Budget & Costs
What Does Denmark Cost?
Denmark is among the more expensive travel destinations in Europe — comparable to Sweden and Norway, but cheaper than Switzerland. Prices are about 25–40% above the German level. Restaurant visits and alcohol are particularly costly. However, beaches are free, bike paths are perfect, and the price level is quality-oriented.
Typical Prices (Guideline 2025/2026)
| Item | Price (DKK / €) |
|---|---|
| Coffee in a Café | 40–55 DKK / €5–7 |
| Smørrebrød (1 piece) | 65–120 DKK / €9–16 |
| Lunch (Frokost) | 90–150 DKK / €12–20 |
| Dinner in a Restaurant | 175–350 DKK / €23–47 |
| Beer (0.5l in a restaurant) | 55–80 DKK / €7–11 |
| Beer (0.5l in a supermarket) | 15–25 DKK / €2–3 |
| Supermarket Shopping (1 day) | 120–200 DKK / €16–27 |
| Hostel (Dormitory) | 200–350 DKK / €27–47 |
| Hotel (Mid-range, double room) | 800–1,500 DKK / €107–200 |
| Summer House (per night, 4–6 people) | 700–2,000 DKK / €94–268 |
| DSB Train Copenhagen–Aarhus | 200–400 DKK / €27–54 |
| Rental Car (per day) | 350–600 DKK / €47–80 |
| Museum (Adults) | 80–150 DKK / €11–20 |
| Tivoli Admission | 160 DKK / €21 |
Budget Levels
Backpacker / Budget (€55–85 per day)
Hostels (Danhostel chain is excellent), self-catering from the supermarket (Netto, Rema 1000, Lidl are the cheapest), lunch offers (lunch menus 80–120 DKK), long-distance buses (FlixBus from €10), rent a bike instead of public transport, free beaches and parks. Denmark has excellent hostels — Danhostel family rooms are a cheap alternative to hotels.
Mid-Range (€120–200 per day)
Hotels or summer house (shared!), mix of self-cooking and dining out, DSB trains with Orange Tickets (early-bird discount), museum visits, and guided tours. The most comfortable way to experience Denmark — especially with the Copenhagen Card, which bundles admissions and public transport.
Comfort / Luxury (€250–500+ per day)
Design hotels in Copenhagen (Hotel Sanders, Nobis), gourmet restaurants (Copenhagen has over 15 Michelin-starred restaurants), private tours, exclusive summer houses on the North Sea. Denmark can also be truly luxurious — and the quality of design and service is consistently top-notch.
Tipp
The biggest savings hack in Denmark: the Copenhagen Card (from €65/48h). Free entry to 89+ museums and attractions (including Tivoli, castles, canal tours), free public transport in the metropolitan area, and discounts. Worth it from 3 attractions per day.
Savings Tips
Denmark doesn't have to be expensive if you plan cleverly. Here are the best strategies:
- Copenhagen Card: For 48–120 hours (from €65). Free entry to 89+ attractions, free public transport, and discounts. The best deal for culture enthusiasts.
- Lunch Offers: Many restaurants offer cheaper menus at lunchtime than in the evening. Smørrebrød places often have a daily lunch for 120–180 DKK.
- Supermarket Trick: Netto, Rema 1000, and Lidl are the cheapest chains. For quick meals: hotdog stands (Pølsevogn) are a Danish institution and cost only 30–40 DKK.
- Summer House with Friends: A holiday home on the North Sea costs 700–2,000 DKK/night — divided by 4–8 people, it's cheaper than any hotel and comes with a kitchen, grill, and often a sauna.
- Orange Tickets (DSB): The Danish railway offers non-exchangeable early-bird tickets at significantly reduced prices. Copenhagen–Aarhus from 149 DKK instead of 400 DKK. Book early!
- Bicycle Instead of Public Transport: In Copenhagen, Aarhus, and on the islands, the bike is the best means of transport — and renting costs only 75–100 DKK/day.
- Free Attractions: Many museums are free on certain days. The Botanical Garden, Assistens Kirkegård (Kierkegaard, H.C. Andersen), beaches, and national parks never charge admission.
- Tap Water: Danish tap water is excellent. Don't buy water bottles — bring a refillable bottle.
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