Traveling to Denmark Before Heading to The Netherlands

A gentle, first-timer–friendly guide for curious travelers

For guests who would like to extend their journey in Europe before arriving in The Netherlands, Denmark is a wonderful and easy first stop. Calm, safe, beautifully designed, and incredibly welcoming, Denmark is often described as one of the easiest countries in Europe to visit — even if you don’t travel often.

While Monica hasn’t visited Denmark yet, Dirk has only explored Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands — a place deeply connected to Danish history and culture — and it sparked a lasting curiosity for Scandinavia. Denmark is the perfect gateway to experience that Nordic charm.

This blog is written to make Denmark feel approachable, simple, and stress-free, with the easiest travel options clearly explained.

🌆 Copenhagen – Denmark’s Charming Capital

The heart of Denmark is Copenhagen — a city that blends royal history, modern design, and cozy cafés in a way that feels instantly welcoming.

🌈 Nyhavn

The colorful harbor you’ve seen in photos.

• Historic 17th-century buildings

• Lively restaurants and cafés

• Perfect for walking, photos, and a relaxed meal

🎡 Tivoli Gardens

One of the oldest amusement parks in the world.

• Magical gardens, rides, lights, and music

• Great for adults and children alike

• Especially beautiful in the evening

🧜‍♀️ The Little Mermaid

A small statue with a big story.

• Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen

• A quick stop, but an iconic one

🏰 Amalienborg Palace

The home of the Danish royal family.

• Watch the Changing of the Guard

• Stroll the elegant palace square

🚶‍♀️ Stroget Shopping Street

One of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets.

• Boutiques, international brands, cafés

• Easy walking, no cars

Copenhagen is compact, clean, and easy to navigate — ideal for travelers who want to explore without stress.

🧱 LEGOLAND® Billund – A Playful Detour

Located in Billund, LEGOLAND is a fun option if you:

• Travel with children

• Love LEGO

• Want something lighthearted and uniquely Danish

The park is:

• Colorful, creative, and well-organized

• Easy to reach from Copenhagen by train or domestic flight

• Close to Billund Airport

Even adults are often surprised by how enjoyable it is.

🇸🇪 Bonus Trip: Denmark → Sweden in One Train Ride

One of Europe’s coolest “wow” moments:From Copenhagen, you can take a direct train across the Øresund Bridge to Malmö, Sweden.

• Travel time: ~35 minutes

• No border hassle

• No passport checks for most travelers

Malmö is:

• Calm and charming

• Perfect for a half-day visit

• Great for strolling old town squares and cafés

Yes — you can have lunch in Denmark and coffee in Sweden on the same day.

✈️ Traveling from Denmark to The Netherlands (The Easiest Way)

For travelers who prefer simplicity, flying is the best option.

✈️ Direct Flights

• Copenhagen (CPH) → Amsterdam (AMS)

• Flight time: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes

• Frequency: multiple flights per day

• Airlines: KLM, SAS, easyJet

💰 Estimated Cost

• One-way: €60–€150

• Prices vary by season and booking time

This is the easiest and fastest way to continue your journey to The Netherlands.

🇺🇸 Best Flight Strategy from Florida (Easy & Affordable)

For guests flying from Florida, the most practical and cost-effective option is:

✈️ Open-Jaw Flight (Recommended)

• Fly INTO: Copenhagen (CPH)

• Fly OUT OF: Amsterdam (AMS)

• Return to Florida

This avoids backtracking and often costs the same or less than a round-trip.

Florida Airports with Good European Connections:

• Miami (MIA) – most options, often best prices

• Orlando (MCO) – good for family-friendly schedules

• Fort Lauderdale (FLL) – budget-friendly alternatives

Airlines like KLM, Delta, Air France, and Lufthansa frequently offer competitive fares.

🏨 Where to Stay in Copenhagen (Central & Well-Rated)

All options below are central, comfortable, and highly rated:

• CitizenM Copenhagen Radhuspladsen

  Modern, comfortable, excellent for first-time visitors

• Wakeup Copenhagen (multiple locations)

  Affordable, clean, and well-located

• Hotel SP34

  Stylish boutique hotel near shops and cafés

• Scandic Hotels

  Reliable comfort, great breakfast, good value

Staying near the city center keeps everything walkable and stress-free.

