Denmark has become synonymous with the term hygge – a term that can be translated as coziness. The Danish lifestyle is actually rooted in this concept, focusing on living life as it is, enjoying the little moments, as they are the ones that make it worth living. But hygge isn’t the only thing that makes Denmark so appealing. Its old-fashioned charm also lies in the specific Danish aesthetic, which is mirrored in the simplicity, which is combined with beauty.
This is distinguishable in the Danish architecture, lifestyle, food, and so on. However, how safe is Denmark for tourists? Should you be worried about visiting this country? Are there any given Denmark safety travel tips you should be wary of? Keep on reading to find out.
Highest Risks You Expose Yourself to When Visiting Denmark
Overall Risk in Denmark: MEDIUM
We would like to start with outlining that Denmark is one of the safest countries, if we were to compare it with other European countries. To that end, criminal incidents aren’t very frequent, and most traveling experiences are free from violent incidents.
Even so, petty crime is still a concern, as it is for most countries that are frequented by tourists. At the same time, recently, Denmark has experienced a significant increase in gang violence, specifically among immigrant groups.
Moving on, these violent altercations usually take place in the primary immigrant enclave of Nørrebro, which is located in the northwest part of Copenhagen. In 2017 alone, there were roughly 30 shootings, as well as four fatalities, which occurred due to the gang war. This is why the punishment for ghetto crime has been doubled.
On a different note, certain areas are safer, whereas others ought to be avoided. At the same time, pickpocketing and theft raises several concerns.
In addition, terrorism poses numerous concerns in Denmark.
Pickpocketing and Theft Risks in Denmark: MEDIUM to HIGH
To start with, pickpocketing incidents are likely to take place in Denmark. Criminal gangs tend to operate in the most crowded areas of Copenhagen, since tourists are, most of the time, the easiest targets. Hence, thieves oftentimes resort to a range of specific tactics and strategies in order to distract their victims.
- How to avoid pickpocketing and theft in Denmark?
One of the most quintessential Denmark safety travel tips is to remain vigilant at all times. At the same time, note that thieves tend to operate in the proximity of transportation hubs, around cafes, restaurants or hotel lobby areas.
Make sure you keep your personal belongings close to you. Avoid wearing a backpack or storing your documents and money in it, at the very least. In addition to that, always keep an eye on your luggage, when switching trains or buses.
Scam Risk in Denmark: MEDIUM
How safe is Denmark for tourists if we were to assess the risk of scams? There are several scams that are specific to Denmark. Perhaps the most common scams are related to gambling. Strøget Street, in particular, is renowned for street gambling – which is a known tourist trap that is likely to drain your wallet. The scheme is being challenged to guess where the right playing card is or, alternatively, guessing under which cup the ball is hidden.
If you get involved with these scammers, you might lose up to 500 kroner in a blink of an eye. Another popular scam is the bird poo scam, which is rather widespread, not only in Denmark, but in most European countries. The unsuspected victim gets splashed by something and, afterward, another helpful passer-by offers to wipe it out, but, instead, he/she steals your wallet or purse.
The fake police scam is also commonly met. This scam involves being approached by a so-called police officer that will ask to check your wallet.
- How to avoid getting scammed in Denmark?
If you are approached by an individual that seems to behave oddly, then, this should raise some question marks. Be cautious and avoid giving into curiosity. At the same time, keep an eye on your surroundings, so that you could spot ill-looking individuals that might be targeting you as their next victim.
Kidnapping Risk in Denmark: LOW
In regards with kidnapping, there are obviously a bunch of key Denmark safety travel tips that will come in handy for preventing the likelihood of this happening. Since, statistically speaking, the crime rates are falling in Denmark, kidnapping doesn’t pose significant risk. Of course, the more obscure areas are more dangerous in this respect, with a higher crime incidence.
- How to avoid getting kidnapped in Denmark?
In general, traveling by yourself entails a higher risk of being a victim of criminal activity – whether we’re talking about kidnapping, pickpocketing, or anything of the kind. To that end, it would be best to travel with someone you trust. Nonetheless, that doesn’t mean traveling by yourself to Denmark is contraindicated, it simply means it could be a tad riskier than the other way around.
At the same time, you should be careful when you explore less known areas, as criminals are more likely to lurk in such places. Plus, always be wary of your surroundings.
Terrorism Risk in Denmark: HIGH
Moving on to the terrorism threat in Denmark, unfortunately, the incidence of terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out. With the coming of immigrants to this country, such attacks are likely to happen. In fact, the official authorities have managed to successfully disrupt a range of planned attacks which resulted in a number of arrests.
To that end, note that terrorists could carry out attacks, specifically in the places frequently by tourists such as shopping malls, markets, hotels, clubs, educational institutions, and the list may go on.
- How to avoid terrorism in Denmark?
In order to avoid being a victim of terrorism during your visit, you should always be wary of your surroundings. This is a golden rule of each Denmark safety guide. This applies especially if you’re around crowded public venues. In addition to that, you should always consider the instructions provided by the official authorities. On a final note, we also encourage you to assess the crime and safety report for Denmark.
