop on a train from Copenhagen in the morning, and then continuing to Odense later in the day.

Backpacking Odense (1-2 Days)

No trip to Denmark is complete without visiting Odense. This is Denmark’s third-largest city and situated some 130km from Roskilde. It takes little over an hour to get there by train.

Odense is a popular stop on any Denmark backpacking route and I can’t imagine going to Odense without a trip to the famous Egeskov Castle, Europe’s best-preserved Renaissance castles. The city lies in the centre of the island of Funen and is wonderfully walkable. This makes Odense easy to explore on a budget, without the need to spend extra cash on getting around.

If you have extra time, there are plenty of day trips to the surrounding towns and countryside. The city is also well known as Hans Christian Andersen’s hometown. Visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum that tells the story of the writer’s life and has a lot of his personal belongings.

Backpacking Aarhus (1-2 Days)

It’s so easy to fall in love with Aarhus. However, this vibrant Danish city is often overlooked in favor of its bigger counterparts. Aarhus may have quite a small town feel but it definitely deserves attention and makes for a wonderful city break.

Aarhus is the second largest city in Denmark, and it will only take a couple of days to explore the whole city. City’s history began as a fortified Viking settlement founded in 770. Filled with culture, interesting shops, pretty architecture, and some truly fabulous food, Aarhus is also home to a diverse and thriving student population though.

Aarhus has become an important cultural and economic center in Jutland. The Old Town (Den Gamle By), the royal summer palace of Marselisborg and Aarhus Cathedral are great places to soak up local life. Those fond of unusual places may want to visit the Women’s Museum, Grisebrønden (Well of Pigs) sculpture that symbolizes the love of Danes to the bacon and the Viking Moot, an annual event, which takes place in July.

Aarhus has become an important cultural and economic center in Jutland. The Old Town (Den Gamle By), the royal summer palace of Marselisborg and Aarhus Cathedral are great places to check out. Rent a bike to save money on transportation and visit the Women’s Museum, Grisebrønden (Well of Pigs) sculpture that symbolizes the love of Danes to the bacon. If you’re lucky enough, don’t miss out on visiting the Viking Moot, an annual event, which takes place at the end of July.

Best Time to Visit Denmark

The country has a very temperate climate that is moderated by the warm Gulf Stream and four distinct seasons. Summer is the best time to visit Denmark, while autumn tends to be rainy and cloudy. August is the hottest month with the average temperature being 15.7°C and reaching highs of over 25°C.

Early summer is a great time to go on a backpacking trip in Denmark. The days are long, the weather is warm and there are fewer crowds. The temperature is pleasant without spring’s wet weather. Summer is high season, with July and August seeing the most crowds. All popular places to visit in Denmark will be busy at their peak season and hotel and flight prices tend to be higher. Danes welcome Midsummer, the longest day of the year, around June 21 with a country-wide celebration. For one of the country’s best music festival, visit during the first week of July to experience the Roskilde Music Festival.

The weather can vary from region to region. The west coast sees more rain than the rest of Denmark. Always check the forecast before heading out and always be prepared for rain. You should just expect that it will be rainy at some point on your trip. Hopefully, you will be lucky and get the chance to experience beautiful sunshine! Take my advice: always bring a solid rain-jacket and waterproof shoes for trekking in Denmark.

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Late spring is also an excellent time to come backpacking in Denmark. If you come too early or visit too late though, expect cold temperatures. The winters in Denmark are typically mild, getting colder in January and February, but rarely dipping below freezing for long. Visiting Copenhagen in winter months provides a great chance to experience European Christmas Markets!

In the winter the days are short. As you get closer to the Arctic circle, the daylight in the winter is minimal. The reverse is true in the summer.

Where to Stay in Denmark

Denmark has a high number of hostels, guest houses, homestays, and farmstays so budget travel is certainly catered for. These options are your best bet for cheap accommodation whilst backpacking Denmark. Prices vary depending on the location and the time of year you visit. Generally, the average price of a hostel is 130-240 DKK (€17-32) a night.

A lot of the best hostels in Copenhagen are a bit pricey, but they offer good value. They will usually provide linen, bathroom, cooking and internet facilities.

If you’re doing some trekking, it’s also a good idea to pack your tent and a hammock and sleep for a very modest fee of 20 DKK or so. Wild camping isn’t allowed in Denmark because the country is more densely populated than Sweden or Norway. However, you can take advantage of using one of the country’s many “primitive” campsites and enjoy a night under canvas in a natural environment.

Couchsurfing in Denmark

Danes are incredibly welcoming and hospitable! And they always up for a good time! Obviously, Couchsurfing is the cheapest way to backpack Denmark and also a great tool to make some real friendships. Make yourself stand out when using Couchsurfing. Don’t your hosts feel like they’re part of a generic spam message!

