How much does it cost to vacation in Denmark? - 2026 Guide

How much does it cost to go to Denmark?

Denmark has a reputation for being expensive, but with a little planning, it’s manageable. Total expenses for a standard trip range between $1,000 and $5,000 per person. A one-week holiday for two people costs about US $2,000, excluding round-trip flights—though that number swings depending on whether you choose budget accommodations or luxury hotels during your Scandinavian travels.

Backpackers can manage with lower daily limits, while those seeking high-end dining in Copenhagen will face higher expenses. To get a real handle on your budget, you need to break down costs for transport, food, and accommodation. I’ve learned the hard way that winging it here is a recipe for an empty wallet.

What is the average daily budget for travelers in Denmark?

The amount you spend daily depends heavily on whether you're roughing it or living it up.

• Budget travelers staying in hostels and cooking their own meals spend between $50 and $100 per day.
• Mid-range visitors should expect to spend $150 to $250 daily to cover private rooms, moderate dining costs, and sightseeing expenses. These estimates include public transportation and basic activities but exclude flights.
• Luxury experiences involving high-end restaurants and premium hotels naturally cost significantly more.

How does the Danish Krone (DKK) exchange rate affect your trip?

Denmark uses the Danish Krone (DKK) rather than the Euro. Exchange rates fluctuate, so the strength of your home currency will determine how far your money goes.

Dining costs for traditional Smørrebrød or tickets for sightseeing are priced in Krone. A rough rule of thumb is to divide the price in DKK by 7 to get the value in Euros (or roughly 6.5 for USD), helping you spot expensive items quickly.

Denmark Travel Cost Breakdown

What is the cost of round-trip flights to Denmark?

Airfare is a big ticket item. The price of round-trip flights varies based on the departure city, booking timing, and cabin class. Economy class fares generally start around $395 for international routes. Travelers often find tickets ranging from $187 to $600 when booking in advance.

Premium options like Business Class frequently exceed $2,088 per ticket. Most international arrivals land at Copenhagen Airport, while some low-cost carriers fly into Billund Airport. Book early to keep costs down.

When is the cheapest time to fly to Denmark?

February offers the lowest airfare prices, marking the peak of the low season. Travelers booking round-trip flights during this month often secure the best deals. May, however, introduces the high season where demand drives costs upward. Selecting dates during the shoulder season helps get decent weather without the high price tag. In my experience, late September is the sweet spot where value meets comfort.

Flying off-peak lowers the total cost of a vacation. Flights to Copenhagen surge in price during summer months and major holidays. Flexibility with departure dates cuts overall trip costs, and you'll save a lot by avoiding peak tourist periods.

Do you need to budget for visa fees and travel insurance?

Don't forget the paperwork. If you're visiting from outside the EU, you'll likely need to pay for a visa before you even pack your bags. Application costs for these permits average around $160, depending on nationality and processing services.

Travel insurance is another must-have, with comprehensive policies costing between $50 and $300. Final prices depend on coverage limits and trip duration. Factor these in so you aren't surprised by hidden costs later.

How much do hotels and accommodation cost in Denmark?

Where you sleep will likely be your biggest daily cost, but options abound. You can find everything from simple budget accommodation and hostels to high-end luxury hotels. Prices depend heavily on the location and amenities such as private bathrooms, breakfast, and concierge services. A carefully planned budget accounts for these variances to keep your spending on track.

What are the rates for hostels and budget guesthouses?

Hostels offer the most affordable rates, though prices remain higher than the European average. A bed in a shared dormitory starts around $50 per night. Private rooms in budget accommodation or guesthouses generally cost far more, often doubling the price of a dorm bed.

Staying in hostels is crucial for backpackers aiming to maintain a daily budget between $50 and $100. Prices fluctuate based on location, with establishments in Copenhagen generally charging higher rates than those in Aarhus or Odense. Stick to shared rooms if you want to save cash.

How much should you expect to pay for mid-range and luxury hotels?

With hotel rates averaging $120–$200 per night for a double room, mid-range travelers should plan for a daily budget of $150 to $250 per person.

