The peninsula on which Denmark is located. How to move to Denmark from Russia and what you need to know about local life? Do I need a visa to travel to Denmark?

Useful information for tourists about Denmark, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Denmark, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions in Denmark.

Geography of Denmark

The Kingdom of Denmark is a state in Northern Europe on the shores of the Baltic and North Seas, occupies the Jutland Peninsula north of Germany and several islands, the main of which are Zealand and Funen. The state, in addition to the territory of Denmark proper, includes the Faroe Islands and Greenland, which received self-government and representation in the Danish parliament.

The territory of the country is flat, the highest point of the country is 173 m - Mount Iding-Skovhoy in eastern Jutland, and the lowest point (12 m below sea level) is on the west coast of Jutland.

State

State structure

A constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the queen; the country is actually governed by a unicameral parliament (Folketing) - the highest legislative body, popularly elected. The government is headed by the prime minister.

Language

Official language: Danish

Also used: English, German, French.

Religion

92% are Lutherans.

Currency

International name: DKK

Danish krone (DKK) = 100 øre. Banknotes in circulation are 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 crowns, coins are 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 crown, 50 and 25 öre.

Denmark map

Popular attractions

Tourism in Denmark

Where to stay

Hotels in Denmark offer unobtrusive northern hospitality: first-class service and comfort. Danish hotels are considered one of the most expensive not only in Europe, but also in the world.

There are about 1,750 hotels in the country. All of them are traditionally classified from one to five stars. The fewer stars a hotel has, the smaller the size of its rooms and bathrooms. In addition, hotels in Denmark are divided into two groups: the first - Hotel - these are hotels where, in addition to breakfast, other meals are available to guests (hotels from one to five stars); the second - Hotel Garni - these are hotels where guests are offered only breakfast (their rating does not exceed four stars).

One-star hotels in the country are more like a hostel, in which one bathroom and toilet are designed for a maximum of ten rooms. In addition, each room has all the necessary furniture and a sink. The hotel provides bed linen, towels and breakfast for guests. Two-star hotels in Denmark serve breakfast, snacks and drinks are available, and most importantly, they have private bathrooms. Unlike one- and two-star hotels, three-star rooms can guarantee a separate shower, work desk, radio and TV. Guests are provided with a computer and Internet access. Room size - from 12 sq. m.

Four and five star hotels in the country are high class in everything. Four-star hotels have excellent interiors, 24-hour room service, laundry facilities, and their own bar and restaurant. Five-star hotels are distinguished by luxurious apartments, air conditioning, a safe, service upon request, as well as their own restaurants, indoor pools and fitness centers.

A more economical, but no less comfortable option for living in Denmark would be a hostel and campsite. All hostels are accredited by the International Hostel Network and include 95 mini-hotels throughout the country.

Popular hotels

Excursions and attractions in Denmark

The beautiful fairy-tale country of Denmark is rightfully considered the pearl of Scandinavia. The ancient Viking country is famous for its abundance of interesting sights that perfectly illustrate its centuries-old history and traditions.

The capital of Denmark is Copenhagen, one of the oldest cities in Europe. The picturesque city is located simultaneously on three islands (Slotsholmen, Zealand and Amager). The symbol of Copenhagen is the famous statue of the Little Mermaid (a character from the fairy tale of the same name by the world famous Danish storyteller Hans Christian Andersen), which is located in the city’s port. Copenhagen is a city with a stunning abundance of historical, cultural and architectural monuments. Among the most interesting attractions are the Amalienborg Palace complex, Rosenborg Castle, Christiansborg Castle, the stock exchange, Tivoli Park Garden, Bernstorf and Fredensborg castles, Copenhagen City Hall, the National Museum, the State Museum of Art, the Thorvaldsen Museum, and the Carlsberg Glyptotek. Also worth seeing are the Marble Cathedral (Frederick's Church), the Grundtvig Church, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, the Opera House, the Church of the Savior, the Orthodox Church of Alexander Nevsky and the University of Copenhagen with its famous Round Tower.

The second largest city in Denmark, Aarhus, is located on the Jutland Peninsula on the shores of a picturesque bay. It is an important business and cultural center of the country. Aarhus is also called a university city, as there are many famous universities and various colleges here. The most famous landmark of the city is the Old Town "Den Gamle By". This is a kind of open-air museum, where various ancient buildings brought from all over Denmark and restored are collected. Other important sights in the city are the Cathedral of St. Clement, the Church of Our Lady, the New Town Hall, the Aarhus Art Museum, the Museum of Prehistory, the Viking Museum, and Marselisborg Castle. The city is also famous for its annual “Aarhus Festival” - one of the most famous cultural events in Europe.

The city of Odense is the birthplace of the famous storyteller Hans Christian Andersen, in whose honor one of the city’s parks is named and a monument was erected in the central square. There is also a museum of the famous writer. The picturesque green Odense with many pedestrian streets in the city center, shops, cozy restaurants and cafes is also rich in historical and cultural monuments. The most interesting sights include Odin's Tower, St. Canute's Cathedral, Odense Palace, St. Albany's Church, St. Hans' Church, Funen Village Museum, Art Museum, Ancient Mint and Nuns' Hill. 30 km from the city there is the beautiful Egeskov Castle, which is definitely worth a visit.

The city of Aalborg is also rich in various attractions. Here it is worth visiting the Cathedral of St. Budolfi, Aalborg Palace, the City Hall, the house of the merchant Jens Bang, the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, the Church of Our Lady, the Historical Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Shipping and Navigation and one of the largest and most interesting zoos in Denmark.

Among the most interesting sights of Denmark, it is also worth highlighting Kronborg Castle (the castle of Shakespeare's Hamlet or Elsinore), Frederiksborg Castle (Hillerød), the famous Legoland children's park, the snow-white cliffs of Møns Klint and the islands of the Faroe archipelago.

Danish cuisine

The Danes love to eat a lot and deliciously. The quality of food in Danish cuisine is ensured primarily by the quality of seasonings.

The basis of Danish cuisine is fish and other seafood. First and second courses are prepared from fish. But the Danes do not forget about meat dishes. Roast pork with hot red cabbage is extremely popular. Pork liver with crispy fried onions or pork liver pate appears no less often on the Danish table. Fried potatoes or stewed cabbage are most often served as a side dish.

Traditional national dishes: pork stew with hot red cabbage, salted chicken with pineapple, pork with apples and prunes, vegetables with lard - Danish-style lard.

Desserts include apple pie with currant jelly and whipped cream, as well as strawberry and blackberry soup with cream - something between compote and liquid jam.

The Danes prefer beer and vodka among alcoholic drinks, and coffee among weaker drinks. At Christmas, when it's time to unwrap gifts under the tree, a special spiced wine (Bisschopswijn) is prepared - the Danish version of German mulled wine.

26.10.17 54 433 0

High taxes and a well-established social system

“A trip on the metro costs 300 rubles, and a cup of coffee in an inexpensive cafe costs from 500!” - tourists talk with horror about their trip to Copenhagen upon arrival home.

Victoria Antonova

studies in Denmark

Copenhagen indeed annually finds itself in the top five, ten or twenty most expensive cities in the world in various rankings. Other Danish cities also discourage tourists with high prices and migrants with even higher taxes. At the same time, Denmark attracts foreigners with its quality of education, career prospects and high standard of living.

This is what attracted me to her too. In 2016, I applied for a master's degree at Aarhus University. I was able to receive a grant that covered the cost of my master's program and even living expenses.

I’ll tell you how to save money on accommodation in the two largest cities in Denmark - Copenhagen and Aarhus.

Moving and visa

Spending will begin even before moving to the country. A student visa will cost approximately 37,000 RUR: first you will have to pay 2310 kr (21,714 RUR) to the Danish migration service, then when submitting documents at the visa center, pay a visa fee of 13,450 RUR, a service fee of 1900 RUR, and in regional centers - another 450 RUR for sending documents. Other long-term visas with all fees can cost about 48,000 RUR.

The national currency of Denmark is the Danish krone.

Students from other cities will also have to go to Moscow for an interview at the consulate, as the Danes want to check your language level live.

The big advantage of Danish visas is that they already include a long-term residence permit. The visa for master's students is valid for 2.5 years. Next time you will have to pay for the documents only if you want to extend this permit.

But you can save on insurance. For residents, Denmark covers medical expenses through taxes. It is worth taking out insurance only if you plan to have your teeth treated in Denmark, otherwise you will pay approximately 60% of the cost out of your own pocket.

Within a week after arrival, you will need to go to the public service center and request a civilian number. You must have your residence agreement with you.

Language

Danish is the official language of Denmark, but the vast majority of the population speaks fluent English. Even people who don’t need language skills for their jobs, such as bus drivers or supermarket cashiers, can easily switch to English with you.

