Denmark is well-known for its design and architecture, its history of Vikings, and so much more.
As you travel around the country, you will find a number of quirky traditions.
How safe is the Scandinavian country, however?
It is actually much safer than many other countries in the world.
Crime has declined by 16.96 percent since 2019.
The crime rate sits at around 0.95, which is defined as .95 crimes per 100,000 members of the population.
For comparison purposes, the U.S. is 6.52 and France is 1.35.
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10 Safest Cities in Denmark
Copenhagen is a beautiful country with lots to see and do.
As you wander around the country, some cities are safer – and knowing them can ensure that you have a memorable trip without having to report a crime.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is at the top of the list because it has actually been named the world’s safest city.
There are very few property crimes and even fewer violent crimes that take place.
As the capital of Denmark, there are always plenty of things to do, including exploring the waterways and embracing the rich history of beer.
You can go out day and night comfortably without worry, making it easy to see all that the city has to offer.
Aarhus
Aarhus is the second largest city after Copenhagen.
Crimes are categorized as very low.
Most crimes that you would likely encounter include drug dealing or vandalism.
You can venture out day and night to explore what the city has to offer, including open-air museums, botanical gardens, and more.
The history is that Vikings were the ones that founded the city –and as such, the area is rich in history and culture.
The town is busy, but you can easily travel alone and feel safe doing so.
Attractive architecture is abundant, and it’s common for people to relax at cafes and restaurants along the canals.
Esbjerg
Esbjerg has a very low level of crime, with the majority of the problems stemming from the use or dealing of drugs.
The city has a population of around 115,000, which categorizes it as a large city according to Denmark standards.
There are lots of things to see here, including the Wadden Sea National Park, the Esbjerg Museum, and the Fisheries and Maritime Museum.
There is a lot of fishing that takes place in this city, and you will also find fresh fish from a number of restaurants and cafes.
For added culture, you might also want to explore the “Man Meets Sea” sculpture.
Aalborg
Aalborg is a charming city that has a population of 200,000.
It is considered one of the larger cities, though you don’t have to worry about violent crimes – they are virtually nonexistent.
If you want to embrace the culture of Denmark, Aalborg offers the symphony orchestra, the Museum of Modern Art, along with countless performance venues.
The area tends to attract the artistic, along with lots of students.
The few and far between crimes that are committed are property crimes.
Roskilde
Roskilde is well known for its Viking heritage as well as cathedrals and a fjord.
The Roskilde festival brings in countless tourists from Europe every year, which is when you will want to exercise the most caution.
It is a music festival, and with the presence of more people are more crimes.
It’s a small city with a population of only about 50,000.
There is not much crime, so you can explore the unique town without worrying about anything happening.
Maribo
Maribo is found on the island of Lolland.
It is on the shores of Søndersø Lake, which is also the most island-populated lake in the country.
Since it is set apart from much of Denmark, crime is almost nonexistent.
Everyone enjoys their leisure time and the culture that is abundant.
One of the top reasons to visit is the Maribo Jazz Festival, which brings in people from all over the world.
You may also want to spend time exploring some of the local wildlife.
Vejle
People visit Vejle because of the UNESCO monuments, the hills, and the fjords.
It is a small place of only 100,000 people, but there are a lot of rich cultures.
Crime is almost unheard of, except within the shopping districts where pickpocketing is fairly common.
Avoid keeping too much cash on you to avoid problems.
If you enjoy Viking history, you will want to make a point of visiting this ancient port town.
Ribe
Ribe is well-known for being in southwest Jutland.
It offers picturesque views with beaches, waterfalls, and more.
There is medieval history everywhere, especially since the city was founded in the 8th century.
You will find a lot of quaint shops, cobbled streets, and a charming harbor.
There is always something to keep you busy, and the area is extremely safe.
The only dangers are when there are cultural events that bring in more people as there are more tourists to worry about – such as the Ribe Wine Festival or the Ribe Jazz Festival.
Skagen
Skagen is a seaside town that is found on the northernmost point of Denmark.
You will find a number of artisans there, including holidaymakers.
As such, there is an abundance of galleries and shopping.
The scenic harbor is home to a lot of fishing, and freshly caught fish is shown off at some of the top seafood restaurants.
Sandy beaches also offer a lot of recreation.
Crime isn’t too high, but you may encounter some property crime around the harbor, especially as fishermen from other parts of the world come in from the sea periodically.
As always, use caution when you are around bustling areas.
Odense
Odense offers one of the lower cost of living cities on the list, so it is a popular place for people to live.
It offers a lot of sights, including the zoo, Egeskov Castle, and the Danish Railway Museum.
You may have also heard of it because it is the birthplace of Hans Christian Anderson.
The bustling population of 200,000 does create opportunities for property crimes, but you can avoid them for the most part by being vigilant about your surroundings.
This city does not have a lot of English-speaking people in comparison to other parts of Denmark, so it is a good idea to be familiar with one of the Scandinavian languages if you are going to visit.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Denmark
Following a few safety tips as you explore the bustling cities and the expansive countryside can help to keep you safe.
These tips work whether you are with a group or traveling alone.
Know the Rules of the Various Cities & Neighborhoods
Most of the rules are well-placed so that you can be sure that you are abiding by them.
Christiana is a neighborhood of Copenhagen where photography is strictly prohibited – and tourists have been attacked for not following the rule.
Know the Number of Emergency Services
If you are in need of any help while in Denmark, call 112 on any telephone.
This will connect you directly with the emergency services of the city you are in rather than depending on a shopkeeper or other person to help you.
Do Not Play Games
There are often hustlers on the street, particularly playing guessing games.
Street gambling is designed to take money from tourists.
Do not engage so that you do not get hustled.
Keep Belongings Secure
Most of the thieves are in hotel lobbies, busy restaurants, and bustling stores.
Keep your personal belongings and money secure.
Leave what you do not need with you locked in the safe of your hotel room.
Use Travel Guides
Written or online travel guides can help you to explore Denmark, even as a solo traveler.
While many locals speak English, use the guides so that you do not have to depend on the kindness of strangers.
Denmark Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Denmark Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What city has the most people?
Typically, where there are the most people is where there are the most crimes.
That’s not the case with Denmark, however.
Copenhagen is the most populated, with approximately 775,000 people.
It is one of the safer cities, though it is still a good idea to take precautions when you are in crowds.
What are the most common crimes committed in Denmark?
The majority of crimes committed in Denmark are identified as property crimes.
This includes such things as thefts, burglaries, and robberies.
This kind of crime has also decreased dramatically in the past 10 years.
What is the most dangerous city in Denmark?
There are not a lot of dangerous cities.
Instead, there are some neighborhoods within cities that you should avoid.
At the top of the list is Norrebrø, which is in Copenhagen.
It is associated with a lot of gun violence.
If you do decide to go to the area, do so during the day or with a large group.
Do not interact with people you do not know.
Copenhagen is not that safe of a city. Crime is low because most violent and property crimes are not prosecuted. The only crimes that are prosecuted are if someone suffers serious injuries or death for violent crime and burglaries caught in the act. Don’t believe the hype!