Luxury hotels in Copenhagen are much more expensive, with nightly rates often reaching or exceeding $500. Such high-end accommodation provides exclusive amenities and an authentic hygge atmosphere.

Is accommodation cheaper in cities like Aarhus or Odense compared to Copenhagen?

You'll spend less on hotels if you stay in secondary cities like Aarhus or Odense. Copenhagen consistently ranks as the most expensive location for lodging due to high tourist demand and central convenience. Travelers focused on a strict budget find that hotel rates in Odense are often 20% to 30% lower than similar options in the capital.

Aarhus offers excellent value, providing high-quality budget accommodation without Copenhagen's premium prices. Choosing these destinations lowers the overall cost of a vacation while still enjoying authentic Scandinavian experiences. You can save serious money on hotels by basing parts of your trip outside the capital.

How can an eSIM card reduce your travel costs in Denmark?

International roaming fees often blow up your budget. Digital SIM technology eliminates these unexpected charges by allowing travelers to access local networks immediately. For easy internet access, consider a specialized eSIM card for Denmark that activates instantly upon landing. Going digital means you don't need to purchase physical SIM cards at Copenhagen Airport, where prices are often higher.

Prepaid data plans offer fixed rates, ensuring that Wi-Fi and communication expenses remain within a set budget. Reliable internet access allows visitors to:

• Use public transport apps
• Find budget dining
• Navigate streets efficiently

Traditional roaming plans often charge daily fees that accumulate quickly, but eSIMs provide a one-time purchase option. Keeping an eye on data costs leaves you more money for fun.

What is the cost of food and dining in Denmark?

Dining out in Denmark isn't cheap, but you have plenty of delicious alternatives to high-end restaurants. Visitors should allocate a daily food budget depending on how fancy you want to eat. Dining costs in Copenhagen are generally higher than in rural areas, though the quality is consistently high.

You can choose from budget meals and street food to mid-range restaurant experiences. Prices are listed in Danish Krone, and service is usually included in the bill. To save money, mix grocery runs with restaurant meals.

How much does street food and traditional Smørrebrød cost?

Street food and traditional Smørrebrød offer authentic Danish flavors at a fraction of the cost of sit-down restaurant meals. A typical dish at a bustling market or a serving of the famous open-faced sandwich ranges from $10 to $20. Popular locations like Storms Pakhus in Odense are great spots for keeping dining costs low while experiencing local culture. Visitors in Copenhagen and Aarhus can find similar value at food halls, to keep your spending in check.

Smørrebrød features dark rye bread piled high with toppings like pickled herring or roast beef, providing a substantial meal that won't break the bank. Opting for these casual eateries is a good move for travelers who also prioritize savings on accommodation. Prices are listed in Danish Krone, and these venues often provide a lively atmosphere compared to formal dining establishments. Plus, there is nothing quite like eating a fresh open-faced sandwich by the canal.

What are the prices for dining at restaurants vs. grocery shopping?

Dining at sit-down restaurants in Copenhagen is far more expensive than buying groceries. Mid-range restaurant meals generally cost between $30 and $50 per person, excluding alcohol. This price makes full-service dining three to four times more expensive than cooking for yourself.

Budget travelers can reduce daily food costs to under $20 by shopping at local supermarkets. Preparing your own meals eliminates high service charges and gets you the most out of every Danish Krone. Balancing occasional dining with grocery shopping is the best way to save money.

How much should you budget for alcohol and coffee?

Drinks can really add up. The cultural practice of hygge often centers around cozy cafes, but enjoying a cappuccino in Copenhagen costs between $6 and $9 (40-60 Danish Krone). It stings a little, but the atmosphere usually makes it worth the splurge. Alcohol prices are similarly high due to heavy taxation, with a pint of beer in a bar averaging $7 to $11.

Cocktails frequently exceed $15, driving up your bill. Travelers enjoying nightlife or frequent coffee breaks should add $20 to $40 per day to their budget. If you forget these, your daily spending will skyrocket.

How much does transportation cost within Denmark?