Most visitors, including students, are entitled to free Danish lessons for 5 years. You can find the school closest to you on the website of the Association of Language Centers. Those who arrived after July 2017 will need to make a deposit of 1250 kr (11,750 RUR), but if you attend classes, it will be returned to you after the end of the course. The Danes introduced the deposit to weed out those who are not serious about learning the language: many signed up for courses simply because they were free, and then dropped out. And language schools wasted resources trying to hire enough teachers.

I recommend starting to take Danish courses right away, especially if you plan to stay in the country for a long time. It is a fairly simple language, and most employers prefer to hire those who can speak it at least a little.

Banks and payments

The local currency is Danish krone. When I wrote the article, 1 Danish krone was equal to 9.4 R. To convert prices into rubles, you can simply multiply by 10 - this is convenient.

Cash is rarely used in Denmark, and when paying with a foreign card, a commission is charged almost everywhere, so you will definitely have to open a bank account. You will have to pay for opening an account, issuing a card and servicing, but for students these services are free from Arbeidernes Landsbank, Nykredit and Danske Bank.

To open an account, you will need to come to the bank, but other services can be obtained via the Internet. To use Internet banking, you need to order a personal digital key “Nem-ID”. You can do this yourself at the Borgerservice public service center (an analogue of government services), or a bank can do it for you - it’s more convenient.

Rooms in dorms and apartments differ little in price. I advise you to look for a room in a communal apartment. For this, there are paid services like “Boligportal”, but subscription to them is expensive: from 300 kr (2820 R) per month for one site. It is unlikely that anyone will respond if you send messages in English rather than Danish. I don’t know anyone who could find housing through such sites.

The most reliable method of finding housing is word of mouth, so don’t be shy to write a post on social networks and ask your friends, especially Danes, to share it. I also advise you to actively respond to advertisements in special groups on Facebook.

Finding housing in Denmark is like looking for a job. Landlords receive dozens or even hundreds of inquiries, so you need to present yourself in the best possible light.

What to check before renting

Be sure to sign a contract with the landlord. The market is heavily regulated, and without a contract you will likely be kicked out of your apartment pretty quickly. Tenants who do not have the right to sublet often rent out premises without a contract. This is quickly revealed by the real owners or landlords.

Check if utilities and internet are included in the rental price. If not, then they can cost you another 200-300 kr (1880 -2820 R).

Do not leave any deposits or other payments until the contract is concluded: there are many scammers in Copenhagen. If you doubt the intentions of the interlocutor, check him in the Scammers in Copenhagen Facebook group.

Do not pay a large amount as a deposit. The maximum normal deposit is the amount for 3 months of rent. Ideally, you will be able to get the full amount back within a couple of weeks after you move out of the apartment, if you don’t break anything. Read the terms of the deposit return contract. For example, let's say you move in with someone who has been living in an apartment for a couple of years. The contract may include a clause stating that upon departure the deposit will be divided equally between you, although you only lived there for a couple of months and are unlikely to have broken anything.

If you find a large apartment that you want to sublet part of, check whether your contract with the landlord allows subletting. If subletting is allowed, you can try to find tenants for your spare rooms or rent out your home through Airbnb.com if you're going out of town for a while.

Housing is often rented unfurnished. You will have to buy it yourself. It is better to buy from hand, for example on the Danish equivalent of Ibay - the DBA website. Large appliances like a refrigerator and a washing machine will most likely still be in the apartment.

Personal transport - carsharing

It’s better to completely forget about taxis and your own car in Copenhagen. A 3 km trip by taxi will cost you about 100 kr (940 RUR), and you will have to pay a very high tax for your car (even if it is used). If you suddenly need a car, I advise you to use car sharing.

100 kr

costs 3 km taxi ride

Car sharing in Copenhagen is well developed. I use Drivenow, but there are at least four other companies. The biggest advantage of car sharing is that you only pay for the time you use. All cars in car sharing are electric. Insurance, parking and charging are already included in the price. If you take a couple of friends with you, the trip can be cheaper than using public transport.

When registering with Drivenau, you need to pay a fee of 89 kr (836 RUR). It includes a 30 minute drive. It is profitable to pay for minutes in advance - so one minute will cost 2.5 kr (24 R) instead of 4 kr (38 R). To do this, you need to purchase a package for 180 or 300 minutes before your trip. It is valid indefinitely, and minutes for each trip will simply be deducted from the package. If you charge a car with less than 20% charge, you will receive 20 minutes free of charge to your internal car sharing account.

You can drive in Denmark with a Russian license for a year, but then you need to exchange it for a local one. A replacement will cost 880 kr (8272 R), you will have to go for a medical examination, but you do not need to take exams or go to additional classes for category B.

880 kr

it's worth changing the rights

Bicycles

The best thing to do is buy a bike and ride it everywhere. This is what both children and pensioners do here. A bicycle in Denmark is the most economical and convenient transport. It is safe to ride, there are many bike paths, and their surface is often better than that of ordinary roads. Bicycles even have separate traffic lights at some intersections.

I bought a new bike for 1000 kr (9400 RUR) on the Futex store website - this is the cheapest option. My bike only has 3 speeds and the quality is mediocre, but for daily trips to the university it is quite suitable.

You can find many used bicycles online. They are often sold by those who came to Denmark for a short period of time, and cheaply: you can find a bike from 400 kr (3760 RUR). Look for such bikes in groups Aarhus Internationals or ESN CPH : Give-Buy-Sell-Rent on Facebook or on the DBA website.

You can also buy a used bicycle at auctions organized by Danish police stations. They sell off unwanted bicycles that have been sitting in public places for too long.

When buying a bike, remember safety. If you buy secondhand, check the number indicated on the frame in the database of stolen bicycles. This can be done through the Politi app, which is owned by the Danish police.

When you buy a bike, write down or photograph its license plate number in case you need to report it stolen. Buy a good bike lock, and if you have the money, buy insurance. Bicycles are stolen very often in Denmark. Thieves almost always go unpunished, since the police rarely search for bicycles. Bicycle theft is a petty crime, and finding one among hundreds of thousands is difficult, so spending resources searching is not worth it.

Be aware of fines. Always wear a front light and brake light on your bike at night. Obey traffic signals and use hand signals when stopping or turning. Drive strictly on the right side and do not ride without hands or with a passenger. The fine is 750-1000 kr (7050 -9400 R) for one violation.

Public transport

If you don't want to ride a bike, use public transport. It is better not to buy tickets for a single trip, so as not to overpay. The most flexible payment method is the Risecourt card. You can buy it at special sales points (a list of them can be found on the card website) or order it on the Internet. You will receive the card within 2-4 weeks after arrival. There are several types of cards: the most profitable is to buy a “Risecourt-personnel”, but for this you need to have a civilian number.

“Risecourt” costs 50 kr (470 R), is valid throughout Denmark and will save you up to 50% of the cost of a ticket in Copenhagen - pay 15 kr (141 R) instead of 30 kr (282 R) during rush hour. In Aarhus, the discount on travel on the Riesecourt will be 20%. There is also a savings system: the more and further you travel using the card, the cheaper each trip becomes. The card is valid in all types of transport: buses, metro and commuter trains.

30 kr

costs a ticket for one metro ride in Copenhagen during rush hour

"Risecourt" must be applied to a special terminal at the beginning and end of the trip. This is how its cost is calculated.

If you use public transport more than 6 times a week, it is more profitable to buy a pass. A pass for 2 zones - the city center and the main suburban areas - costs 375 kr (3525 R) per month.

I do not recommend traveling without a ticket. Fine - 750 kr (7050 R). They check tickets frequently and fine them mercilessly.

Check the schedule via the Rejseplanen app. Otherwise, in Aarhus you risk being left without transport after midnight. There are night buses here, but they only run on Fridays and Saturdays. If the route includes a transfer and you use Risecourt, then you do not need to touch the card to the terminal with a red sticker at the transfer station. Apply it to the terminal with a green sticker at the transfer points and to the terminal with a red one at the end of the route - you will save 100 rubles on each transfer.

750 kr

fine for ticketless travel

If you are bringing a bicycle with you, you need to buy a separate ticket for it. The exception is the red trains in Copenhagen. They have special carriages for free transportation of bicycles.

I rarely use public transport; I prefer to ride a bicycle. At first it was unusual: before, I only rode a bicycle around the yard as a teenager, but over time I got used to it. I rarely take the bus or metro - only when it’s raining heavily and I can’t avoid leaving the house, for example, if I need to go to class. A round trip costs 24-30 kr (225 -281.25 R) depending on whether I get to rush hour. Now I try to ride a bicycle in any weather, since public transport does not help from the rain: you still have to walk 10 minutes from or to the stop.

Food

To save on groceries, you need to know where to shop. Supermarkets Futex and Irma are considered expensive, while Rema-1000, Netto, Lidl and Aldi are considered cheap, but they also have a smaller range. Plan your shopping list in advance and check the promotions in your nearest supermarkets. You can track them through advertising brochures that arrive daily in your mailbox, or through the minetilbud and eTilbudsavis applications.