Cheap Accommodation in Denmark

Hostels and Guesthouses are your next cheapest option in Denmark. Hostels are really only found in bigger cities although more are starting to pop up in the countryside too. Out with the city, BnB’s or Guesthouses are your cheapest option. Expect to pay around $35 – $40 a night. Check out the awesome Steel House Copenhagen.

Campsites

To save on accommodation in Denmark, consider staying in campsites. To do that you will need the Camping Key Europe pass. For a one-night stay, you will need a transit card. Campsites are usually available from April to September. Some are open all year round. Since all campsites are classified according to their quality, the typical cost for a three-star campsite is around 70 DKK. If you travel with kids or just want to hang out in nature than consider farm holidays or agritourism. Volunteering with WWOOF is a great way to get free accommodation in rural areas.

Airbnb

Often cheaper than the pricey hotels, but still offering more privacy than a hostel. I’ve used Airbnb a number of times in Denmark even in the most rural of areas! Start planning your Denmark backpacking trip with this Airbnb coupon code, and get $35 off your first booking!

Below are a few of my favourite hostels and budget accommodation options when backpacking Denmark:

Urban House Copenhagen by MEININGER
Danhostel Svendborg
Copenhagen Downtown Hostel
Danhostel Ribe
Generator Copenhagen
Danhostel Aarhus City
Danhostel Roskilde

Entry Requirements in Denmark

Denmark is a member of the Schengen agreement, meaning citizens from the EU, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States can travel freely to Denmark with no visa. If you’re not a citizen of a Nordic country or the EU then you may need a visa to enter Denmark. Folks coming from the US will need two blank pages in their passport and it should have at least six months validity.

Denmark Travel Guide to Getting Around

The Copenhagen Airport Kastrup (CPH), just outside the capital city, is the easiest and cheapest way to get to Danmark. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) operates flights from their hub in Copenhagen to 109 destinations around the world, and they also offer free airfare for children between the ages of two and 11 on flights between the US and the Nordic countries.

The airport is a 15-minute metro or bus ride from the city centre and a one-way ticket costs 38 DKK. Most major car rental companies have an office at the airport, though many of the smaller (and cheaper) companies have offices nearby. If you book with a smaller company they can pick you up upon arrival.

It’s also possible to hitchhike into Copenhagen or even Sweden from the airport. Leave the airport building on the other side of the metro exit to the large parking lot and then go to the roundabout at the end next to Netto. Just after the roundabout there is a bus stop and a smaller parking lot. This area makes a good spot to hitchhike from. You will be able to keep an eye on the petrol station and hopefully find some cars that will get you to Copenhagen.

How to Travel in Denmark

Copenhagen is easily accessible from Sweden via the Øresund bridge by bus or from Germany by bus or train. The bridge connects the Swedish city of Malmö to the Danish capital. There is a number of daily buses from Germany to Denmark. Although traveling by bus takes longer, it’s often much cheaper than going by train. Furthermore, you don’t have to buy tickets in advance. Eurolines and Flixbus offer a comprehensive list of routes.

The culture of cycling in Denmark is popular as both a recreational activity and a means of getting around. Danes just love riding their bicycles. Sometimes it feels like they treat pedestrians like second-class citizens here! To overcome this social injustice, rent your own bike. Many hotels have bike rentals or you can find bike shops for day rentals – it will be around €18 per day.

I used Copenhagen’s metro, buses, and trains quite a bit and found them very easy to navigate. Buses often have special codes to mark their types. For example, regular buses have only their number, while A buses are the main network without any schedule departing every 2 to 6 minutes. For buses, I usually rely on Google Maps on my phone so that I know where to get off. Also don’t forget that you can get to and from the airport, as well as, get around Copenhagen for free with a Copenhagen Card!

Danish Food: A Culinary Travel Guide to What to Eat

If stereotypes dominate your perception of Danish cuisine than you’re probably think: “Right, Danish food. You mean Smørrebrød?” Well, they do have smørrebrød for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but let me explain myself better.

While nobody is arguing that the Danish have more gastronomic prowess than Italy, the Danish still offer up a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes to try.

I didn’t find the food in Denmark to be super diverse. But Danes are good at what they do cook. And yes, you can’t say your backpacking trip around Denmark is complete without trying a delicious Smørrebrød.

Traditional Danish Dishes

Here are a few of my favorite dishes native to Denmark:

Aebleskiver – (The English language spelling is usually aebleskiver or ebleskiver) are a type of small Danish pancake balls that are cooked with sugar in a special stovetop pan with half-spherical molds.

Kartofler – Have you ever heard that Danes talk like they have potatoes in their mouths? While this is a questionable statement, traditional Danish food is more or less all about potato dishes. Typically boiled in water with vegetables or cooked with sugar to create caramelization.

