Best known for its large dogs and Viking warriors, Denmark is a small, prosperous and highly functional kingdom in northern Europe that is often overlooked by travellers on their 'grand tour', although it has one of the highest standards of living in the world and plenty of charming experiences to offer visitors.

It is almost totally surrounded by water, consisting as it does of the Jutland Peninsula and 482 islands. Its only land border is with Germany. The country's capital city, lovely and lively Copenhagen, occupies the biggest of the offshore islands. With all the water it is not surprising that Denmark is very reliant on shipping and fishing; the country also has an important agricultural sector, though, and is famed in particular for its dairy products. Lovers of butter and cheese will enjoy a taste of Denmark!

Denmark boasts small green farms, blue lakes and white coastal beaches, the rural areas sprinkled with thatched cottages, castles and windmills across a gentle landscape which lends itself well to cycle touring. The cities are modern and bustling, but an air of medieval charm has been preserved in old sections of colourful buildings and cobblestone streets. The country boasts 280 museums, most of the important ones in Copenhagen, as well as the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde that is devoted to honouring Denmark's bold ancient mariners.

Other special attractions include the annual summer music festival in Roskilde, which is one of the largest in Europe; the Tivoli Gardens amusement park which has entertained crowds in Copenhagen since 1843; and one of the world's longest bridges, which spans 10 miles (16km), joining Denmark to Sweden.

The country is compact with an excellent road and rail transport system, and numerous ferry connections to the myriad offshore islands. It all adds up to a very civilised destination, as sweet and tempting as the rich, flaky pastry treats that the world has come to know as the 'Danish'.

Denmark has a mild climate with no extremes of heat or cold. In the light summer months of June to August, the average daytime temperature is 66ºF (19ºC) and in the coldest month of February the average is 34ºF (1ºC). Being a coastal country Denmark can be rather wet and windy.

Danish is the official language, but English is understood and widely used.

GMT +1 (GMT +2 from last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Danish currency is the Krone (DKK), made up of 100 ore. ATMs are liberally sprinkled throughout the country, and all major credit cards are widely accepted, expecially Visa. Travellers cheques are welcome at banks and hotels. Most banks are not open at weekends, however Copenhagen has several bureaux de change which stay open late at night, seven days a week.

The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, travellers to Denmark must hold proof of the following: (i) return or onward tickets, with confirmed reservations; (ii) the required documentation for the next destination; (iii) visible means of support (at least USD 30 or DKK 300) per day of stay in Denmark. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Ireland

Irish nationals must have a passport valid upon arrival in Denmark. No visa is required.

Irish Embassy, Copenhagen: +45 35 47 3200.

United Kingdom

British citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in Denmark. Passport exemptions apply to holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. A visa is not required for passports endorsed British Citizen. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days in a six-month period for holders of passports endorsed British National (overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and British Subject (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom).

British Embassy, Copenhagen: +45 3544 5200.

Canada

Canadian citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in Denmark. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days in a six-month period.

Canadian Embassy, Copenhagen: +45 3348 3200.

United States

United States citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in Denmark. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days in a six-month period.

United States Embassy, Copenhagen: +45 3341 7100.

New Zealand

New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in Denmark. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days in a six-month period.

New Zealand Consulate General, Copenhagen: +45 3337 7700.

South Africa

South African citizens must hold a valid passport (NOT a temporary passport), and require a Schengen visa for entry into Denmark.

South African Embassy, Copenhagen: +45 3918 0155.

Australia

Australian citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in Denmark. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days in a six-month period.

Australian Embassy, Copenhagen: +45 7026 3676.

There are no specific health risks in Denmark, and medical facilities are first class. There is a small risk of tick-borne encephalitis in forested or rural areas during summer, and insect protection is advised. Outbreaks of bird flu have been confirmed in wild birds, but the risk to travellers is very low. Precautions such as avoiding close contact with live birds, and ensuring that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked should be taken. Free emergency treatment is available to all foreign visitors at public hospitals, and due to a reciprocal health agreement UK passport holders receive free medical and hospital treatment. To make use of this service, UK national should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Most visits to Denmark are trouble-free, and crime levels are low. During the tourist season, however, muggers, pickpockets and bag-snatchers become active especially in crowded areas and on the train station in Copenhagen. Visitors should take precautions to keep personal belongings safe.

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round European-style, two-pin plugs are standard.

Business in Denmark tends to be conducted in a straightforward manner, though somewhat less formally than in other parts of Europe. Greetings are with a handshake (greet women first) and introductions are usually made using one's first name. Business cards are exchanged before or after the meeting. Punctuality is vital and if running even five minutes late be sure to call and apologise. Danes tend to be open-minded and friendly and one can expect some small talk at the start of a meeting on a range of topics. Dress should be smart and neat, without being ostentatious, and can be more casual than in most countries. English is widely spoken and understood. Business hours are usually 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. In the summer months (mid June to mid August) many Danes are on vacation, so check before arranging a business trip.

The international country code for Denmark is +45. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). There are no city codes and all local phone numbers are eight digits. There are several GSM mobile telephone networks, which have roaming agreements with most international mobile phone companies. Public phones are widely available for both local and international calls and accept coins and prepaid cards. Internet cafes are available in most urban areas.

Travellers arriving from an EU country with duty-paid goods purchased in an EU country are allowed 300 cigarettes, 150 cigarillos, 75 cigars or 400 grams of tobacco, and 1.5 litres of spirits or 20 litres of sparkling wine. Residents of non-EU countries entering from outside the EU with goods purchased in non-EU countries, duty-free in EU countries or on the airplane, ferry or in the airport are allowed 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco, as well as 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of sparkling wine.