Eating lunch in the university canteen is not cheap and not always tasty. A cup of not the best coffee from a boiler costs 10 kr (94 R). I recommend bringing your own food - buy containers that will pay for themselves after a couple of lunches. You can also buy a thermos and brew coffee at home. That's what everyone does here.

Restaurants in Copenhagen are very expensive. The check for one starts from 300 kr (2820 R). Even in bistros and burger joints, expect to pay from 85-100 kr (800 -941.176 RUR). If you want restaurant food without markups, I recommend the Too good to go app - at the end of the day for 30-40 kr (282 -376 RUR) you can buy a takeaway dinner from dishes that the establishment did not sell that day.

300 kr

minimum cost of dinner in a restaurant per person

Entertainment

Entertainment in Denmark, compared to restaurants, is quite affordable. Visitors are often given welcome coupons for free admission to museums, theaters or skating rinks. For such coupons you need to go to the town hall of your city.

Cinemas, theaters and museums usually have discounts for students. Those under 25 years old can also get a discount, so when going to the museum, take your passport and student ID with you. My friends and I went to the production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” for 50 kr (470 R), and a regular ticket costs 400 kr (3760 R).

If you like a particular museum or have guests coming to you often, I recommend purchasing a membership card. It entitles the cardholder and one companion to free entry. The main attraction of Aarhus is the Aros Art Museum. A membership card there cost me 200 kr (1880 RUR) and paid for itself already on the second trip.

In Denmark, quite a lot of free events are held for students: screenings of documentaries, concerts, meetings of hobby groups, and so on. You can monitor them through social networks or websites. In Aarhus, it is convenient to follow events on the website of the Dokk-1 library or the Godsbanen center. Also in Aarhus and Copenhagen there is free entry to the botanical gardens.

Bars and nightclubs have high prices, as do restaurants. A glass of beer costs on average 50 kr (470 R), cocktails - about 100 kr (940 R), but you can save money here too. For students, there are so-called Friday bars, which open at most universities on Fridays from approximately 17:00 to midnight. Beer can be bought here for only 5-10 kr (47 -94 R). In Copenhagen and Aarhus there is also a special student bar, Studentehus, with competitive prices.

100 kr

costs a cocktail at the bar

If you want to have a fun night on the town and save money, plan. Check the websites of specific bars to see when their happy hours are and go there during those times. This way you will save about 50% of the cost of drinks. Most clubs charge entry, but sometimes those who come early (around 21-22 hours) are admitted for free.

Trips

If you want to travel around the country, then as a student you can do it on a very budget. In Aarhus, the student organization Studentehus (yes, it's not just a bar) organizes trips for students, and gives discounts to members of the association. For example, you could go to Legoland Park for the whole day for 425 kr (3995 RUR).

If you are going somewhere on your own, then it is cheaper to travel by bus - a ticket for students will cost about 100 kr (940 RUR). Traveling by train is more comfortable, but to save money you need to buy tickets in advance and look for “orange” discounts.

To travel around the country, it is convenient to use the Gomor service (the Danish equivalent of Blablacar). I also recommend renting a car there if you want to travel to another city on your own. In ordinary companies, prices for Danish residents are very high, about 1500 kr (14,100 RUR) per day, while non-residents can rent the same car for 200 kr (1880 RUR).

200 kr

costs per day to rent a car for non-residents of Denmark

Communication and Internet

For communication, I recommend taking a free SIM card from Lebara. They have a tariff for 100 kr (940 R), which includes 10 hours of calls within Europe, unlimited SMS throughout the country and 30 GB of Internet traffic. It’s cheaper only if you pay by the minute and hardly use calls or the Internet.

Weather

What I wasn't prepared for was the prolonged absence of sunlight. Of course, I knew that Scandinavia is not famous for its resort weather, but even in my native Siberian Omsk there was plenty of sun, despite the forty-degree winter frosts.

In Denmark, the opposite is true: the temperature rarely drops below zero, there is almost no snow, but there is high humidity and a piercing wind. Fortunately, Copenhagen has better sunshine than Aarhus (1,780 hours of sunshine per year versus 1,506 according to official statistics). For comparison: in Moscow, the average annual number of sunny hours from 2001 to 2010 was approximately 1900.

I have learned to take advantage of the moment: as soon as the sun comes out, I try to go outside, even just to walk to the store.

Hygge

Last year, the media vied with each other to write about the secret of Danish happiness - hygge (translated from Danish as comfort). There was even a book of the same name published. Articles about hygge were often accompanied by photographs of candles, woolen socks and Ikea kitchens, but, in my opinion, they never revealed the secret of Danish happiness.

The word hygge describes a certain state of happiness and harmony with oneself and the world, but does not in any way prescribe how to achieve it. Therefore, hygge is different for everyone: I have a friend for whom hygge is ice fishing with his father.

“Hygge. The Secret of Danish Happiness" - a book by writer Mike Viking, who studies happiness

The secret of Danish happiness is very simple - it is an established and comprehensive social system that allows people to be thoughtful about life and focus on those things that are hygge for them, rather than worrying about money every day.

Eventually

As elsewhere, your expenses in Denmark will depend directly on your standard of living. I advise you to focus on the following data.

One-time moving costs will cost you approximately 13,000 kr (122,200 rubles): visa - 3,900 kr (36,660 rubles), bicycle - from 1,000 kr (9,400 rubles), deposit for housing - 8,500 kr (79,900 rubles). You may also have to spend money on furniture.

6300 kr

per month needed to live normally in Copenhagen

Monthly expenses will cost approximately 5300 kr (49,820 R) in Aarhus or about 6300 kr (59,220 R) in Copenhagen. This is quite a generous amount, I included expenses for housing, transportation, food and a little entertainment. If you tighten the belt tighter, you can easily cut costs by several thousand more.

But the surest way not to be afraid of Danish prices is to receive a Danish salary, which is quite possible even for students. The culture of part-time work for students is very well developed here. Even very large companies like McKinsey or Marsk regularly recruit students in various specialties. A student residence permit allows you to work up to 20 hours a week, which is enough for a comfortable life.

In general, it is no coincidence that Denmark has been at the top of the ranking of the happiest countries in the world for several years now. Copenhagen is probably my favorite city in the world that I have visited or lived in. Its atmosphere more than pays for the wild prices of coffee, the tedious search for housing and all other everyday difficulties.

Denmark is one of the most prosperous countries on the globe. It is not surprising that many want to move here permanently. Those who are planning to make a radical turn in their lives and try their luck in the “country of the Vikings” will find it useful to familiarize themselves with information about this Scandinavian kingdom and the peculiarities of life in the country through the eyes of Russian immigrants.

Life in Denmark: what does an immigrant need to know about it?

Standard of living

Denmark is a prosperous state with a stable economy. Denmark occupies top positions in the rankings of countries with the lowest level of corruption, the most favorable conditions for doing business, and the most effective government policy in the field of ecology. As a result, the Danes are the happiest nation - the vast majority of the country's population is completely satisfied with their lives.

Taxes are high here, but this is quite justified: medicine, the education system and social security - everything is at the highest level, and people are willing to pay for it. In addition, Denmark is one of the safest countries in the world. There is a low crime rate and a large proportion of crimes are cases of domestic violence. A robbery on the street is an unlikely situation in Denmark. Even at night you can walk along the streets without fear for your life. Strikes here are also a single phenomenon, and not a massive one, as, for example, in France, where it would seem that everyone goes on strike: taxi drivers, students, workers, and with enviable regularity.

Climate and ecology

The climate of Denmark is quite comfortable for Russians: it is not hot here, the average air temperature varies from + 10 to + 20 degrees Celsius. However, this is not a dream climate, as, for example, on the Californian coast. The sun rarely appears in the Danish sky, but rain and wind are constant daily companions.

Not a single Dane leaves home without an umbrella: the weather here changes in a matter of minutes. If you see the sun outside your window in the morning, this does not mean that the whole day will be clear. It is likely that within a minute a gusty wind will blow outside and it will start to rain.

Popular proverb: if you don't like the Danish weather, wait 5 minutes, it will change.

Caring for the environment is another principle in the life of every Dane. The policy of local authorities contributes to the successful development of this trend. In every supermarket you will see a machine that accepts plastic bottles. I handed over the empty container and received a receipt that can be used to pay for purchases in the same supermarket. Thanks to such a well-thought-out system, everyone has the opportunity to save a little, and local authorities can ensure clean streets at minimal cost.

Nuances of lifestyle

The Danes are simply obsessed with a healthy lifestyle. Kayaking, daily jogging, cycling as the main form of transport - all this is in order here (and this despite the constant rainy weather!). Many large companies have gyms for employees and their family members, sports competitions are held regularly, and many employers provide their subordinates with discounts on visiting the pool/fitness center/gym.