Krebinetter – This is a type of pork patties and everyday dish in Denmark, also known as karbonader. Earlier on, Krebinetter were served with green peas and carrots in a white sauce, but young Danes like them with a salad or rye bread.

Hønsekødssuppe – Basically, a delicious chicken soup with vegetables and dough dumplings.

Frikadeller – Danish meatballs consist of equal beef and pork, flour, eggs, milk, onions and spices and is eaten with rye bread, parsley sauce or potatoes. Frikadeller is one of the Dane’s most beloved dishes and a popular topping for smørrebrød (both hot and cold). In the summer, young and old accompany meatballs with boiled potatoes and salad.

Smørrebrød – These open-faced sandwiches are incredibly popular across Denmark. Danes love their Smørrebrøds and typically eat them for lunch. Usually eaten with rugbrød (rye bread), they can be topped with poached egg, creamy chicken, raw herring, meat, vegetables or shrimp. No matter where you go backpacking in Denmark, you will find many eateries and restaurants serving Smørrebrød.

Where to Go in Denmark. Places To Visit

Backpacking Svendborg

A small town located on the island of Funen in southern Denmark is well known for its history and shipyards. Start with exploring the harbor and the embankment. The spot was Hans Christian Andersen’s favorite place in the city. Make sure to wander through the narrow streets to feel the spirit of Svendborg. With several historic sites situated within walking distance of the city center, the Saint Nicholas Church is the oldest building in Svendborg. The Valdemars Slot – the palace that was built by King Christian IV for his son – is still inhabited by Juel family.

Backpacking Bornholm

One of the most beautiful islands not only in Denmark but in the Baltic Sea. Separated from the mainland by the sea, Bornholm has a totally unique atmosphere. With a large influx of tourists in summer, attracted by the sandy beaches in the south and the granite cliffs in the north, the island managed to keep its quiet lifestyle.

Be sure to visit Osterlars Church, the oldest of the island’s four round churches; Hammershus ruins of once largest medieval fortification in Scandinavia, with a stunning view of the coastline and the sea surrounding Bornholm, and the Bornholm Birds of Prey Show. Many backpackers come to Bornholm to try the traditional smoked herring with egg yolk. Bornholm is much closer to Sweden, so it might be convenient to get a DSB combined rail and ferry ticket to reach Ystad and then set sail for Ronne. Another option is to hop on a ferry in Koge.

Den Gamle By Museum

A unique open-air museum, otherwise known as the Old Town in Aarhus definitely lives up to its name. With about 80 buildings from all around Denmark, the museum meticulously recreates medieval Danish town, including a mill, post office, school, and a theater. As Danes love to reconstruct history using any method possible, the Den Gamle By is more like an exponential replica of the period that has passed a long time ago.

Aside from the historic homes, you may also see people dressed in period clothing and practicing activities date back centuries. Visiting Den Gamle By is cheaper in the winter, and there are discounts for students (and since I was a student from another country, I got an additional discount). From March-December, it costs 135 DKK (about $22 USD) for adults and 70 DKK (about $12 USD) for students, and it’s free for anyone under 18.

Kronborg Castle

This historic royal castle is the second most popular tourist attraction in Denmark. I visited it on a cold snowy day in January and it was admirable. Kronborg is most famous for being the castle in which Shakespeare set his play, Hamlet. Indeed, the play about the Danish prince is based upon the Danish mythological figure Amleth. Shakespeare simply moved the ‘h’ from the end of the name to the start.

The strategic location of Kronborg castle was paramount. Because of its strategic coastal location, Denmark’s kings could control the entrance to the Baltic Sea and charge foreign vessels. On a clear day, Kronborg Castle offers spectacular views along the impressive rugged coastline and distant views of the Sweden coastline.

Make sure you wear comfy shoes if you want to explore the crypts, as the floors are uneven, unpaved stone. It’s also pitch black! In summer, there are live Shakespeare performances. You can take a ferry to reach the Swedish town of Helsingborg, the voyage takes about 20 minutes.

Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse

A huge dune near the Rubjerg Knude lighthouse occurred shortly after the lighthouse was lit in December 1900. Now the dune is still growing as the sand piling up in front of and around the lighthouse that already caused the destruction of the kitchen gardens. With no success in suppressing the sand, the lighthouse was abandoned in 1968. Specialists say the lighthouse will be buried in sand or just fall into the sea within the next ten years. Be sure to see before this happens! The Rubjerg Knude lighthouse is located in northern Jutland. Consider renting a car or a bicycle to get there.

Frederiksborg Castle

Although the Kronborg castle is more popular with tourists, in my opinion, Frederiksborg is far more romantic. The castle is situated on three small islands in the Slotssøen lake, which makes Frederiksborg look like something out of a fairy tale. In addition, there is a lovely Baroque garden with hedges and perfect layout. The price is 75 DKK for a single ticket. Use your Copenhagen City Card to get free admission.