Risks for Women Traveling Alone in Denmark: LOW
So, is Denmark safe for solo women travelers? Yes, for the most part. There aren’t many worrying incidents you should concern yourself with, granted that you embrace a bunch of quintessential precaution measures. The public transport is safe, for the most part, but you should keep an eye on your luggage as pickpockets might target alone women.
- How to avoid crime as a solo woman traveler in Denmark?
There is a golden rule that applies in all case scenarios: carefully planning your itinerary and trying to restrict it to the areas that are known to be safer.
Rape Risk in Denmark: LOW to MEDIUM
Unfortunately, according to official sources, the crime rates in Denmark have doubled over the last couple of years. Therefore, if rape wasn’t such a huge concern a few years ago, at the time being, it poses a higher danger.
- How to avoid getting raped in Denmark?
To avoid being raped in Denmark, you should simply stick to your group – in the case in which you’re traveling with someone. Nevertheless, if you’re traveling alone, you should avoid going out by yourself at night, especially in less known areas that have a poor reputation. Plus, if you’re going to bars or pubs, always keep an eye out on your drink, as it is a popular practice for criminals to add drugs to drinks, to make a victim more susceptible.
Risks for People Traveling With Children in Denmark: LOW
Denmark is a great traveling destination for families with children. This goes without saying; the culture, the architecture, as well as the specific hygge atmosphere are all major attraction points. Aside from the risks of terrorism and pickpocketing, you should be safe, for the most part.
- How to avoid unwanted scenarios?
To avoid unwanted incidents, you should embrace a sensible approach to traveling, always keep your valuables close to you, as opposed to keeping them in a backpack or the back pocket to your jeans. At the same time, be wary of pickpockets that might target your family.
Natural Disaster Risks in Denmark: LOW
Moving on to the risks of natural disasters in Denmark, you shouldn’t be worried in this respect either. Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean we can exclude extraordinary incidents altogether. To that end, earthquakes might occur in specific areas of the country. At the same time, extreme flooding incidents and strong winds could happen without additional notice.
Hence, it is always recommendable to check the weather forecast prior to your journey.
Transportation Risks in Denmark: LOW
In regards to road safety, Denmark ranks high, as most people abide by the rules and specifications. To that end, you can choose from getting by bus, train, metro or bike, depending on what works best for you. The efficacy level is also high. However, accidents involving accidents do tend to occur every now and then, so make sure you remain precautious and aware at all times.
On the other hand, though, gangs of pickpockets and thieves to tend to operate in public transport hubs, so keep an eye out for potential criminals.
Night-clubs, Pubs, and Bar Risks in Denmark: LOW to MEDIUM
Our Denmark safety guide continues and we’re focusing on the risks associated with going to night-clubs, pubs, bars, and so on. Is it safe to do so or not? Traveling is about enjoying yourself and making the most out of your trip, so it makes sense that you might want to experience the nightlife of this country, as well.
For the most part, going to night-clubs, bars and pubs in Denmark is safe. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean we can exclude unfortunate incidents altogether, as these might happen as well. For example, in some of the bars located in Århus it is contraindicated to go alone. There have been situations in which travelers have had their drinks spiked with drugs. This merely means that you should be doubly cautious and never leave your drink unsupervised. This is one of the most important Denmark safety travel tips.
Health Risks in Denmark: LOW
It is advisable that, at least eight weeks prior to your journey to Denmark, to consider the health advice of a professional. However, aside from the list of vaccines you should place on your checklist, there are no other threats associated with traveling to Denmark.
List of Vaccines You Need in Denmark
Aside from the list of routine vaccines you should have before traveling to Denmark, make sure you factor in the ones mentioned in the list below:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Rabies
- Tickborne encephalitis
- Avian influenza
Most Dangerous Areas in Denmark
There are given areas in Denmark that feature an increased risk of criminal activity. For example, pickpocketing incidents are likely to take place at the central station in Copenhagen - Nørreport Station. Furthermore, the main shopping street known as Strøget, together with other popular areas including Christiania, Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv are attraction points for criminals and pickpockets that usually target tourists.
There are also criminal gangs that operate inside Kastrup airport, so make sure you exercise extra caution upon your arrival.
The list doesn’t end here, unfortunately. As we’ve already mentioned, violence between criminal gangs has been on the rise as well, specifically in Christiania and Nørrebro. Unwanted accidents are likely to take place at night. To that end, avoid exploring those areas, especially after nightfall. Violent incidents between minority groups and gangs oftentimes include shootings and stabbings.
Furthermore, the Vesterbro area, which is considered one of the less-affluent parts of Copenhagen, might be quite unsafe as well. Shootings may take place as well. Plus, prostitutes and drug dealers oftentimes approach passers-by.
Concluding Remarks: Is Denmark Safe to Visit?
There’s no such thing as a country that is 100 percent safe. Unfortunately, there are several risks we choose to expose ourselves to when choosing to travel. But, the good thing is that most unwanted scenarios can be avoided with a little bit of planning ahead and research. At the same time, if you travel sensibly, you will most likely enjoy Denmark and want to go back when you’ll get the chance.