Bicycles are a separate topic for Denmark. This type of transport became popular after World War II, when, due to a shortage of gasoline, more and more people opted for a two-wheeled vehicle. Bicycles are still very common: Denmark has an extremely high tax on car ownership (it is higher than the cost of the car itself). As a result: the bicycle today is the main mode of transport for most citizens, and the winners of bicycle races are no less popular than show business stars.

Interesting fact: in Denmark, anyone can use a bicycle for free if they don’t have their own. There are special parking lots everywhere where you can rent an “iron horse” for 20 CZK - this deposit will automatically be given back to you when you return the vehicle to its place.

Work takes up much less time in a Dane’s life than a Russian or Ukrainian. The average working day here lasts only 6.4 hours, and an annual paid vacation of 6 weeks is provided. In their free time from work, the Danes play sports, attend various trainings, courses (here it is customary to constantly learn something), interest groups (for example, there are communities of young mothers or pensioners), and spend time with their families.

This is a plus: the average Dane has 16 hours a day “for himself” - this is time for sleep and relaxation, communication, hobbies and sports.

Video: how Denmark lives through the eyes of a Russian woman

Danish cuisine

Danish cuisine is quite modest and monotonous. Baked goods, meat and potato dishes are held in high esteem here. It is understandable to Russian people, but many immigrants say that they lack typical Russian products: pickles, sprats, dumplings, caviar, buckwheat.

National Danish cuisine often includes pork dishes - in the summer it is grilled ribs, in the winter it is oven-baked pork with skin, and to this there are various types of potatoes.

Estreiiita

Features of mentality

The Danes are very practical and conservative. Here it is considered normal to present a list of desired gifts along with a birthday invitation. What seems inconvenient to a Russian person is considered practical here.

There is a clear sign of equality between men and women. There is no division of responsibilities into “male” and “female”. Men do housework on equal terms, women do work. But Russian women need to be prepared for the fact that equality also results in other aspects that are not entirely familiar to our mentality: a separate family budget, paying the restaurant bill equally.

Interesting fact: being a housewife is extremely unpopular in Denmark (even among older ladies): 80% of women work.

Women here dress much more modestly than is customary in Russia. Bright makeup and elegant clothes are appropriate here only at appropriate events. Here it is not customary to boast about fashion brands and go “to work as if it were a holiday.” The priority is practicality and comfort.

Here it is customary to start a family in adulthood and approach this very responsibly. There are many 30-year-old men and women here who have not yet been burdened by marriage. Couples have been cohabiting for a long time, but if they finally decide to legalize their relationship, it is usually forever. By the way, unequal marriages are rare here: you almost never see an older man dating a girl old enough to be his daughter.

Men often postpone marriage until age 30+, but value family; A lot of time is devoted to children, but at the same time, women are expected to work and not just care for children.

Mermaid

http://www.woman.ru/rest/medley8/thread/3889688/

The Danes do not boast of wealth: you won’t see as many expensive cars on the streets as in the average Russian city. A sign of status here is simplicity and comfort, which is manifested in minimalist Scandinavian interiors, in the style of clothing, and in the choice of car.

Immigrants in Denmark

Migrants make up 7–10% of the Danish population. There are many people here from Iran, Iraq, and Turkey. They are treated worse than migrants from Russia and the CIS countries. Immigrants from these countries do not try to assimilate and do not show interest in local traditions and culture. Locals are especially wary of them. You won’t find people from Somalia or Middle Eastern countries in the rural outback - they settle in large cities and live in entire communities.

They don't like immigrants, especially from the Middle East.

Elena,53 years old, Russian. Lives in Denmark for 13 years in the countryside

http://emigranti-inc.livejournal.com/32725.html

It is much easier for Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians to assimilate. They do not settle in communities, but organically join the local community, living in traditional families, and not in diasporas.

Many Russians come here not in search of higher-paying jobs, like the latter, but with the goal of starting a family here. Many women first look for a potential groom and only then move in with him. On the contrary, more men travel from Middle Eastern countries to Denmark. As a rule, they do not have higher education and are ready for the most low-skilled jobs. Reviews from Russian men indicate that many of them come to Denmark by agreement with an existing employer. This could be a transfer to a local branch of an international company, contract work at some facility, or an offer from a Danish partner to open a joint business here.

How do they treat Russians?

Russians are treated quite normally here, there is no aggression or outright discrimination, because the Danes themselves are quite calm and peaceful, but their attitude towards visitors is still restrained and cool. This is explained, among other things, by the fact that Denmark is a mono-ethnic state. The local population predominates here, so all foreigners are treated with caution. Many immigrants from Russia say that the Danes are friendly and friendly, but very closed and not easy to make contact with. Finding close friends here is very, very difficult.

This is a country where you feel like a human being. It's comfortable to live here.

Elena, 53 years old

http://emigranti-inc.livejournal.com/32725.html

Video: attitude towards ordinary Russian emigrants

What financial assistance can immigrants expect?

In addition to the standard unemployment benefit, divorced women with children receive substantial payments here. The state pays them single mother's allowance and housing subsidies.

Because migrants in Denmark can easily live comfortably on the benefits provided to them, many of them do not work. The statistics are as follows: less than half of immigrants are employed, while the rest are content with the benefits of the social security system. And the country's indigenous residents, on the contrary, prefer to work - as many as 73% of them. The current circumstances are putting a colossal burden on the state budget. Because of this, government officials took extreme measures back in 1997: the state decided to pay compensation to those immigrants who were ready to return to their homeland. This benefit is quite significant: 11 thousand crowns even before the immigrant returns to his native country, and 89 thousand when he has already left Denmark. As a result, an emigrant leaving Denmark can count on 100 thousand Danish crowns, which is 3,700 euros or 311 thousand rubles.

Anyone who is on welfare is the “bottom”. The local population really has a bad attitude towards this category. And this applies not only to foreigners, but also to the Danes themselves.

Svetlana, lives in Denmark for 8 years

http://www.newwoman.ru/zamuzh_e70.html

Russians in Denmark

How to adapt to life?

The best option is when an immigrant tries to assimilate: he studies the language, tries to observe traditions and conform to the peculiarities of the local way of life.

The best way to assimilate is to obtain a higher education. This will allow you to make new acquaintances, look at the life of the Danes from the inside, and most importantly, get a diploma from a local university. It will greatly increase your chances of finding a decent job. Danish higher education has the following advantages:
it is taught in English, so you can study here even if you don’t speak Danish;
Tuition fees are not as high as in other Scandinavian countries. A year of “higher school” costs from 6 to 16 thousand euros;

The quality of education, on the contrary, is high - people from all over the world strive to get into Danish universities.

Adaptation to a new country rarely goes without problems, and integration into the ancient culture of a small people requires much more effort.

Natalia Karpan Lieknins

Video: interview about what awaits a migrant in Denmark

What do Russians do here?

Here everything depends primarily on the person himself, on his mood and desire to adapt to new conditions. Some immigrants from Russia say that it is impossible to get a good, well-paid professional job here, because... supposedly immigrants from the CIS countries are considered by local employers to be worthy only of the simplest work in the service sector. Others prove the opposite by their own example: many successfully find employment in their specialty and occupy high-status positions in international companies. These are mainly those who have found the opportunity to learn a language and obtain a diploma from a local university, or have confirmed an existing diploma by successfully passing a professional qualification exam.

With our medical diploma you CANNOT get a job as a nurse, and our teacher will NOT be accepted into kindergarten! Simply because to work as a nurse you must have a nursing diploma approved by the Danish system (education lasts 4 years).

Natalia Karpan Lieknins

http://www.newwoman.ru/zamuzh_karpan2.html

In Denmark, both highly qualified specialists of a narrow profile and representatives of blue-collar professions are in demand. Here you can get a job as a builder, farm worker, or nanny. Many people do just that to begin with: they sign a contract to do, for example, seasonal work in order to live here for 3-4 months and get a first impression of the country. Salaries, especially on farms, are not as high as in Copenhagen for highly skilled work, but still, compared to Russian ones, they are much higher. For cleaning the territory, caring for livestock and harvesting crops on agricultural farms, they pay a little more than 100 crowns per hour (13.5 euros or 1140 rubles).

Please note: you can assess your relevance in the Danish labor market by looking at the so-called Positive List (http://www.workpermit.com/denmark/positive-list.htm) - it indicates those professions in which currently the state needs it most. Today, the TOP includes builders, industrial professionals, medical workers (both highly qualified doctors and junior staff), and IT specialists.

In addition to the service sector, Russians are actively involved in the transport sector. Russian truck drivers are recruited into all European companies, and sailors are accepted on board Scandinavian ships. At the same time, the main advantage of our fellow citizens, alas, is not professionalism, but cheapness.

Expert opinion

http://filolingvia.com/publ/skolko_ty_budesh_poluchat_za_granicej_realnye_zarplaty_nashikh_ehmigrantov/438–1-0–5460

Where do our compatriots live?

