Everything you need to know about independent travel in Denmark for beginners

Denmark has long been a dream destination for many travelers around the world because it has the highest happiness index in the world. Besides that, this country also has a unique culture and diverse tourism resources. If you crave to visit this country but lack experience in self-guided travel in Denmark, let's explore with Mytour!

1. Denmark - the land of happiness

Denmark is one of the most beloved countries for Europe travel because this fortunate land is blessed by nature with three sides of the country bordered by the sea. Moreover, you can both enjoy the pristine beauty of Denmark and admire its ancient charm when traveling independent Denmark.

A vibrant corner of Denmark.

Denmark boasts over 440 different islands, large and small, each contributing to the unique allure of exploring the country's azure coastline. According to the Denmark travel guide for first-timers, to fully experience Denmark's beauty, it's best to visit between May and October.

During this time, you can enjoy the cool, clear weather, which will soothe your soul and bring tranquility during your self-guided tour of Denmark. Particularly in May and June, when tourist numbers are not too high, you can freely explore the beauty of this land. Additionally, late June is when festivals abound, allowing you to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere.

The beauty of the Danish landscape under the radiant sun.

By the end of October, the weather in Denmark starts to turn chilly as it transitions into the autumn season, with leaves beginning to take on shades of orange. You can stroll through the streets and feel the gentleness under the canopy of trees while traveling to Denmark independently.

2. How to Apply for a Visa for Independent Travel to Denmark?

Before embarking on your independent travel to Denmark, you need to obtain a visa. Visas for traveling to Denmark usually have a validity period of 15 days to 3 months, so you can take advantage of this to apply with simple and efficient procedures. If you lack experience in applying for a visa for traveling to Denmark, you need to prepare specific documents as follows:

♦ Personal documents:

• Visa application form.
• Original passport with at least 3 months validity remaining and a copy of the passport.
• Copy of household registration book, identity card certified by the competent authority.
• 2 photos sized 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm.
• Copy of marital status confirmation: Marriage certificate or certificate of single status or divorce certificate.

If you are traveling with children:

• Consent letter from the father/mother/legal guardian for the child traveling.
• Copy of the child's birth certificate.
• Copy of the father/mother/legal guardian's identity card.

♦ Employment documents:

If you are an employee:

• Employment contract/recruitment decision or certification from the employer.
• Salary slips received in the last 03 months.
• Approved leave request (Note: the reason for leave must clearly state traveling, the leave period coincides with the travel period to Denmark self-guided tour).

If you are a business owner:

• Business registration certificate.
• Tax payment confirmation report.

If retired: Provide retirement book or pension payment voucher.

♦ Financial documents

• Original bank account statements for the last 03 months.
• Credit cards or regular income from assets (if any).
• Land use rights certificate.
• Vehicle registration papers in the owner's name.

Travel documents

• Travel insurance.
• Itinerary for the trip to Denmark for independent travel.
• Confirmation of flight booking information.
• Confirmation of hotel booking information.

♦ Address for submitting visa application for independent travel to Denmark

• Hanoi: Ocean Park Building, 2nd Floor, Room 207, No. 1 Dao Duy Anh Street, Phuong Mai Ward.
• Ho Chi Minh City: 3rd Floor of Resco Building, No. 94 – 96 Nguyen Du Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.

Prepare visa to start the journey of independent travel to Denmark.

The visa processing time is typically about 15 days after submitting the application. However, if you do not have complete documents or encounter issues during the visa application process, the processing time may extend to 30 – 60 days.

3. Transportation during the trip to Denmark for independent travel?

3.1. Traveling to Denmark

Currently, there are no direct flights from Vietnam to Denmark, so you need to transit through a third country. To ensure safety and convenience during your independent trip to Denmark, you can choose from the following airlines: Vietnam Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, etc.

Concerned about how much it costs to travel to Denmark independently? The average price for a round-trip flight ranges from 400 to 850 USD. Flight prices fluctuate depending on the timing, so if you want to find cheaper tickets, book your flights 3 – 4 months in advance. This allows for convenient visa application and potential savings.

3.2. Means of transportation when exploring Denmark

3.2.1. Bicycles

Although Denmark is one of the most developed countries in the world, bicycles remain the primary mode of transportation. You can easily rent a bike anywhere in the city when traveling independently in Denmark. Cycling allows you to experience the serene beauty and atmosphere of this land.

Cycling is extremely popular in Denmark.

Moreover, cycling allows you to easily explore and visit any nearby attractions from your hotel. This activity also improves your health and helps you save on transportation costs as you can borrow bikes for free when traveling independently in Denmark.

3.2.2. Public transportation

In addition to bicycles, you can also use public transportation in this country during your independent travel in Denmark, such as buses and subways. With a modern transportation system, you can reach any destination you desire, all you need to do is look up the right station and destination.

3.2.3. Boats, Ferries

If you intend to travel between various islands in Denmark, the most suitable mode of transportation for you would be boats and ferries. You can choose from a variety of boats and ferries at different price levels to suit your budget when traveling independently in Denmark. You won't encounter crowded scenes on these ferries; instead, you can leisurely admire the waves, take photos of the seagulls soaring freely in the Danish sky.

4. What to do when traveling independently to Denmark?

4.1. The capital Copenhagen

The first destination not to be missed when embarking on an independent journey to Denmark is the ancient capital of Copenhagen. The capital boasts a network of winding rivers, allowing you to take a boat ride to observe life unfolding in this country.

While touring Copenhagen, you can admire the ancient castles and churches that have stood for centuries, including the Royal Summer Palace Charlottenborg, the Winter Palace Amalienborg, Grundtvig's Church, Frederik's Church, and more.

The greenest and safest capital in the world beckons with the name Copenhagen.

