Travelers from the United States and beyond flock to Denmark, drawn by its captivating culture, iconic landmarks, and stunning natural landscapes.
Despite Denmark’s reputation as one of the safest countries globally, incidents of serious and even violent crime do occur, affecting both residents and visitors.
What follows is a comprehensive overview of the ten least safe cities in Denmark. The data is compiled from reliable sources, including reports from the Danish National Police Force, Numbeo’s Cost of Living Reports, and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, which collectively shed light on crime and safety statistics.
10 Most Dangerous Cities in Denmark
While Denmark is often viewed as a low-crime paradise, it’s important to acknowledge that serious crimes do manifest in certain areas.
Here’s a closer look at the notable crime statistics across these cities, presenting a realistic picture of safety across the nation.
Crime figures are reported by the Danish National Police and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
#1. Fredericia (Southeast Denmark)
Denmark enjoys a reputation for being generally safe compared to many perilous places worldwide.
In Fredericia, tourists and locals face a low risk of violent crimes such as assault, rape, or murder, though crime is not entirely absent.
According to Numbeo’s Cost of Living report, the city has a crime rate of 12.50 per 100,000 residents, characterized as very low. However, issues related to drug offenses such as abuse and illegal dealing, property crimes including vandalism and theft, and a few incidents of violent offenses like assault and armed robbery have been reported.
Latest Population Estimate: 51,606
#2. Esbjerg (Western Coast, Denmark)
Located on the west coast of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg ranks as the fifth-largest city in the country.
While violent crimes like assault and robbery are infrequent, they have been recorded, along with a notable prevalence of property crimes.
Latest Population Estimate: 71,968
#3. Odense
Odense aligns with the trend observed in other cities deemed dangerous, offering a generally safe environment for residents and visitors alike.
Most residents feel secure strolling through the city at any hour, although there are concerns about occasional burglaries and home invasions.
Latest Population Estimate: 207,762
#4. Aalborg (Northern Denmark)
Aalborg, the fourth-largest city in Denmark, is located in the northern region and is largely characterized by low crime rates.
Here, property crimes are predominant, with petty theft and vandalism being the most frequently reported offenses. The homicide rate in Aalborg is alarmingly low, reported at fewer than 2 per 100,000 residents.
Latest Population Estimate: 216,000
#5. Kolding
Continuing the pattern found in Denmark’s dubious list, Kolding remains primarily a low-crime area.
As the seventh-largest city in the nation, it does experience instances of property crimes and theft, typically occurring in densely populated areas. Nevertheless, sporadic reports of violent crimes like rape and murder do emerge.
Latest Population Estimate: 61,638
#6. Horsens
In Horsens, the crime rate is reported to be just below the national average, at around 200 per 100,000 people.
Property crimes, particularly theft, dominate the local crime landscape, while serious offenses like assault and robbery are notably less frequent.
Homicides, when they do occur, are exceedingly rare, matching the trend of other cities with rates below 2 homicides per 100,000 residents.
Latest Population Estimate: 61,074
#7. Randers (Jutland Peninsula)
Located centrally in Jutland, Randers is Denmark’s sixth-largest city, enjoying a relatively low crime rate.
Similar to other cities on this list, theft and vandalism stand out as the primary offenses recorded.
Latest Population Estimate: 62,802
#8. Roskilde (Eastern Denmark)
Roskilde presents a relatively secure environment where residents and tourists can thrive without fear.
Here, violent crimes remain scarce, with property crimes being the most prevalent issue.
Latest Population Estimate: 183,102+
#9. Herning
Herning, located over 150 miles northeast of Copenhagen, has been included in the list of cities with higher crime rates in Denmark.
Most incidents reported tend to involve property crimes rather than violent offenses.
Latest Population Estimate: 90,800
#10. Vejle
Nestled on the eastern coast of the Jutland peninsula, Vejle occasionally reports higher rates of violent crimes, including assault and robbery.
Though it’s essential to note that instances of graver offenses such as murder occur infrequently, the city still maintains a relatively low homicide rate of less than 1 per 100,000 residents.
Latest Population Estimate: 116,700
5 Tips for Traveling Safely in Denmark
#1. Stay Alert!
American tourists can easily fall prey to a false sense of security, thanks to Denmark’s generally low crime rate.
However, the Danish National Police advise vigilance while exploring to avoid becoming victims of the sporadic acts of petty theft or minor assaults. Maintain your itinerary and steer clear of unmarked or unfamiliar areas alone after dark.
#2. Don’t Walk Alone at Night
While many inhabiting Denmark express comfort in walking around the towns both day and night, it is not recommended.
The dark hours often hide the actions of thieves and vandals, making nighttime walks risky. As a prudent safety measure, opt not to wander alone after sunset.
#3. Stay in Designated Areas
Adhering to your planned travel route is vital during your stay in Denmark.
Sticking to tourist-friendly locations minimizes the risk of becoming a target for crime or losing your way in an unfamiliar area. Consider refraining from spontaneous detours that may lead you astray from your travel companions or guides.
#4. Learn Conversational Danish
Acquiring basic conversational phrases and essential inquiries in Danish can enhance your travel experience immeasurably.
Effective communication can prevent misunderstandings that might render tourists vulnerable to criminal elements. Language translation apps or handheld devices offer convenient solutions for those unable to achieve fluency before their trip.
#5. Travel in Groups
Adopting the buddy system and traveling in groups heightens your safety while navigating Denmark.
A communal approach not only minimizes vulnerability to crime but also enriches your understanding of the country’s rich history and landscapes, making it more challenging for potential wrongdoers to commit theft or other offenses.
Safety Index:
| OVERALL RISK | LOW |
|---|---|
| TRANSPORT & TAXI RISK | LOW |
| THE RISK OF PICKPOCKETS | LOW |
| RISK OF NATURAL DISASTERS | LOW |
| RISK OF MUGGING | LOW |
| TERRORISM RISK | MEDIUM |
| RISK OF SCAMS | LOW |
| WOMEN TRAVELERS’ RISK | LOW |
| TAP WATER RISK | LOW |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any travel safety advisories issued for Denmark?
Interestingly, despite Denmark’s status as a low-violence haven, the U.S. Department of State has issued a level two travel advisory for American travelers.
The latest update advises heightened caution due to reports of potential terrorist activities in the area.
Why is it dangerous to travel to Denmark right now?
Though Denmark generally enjoys a reputation as a safe destination, certain circumstances warrant caution.
The U.S. travel advisory, alerting travelers to the possibility of terrorist plots, increases the perceived threat level, encouraging visitors to exercise extreme caution.
What steps can I take to make Denmark travel safe?
Americans venturing to Denmark should consider registering their trip with the United States Embassy.
This can provide critical insights into current safety conditions and local relations, and the embassy can assist with emergencies, including replacing lost travel documents.