Today there are few Russians in Denmark: about 8 thousand. Difficult language and extremely high cost of living are just some of the reasons. Many people from the CIS countries prefer to move to those countries where there are more Russians, which means it’s easier to assimilate - this is, for example, Germany.

Denmark has only one large city by Russian standards - its capital, Copenhagen. Immigrants from Russia strive to get here: wages here are higher than in rural areas, there are more employment options, and the attitude towards immigrants is more loyal, because in the provinces people are always more conservative.

The entire territory of the country can be divided into 3 zones: Copenhagen, the island part and the mainland (it is called Jutland). In Jutland, the largest city is Aarhus, but it doesn’t seem like that to a Russian, because only 300 thousand people live here. Herning, Odense, and Aalborg are also considered fairly large cities. Immigrants from the CIS live in both cities and rural areas. There are no Russian districts, such as Brighton Beach in New York, either in the capital or in the provinces, so choose your place of residence depending on what specialty you plan to choose, what lifestyle you prefer, etc.

Photo gallery: panoramas of the largest cities in Denmark

The most famous tourist street in Copenhagen - Nuhavn Panorama of Aarhus
View of Aalborg Panorama of Odense Streets of Herning

Russian societies

People from the CIS countries try to maintain contacts with their compatriots, communicate on forums, but this is ordinary friendly communication, and not communalism, as is the case with representatives of eastern civilizations. In Denmark there are several organizations uniting Russian-speaking immigrants, for example:

“Russian Society in Denmark” (http://russam.dk/);
“Council of Russian-speaking societies in Denmark” (http://www.ruslad.info);
“Danish-Russian House” (http://www.russiskhus.dk/index.php/ru/);
“Danish-Russian house in Jutland” (http://drhus.dk/);
“Danish-Ukrainian Partnership” (http://www.danskukrainsk.dk/selskabu.htm).

There are also more specialized organizations, for example, the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Copenhagen (http://ruscenter.dk/). There are Russian theatres, literary and artistic associations, art studios, clubs, Orthodox parishes, schools - in short, people from the countries of the former USSR have no shortage of communication with their compatriots.

Russian pensioners in Denmark

In Denmark, the retirement age is 65 years old - the same for both men and women. From this moment on, a person can count on receiving a state pension. However, there is one important nuance: only those who have lived in Denmark for at least 40 years receive a full pension. Most immigrants cannot boast of such length of residence in the country, which means they will not receive a full pension.

Please note: to obtain information about the amount of state pension you are entitled to, you must contact the municipal pensions department.

In addition to the state pension, there are early pension payments. To be eligible, you must have contributed to the unemployment insurance fund for at least 30 years. If you pass this stage, you can leave your job at 60 instead of 65, or work part-time. In this way, early pension payments will be paid to you from the moment the insured event occurs (you can refuse to work either at 60 or 62 years old) until you reach the age of 65 years.

In addition, when you retire in Denmark, you can count on:

providing assistance at home (need assessed by municipal authorities);
obtaining special housing adapted to the needs of the elderly and disabled, or enrollment in a nursing home.

Comparison of Russia and Denmark

Social Security

In Denmark, social guarantees are much more significant than in Russia. A striking example is unemployment benefits. It exists in both countries. Payments in both cases are not 100% of the salary at the last place of work: in Denmark, an unemployed person can count on 80–90% of its amount, in Russia - a maximum of 75%. The difference would seem to be insignificant, but in practice the situation is different.

In Russia, the maximum limit for payment of benefits is set at 4,900 rubles. This is even below the subsistence level. In Denmark, the upper limit of the benefit amount is 2,600 euros (that’s more than 200 thousand rubles). Even if we take into account the fact that salaries in Scandinavia are significantly higher than in Russia, the difference is still staggering. Considering that the average salary in Denmark is 2500–2600 euros, we can conclude that the maximum limit of unemployment benefits fully compensates the unemployed citizen for his previous earnings.

Lifespan

The most obvious indicator is, perhaps, life expectancy. Russia is not in an advantageous position here: our country is not even included in the top hundred of the ranking, giving way even to Bangladesh. Men in Russia live up to 63 years, women - up to 75. In Denmark, the average man can expect to live up to 78 years, women, again, more - up to 82 years.

Medicine

High life expectancy is a direct consequence of government policy priorities. 11% of GDP is allocated from the treasury to maintain the healthcare system, while the average level in other European countries is 9% of GDP. Due to high taxes, medicine is free for the Danes. And in practice this is exactly what it looks like. For Danes, not only doctor’s consultations are free, but also operations of any complexity. The exception is dental services (they are only partially subsidized). In Russia, medical services are free only de jure. De facto, if a person has an urgent need for medical advice, getting to see a doctor on the same day in most cases is simply unrealistic (especially if we are not talking about a therapist, but about an ophthalmologist/gynecologist/cardiologist).

Prices

For food and essential goods

Prices for food and general consumer goods in Denmark are naturally much higher than in Russia.

Table: comparison of prices in Russia and Denmark

Video: cost of food in Denmark

For real estate

Housing in Denmark is expensive, and a mortgage loan for its purchase is given only to citizens of the country or people with a residence permit, so the average immigrant prefers to rent a house. A one-room apartment on the outskirts can be rented for 700 euros; in the center it can cost from 750 to 1200 euros. It’s also not cheap, which is why many Russians rent an apartment together: with friends with whom they came to Denmark, with fellow students, or simply find a roommate through an advertisement.

Please note: the rental price in Denmark already includes utilities.

In Russia, real estate prices are certainly lower. Renting a one-room apartment in the economy segment in Moscow will cost you about 300 euros, and in the regions it is quite possible to rent a one-room apartment for only 125 euros per month.

Interesting Facts:
native Danes do not live in apartments, but in separate houses. The “family nest” is passed down from generation to generation;
Danes spend on average 24% of their income on housing costs and maintenance;
on average there are 2 rooms per inhabitant of Denmark (in Russia - 0.9 rooms);
more than 90% of the population are completely satisfied with their living conditions.

Wage level

The average Danish earnings are 2500–2600 euros. It is quite consistent with the high prices here and allows a working person to lead a decent lifestyle. One of the highest paid professions is a doctor; among those at the bottom of the ranking is a cashier. In Russia, the average salary in the country is approximately 33 thousand rubles, which corresponds to 412 euros. People employed in the production of petroleum products and the extraction of fuel and energy minerals receive the most. The least number are employed in textile and clothing production and in the field of primary general education.

Assessing your chances of immigration

There are many options for moving to Denmark for permanent residence:

obtain a visa for the purpose of family reunification - suitable for those who have relatives living in Denmark, or those who plan to marry a citizen of the country;

Did you know? Today, Danish legislation establishes the following rules: if a citizen of the country wants to marry a foreigner, he must first confirm his financial solvency. He must have an apartment, be able to provide a deposit of 50 thousand crowns, and must not be on social security. All this, on the one hand, infringes on the rights of poor Danes to marry whoever they want, but, on the other hand, provides some guarantees of a prosperous life for immigrant women.

become a participant in any exchange program: get a job with a Danish family as an au pair or nanny, for example, under the Au-pair program. This option is only suitable for those aged 18 to 29;
a common option is to go to Denmark to study by enrolling in a local university (you first need to apply for a student visa);

Students are allowed to carry out labor activities. They can expect to pay 13 euros per hour.

apply for a work visa. To do this, you first need to find an employer in absentia and only then contact the consulate to apply for a visa, because it is issued on the basis of an invitation to work from a Danish company or individual. A work visa is usually issued for a year, after which it can be extended;
You can get a job using the Danish Green Card program. You can read more about it here: http://www.workpermit.com/denmark/danish-green-card.htm;
you can open your own business here by first obtaining a special permit for that, and thus obtain a residence permit;
You can become a refugee - go to Denmark on a tourist visa and contact the police department to ask for asylum.

Video: how to move to Denmark, possible options

Life in Denmark: pros and cons (final table)

pros	Minuses
Immigrants are taught the language for free	Difficult language to understand and learn
It is not necessary to know Danish - almost all Danes speak English well, so there should be no problems with communication	A radically different mentality for a Russian person
Friendly and friendly people	The Danes are conservative and closed, it is difficult for immigrants to make friends here
High social guarantees	Very high prices
Low crime rate	Constantly cloudy and rainy weather
Free higher education	It will take a lot of time to get a diploma from a local university
A healthy lifestyle is held in high esteem here	Getting a job in your specialty with a Russian diploma is almost impossible
Migrant-friendly legislation	The attitude towards those living on benefits is extremely negative
Economic stability: no sharp price increases, economic collapse, or political crises	The local way of life may seem overly boring to a resident of a Russian metropolis
Calm and measured flow of life

Denmark is a prosperous state with a stable economy and a high standard of living, so it is not surprising that it is very attractive for citizens of the former USSR as a country for immigration. However, your well-being in a new place depends on your desire to assimilate: are you ready to learn the language and accept the local way of life? The attitude towards immigrants here is loyal, but cool and wary - this is a consequence of the fact that Denmark is a mono-ethnic country and there are not as many migrants here as, for example, in the USA. The local mentality also plays a role - the Danes are conservative, reserved and closed, and not only this feature may seem unusual to a Russian with a broad soul. If you are thinking about immigrating to Denmark, a good option would be to first visit the country as part of a tourist trip to get a first impression of it and assess your personal attitude towards the local way of life.