Moreover, you can explore the 'free town' nestled within the heart of the capital, where Danish law cannot intervene. Despite being located in the national capital, this street offers remarkably unique experiences. You'll find a street where its own flags, currency, and laws apply. Additionally, this district features a plethora of interesting restaurants and nightlife spots that you shouldn't miss during your independent journey to Denmark, especially at night.

4.2. Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands are a cluster of 18 small islands inhabited by over 50,000 people. Previously overlooked, this island was brought into the limelight with the release of the Game of Thrones series. Following the show's success, it has become a favorite destination for travel enthusiasts exploring Denmark independently.

A sea of green covers the Faroe Islands.

While exploring this destination during your independent journey to Denmark, it's advisable to carry an umbrella as it often rains heavily here. However, this won't dampen your spirits. The impressive feature of the islands lies in its unique turf-roofed houses, tranquility, and lack of hustle and bustle.

4.3. Den Gamle By Town

Den Gamle By town is like a giant open-air museum with traditional small houses. Here, you can explore and purchase impressive handmade crafts and souvenirs dating back from the 16th to the 20th century.

The ancient town with traces tinted by time.

Everything in the town is authentically recreated to reflect the lifestyle of the 'olden days' from the 1800s to the 1970s. Hence, the village is hailed as a genuine ancient village, allowing you to delve into the past and gain a deeper understanding of the people here while traveling independently in Denmark.

4.4. Legoland Billund

If you're a fan of colorful Lego sets and enjoy marveling at creatively built structures, then Legoland Billund is a must-visit destination. Here, you'll encounter houses designed and colored like famous Lego sets when traveling independently in Denmark.

Vibrant colors and unique designs can only be found at Legoland Billund.

Moreover, you can also purchase Lego sets as gifts for your loved ones and friends at incredibly affordable prices, with a wide variety of models available when traveling independently in Denmark.

4.5. Hans Christian Andersen Museum

You've probably heard of the timeless fairy tales by Andersen at least once in your life. If you want to delve deeper into his life, then you can't miss this museum on your independent trip to Denmark. The Hans Christian Andersen Museum is one of the oldest historical sites located in the city of Odense. At the museum, you can admire numerous valuable artifacts dating back to 1805.

The unique pathway at the Andersen Museum.

The museum also impresses visitors by providing translations of artifacts and stories into over 100 different languages. This allows you to comfortably choose the language you prefer to learn more about Andersen's life during your independent trip to Denmark.

4.6. Dyreheaven Forest

If you dream of luxurious getaways, immersing yourself in the extravagance of Danish royalty of yore, then quickly book a stay in the Dyreheaven Forest area. Here, you'll not only experience premium services but also marvel at the endless beauty of the castles. You'll find lush green meadows providing serenity, once the hunting grounds of ancient royalty.

Transform into a sleeping princess in the forest at the Dyreheaven Forest resort.

After days of relaxation on your self-guided trip to Denmark, you'll feel like you've stepped into mysterious fairy tales, like the princess with long hair atop a tall tower in the deep forest.

5. Where to Stay When Traveling Independently to Denmark?

If you're planning a trip to Denmark soon but unsure where to stay for convenient travel and reasonable prices, consider these hotels:

♦ Fano Krogaard Hotel: Situated near the city center (just 3.6km away) and close to the beach, allowing you to truly relax. However, due to its popularity and full amenities with beautiful views, booking early is advisable, with prices starting from $760 USD per night.

♦ Kanalhuset Hotel: This hotel offers exquisite dinners to provide you with cozy moments. Located in the central area, making it convenient for exploring Denmark at night, with prices starting from $320 USD per night.

♦ Generator Hostel Copenhagen: Located in the heart of the capital Copenhagen, this hostel allows you to freely explore Denmark at night at a reasonable price, making it a favorite among many travelers, starting from just $176 USD per night.

♦ Color Hotel Skagen: Situated in the renowned tourist area of Skagen with a 4-star rating, this hotel offers incredibly affordable prices, so booking early is essential, starting from only $108 USD per night.

6. What to Eat When Traveling Independently in Denmark?

After indulging in the endless beauty hidden in Denmark, your stomach might be rumbling with hunger. To recharge during your trip to Denmark, don't forget to try these unique Danish dishes:

• Polse Sausage (served with mustard or tomato sauce).
• Flodebolle Cake (a rich chocolate dessert).
• Wienerbrod Pastry.
• Frikadeller Meatballs.
• Smorrebrod Sandwiches (with various fillings: shrimp with red sauce, ham, liver pate).
• Christmas Duck.

7. What to Wear When Traveling to Denmark?

When traveling independently in Denmark, you can opt for clothing with subtle, classic colors to fit the lifestyle of the locals. Depending on the season, you can prepare appropriate attire as follows:

♦ Spring: The weather is still quite damp, so bring a waterproof jacket and a pair of boots for walking through marshy areas and damp grasslands.

♦ Summer, Autumn: The weather is cool and mild, so you can choose comfortable and elegant outfits for strolling around.

♦ Winter: The weather starts to get cold with snowfall, so you need to bring warm clothes, gloves, and a thermal bag to stay warm.

8. Things to Consider When Traveling Independently in Denmark?

When visiting a new country, you need to pay attention to some customs, lifestyles to adapt and avoid encountering unpleasant situations during your journey.

• Do not run red lights when participating in traffic as heavy fines will be imposed.
• Avoid causing disorder in the Christiania district.
• Do not pet the pets of Danish people.
• Exchange money to Krone or Euro. Alternatively, you can use cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, and Visa.

With all the comprehensive information shared about independent travel in Denmark, you will be less puzzled on your journey. If you want an exciting itinerary without much deliberation, knowing how much a trip to Denmark costs, then quickly contact Mytour for expert advice!