(03) 9584-0896
1300 663 854
Home  |  Info  |  Site Map  |  Contact  Us
Car Hire | Car Lease | Motorhomes | Canalboats | River Cruising | Specials | Ferries | Accommodation | Attractions
Countries:
Car Hire in Denmark - Europe
   
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
England
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Holland
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Scotland
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
United Kingdom
Other Links:
Car Hire FAQs
Helpful Info
Currency Converter
Insurance

We represent the major car hire companies like:
Avis Car Hire, Hertz Car Rental, Europcar Car Hire, Alamo Car Rental, Budget Car Hire,
Dollar Car Rental, Thrifty Car Rental and Sixt Car Rental

For complicated itineraries, personalised service or any questions - click here

Denmark Country Information
Best known for its large dogs and Viking warriors, Denmark is a small, prosperous and highly functional kingdom in northern Europe that is often overlooked by travellers on their 'grand tour', although it has one of the highest standards of living in the world and plenty of charming experiences to offer visitors.

Denmark boasts small green farms, blue lakes and white coastal beaches, the rural areas sprinkled with thatched cottages, castles and windmills across a gentle landscape which lends itself well to cycle touring. The cities are modern and bustling, but an air of medieval charm has been preserved in old sections of colourful buildings and cobblestone streets. The country boasts 280 museums, most of the important ones in Copenhagen, including the Viking Ship Museum that is devoted to honouring Denmark's bold ancient mariners.

Other special attractions include the annual summer music festival in Roskilde, which is one of the largest in Europe; the Tivoli Gardens amusement park which has entertained crowds in Copenhagen since 1843; and one of the world's longest bridges, which spans 10 miles (16km), joining Denmark to Sweden.

The country is compact with an excellent road and rail transport system, and numerous ferry connections to the myriad offshore islands. It all adds up to a very civilised destination, as sweet and tempting as the rich, flaky pastry treats that the world has come to know as the 'Danish'.

Denmark Basic Information
Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round European-style, two-pin plugs are standard.

Money: Danish currency is the Krone (DKK), made up of 100 øre. ATMs are liberally sprinkled throughout the country, and all major credit cards are widely accepted, expecially Visa. Travellers cheques are welcome at banks and hotels. Most banks are not open at weekends, however Copenhagen has several bureaux de change which stay open late at night, seven days a week.

Language: Danish is the official language, but English is understood and widely used.

Travel Health: There has been a confirmed case of Swine Flu in Denmark. There are no specific health risks in Denmark, and medical facilities are first class. There is a small risk of tick-borne encephalitis in forested or rural areas during summer, and insect protection is advised. Outbreaks of bird flu have been confirmed in wild birds, but the risk to travellers is very low. Precautions such as avoiding close contact with live birds, and ensuring that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked should be taken. Free emergency treatment is available to all foreign visitors at public hospitals, and due to a reciprocal health agreement UK passport holders receive free medical and hospital treatment. To make use of this service, UK national should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Tipping: Restaurant and hotel bills are inclusive of service charges, as are taxi fares. Porters usually expect a tip of about kr5 per item of baggage. Tipping bathroom attendants is customary, usually around kr1 or 2.

Safety Information: Most visits to Denmark are trouble-free, and crime levels are low. During the tourist season, however, muggers, pickpockets and bag-snatchers become active especially in crowded areas and on the train station in Copenhagen. Visitors should take precautions to keep personal belongings safe.

Local Customs: Denmark is an egalitarian society. Women and men are treated equally.

Business: Business in Denmark tends to be conducted in a straightforward manner, though somewhat less formally than in other parts of Europe. Greetings are with a handshake (greet women first) and introductions are usually made using one's first name. Business cards are exchanged before or after the meeting. Punctuality is vital and if running even five minutes late be sure to call and apologise. Danes tend to be open-minded and friendly and one can expect some small talk at the start of a meeting on a range of topics. Dress should be smart and neat, without being ostentatious, and can be more casual than in most countries. English is widely spoken and understood. Business hours are usually 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. In the summer months (mid June to mid August) many Danes are on vacation, so check before arranging a business trip.

Communications: The international country code for Denmark is +45. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). There are no city codes and all local phone numbers are eight digits. There are several GSM mobile telephone networks, which have roaming agreements with most international mobile phone companies. Public phones are widely available for both local and international calls and accept coins and prepaid cards. Internet cafes are available in most urban areas.

Duty Free: Travellers arriving from an EU country with duty-paid goods purchased in an EU country are allowed 300 cigarettes, 150 cigarillos, 75 cigars or 400 grams of tobacco, and 1.5 litres of spirits or 20 litres of sparkling wine. Residents of non-EU countries entering from outside the EU with goods purchased in non-EU countries, duty-free in EU countries or on the airplane, ferry or in the airport are allowed 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco, as well as 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of sparkling wine.