Denmark is the country with the greenest agriculture, the world leader in renewable energy, the country of the victory of common sense and the socialist system of caring for people. A paradise for tourists in the European Union due to the minimum of restrictions and an example to follow in terms of social structure. Who are these people who make up the population of Denmark and who are lucky to be born in this country?

Geography, borders and size

The southernmost of the Scandinavian countries, Denmark has become a bridge between Europe and Scandinavia. The area of Denmark, including all 443 islands, is 43,098 sq. km. The country includes a continental part (the Jutland Peninsula) and an island part. The insular part of the country consists of five large islands and many small ones. The islands of Funen, Zealand, Falster and Loland are connected to the mainland by bridges. Only the island of Bornholm, due to its remoteness, can be reached by sea or by air.

Denmark includes the Faroe Islands in the Atlantic and Greenland. Access to two seas - the North and Baltic - makes the country a developed seafaring power.

Administrative structure of the state of Denmark

The country has been divided into five regions since 2007, which are divided into municipalities or communes (kommune):

The metropolitan region (Region Hovedstaden), which includes the capital Copenhagen. It includes the island part of the island of Zealand, the island of Bronholm, the islands of Kristianse, Amager, Satholm and the artificial island of Peberholm, which was formed as an intermediate link in the Copenhagen-Malmo bridge (Sweden). The most cosmopolitan region, home to about 30% of Danes. Makes up 6% of the total area of the country.
Region Zealand (Sjælland) - 17% of the entire area of Denmark. It includes most of Zealand and all the islands of the Great Belt Strait.
Southern Denmark (Syddanmark) consists of the southern part of Jutland, the islands of Funen, Reme, Fane, and Mann. The warmest part of the country, where rural green production is concentrated. This is 29% of Denmark.
The largest region - 30% of the country - is Midtjylland - formed by the central part of the Jutland Peninsula and several eastern islands.
North Jutland (Nordjylland) is the northern part of Jutland and several northern islands. The area of the region is 18% of the total area of the country.

Danish roots

From the first centuries of our era, the area of Denmark was inhabited by nomadic Danes, Angles and Saxons - tribes of Germanic origin. It was they who became the ancestors of the modern Dane, a descendant of the Scandinavian Vikings. The main population of Denmark, which according to the UN classification makes the country a mononational state, is 98% Danes. The remaining two percent are made up of related Scandinavian nations - Norwegians, Swedes, Icelanders, Eskimos and Faroese. The population of Denmark has common Scandinavian roots, the ontogenesis of nation formation, linguistic community and cultural traditions.

Who are you - today's resident of Denmark?

The population of Denmark, according to recent estimates, is about five and a half million inhabitants.

Every tenth Dane considers himself a descendant or first-generation emigrant, the vast majority from EU countries. Denmark is home to Jewish and Muslim communities.

Denmark's cities are distinguished by their cosmopolitan composition. Cities are mainly with a population of up to 15 thousand people. However, the capital Copenhagen is home to 2.4 million inhabitants, which is about 20% of all citizens of the Danish kingdom. Denmark's urban population is 85%.

Outside of Denmark's borders, the largest number of Danes live in the United States. It is estimated that 30% of Danes who left Denmark made the United States their home.

Dane - a view from the outside

A modern male Dane is a fair-haired (in Russian so blond) man of high stature (height 170 cm - this is a small Dane) and an appropriate constitution aged from 15 to 65 years (65%). Living in a common-law marriage and having their own home (out of 100 families, 54 live in their own homes). A family of three has at least one car, although the taxes on buying a car are very high. He is most likely an Evangelical Lutheran (84%), but may also be a Catholic or Baptist. Although many officially leave the church, as this reduces taxes.

In a family, both partners usually work. Although unemployment benefits in Denmark are almost equal to the average salary, receiving them is not prestigious for a Dane.

Although the nation ranks first as a drinking nation, the Danes hardly drink during the working week. And they consume low-alcohol drinks - beer or schnapps.

A typical Dane is a fan of his football team and women's handball team. These sports suspend all Danish citizens during the championship period.

But he also loves swimming, rowing and sailing. The event of the year in Denmark, the “Race around Zealand”, consistently attracts thousands of spectators and up to a thousand participating sailing ships.

Having retired at the age of 67, a Dane will live on average until 73 years old, and a Danish woman - until 79. While they spend their time in front of the TV, improving their garden, they will travel a lot. According to statistics, about a million Danes go south on charters every year.

Jensen Jensen

I'm not kidding. In the telephone book of any city in Denmark you will find an incredible number of Danes with such data.

Having a surname Jensen (one in 20 Danes), Petersen (one in 21) or Nielsen (one in 23) is almost the same as having none. Next come the surnames Hansen, Anderson, Larsen. Bearers of these surnames make up 40% of the Danish population. This happened in the 19th century, when Nils, the son of Jens, was called Nils Jensen. There were no family surnames at all. The rest of the Danish surnames that do not have the ending “-sen” have the geographical endings “-gor”, which means a farmstead (for example, Kierkegaard), or “-strup”, which means a village (for example, Bidstrup).

It is precisely because of the prevalence of first and last names in Denmark that individual CPR numbers have long been introduced, which are used in all databases. A plastic card with this number is both an identity card and medical insurance. Although there are no photographs or signatures with seals on it.

Anyone who has lived in Denmark for some time notes that the life of the descendants of the Vikings is measured and unhurried. The freedom of Danish laws and traditions did not cause the loss of the natural sense of proportion and tolerance. The Dane’s motto “if it’s not possible, but it’s really necessary, then it’s possible” allows you to maintain order. After all, if the law is violated, then it really is a forced necessity. Therefore, apparently, in Denmark you can leave a bicycle anywhere - it will not disappear, but in neighboring Germany you need to lock your car, even going out to the tobacconist's. A small country comparable in population to St. Petersburg can become an example of not only economic well-being, but also culture and ethical standards for residents of any region.

The Kingdom of Denmark is a monarchical state on the Scandinavian Peninsula, which includes two autonomous regions: Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The territory of Denmark is plains with small hills, meadows and swamps, shallow rivers and lakes, agricultural land, deciduous and coniferous forests. Part of the state border is washed by the waters of two seas - the Baltic and the North.

Denmark is an economically developed country, which is distinguished by a high standard of living for its citizens, the absence of corruption, favorable conditions for business development, and effective environmental policies. The Danes are a happy people, most of them are fully satisfied with life in their homeland.

The abundance of ancient monuments and other attractions, exemplary service attract tens of thousands of travelers to this country. The number of tourists from Russia who want to get acquainted with the history and culture of the kingdom is growing. How to behave in Denmark, what should a tourist know about the traditions and customs of the local population? Here are the answers to these and other questions.

Fans of foreign holidays are divided into two categories. The first is travelers who use the services of travel companies. In this case, the trip is more expensive than organizing it yourself. But if this is your first voyage outside of Russia, then it is better to stay with this option. Travel agency employees will help you choose a suitable excursion route and tell you about the rules of entry into the country and customs control. The group's accompanying person will provide information about transport in the host cities, the work of shopping establishments, and explain how to behave in the country.

The second category is tourists who organize their trip themselves. During the preparation process, a long list of must-see attractions is carefully compiled. And there is simply not enough time to get acquainted with the laws at the border and customs, the operation of the transport network and communications, the rules of conduct when communicating with local residents, and actions in the event of emergency situations. But for single tourists, especially those traveling abroad for the first time, this is extremely useful information.

