In previous discussions about Danish life, I’ve mentioned “The Danish Year,” a series of yearly traditions that, while not formal holidays, shape the rhythm of life in Denmark. In 2025, I plan to delve deeper, producing a podcast each month that explores different facets of the Danish year, examining its past and contemplating its future.
July marks the peak of vacation season in Denmark, a time when many locals venture abroad, ironically at the moment when Danish weather shows its best potential. And I emphasize “potential”—in Denmark, nothing is ever assured.
While some Danes flock to southern Europe for their summer escapes, there exists a peculiar pattern: after a year of splendid summer weather, vacation plans in Denmark soar, only to be met with disappointing rainfall the following year. Thus, the cycle continues—good weather begets local vacations, followed by dismal weather and the allure of foreign getaways.
You Can Surf in Denmark
Choosing to stay in Denmark during July can be an alluring option, even if you don’t possess one of the iconic Danish summer houses. This small, largely flat country is surprisingly rich in nature, less crowded than the UK, the Netherlands, or Germany.
The windswept shores of Denmark offer excellent surfing opportunities, particularly along the west coast. After catching some waves, why not take a stroll through the ever-shifting sand dunes? Perhaps stop by the quaint lighthouse, gradually being engulfed by the advancing sands.
Hike Through Ancient Forests
Denmark boasts ancient forests ideal for hiking, with some equipped with public shelters where you can rest after a day of exploration. These shelters, typically large wooden boxes open on one side and sheltered from the rain, provide a simple but cozy refuge.
Imagine walking through vibrant meadows adorned with wildflowers and butterflies, sailing across serene fjords, or spotting whales along the coastline. The country’s unique landscape allows you to traverse marshlands where red foxes and white-tailed eagles roam, and explore open grasslands home to wild horses.
Chalk Cliffs and Fossil Hunting
Despite its lack of towering peaks—Møllehøj, Denmark’s highest point, stands only a third the height of the Empire State Building—Denmark offers a diverse array of stunning Nordic landscapes. If you’re yearning for rocky scenery, head to the charming chalk cliffs and try your hand at fossil hunting along the sandy shores.
Whether it’s forests or fjords, all these experiences are often connected by the Margueritruten, or The Daisy Route. Unlike iconic routes such as Route 66 in the US or the Trans-Siberian Express, the Daisy Route spans 4,200 kilometers (about 2,600 miles) in a meandering path that resembles a plate of spaghetti, winding through the heart of Denmark. This picturesque journey takes you along quiet back roads, showcasing the country’s tranquil side without the interruption of major highways, save for one notable exception: the Big Belt Bridge between Zealand and Funen.
Marguerite Route or Daisy Route
Named after the former queen, Margrethe II, who inaugurated it on her 50th birthday in 1991—earning the affectionate nickname Daisy—the Daisy Route navigates through Denmark with signs marked by brown squares adorned with white daisies. While this route offers a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Denmark’s natural beauty, it’s most easily traversed by car.
Bikes in the City, Cars in the Countryside
There’s a little-stated truth in Denmark: the picturesque images of health-conscious Danes biking are largely confined to urban areas. The countryside lacks widespread bike lanes, making it less practical to cycle on isolated roads, especially with heavy traffic looming behind you.
Outside major cities, most Danes own cars, and their numbers are on the rise annually—despite the expense and strict parking regulations. From my window in Copenhagen, I witness cars being ticketed multiple times throughout the week, a testament to the country’s rigorous enforcement.
Denmark’s Founding Document, the Jelling Stone
What about public transportation? Can you navigate the Daisy Route using trains and buses? The answer is yes, especially if you’re keen on exploring some key cultural sights along the way.
A prime example is the Jelling Stone, an iconic carved monument regarded as Denmark’s founding document—its own version of a Magna Carta or Declaration of Independence. Erected by King Harold Bluetooth in 965, this historic stone symbolizes Denmark’s evolution into a centralized monarchy. It’s also worth noting that Bluetooth technology is named in his honor, and you can access the Jelling Stone easily by train.
Finding Fossils on Møns Klint
Another cultural gem is Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, known to many as Elsinore from Shakespeare’s *Hamlet*. Public transport makes it easy to reach this historical site, where Hamlet once roamed, and where Marcellus famously declared, “Something is rotten in Denmark.” While Shakespeare himself may never have set foot in the castle, you certainly can—thanks to straightforward train, bus, or ferry connections from Sweden. (And I invite you to join my guided audio tour of Helsingør if you wish.)
However, some of the best hidden treasures along the Daisy Route require a bit more effort to reach via public transport. Take Møns Klint, for instance—a striking white chalk cliff that juts out from the island’s southeast coast. Here, you can comb the beach for prehistoric fossils during the day or indulge in stargazing at night, unspoiled by urban light pollution.
Summer Vacation Chill
The journey to Møns Klint from Copenhagen is a mere 90-minute drive. In contrast, public transport may turn it into a thrilling four-hour expedition involving three trains, two buses, and a substantial walk— or a seven-hour bike ride. While such trips are possible, they might just take some of the summer chill out of your vacation.
Indeed, that laid-back vibe is what July in Denmark is all about.
Everything Closes Down
It’s worth noting that many businesses in Denmark completely shut down for the last two weeks of July and often into the first week of August. Restaurants, shops, and even some church services go dark. My favorite ice cream shop in Copenhagen closes its doors, although tourist areas usually remain bustling with activity.
This break offers the chance to soak up the glorious summer sun, and on a clear day, few places can rival the beauty of Denmark. Yet, you could just as easily find yourself contending with sporadic rain—a possibility that often coexists with sunny skies. In Danish summers, certainty is a rare commodity.