Top of page

Weather and Climate in Denmark
Despite its northerly situation, the weather in Denmark is not extreme, although its maritime situation and the influence of the Gulf Air Stream does make the climate unstable. Winter weather in Denmark is usually cold and overcast, snow likely to fall between January and March. Summers are relatively warmer and sunny. Average temperatures in Copenhagen range from 27°F (-3°C) in midwinter to 72°F (22°C) in mid-summer. Rainy days are likely all year round, but most likely between August and October, so anyone planning to travel to Denmark during that time is advised to pack a brolly.

The weather in Copenhagen is mild through all the four seasons. Summers bring temperatures averaging around 68°F (20°C), while in mid-winter temperatures hover just above or below zero. Rainfall is moderate too, but spread throughout the year, so showers are possible in any season. Grey skies are the norm rather than the exception in Copenhagen.

Denmark Visa and Entry Information

  • Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens must have a passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
  • Entry requirements for UK nationals: British nationals must have a passport. No visa is required for stays of up to three months if the passport is endorsed British Citizen, British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen with right of abode in the U.K. or British Subject with right of abode in the U.K. In all other cases, a visa is required.
  • Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a passport. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.
  • Entry requirements for Australians: Australians must have a passport. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.
  • Entry requirements for South Africans: South African citizens must hold a passport and require a Schengen visa for entry to Denmark.
  • Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens must have a passport. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.
  • Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals must have a passport. No visa is required.


Passport/Visa Note: All visitors, except members of EEA states, must hold tickets and documents for return or onward travel. Visitors should also have at least US$30 per day to fund their visit, unless a Danish citizen meets them at the airport and officially vouches for them by signing a statement. The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Attractions in Denmark

  • Tivoli Gardens - Copenhagen’s world-renowned Tivoli Gardens are ever so much more than just a central city park. The relatively small area in the heart of the city is actually one of the world’s most thrilling entertainment complexes, drawing about three million visitors during its five-month summer open season each year.
  • Historical Museums - The rich history of Denmark, from Viking days through to the Second World War resistance movement, is encapsulated in fascinating collections of artefacts housed in a series of museums in and around Copenhagen.
  • Rosenborg Castle - The attractive Dutch Renaissance style Rosenborg Castle was designed by King Christian IV and served as his home until he died in 1648. Today the Castle is an important cultural institution, acting as a public museum detailing the history of Denmark's royal family as well as acting as repository for the Crown Jewels and royal regalia, which are kept in the castle cellars and can be viewed by the public.
  • Freetown Christiania - Freetown Christiania is a partially self-governing neighbourhood in the borough of Christianshavn, Copenhagen, dominated largely by a freethinking 'hippy' culture. Local rules forbid stealing, violence, guns, knives, bulletproof vests and hard drugs.
  • Legoland Billund - Legoland Billund, the original Legoland Park, is a holiday must for children visiting Denmark. Opened in 1968, it plays host to numerous visitors from all over the world and is conveniently situated next to the original Lego factory.

Special Events in Denmark

  • Tivoli Christmas Market - Copenhagen’s magical amusement park, Tivoli, is not just a summer fun venue. For the past decade the park has opened for the Christmas season in an extremely festive guise to provide an unforgettable yuletide experience for hundreds of thousands of visitors, young and old.
  • Roskilde Festival - The hot and happening Roskilde Festival is one of Europe’s greatest rock music feasts, featuring top international and local artists in a packed and varied programme. Names like Fat Boy Slim and Avril Levigne top the bill in a series of concerts across six stages that are complemented with numerous allied events and activities.
  • Cultural Harbour Festival - Copenhagen’s harbour comes alive with the annual cultural festival, four days crammed with dance, music, theatre, art and sports events both on the sea and ashore. Events include regattas, trampoline-diving, evening concerts by the water, workshops for children, a triathlon and much more.

Airports in Denmark

Copenhagen International Airport (CPH)

