The world's happiest country — Copenhagen's Nyhavn waterfront, Tivoli Gardens, New Nordic cuisine, and a cycling culture so embedded that more bikes than cars cross the city center daily.
- Capital
- Copenhagen
- Population
- 6,004,342
- Area
- 43,094 km²
- Languages
- Danish
- Currency
- Danish Krone (DKK)
- GDP
- $449,940M
Good to know
Driving side
Right
National dish
fried pork and potato-based dish
Annual visitors
15,595,000 (2020)
Safety
Very low (0.84/100k)
Big Mac
$7.14
Avg temp
8.9°C
Religion
Christianity
Coast
Coastal
☎ Police 114
Travel guide
Denmark (Danish: Danmark) is the smallest of the Nordic countries in terms of landmass. Once the seat of Viking raiders and later a major north European naval power, the Kingdom of Denmark is the oldest kingdom in the world still in existence, but has evolved into a democratic, modern, and prosperous nation. These days, the Danish Vikings have parked their ships in the garage and put the helmets on the shelves, and along with the other Scandinavian nations, have forged a society that is often seen as a benchmark of civilisation; with progressive social policies, a commitment to free speech so strong it put the country at odds with much of the world during the 2006 cartoon crisis, a liberal social-welfare system and, according to The Economist, one of the most commercially competitive. Top it off with a rich, well-preserved cultural heritage, and the Danes' legendary sense of design and architecture, and you have one intriguing holiday destination. Dubbed in various surveys and polls throughout the years as the "happiest country in the world", it is often pictured as a romantic and safe place, likely linked to Hans Christian Andersen as a "fairy tale" on its own. Of course much more lies beneath the surface, but for the traveller, Denmark is likely to prove convenient, safe, clean, but also quite expensive to visit.
© Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)
Explore Denmark
Best time to visit
May–August is the best period, with long days and outdoor festivals. Copenhagen is lively year-round. Roskilde Festival in July. Christmas markets in December are charming. Faroe Islands best May–September.
Visa
EU/EEA citizens enter freely. US, UK, Canada, Australia and most Western nationalities get 90 days Schengen visa-free.
Highlights
In the heart of Copenhagen lies the world’s second-oldest amusement park, Tivoli Gardens. Ever since 1843, Tivoli Gardens has offered a world of amazing experiences. Look forward to fun rides, scenic settings, an exciting entertainment programme, delicious food experiences and unforgettable memories for the whole family.
Public holidays
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (9)
Book your trip to Denmark
We may earn a commission when you book through these links.