Denmark: Cultural day trips and exceptional countryside
Denmark is the country of hygge: a mood of cosiness and comfortable conviviality. The southern Scandinavian country consists of about 400 islands. You will find exceptional cities, stunning countryside and plenty of culture. To catch a glimpse of a fairy-tale, you must go to the capital. You can admire Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen. And don't forget the cheerfully coloured houses in the Nyhavn district. This spot is very popular among (hobbyist) photographers and with good reason. Just seeing the houses puts a smile on your face!
Out and about in the countryside
If you are looking for more peace and space, go to Thy National Park. This is Denmark's first national park and a wonderful place to go walking or cycling through the sand dunes and through the forest. Do stay on the paths. You are not allowed to find a path through the countryside on your own. Afterwards, drive with your motorhome or car to Nors Sø. Here, you can take a refreshing swim and even light a fire or have a barbecue. It's a great way to end the day.
Fun and culture
Of course, we can't forget LEGOLAND. You can play to your heart's content among the LEGO bricks. This park is also fun if you like amusement parks. It has various attractions, such as roller coasters.
If you are more of a culture enthusiast, go to Aarhus. The city was the European Capital of Culture in 2017. You will find various museums, such as the ARoS Art Museum and Den Gamle By. Den Gamle By is an open-air museum with 75-century-old houses from across Denmark.
Enjoy the mild weather
The weather in Denmark is similar to that of the Netherlands. The summers are generally mild, so you can enjoy the sun without it getting excessively hot. As such, 30 degrees is exceptional across most of Denmark. If you want warmer weather, you have to the south of Jutland. Yet, Denmark is not the country for real sun worshippers. Just like in the Netherlands, it can rain a lot. So don't forget to take your rainwear on holiday.
Important information for your trip to Denmark
Fuel
Lead-free petrol and diesel are widely available. LPG is hardly available. Many fuelling stations are open 24 hours a day in Denmark. There are also many unstaffed fuelling stations.
Charging
The charging station network has been expanded but does not yet cover the entire country. So plan your trip well!
Ferry services
You can find information on sailing times, departure times and fares from the shipping operators such as bornholmslinjen.com, polferries.com, scandlines.de and ferries.nl. Fares depend on the season and departure times, among other things. It is advisable to book in advance. Ask the shipping operator beforehand whether you can take gas bottles on the boat.
Traffic regulations
Dipped headlights (or daytime running lights) are compulsory during the day. At an uncontrolled intersection, traffic from the right has priority. As a rule, traffic on a roundabout has priority. On sloping roads, ascending traffic has priority over descending traffic. Drivers may only call hands free. Children under 1.35 metres in height must be in a child's car seat. Winter tyres are not compulsory.
Special regulations
On motorways, you must alert other road users of a traffic jam or accident using your hazard warning lights. Parking is not allowed within 10 metres of a crossing.
Mandatory equipment
You must have a warning triangle in the car. You are advised to also have safety vests, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher and spare bulbs.
Caravans and motorhomes
A motorhome or car-caravan combination can be a maximum of 4 metres in height, 2.55 metres wide and 18.75 metres long (the caravan itself can be up to 12 metres long).
Bikes
Bicycle helmets are not compulsory. You may not call or text while on a bike. You may not transport a passenger on the rear bike rack (you can transport a child in a child's seat).
Tolls
There are no toll roads in Denmark. However, you do have to pay a toll on The Great Belt Bridge and the Øresund Bridge. You can pay in various ways. More information: storebaelt.dk and oresundsbron.com.
Environmental zones
Environmental zones have been introduced in Aarhus, Aalborg, Odense, Copenhagen and Frederiksberg. Heavy diesel vehicles require an environmental vignette (sticker) to drive in these environmental zones. No environmental zones apply to standard passenger cars. More information: ecosticker.dk.
Breakdowns and accidents
On a motorway, place your warning triangle at least 100 metres (elsewhere at 50 metres) behind the car if it forms a hazard to other traffic. All occupants are advised to put on a safety vest. If you breakdown, call the emergency number of your breakdown assistance insurer. You can also call the Danish breakdown assistance service: +45 70 10 20 30 (Falck) or +45 70 10 80 90 (SOS/Dansk Autohjaelp). You are not allowed to tow vehicles on the motorway.
Camping
In general, wild camping outside recognised campsites is generally not allowed. It is only allowed if the landowner has granted permission. For campers who arrive late, the quick stop service is gaining in popularity: you have access for an overnight stay from 8 pm to 10 am the next morning, often outside the ordinary campsite. Take note! There are very few options for filling propane bottles. You are therefore advised to travel with enough gas. Since a decision by the Danish competition authority in 2017, there is no longer a national obligation to purchase a camping card from Camping Key Europe (CKE) at Danish campsites. You can now use your ACSI Club ID at many Danish campsites. And yet, you may still come across campsites that do require the CKE card. If that is the case, you can buy it on the spot.