Holidaying on a shoestring is a worthwhile exercise, even for the less financially challenged, as it offers up new experiences and new challenges daily, and it’s not nearly as difficult as you might have thought.
Denmark consists of three main areas; Jutland, connected by land to Germany, Zealand, the island housing the capital of the country, Copenhagen, and Funen, the middle island. The country is famous for its 18th century fishing villages, Renaissance castles and medieval churches, along with a wide range of well-managed museums and places of cultural interest. Aside from that, the nation’s love of the great outdoors means that activities such as hiking, camping, fishing and cycling are easily accessible and widely available.
Planning
When deciding where to go in Denmark, it is advisable to research areas before you arrive. The internet is a great resource for attractions; both the well-known and the virtually hidden. It is also advisable to book any pre-determined journeys, such as ferries or flights into or out of the country, beforehand. Internal ferries run regularly, and a wait of a few hours is the maximum you can expect in the summer. If you intend to take your own vehicle, a ferry into the country is advisable; the cost of a car into the country includes the fare of the driver too, so remember to include the total number of travellers when booking. If you intend to hire a car for the duration of your visit, renting through an international agency is cheaper than renting off the street; this could set you back up to 620Kr per day.
When to Go
Denmark has a mild climate, considering its northern latitude, so harsh weather similar to that of Norway or Sweden is unlikely; the country is a pleasant place to visit all year round. However, the best time to visit is late spring to early summer. During this time, Demark is at its most scenic, as with many countries, as the natural world is fresh and blooming. High season in Denmark is during the later summer months of July and August. As this is the tourist season, attractions and shops remain open for longer, open air concerts are held, and beaches are perfect for bathing. It is probably not best to visit during the autumn, as this is when the fields are brown and nature is beginning to curl up for the winter. Also, this is the time when farmers burn their crop waste, lowering the usually high air quality.
Where to Stay
Travelling on a shoestring often means dirty hostels, badly maintained campsites and a lack of decent sanitation, however the Danes are proud of their campsites, and standards are high. Camping in Denmark can be done either in a tent or caravan, or in a cabin on a campsite. Prices range from 32 Kr to 60 Kr per person to pitch a tent, and from 200 to 400 Kr per day for a cabin, depending on the rating of the campsite. It is worthwhile to research sites before you arrive; this can be done through the Danish Tourist Board website, or through their guide.
Camping outside of a registered campsite is not allowed in Denmark, unlike other Scandinavian countries such as Sweden. There are strict regulations on the use of public space, and it is wise not to infringe on these.
To camp in Denmark you need a camping card. This costs about 80Kr, and is available at the first campsite you stay at. Proof of purchase will be supplied, and can be used at subsequent sites during your visit. The camping card is valid for one year, so if you visit Denmark more than once, that is an expense to forget for subsequent trips.
What to Bring
When planning what to bring, think carefully about the time of year and the activities you are likely to undertake. In the summer, heavy clothing is usually unnecessary, however camping is a cold activity on cloudless nights, so a warm sleeping bag is a good idea.
Currency will be discussed later; however it is advisable to bring enough with you. There are strict laws on bringing items into the country, for example fresh fruit, vegetables and meats are not allowed, for fear of contaminating the environment with alien produce. If you are going self-catered, bringing a variety of instant meals in packets is a great idea; they save you money and time, and weigh very little. Passports are of course a necessity for entering or leaving the country, and can be used as proof of identification if requested.
Currency and Costs
Get your currency changed before you set off, as it will be much cheaper to do so. Exchange offices at ports and airports make a huge profit on exchanges made with them, and if you are trying to avoid incurring extra costs being prepared will be an advantage. 10 Danish Krone are worth about 1.5 US$, 1.3 Euros, or £1 sterling.
Top Places to See
With so much to do in Denmark, providing a list of must-see places is a difficult task. However, here are the places I would recommend you see if you are strapped for cash:
The Danish Design Centre
The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue)
Frederiksbord Castle
Roskilde town
The Danish Design Centre is a typical example of Danish museums and exhibitions. Well laid out and informative, this is an excellent visit for those interested in Design, or just in the contributions Denmark has made to technology and design; the free admission on Wednesday evenings and student discount at all other times is a welcome bonus.
The Little Mermaid is a statue created by Edvard Erichsen as an honor for H. C. Anderson, the famous Danish author. Situated just outside of Copenhagen, this is a charming item of interest. Interesting trivia behind this statue: the dancer on whom the figure was modelled refused to pose naked when she discovered just how publicly the statue was to be displayed, and so Erichsen’s wife stood in as a body double. This is a free attraction, although it should be noted that the backdrop of the industrial harbour means photographs must be taken carefully, and there is little else besides a place to park and the statue itself.
Situated 30km north of Copenhagen, Frederiksborg castle was built by King Fredrik II in 1560, and the modern castle was completed by his son in 1620. The Danish Kings lived here for about a century, and were crowned in the palace chapel from 1671. At the moment, the chapel is in use as a parish church. The castle is open daily to the public, for a 30kr admission fee.
Roskilde was Denmark’s first capital. It was here that the Kings were crowned and buried; the crypts can be seen at Roskilde Domkirke, the cathedral. On weekdays it costs 6Kr to visit, however it is still used for weddings, and is closed to the public during these events. Roskilde is a pleasant town to explore. Attractions include the Viking Ship Museum and the Roskilde Museum. These both cost between 1 and 3Kr.
For a more intimate feel of Denmark, follow the rural trail. As well as being a cheap alternative to experiencing the popular excursions, this way of seeing the country will ensure you see the bits the guidebooks don’t mention. Follow a road sign to an artist’s studio and you could be pleasantly surprised, as well as have the opportunity to take home something uniquely Danish without the touristy price tag. Recently a few churches in the Danish countryside have been restored to reveal beautiful medieval painted walls and ceilings, depicting biblical tales and local folklore side by side.
Overall, Denmark is an ideal holiday solution for people of all ages and income brackets. With enough attractions to suit even the pickiest traveller, Denmark will delight and entertain all.