Denmark Tours

• The Danish people are reported to be the happiest people in the world!
• The national flag of Denmark, the Dannebrog is the oldest country flag in the world still in use.
• The highest mountain in Denmark is only 170 metres high.
• Denmark is an archipelago made up of over 100 islands, some of which are not inhabited.
• If you are unmarried at your 25^th birthday, it is usual that your family and friends will throw cinnamon at you.
• One of the most famous Danes is writer Hans Christian Andersen, whose fairy tales have been translated into more languages than any other book in the whole world (except of course, the Bible).
• Lego was invented in Denmark.
• Greenland and the Faroe Islands have been a part of Denmark since the 1700s.
• The Faroe Islands used to belong to Norway - Norway lost the islands after the King of Norway lost a drunken poker game with the King of Denmark.
• The Vikings lived from 800 to 1200 in the period of time known as the Viking Age. Originally, they also came from Norway and Sweden.

Australian passport holders travelling to Denmark do not need a visa at this time.

We require that your passport is valid for travel for at least six months from the date you are planning to return to Australia. Your passport must be valid to travel internationally and must be machine-readable. You also need to carry a valid return ticket on you.

Whether travelling on an Australian passport or the passport of another country, all travellers require visas for a number of countries, and it is your responsibility to secure what may be required before departing Australia. You can consult with your travel agent, but it is also recommended that you check the foreign embassy website for your respective destination as it can also provide you with useful information.

Australian Embassy in Denmark:

Dampfaergevej 26, 2nd floor
Copenhagen 2100
Ph. +45 7026 3676
Fax. +45 7026 3686

The official currency of Denmark is the Danish Krone. Notes come in denominations of kr1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50.

The recommended currency to take to Denmark is the Danish Krone or the Euro. Ensure you change a small amount into small denominations.

Advise your bank of your travel plans so that they can make a note of it, otherwise they may cancel your credit card as a safety measure due to the overseas transactions. Also make a note of the 24-hour emergency contact number of the bank or building society which issued your credit card in the unlikely event that your card is lost or stolen.

Whenever possible use ATMs when the banks are open (Mon – Fri) so that if a machine ‘eats’ your card you can then deal with it straight away. It is always advisable to carry a supply of cash in addition to your credit card.

If you don’t have Danish Krone’s or Euro’s with you on arrival, we advise you to exchange some money into the local currency at the airport even if the exchange rate is not the best, this way you’ll have money to get a drink, snack or give a tip during those first few hours of arrival. Your guide will be able to advise you on the best places to exchange money.

Small change is also useful for paying for toilets while on tour which is customary in many places outside of Australia.

• The price of a cappuccino in Copenhagen is approximately €4.
• The price of an inexpensive lunch is approximately €12.
• The price dinner in a moderate restaurant is approximately €25.
• The price of a beer in a local pub is approximately €5 - €6.

Danish cooking has undergone something of a revolution in the last decade or so. These days the restaurant menus of Copenhagen don't simply look overseas for influences and ingredients, instead their chefs have learned to exploit the wonderful natural resources of the Nordic larder. Fresh, seasonal vegetables; wild game; locally caught fish; and cured or smoked fish and meats are some of the hallmark ingredients that have helped shape a modern local cuisine with international appeal.  An important part of the Danish food tradition is the herring. As a specialty, herring is often marinated and served raw, accompanied by a delicious sauce made from fresh cream, butter, egg yolks and a variety of herbs including fresh chives, dill, watercress and wood sorrel. The smoothness of the sauce is the perfect contrast with the sharp flavour of the herring. Some have even gone as far as to call this the Danish equivalent of sushi!  There are plenty of other types of fish on a typical Copenhagen menu too; cod, turbot and anglerfish, as well as a wide variety of meats. For meat lovers, nothing beats roast pork served with red cabbage and rich gravy, or meatballs with new potatoes.

Important: When dining at buffets (i.e. breakfast) please refrain from taking food away with you to ‘save’ for later! If you feel that you’ll need snacks between meals, pack some dried fruit, nuts, muesli bars etc.

If you have specific food allergies and/or preferences, we highly recommend you take every precaution before your tour, including carrying a small card with your food allergy listed in each language of every country you are travelling to show to table staff when ordering. Whilst we take all dietary requirements seriously, due to the serious nature of potential allergic reactions, it is your responsibility to be as prepared as possible.

Denmark's weather is quite mild and the climate of Denmark is temperate, made mild by mostly west winds and by the seas surrounding Denmark. The winters are not particularly cold and the summers are mild. Because of Denmark's northern location in Europe, the length of the day with sunlight varies greatly. This is typical for Scandinavia.

Want to get out and explore on your own?

Danish cities are relatively easy to negotiate. Famed for their excellent cycling routes this can be a great way to explore a city and many offer free bike services. Cycling or walking is also a very cheap transport option! Note that if you are going to cross the Øresund Bridge in Copenhagen you will need to buy a bus or train ticket, as you’re not allowed to use those bridges on foot or by bicycle.

When catching taxis, have small change on you and choose one with a meter, if it doesn’t have one then negotiate the price before getting in. Also, ask your guide or hotel staff the names of reputable taxi companies.

So, you’d love to bring home a special souvenir from Denmark…

One thing is certain; Danes are among the leaders in world design. Today, the Danish design wave has washed over the city with independent shops in fashionable areas of the city. Bang & Olufsen, the ultimate in designer stereo equipment, and silversmith Georg Jensen, are just two Danish brands famous worldwide. Both have shops on Strøget as does Royal Copenhagen, makers of Danish porcelain. Lego is a must buy if you're taking gifts home for children, or even if you're not. Although now available all over the world, buying Lego from its homeland makes it extra special, and something from the vast range makes an excellent souvenir from a trip to Legoland itself.

Danes believe there is one proper way in which to act in any given circumstance. If someone is not following the rules, be they written or merely understood, someone will generally speak up and admonish them to obey the accepted protocol. They expect courteous behaviour from everyone.

Danes tend to introduce themselves with their first names.

The "O.K" sign with the thumb and forefinger forming a circle may be interpreted as an insult.

Denmark has many festivals and events happening year-round ranging from royal celebrations to religious ceremonies to Viking festivals, music festivals and sports events. One of the most well-known events is the Rock Festival in Roskilde that takes place in early May every year.

Other national public holidays to be aware of include:

• New Year’s Day
• Easter Friday and Easter Monday
• General Prayer Day (May 17th)
• Ascension Day (40 days after Easter)
• Whit Monday (50 days after Easter)
• Christmas Day
• Boxing Day