Denmark is a member of the EU and is one of the states that have signed the Schengen Agreement. Therefore, tourists from Russia are allowed to enter the kingdom only after opening a Schengen visa.
Passport control officers often ask tourists to confirm their solvency - to present cash, a bank account statement, a plastic card at the rate of 50 euros for 1 person for 1 day of stay in Denmark.
Danish customs regulations allow free import and export of currency. But tourists from countries outside the EU, in order to avoid problems with the export of money when returning home, fill out a customs declaration if they are carrying an amount over 50 thousand crowns or traveler’s checks for 112 thousand.
The import of meat and dairy products, chocolate, vegetables and fruits into Denmark is prohibited, not counting baby food and special food in the established volumes. A certain amount of alcoholic beverages is allowed to be imported duty free.
Before traveling to Denmark, foreigners are required to take out a medical insurance policy in the amount of 30,000 euros, the contents of which the tourist conscientiously studies before departure. To receive medical assistance, you should contact a representative of the insurance company at the phone number specified in the policy. The employee will either arrange an appointment with a doctor at the clinic or arrange a visit to the scene of the incident. If a visit or call to a doctor took place without the approval of the insurance company, compensation payment is not guaranteed.
For travel, you need a first aid kit with a standard set of medications. Some medicines, such as painkillers and cold medicines, are readily available in local pharmacies. No special vaccinations are required to travel to Denmark.
Tourists are advised to know the address and contacts at the Russian Embassy, as well as emergency phone numbers in the Kingdom of Denmark:
Embassy address: 2100 Copenhagen, st. Christianiagade 5;
Embassy contacts: + 45 354 255 86, + 45 354 255 85, email - [email protected];
Emergency numbers in the Kingdom: 112 - police, fire service, emergency medical services.
In Denmark, international payment cards are used to pay for services in hotels, restaurants, shopping centers and gas stations: Visa, MasterCard, American Express. At the same time, commissions are withheld, so when paying by Visa with an account in euros - 3.5%. Cash withdrawals from the same card are cheaper, and ATMs are installed in many public places. But some supermarkets and small shops do not accept cards.

Currency exchange

The monetary unit in Denmark is the krone. 1 crown - 100 ore, currency code - DKK. Dollars and euros are not accepted for payment in the country. To pay for purchases, services in restaurants and hotels, banknotes in denominations of 50, 100 or 200 crowns are suitable.

It is better for tourists to make a one-time exchange of the required amount into Danish kroner. After all, a fixed fee is paid for each operation. The amount of the commission is indicated on the information board at the exchange points. The minimum fee is at post offices and Forex exchange offices located at airports, train stations and some streets. It is more profitable for tourists to change money at bank branches than in hotels. On weekends, banks are closed, only post offices are open.

Transport

Denmark has exemplary transport links. There are regular ferry lines between the islands of the kingdom. The country is covered by an extensive network of free highways. Tolls are collected only on two bridges - across the Great Belt and Öresund straits. Railways connect many settlements, but traveling on a comfortable train is expensive, while traveling by bus is a little cheaper. However, such methods of transportation tie the tourist to a schedule. Therefore, for a traveler in Denmark, the best type of transport is a rented car.

Car rental in Denmark is available to drivers over 21 years of age with an international driver's license. Payment is made on site upon receipt of the car. You can only pay with international Visa or MasterCard cards. The amount remaining on the card is frozen until the rental car is returned and must exceed its cost by at least 2 times.

The size of fines for traffic violations in Denmark amazes Russian tourists. For example, if a car is driven with low beam headlights off, a fine of $100 is imposed. In populated areas in Denmark, the speed limit is 50 km/h, outside the city - 80 km/h, and on highways - up to 130 km/h.

A popular form of transport in Denmark is the bicycle. Wonderful paths for this popular mode of transport are laid even outside cities and often run parallel to intercity highways. A person riding a bicycle has an advantage over other road users. Tourists can get a vehicle at the nearest of the many rental points. Rent 9 - 15 euros per day.

Transport in Copenhagen

The public transport system in Copenhagen includes 10 metro lines and numerous bus routes. Tariffs depend on the city zone. At metro stations, tickets are purchased at the ticket office and punched in machines installed on each platform. Drivers accept payment on buses. 24-hour and 72-hour passes are available upon request.
For tourists who plan to travel a lot in the capital and its suburbs and visit as many attractions as possible, it is profitable to buy a “Copenhagen Card” for 1, 2, 3 or 5 days. You can buy it immediately upon arrival at the information desk at the airport. At first glance, such cards are expensive, but they pay off with interest. Their owners are not limited in the number of trips on city buses and commuter trains in Copenhagen and North Zealand. Having a card also allows you to visit most attractions in the region for free and get discounts in some restaurants.
There are many taxi companies in the capital, but taxi fares do not vary significantly. The fee for filing is most often 3.31 dollars, and for 1 km - 1.25. In the evening, after 18:00, as well as on weekends, prices increase. A taxi fare from Kastrup Airport to the capital's center costs about $17-21.
In summer, Copenhagen is a city of cyclists. In the capital, to move around the city, at each of the many parking lots, anyone can rent a vehicle for a 20 CZK deposit. And when the bicycle is no longer needed, it must be returned to the nearest, identical parking lot. The deposit is automatically returned.
A foreign tourist, having previously registered on the volunteer website Copenhagen Free Bike Rental, can reserve the required number of bicycles for a specific date. They receive transport on the capital's Town Hall Square after presenting their passport to the rental officer. Rent is issued for 1-3 days free of charge. When returning a bicycle, a charitable contribution of any amount is welcomed.

Connection

There are few Internet cafes in Denmark; most residents use the Internet at home. But everywhere in the country - in public places, hotels, cafes, trains - free access to the Wi-Fi network is provided.

Russians can use their phone in the kingdom if the mobile operator has entered into a roaming agreement with a Danish cellular company. Most often this is the case, but before traveling it is better to check the availability and cost of communication services. To call abroad from Denmark, dial "00", followed by the country code and area code.

Accommodation

In Denmark, hotel accommodation is relatively expensive, and prices drop slightly only in the summer and on weekends.

Hotels in the kingdom are distinguished by well-developed service and great comfort, although “star rating” is not officially assigned, and porter services are not provided.

Due to the high cost of hotels, tourists often stay in hostels or apartments, having previously booked accommodation on https://ru.airbnb.com/. It is better to start your search in advance, since it is difficult to find suitable and inexpensive living space.

Russian tourists in Copenhagen often stay at the comfortable, but inexpensive, hotel Wakeup Copenhagen. The building is located in the city center, next to the train station and close to the popular Tivoli Park.

Nutrition

Eating delicious food in Denmark is expensive. In catering establishments, grocery supermarkets and small shops, prices are strikingly different.

Scandinavian cuisine is characterized by monotony. These are simple and satisfying dishes with plenty of vegetable side dishes.

The symbol of Danish cuisine is the sandwich, or smørrebrød. This is a thick piece of rye or wheat bread, on which all kinds of delicious things are placed in one or two layers: fish or crabs, ham or tongue, raw smoked meat, etc. They eat sandwiches with seaweed, radishes, onions or other vegetables, using a knife and fork. The number of recipes for making Danish sandwiches has already exceeded two hundred.

The Danes like pork dishes: sausages and sausages with a side dish of cabbage or potatoes with sauce, stew with red cabbage, grilled ribs, baked pork.

Denmark is famous for its national dessert - thick blackcurrant jelly soup with whipped cream, delicious buns, apple pies with currant jelly, jams and sweets.

Copenhagen has many excellent restaurants serving local and Italian cuisine. Some of them have two Michelin stars and are considered elite. Tips in restaurants are usually included in the bill. Otherwise, it is customary to pay for services at the rate of 10% of the order amount.

But not every tourist can afford to visit such establishments. There are many fast food restaurants in Denmark that offer pizza and hamburgers. Tourists who are tight on finances are often helped out by small shops of the 7-Eleven retail chain. Hot dogs, beer and other drinks are also sold on the streets every day. And, of course, you can save a lot if you buy ready-made meals and semi-finished products in stores and supermarkets, and cook breakfast and dinner yourself.

Shopping

Retail establishments in Denmark open on weekdays from 9:30-10:00 and serve customers until 17:30, on Fridays until 19:00 or 20:00, and on Saturdays until 14:00. In Copenhagen and in tourist centers, shops are open for longer periods of time. Catering establishments and small grocery stores are open every day, but each region of the country has different rules. On public holidays, retail establishments are closed.

There is no point in coming to the kingdom specifically for shopping. The prices here are exorbitant. But shopping lovers will find everything they want in Denmark. Stores are filled with products from all kinds of brands. It is clear that most department stores, popular boutiques and other similar establishments have settled in Copenhagen.

On Stroget, the main but pedestrian street of the capital, the oldest Magasin du Nord and the expensive Illum shopping center are open to visitors.
On the same street, a company store sells Lego constructors, which is important for tourists with children to know. They purchase original sets in the town of Billund, where there is a factory producing them. Buyers are surprised that construction elements are sold by weight!
In the summer, on Sunday, the Copenhagen Flea Market is open for lovers of antiques and all sorts of curiosities. Copenhagen is famous for its antique shops, where some tourists even managed to buy silver jewelry from the Viking era.
Foreign tourists often buy Little Mermaid figurines, amber jewelry, and woolen products from the Faroe Islands as souvenirs. Local ceramics are also famous. The cost of cookware made from porcelain or with non-stick coating from famous Danish brands is lower here than in other countries. For those with a sweet tooth, they bring Danish cookies and marzipan.
Danish outlet centers are popular among tourists and shopping lovers, as they provide an opportunity to save on the purchase of original branded goods. On the outskirts of Copenhagen there is a Premier outlet with discounts of up to 60%, and in the capital at Gammel Kongevej, 47 there is an Autometer outlet. Peak discounts in January and August.
Tourists who have made a purchase in a store with a tax-free sign for an amount over 300 CZK are entitled to a VAT refund when leaving the country. The maximum refund amount is 19% of the cost of the goods. To process compensation in a store selling under the tax-free system, take a Global Refund TaxFree check, fill it out and present it at customs when leaving the country along with a cash receipt, goods and passport.
According to the laws in force in Denmark, the buyer is subject to a huge fine for purchasing counterfeit goods.