Getting around Denmark is easy thanks to great public transport. The cost of a vacation depends heavily on whether you choose public transportation or private driving. Trains and buses connect major cities like Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense easily.

Travelers planning to explore rural areas often prefer car rentals. Balancing these options helps maintain a reasonable budget.

What are the prices for public transportation tickets and passes?

Public transportation is a cheap way to get around, featuring a huge network of buses, trains, and subways. A single one-way ticket costs between $2 and $5 (about 24 to 36 DKK) depending on the number of zones traveled. In Copenhagen, a basic fare covers travel across multiple modes of transport within a specific time limit.

Visitors in Aarhus and Odense will find similar prices for local light rail and bus services. To save money, tourists can purchase 24-hour passes that offer unlimited rides for a fixed fee in Danish Krone. These options provide real savings compared to buying individual train tickets for every journey.

Is the Copenhagen Card worth the investment for transport and sightseeing?

Buying a Copenhagen Card is a great deal for active travelers wanting to get the most for their money. This digital pass provides unlimited public transportation throughout the Capital Region and free admission to over 80 tourist attractions. Prices start at about $65 for a 24-hour period.

Since entrance to Tivoli Gardens alone costs around $22 and daily transport adds $10 to $15, visiting just two major sites makes the card cost-effective. It effectively combines your costs, reducing the total trip cost for those exploring Copenhagen extensively. If you are a power-sightseer like me, the savings really do stack up quickly.

How much does it cost to rent a car and drive across the Öresund Bridge?

Daily rates for car rentals range from $40 to $100 depending on the car. Crossing the Öresund Bridge involves a heavy toll, costing about 1,000 Danish Krone ($145) for a round trip. A single one-way crossing typically amounts to $72 without a subscription discount.

These charges hit your budget hard. Fuel costs and parking fees in Copenhagen further raise the cost of driving compared to public transit. Parking in central Copenhagen adds heavy costs, often exceeding $5 per hour.

How much should you budget for sightseeing and attractions?

Budgeting for fun is flexible. The total cost depends on whether you prioritize expensive theme parks or free historical sites. You'll need to save some cash for paid activities if you plan to visit major landmarks.

However, a trip focused on walking tours and public architecture can cost less. Balancing ticketed entries with open-air experiences is key to managing sightseeing expenses.

What are the entrance fees for major attractions like Tivoli Gardens and Legoland?

Entrance fees for premier tourist attractions eat up a lot of the entertainment budget. A standard ticket to the historic Tivoli Gardens starts at approximately $22 (155 DKK), though unlimited ride passes drive this price up. Visiting the famous Legoland Billund Resort costs more, with day passes costing between $50 and $60 per person depending on the season.

Museums generally charge $15 to $20 for admission. Families should anticipate spending over $100 per day if visiting these major paid sites.

Which free attractions can help you save money?

Denmark offers plenty of free things to do that lower the overall budget. Iconic landmarks like The Little Mermaid statue and the colorful Nyhavn harbor are completely free to visit and photograph. Walking through the King's Garden or exploring the botanical gardens in Copenhagen is free.

Many UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Jelling Monuments, offer free access to their outdoor areas. Focusing on these spots lets you enjoy Danish culture without increasing their daily sightseeing expenses.

How can you save money on your Danish vacation?

Reducing the total cost of a vacation to Denmark comes down to when you go and how you spend.

• Traveling during the shoulder season (May or September) offers big savings, with hotel and airfare prices often dropping by 20% to 30% compared to the summer peak.
• Using the Copenhagen Card drastically cuts expenses for public transportation and entrance fees, providing free access to over 80 attractions.
• Save on food by choosing street food markets or preparing meals with local groceries, keeping daily dining costs between $20 and $40.
• Staying in hostels or choosing hotels in secondary cities like Odense instead of central Copenhagen stretches the travel budget, often lowering the daily requirement to about $100 per person.
• Planning ahead and booking tickets online often secures lower rates than purchasing on the day of travel, so you don't overpay.

Sources

• https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/denmark
• https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/region_prices_by_city?itemId=114®ion=150
• https://copenhagencard.com/view/prices