  • Location: Copenhagen Airport is sited five miles (8km) southeast of Copenhagen city centre.
  • Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from last Sunday in March to the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).
  • Contacts: Tel: +45 3231 3231.
  • Transfer between terminals: A free shuttle bus runs between Terminal 3 and Terminal 2 (International), and Terminal 1 (domestic).
  • Getting to the city: Buses, trains and taxis provide transport to Copenhagen city centre. There are several local bus routes servicing the airport from the city centre which take approximately 45 minutes and cost US$4.50. Train and metro tickets are available from the ticket office above the railway station in Terminal 3. The metro is serviced every few minutes during the day and every 15 minutes at night between 5am to 12pm Monday through Thursday and 24 hours a day Friday to Sunday. Depending on destination in the city centre fares should be up to US$5. Taxis can be hired from outside the arrival areas and the roughly US$34 fare can be paid by credit card.
  • Car rental: EuropeCar, Hertz, Budget and Avis are among the companies represented at the airport.
  • Airport Taxis: Taxis pick up passengers outside of terminals one and three. Drives to the city centre are five miles (8km) and will take approximately fifteen minutes. Fares can be paid for with cash or credit card and will roughly cost US$34 after a tip and service charge are included.
  • Facilities: All terminals have banks, bars, restaurants, meeting rooms and Internet access. Wireless Internet access is available in Terminal 2 and 3. There are a wide variety of shops in the Copenhagen Airport Shopping Centre, including 48 'specialty' shops and 16 duty-free shops. There is a VAT refund desk for non-EU residents who are travelling to a non-EU destination. Disabled facilities are good, and children and those with special needs can make use of the Passenger Escort Service.
  • Parking: There is plenty of long and short-term parking at the airport; fees depend on how far the parking is from the terminal. Parking is free in all car parks for up to 15 minutes.
  • Departure tax: None.

Top of page

Driving Information

Drinking and driving:
If the level of alcohol in the bloodstream exceeds 0.05 per cent severe penalties include licence suspension, fines or imprisonment depending on the amount of excess.

Driving licence:
Minimum age at which a UK licence holder may drive temporarily imported car and/or motorcycle 17.

Fines:
On-the-spot. Visitors who infringe traffic regulations can expect to be fined. If the visitor does not accept the fine, the police will take the matter to court to be settled by a judge. The police may retain the vehicle until such time. Vehicles parked against regulations may be taken away by the police at the owner’s expense.

Fuel:
Unleaded petrol (92 and 95 octane) and diesel is available, limited availability of LPG. No leaded petrol, a leaded petrol substitute is available called Millennium. Petrol in can permitted but forbidden aboard ferries and Eurotunnel. Credit cards accepted at most filling stations; check with your card issuer for use in Denmark before travel.

Driving Distances:

From
To
Time
KMS
Copenhagen Stockholm
7hrs 01min
661km
Copenhagen Frankfurt
8hrs 10mins
802km
Copenhagen Amsterdam
8hrs 06mins
781km
Copenhagen Esbjerg
3hrs
302km
Copenhagen Oslo 16hrs 54mins 612km
Copenhagen Alsborg 4hrs 14mins 418km

Please click here http://www.viamichelin.com/ for driving distances

Lights:
Use of dipped headlights during the day compulsory.

Motorcycles:
Use of dipped headlights during the day compulsory. The wearing of crash helmets with straps is compulsory for both driver and passenger.

Motor Insurance:
Third party insurance compulsory.

Passengers / Children in cars:
Children under three years must be seated in a restraint system adapted to their size. Children over three and less than 1.35m must be seated in a child restraint system suitable for their height and weight. A child must not be placed in the front seat with their back to the road if the vehicle is fitted with an active airbag.

Since 1 May 2009 all rear seat passengers must wear a seatbelt so it is no longer possible to transport three children if there are only two seatbelts.

Seat belts:
Compulsory for front and rear seat occupants to wear seat belts, if fitted.

Speed limits:
Standard legal limits, which may be varied by signs, for private vehicles without trailers; In built-up areas 31 mph (50 km/h), outside built-up areas 49 mph (80 km/h) or 55 mph (90 km/h) and motorways 68 mph (110 km/h) or 80 mph (130 km/h).

Compulsory equipment:

  • A red warning triangle – In case of accident / breakdown

Other rules/requirements:
It is recommended that visitors equip their vehicle with a fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit.

Generally there is a duty to give way to traffic approaching from the right. A bold line, a line of white triangles (shark's teeth) painted across the road or a white triangle with red border indicates that you must stop and give way to traffic on the road you are entering.

When roads are wet or slushy, speed must be reduced as far as possible to prevent other road users from being splashed.

It is prohibited to use radar detectors.

Spiked tyres may be used between 1st November and the 15th April, they must be on all 4 wheels.

Right hand drive vehicles must have wing mirrors on both sides of the vehicle.

Top of page

 

Travel Agents | Terms & Conditions | Contact Us | Blog | About Us

© 2004 UK and Europe Travel - A Division of BTEC Travel Pty Ltd.
Telephone: (+61 3) 9584 0896 Fax: (+61 3) 9584 0840   Toll-Free Australia: 1300 663 854
Office Address: By appointment at 28 Bear Street, Mordialloc, VIC 3195, Australia
Mailing Address: PO Box 5309, Mordialloc, VIC 3195, Australia
Licence Number: #32610