If you’re planning on visiting Denmark, it’s important to stay aware of health and safety guidelines. Denmark is an extremely safe country to visit, but like anywhere, it’s always smart to be prepared. Whether you’re exploring Copenhagen or wandering through the Danish countryside, these tips will help ensure your trip goes smoothly.
Stay Healthy: General Health Tips for Travelers to Denmark
Denmark has a high standard of healthcare and sanitation, so staying healthy here isn’t difficult. The tap water is clean and safe to drink (some of the best in Europe), and food hygiene is top-tier. In general, you won’t face many health issues during your trip.
If you do need medication in Denmark, pharmacies are accessible in both cities and smaller towns. Many common medications do not require a prescription, but for stronger drugs, you will need a prescription from a doctor.
It’s always a good idea to carry a basic first aid kit with items like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and personal medications. This will save you time and hassle if you get a minor cut or scrape while exploring.
Vaccinations
There are no special vaccinations required for travel to Denmark, though it’s recommended that your routine vaccines are up to date. These include:
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
- Tetanus-diphtheria vaccine
- Polio vaccine
- Influenza vaccine (seasonal)
Additional Vaccines Depending on Your Travel Plans
If you plan to spend extended time in rural areas or have close contact with animals, you might want to consider the rabies vaccine. Rabies is rare in Denmark, but still a risk if you’re venturing out to more remote areas.
Essential Emergency Numbers

Denmark has a reliable emergency system. In case something goes wrong, you’ll want to know these crucial numbers:
- General Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112
- Non-Emergency Medical Service: 1813 (for medical advice and information outside hospital emergency)
- Police Non-Emergency: 114
If you’re ever unsure, dialing 112 will connect you to the appropriate service, and operators can often speak English. You can also reach emergency services by mobile phone without needing a local SIM card, which is useful if you’ve just arrived and haven’t set up a local plan yet.
Handling Health Emergencies
Denmark has excellent medical care, and hospitals are well-equipped for handling emergencies. If you need to go to a hospital, ask for help from nearby locals—they’re typically very friendly and willing to assist you.
Urgent care is available at emergency rooms and specialized doctors’ offices, both in cities and smaller towns. Public health insurance covers Danish residents, but as a tourist, it’s vital to have travel insurance that covers any healthcare expenses.
Many doctors in Denmark speak English, so language barriers should not be a major issue. If you’re unsure where to go for medical help, don’t hesitate to call the emergency hotline (1813) for guidance.
Safety Tips: Staying Safe in Denmark
Denmark consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. Violent crime is very low here. Petty crime, while rare, can happen in crowded areas, especially in tourist-heavy spots in Copenhagen.
Urban Safety Tips
Pickpocketing can occur in busy places like airports, train stations, and tourist attractions. To avoid this:

- Keep your valuables in a secure, zipped pocket or consider using a money belt.
- Don’t leave your bag unattended, even in cafés or restaurants.
- Be extra cautious in crowded places like the Tivoli Garden or the Nyhavn Harbor.
Copenhagen, the capital, is incredibly safe, day or night. However, like in most cities, you’ll want to stay aware of your surroundings at night, especially in less bustling areas.

Rural Safety Tips
Denmark’s countryside is beautiful and safe, but when traveling to remote areas, it’s important to take a few precautions:
- Carry a fully charged phone in case of emergencies.
- If you’re hiking in national parks or remote areas, let someone know your plans and expected return time.
- Stay on marked trails if you’re exploring forests or reserves. Denmark’s natural landscapes are well-maintained, so sticking to marked areas also protects the environment.
Road Safety
Denmark has very safe roads and one of the best public transport systems in Europe. Car accidents are low in number, and drivers follow laws seriously. However, you should still stay cautious:
- If you’re renting a car, follow the speed limits explicitly—cameras are common, especially in urban zones.
- Cyclists rule in Denmark! When driving, always watch for bikes at intersections, and give them the right of way.
- Pedestrians should always cross roads at designated crosswalks.
Environmental and Seasonal Considerations
Denmark has mild weather, but if you’re visiting during the winter, be prepared for chilly, often wet conditions. Layered clothing is a smart choice, especially if you’ll be spending time outdoors.

During the winter months, when daylight is limited, roads and sidewalks might get icy. Wear boots with good traction and be careful when walking, particularly early in the morning when snow or frost has yet to melt.
Sunlight and Heat
Denmark doesn’t often experience extreme heat, but summer temperatures can still climb. Don’t forget sunscreen, even when it’s cloudy, as UV rays can be strong in the summer months.
Stay hydrated, too! The tap water in Denmark is safe and tastes great, so carrying a reusable water bottle is a good option.

Tick Safety
If you’re planning to hike in forests or grasslands, keep in mind that ticks can be present in the warmer months. Lyme disease is rare but does exist. Consider wearing long pants and using insect repellent when exploring nature.
Check yourself for ticks after any outdoor excursions, and if you find one, remove it carefully with tweezers. Consult a doctor if symptoms like rash or fever appear afterward.
Emergency Situations: What to Do
If you find yourself in an emergency situation, help is typically just around the corner. Danes are well-known for their hospitality, and many speak excellent English, so you can always ask for assistance.
If your passport is lost or stolen, contact your embassy immediately for assistance. Police reports are usually required for document reissuance, so make sure to inform the police as soon as possible.
For medical emergencies, head to the nearest hospital or contact the emergency hotline (112 or 1813). Hospitals are well-equipped for any medical situation you might face.
Useful Apps for Health and Safety
To stay extra prepared, there are a few apps you can download to alert you to emergencies or help in case something goes wrong:
- The “112 App” will let you easily share your location with emergency services.
- The “Rejseplanen” app is great for navigating Denmark’s public transport network safely and efficiently.
These apps can be invaluable, especially if you find yourself in an unfamiliar area or needing urgent help.
Final Thoughts on Staying Safe and Healthy in Denmark
In general, Denmark is an easy, worry-free destination when it comes to health and safety. While it’s important to be cautious, the majority of visitors have no issues at all.
Stay alert in crowds, take basic precautions when exploring nature, and be aware of your surroundings at night, especially in quieter areas. By following these tips, you can focus on what matters most—enjoying your time exploring Denmark.
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