What to see and where to relax in Denmark

Most foreign tourists choose to travel to Denmark in July or August. After all, in winter the country is cold and daylight hours are short. Therefore, some attractions are inaccessible to tourists at this time of year. They can only be visited between April and October.

Denmark attracts foreign tourists with medieval castles and ancient museum towns, picturesque nature - hills covered with dense forests, sand dunes and wonderful fjords, crystal clear lakes and rivers, and sometimes beach holidays on the seashore. The conditions for staying in the country are excellent; even in a small town you can find relatively inexpensive accommodation, a restaurant or cafe with a suitable menu, and, of course, local attractions.

1. Most of the kingdom's guests head to Copenhagen. The capital of the country is recognized as the best place to live on the planet. The city is famous for its numerous attractions; there are over 60 museums in it alone. In the summer they are open seven days a week, until late in the evening, and at other times - from 11:00 to 16:00, with a day off on Monday.

Denmark and its main city offer tourists to visit:

the “Believe it or not, I don’t believe it” museum, whose 13 galleries contain incredible incidents from the lives of people from all over the world;
the Guinness World Records Museum, which displays more than 500 world records;
Museum of Erotica: a collection of postcards, paintings, photographs, sculptures and videos about eroticism in human society, about the intimate lives of famous people, including the famous Dane - Hans Christian Andersen;
an amazing glyptotek created from the collections of Danish kings and the collection of the Danish Academy of Sciences;
Museum of Shipping and Trade in Kronborg with a beautiful knights' hall and chapel.

Guests of the capital will enjoy walking along the Town Hall Square and the oldest pedestrian street Stroget, admire the wonderful Gefion fountain and the symbol of Denmark - the Little Mermaid sculpture on the Larsens Plads embankment, visit Rosenborg Castle with the Royal Gardens, the Amalienborg palace complex, and, if desired, get acquainted with the life of hippies in the commune "Free City of Christiania".

Tourists, of course, will be interested in Fredensborg Palace on the outskirts of Copenhagen - the residence of members of the royal family, and in the town of Hillered Frederiksborg Castle, a former summer royal residence. An hour's drive from the capital, in Helsingor, is the second symbol of Denmark - Hamlet's Kronborg Castle.

2. You can’t be in Denmark without visiting at least several small but ancient cities.

On the island of Funen, in Odense, the famous Andersen was born, lived and worked. Admirers from all over the world come to see the homeland, house and museum of the storyteller.

Aarhus is the capital of theater and education in Denmark. The open-air museum-theater is represented by more than 70 houses that were built 400 years ago. In the town, medieval carts and carriages drive through the streets, and the “residents” are dressed in national costumes and even the police officers here have ancient uniforms.

In the city, from the 13th to the 15th centuries, the Cathedral of St. Clement was built, which today remains the largest church building in the kingdom. Aarhus is the birthplace of the talented navigator Vitus Bering.

Roskilde is the capital of the Vikings and the first capital of Denmark (until 1443). The main attraction of the town is the UNESCO Cathedral of St. Lucius, built in the 12th-13th centuries and which became the tomb of the Danish monarchs. The former ancient royal palace houses the residence of the Bishop of Denmark. The Navigation Museum, which displays five ships of the 11th century, also deserves the attention of tourists. In the middle of the last century they were raised from the bottom of the Roskilde fjord.

3. Denmark also attracts with its options for active recreation. Bicycle roads are the pride of residents. Some of these routes have even been given the status of national importance.

Cycling tourism is not the only form of energetic recreation in the country. Long shores with an abundance of bays, fjords and skerries attract fans of boating, windsurfing and yachtsmen. Fishing enthusiasts will also find something to do - in numerous lakes they will be able to catch pike, perch, and trout. Lolland Island is considered a suitable place for sea fishing.

Wonderful Danish beaches are located both on the sea coast and on the shores of islands and lakes. But the typical beach season in the country never opens, because the temperature in reservoirs even in July and August drops below 18°C, although it happens that the water warms up to 22°C, and sometimes up to 25°C.

4. Denmark also pleases little travelers. Parents often include a visit to the Tivoli amusement park in Copenhagen as part of their stay. There are no such safe attractions in the world that would not be in this place. The park is open from May to the end of September.

The Kingdom of Denmark is the birthplace of Lego. The first Lego element appeared in 1949, and in 1968, in the town of Billund, where factories producing plastic toys of this brand still operate, Legoland Park was founded. On an area of 10 hectares, structures were built from 42 million Lego bricks.

10 km from the capital of Denmark is the oldest park in the world - Bakken, which is famous for its 150 attractions, and the hallmark of the park is the performance of Pierrot, the famous puppet character.

The Aalborg Zoo is another attractive place in the kingdom for little tourists. It houses more than 1,200 animals of 138 species.

5. The Danes are beer lovers and drink this drink more than anyone else in Europe, even the Germans. “Tuborg” and “Carslberg”, recognized by Russians, are brewed in Denmark. On the first Friday of November, a beer festival opens in the kingdom - the start of sales of Christmas beer - a dark and sweetish young beer, the first of the year. And then comes a continuous stream of fairs and festivals that continue until Christmas.

How should a tourist behave in Denmark?

Most Danes are calm and friendly towards tourists. The official language in the kingdom is Danish, but most residents speak fluent English, and German is spoken in the south of the state. Russian tourists who know English will not have problems with communication.

In Denmark, local residents simply do not pay attention to many violations of the rules of etiquette by a foreigner. In the kingdom, it is considered normal to neglect such trifles as compliments, or simply phrases of politeness. The Danes have not come up with a word corresponding to the Russian “please”, and are unlikely to apologize for accidentally bumping into each other on the street. In the country, it is believed that calling people by name is an expression of friendship, and the words “Mr” or “Madam” alienate people.

In Denmark, modesty is respected and pompous behavior, hot-tempered behavior, and displays of wealth are not tolerated. The Danes are not eager to talk about their personal lives, successes and failures at work. In conversations it is not customary to ask about income, family relationships, politics and religion. It is advisable to discuss sports news, talk about the weather and nature, brands of beer and cuisine, and admire the sights.

The majority of people living in the country are Lutherans, but some people profess other religions. In the kingdom it is not customary to be interested in a person’s faith - this is everyone’s personal matter. It is not recommended to demonstrate your religious beliefs outside the temple.

The Danes are punctual people. You should not be a minute late for your scheduled meeting. Otherwise, although the Dane will pretend that nothing terrible happened, he will harbor a grudge in his soul. The Danes always come to visit on time. It is customary for them to greet guests at the appointed hour at the door of the house. Residents of the kingdom are taciturn, even at business meetings. And starting a conversation with a Dane who is eating is considered completely tactless.

Danish women dress much simpler and more modestly than in Russia. Fashion brands, elegant clothes and shoes, as well as bright makeup are dedicated only to relevant events. Practicality and comfort are approved.

The climate of Denmark is suitable for Russian tourists - the average temperature is from 10°C to 20°C, not hot, but not cold either. Sunny days are rare, but rain and wind happen every day. The weather changes every minute, so you always carry an umbrella with you.

Most Danes are adherents of nudism. Naked people often relax on the beach, regardless of age. This is exotic only for tourists, since locals have long been accustomed to grandparents swimming naked. In Denmark this is the norm, so expressing surprise is inappropriate.

In the kingdom, both in cities and in remote villages, there are many shops with a sufficient range of products. Tourists, as a rule, do not have problems with food. But the cost of food will amount to a considerable amount, especially if you eat in a cafe or restaurant. Lunch even in an inexpensive cafe costs from 90 to 160 DKK. And it will be a modest lunch, although the quality of food is excellent even in cheap establishments.

Smoking in Denmark is only permitted in designated areas. You can also smoke in bars and cafes with an area of more than 40 square meters. m, which acquired a license to sell alcoholic beverages. Smoking is prohibited in catering establishments, transport, airports and train stations, as well as in other crowded places. Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages are sold only to persons over 18 years of age, beer - to those at least 16 years of age.

The state has a low crime rate, and it is safe to walk along city streets even at night. Strikes by working Danes and, as a result, troubles for tourists are extremely rare here. But troubles happen even in prosperous Denmark, so taking care of a wallet or bag primarily falls on the owner.

The Kingdom of Denmark, with its exemplary tourism infrastructure, countless attractions, and friendly attitude towards foreigners, is an amazing and precious find for travel lovers.

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