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How to Travel to Denmark on a Budget

Denmark is notoriously expensive, but you can still see and enjoy the country without breaking the bank. From finding the cheapest places to sleep to avoiding overpriced meals, here’s how you can travel Denmark on a budget while still having a great experience.

Accommodation

Hostels

Staying at hostels is one of the best ways to save money on accommodation. Denmark’s hostels are clean and comfortable, offering dormitory-style rooms and private rooms. Look at chains like Danhostel to find affordable options across the country. You can also try independent hostels in major cities, which often provide kitchen facilities so you can cook your meals and save even more.

Couchsurfing

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Couchsurfing is an excellent option in Denmark. The local community is welcoming, and it’s a fantastic way to meet locals and immerse yourself in Danish culture. Couchsurfing hosts are usually happy to share tips on what to do and where to eat cheaply. It gives you a free place to stay while helping to make connections with locals.

Camping

If you’re up for a bit of outdoor adventure, Denmark has plenty of camping options. Many campgrounds are located in scenic areas near lakes and forests. Wild camping isn’t legal in Denmark, but many “shelter” spots offer free or cheap camping sites in designated areas. You just need to book these campsites online ahead of time.

Budget Hotels

If you prefer more privacy, budget hotels in Denmark can sometimes be expensive, especially in Copenhagen. However, booking in advance and looking for deals online can help you find affordable rooms. Use websites like Booking.com and Hotels.com to track prices and snag cheaper rates, particularly in the off-season.

Food

Eat At Supermarkets

Eating out in Denmark can get expensive quickly. To save money, buy your meals from supermarkets, which sell everything from fresh produce to ready-to-eat sandwiches. Stores like Netto, Aldi, and Fakta have budget-friendly options. You can grab sandwiches or salads for around 30–50 DKK, which is much cheaper than eating in most restaurants.

Street Food

If you still want to experience local flavors without going to a sit-down restaurant, check out Denmark’s street food scene. Copenhagen has some excellent food markets, such as Reffen Street Food Market, where you can sample a wide variety of cuisines at budget-friendly prices. Street food stalls usually offer meals for 50–100 DKK.

Cook Your Own Meals

If your accommodation has kitchen access, cooking your own meals can massively cut down your food costs. Buy ingredients from the supermarket and prepare breakfast, lunch, or dinner yourself. This is especially useful if you’re staying in hostels or Airbnb apartments with kitchen facilities. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have a chance to try out Danish recipes at your own pace.

Avoid Expensive Restaurants

Skip the fancy restaurants, especially in Copenhagen, unless you have a generous budget. Instead, look for bakeries (bageri) and cafeterias (kro), where you can get traditional Danish open sandwiches (smørrebrød) or basic meals for cheaper prices. A bakery sandwich can be as cheap as 40–60 DKK, while local cafeterias may offer a meal for under 100 DKK.

Transportation

Use Public Transport Passes

Public transportation in Denmark is efficient yet expensive if you buy single tickets. A better way to save money is by using multi-day or city transport passes. In Copenhagen, the Copenhagen Card gives you unlimited access to most public transportation as well as discounts and free entry to many attractions. Outside of bigger cities, regional passes for trains and buses can save you money if you plan to travel around a lot.

Bike Around Town

Denmark is one of the most bike-friendly countries in the world. Renting a bike is not only a budget-friendly way to get around but also a great way to immerse yourself in the Danish way of life. In Copenhagen and other big cities, there are public city bike rentals with cheap hourly rates. Cycling will save you the costs of public transport and make it easier to explore a city’s hidden corners.

Consider Car Rentals or Ride-Sharing for Rural Areas

Public transport is great in cities, but if you’re heading to more rural or remote areas, renting a car could be a cost-effective option, especially if you’re splitting the costs with other travelers. Ride-sharing through platforms like GoMore can also save you a lot of money while giving you the chance to chat with locals en route.

Attractions and Activities

Free Attractions

Denmark has a wealth of free attractions. Many parks, beaches, and outdoor attractions are free and absolutely worth visiting. In Copenhagen, places like the Nyhavn Harbor, the Little Mermaid statue, and the King’s Garden (Kongens Have) are popular spots you can enjoy for free. Heading to places like Aarhus or Odense? You’ll find similar free activities, such as exploring city parks, cathedrals, and public art displays.

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Museum Free Days

Many museums in Denmark offer free entry on certain days of the week. For example, the National Museum in Copenhagen is free on Wednesdays. The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art sometimes has “late openings” with reduced fees. Do your research in advance to find out which days these offers are available.

Take a Free Walking Tour

Most cities in Denmark, especially Copenhagen, offer free walking tours. These tours are a great way to learn about the culture and history of Denmark while sticking to a tight budget. The tours are technically free but rely on tips, so it’s good practice to give 50–100 DKK to your guide if you enjoyed the experience.

Free Natural Attractions

Denmark has beautiful natural landscapes. Visit Møns Klint, a dramatic set of white cliffs, for some hiking and breathtaking views. Or head to the beaches along Jutland’s coasts, which are perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. Exploring the country’s national parks, such as Thy National Park, is also a free way to enjoy Denmark’s nature at its best.

Budget-Friendly Destinations

Aarhus

Aarhus is Denmark’s second-largest city but tends to be more affordable than Copenhagen. You can find cheaper accommodation, and the city is smaller, so it’s easy to get around on foot or by bike. Explore Aarhus’s lively arts scene or visit free attractions like the Marselisborg Palace Park.

Odense

Odense, the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, offers an affordable mix of history and culture. Some of the Andersen-related sights are free, and the city itself is much less touristy than Copenhagen, making cheaper accommodation easier to find. Stroll around the old town or visit the local parks at no cost.

Skagen

At the northern tip of Denmark, Skagen is famous for its natural beauty. The landscape where the North Sea and Baltic Sea collide is unique and free to visit. Skagen is also home to Denmark’s largest moving sand dune, Råbjerg Mile, which you can explore for free. Accommodation here might be a bit pricier than inland locations, but if you’re willing to camp or stay in hostels, it’s manageable.

Final Tips for Saving Money in Denmark

Travel in the Off-Season

Traveling in the off-season (October to April) will save you the most on flights, accommodation, and tourism activities. Just be prepared for colder weather and shorter days in winter. On the plus side, the winter months are also when you’ll find Denmark’s famous Christmas markets, a cozy and unique experience.

Book Flights in Advance

Flights to Denmark can be expensive, so book early to find the best deals. Use budget airlines when possible, especially if you’re flying from nearby European countries. Airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet often have low-cost flights to Copenhagen, but prices rise quickly if you wait too long to book.

Take Advantage of Events and Festivals

Denmark has many free events and festivals throughout the year. Check local event calendars to find festivals, concerts, or cultural activities happening during your trip. Many outdoor events are free and provide a fantastic way to learn about Danish culture without paying for admission tickets.

Denmark may be expensive, but with some careful planning and a few money-saving strategies, you can explore the country without emptying your wallet. From free attractions and cheap eats to affordable accommodation, there’s no reason you can’t experience the best of Denmark on a budget.

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