💡 Denmark Do’s & Don’ts (Important for First-Time Visitors)

💰 Currency

• Currency: Danish Krone (DKK)

• Euros are not widely accepted

• Cards are accepted almost everywhere

💳 Payment

• Credit & debit cards are the norm

• Carrying cash is rarely necessary

🍽️ Tipping

• Not required

• Service is included

• Rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated but optional

🚲 Bicycles Rule

• Bikes have priority

• Never walk in bike lanes

• Always look both ways

🕰 Punctuality

• Danes value being on time

• Trains and reservations run precisely

🗣 Language

• Almost everyone speaks excellent English

• No need to learn Danish to get around

🧥 Weather

• Layers are key

• Weather can change quickly

• Bring a light jacket year-round

✨ Why Denmark Is a Great First Stop

• Extremely safe and clean

• Calm and well-organized

• English widely spoken

• Easy flights and trains

• Perfect introduction to Europe

Denmark offers a gentle landing into European travel — relaxed, beautiful, and surprisingly easy.

🇩🇰 Sample 4–5 Day Denmark Itinerary

A relaxed, first-timer–friendly plan

This itinerary keeps travel simple, avoids rushing, and focuses on Denmark’s highlights — with optional extras depending on energy level and interests.

🗓️ Day 1 – Arrival in Copenhagen

Arrival: Copenhagen Airport (CPH)

• Take the metro or train directly into the city center (15–20 minutes)

• Easy signage, English everywhere

Afternoon

• Check into your hotel

• Light walk around your neighborhood

• Coffee or early dinner near Nyhavn

Evening

• Stroll along the harbor

• Early night to recover from jet lag

✨ Tip: Don’t overplan this day — Denmark is calm and welcoming, perfect for easing into Europe.

🗓️ Day 2 – Classic Copenhagen Highlights

Morning

• Walk Nyhavn

• Visit Amalienborg Palace (Changing of the Guard around noon)

• Stroll along the waterfront

Lunch

• Casual café or smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches)

Afternoon

• Stroget shopping street

• Optional visit to the Little Mermaid statue

Evening

• Tivoli Gardens

  Magical at night with lights, music, and food stalls

🎟️ Tivoli ticket: approx. €20–€25 (rides optional)

🗓️ Day 3 – Easy Side Trip: Malmö, Sweden (Optional but Fun!)

Travel

• Train from Copenhagen Central to Malmö Central

• Travel time: ~35 minutes

• No border checks for most travelers

In Malmö

• Old Town (Gamla Staden)

• Lunch at a cozy café

• Short stroll — very relaxed pace

Return

• Late afternoon or early evening back to Copenhagen

🌍 Bonus: Two countries in one day!

🗓️ Day 4 – LEGOLAND® Billund or Slow Copenhagen Day

Option A: LEGOLAND® Billund (Families & LEGO Fans)

• Train or domestic flight to Billund

• Full day at LEGOLAND

• Stay overnight nearby or return late to Copenhagen

🎟️ LEGOLAND ticket: approx. €45–€55

Option B: Slow City Day

• Museums

• Canal cruise

• Café hopping

• Shopping or parks

Perfect if you prefer less travel.

🗓️ Day 5 – Fly to The Netherlands

Flight

• Copenhagen (CPH) → Amsterdam (AMS)

• Flight time: ~1.5 hours

• Multiple daily departures

Arrive refreshed and ready for the next chapter of your journey.

✈️ Exact Train & Flight Booking Tips

🚆 Trains (Within Denmark & to Malmö)

• Book via DSB (Danish Railways) or SJ

• Tickets usually available 2–3 months in advance

• Trains are reliable and easy to use

• No seat reservations needed for short trips

✈️ Flights: Denmark → Netherlands

• Route: CPH → AMS

• Airlines: KLM, SAS, easyJet

• Book 4–8 weeks in advance for best prices

💰 Typical one-way cost: €60–€150

✈️ Best Flight Strategy from Florida (Simple & Affordable)

Recommended option: Open-Jaw Ticket

• Fly into Copenhagen (CPH)

• Fly out of Amsterdam (AMS)

• Return to Florida

Often costs the same as a round-trip and avoids backtracking.

Best Florida departure airports

• Miami (MIA)

• Orlando (MCO)

• Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

🇩🇰 vs 🇳🇱 Denmark vs The Netherlands

Which feels right for you?

Topic	Denmark	The Netherlands
Overall vibe	Calm, minimalist, cozy	Lively, social, energetic
Cities	Copenhagen feels relaxed	Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam are busier
Language	English spoken everywhere	English spoken everywhere
Transportation	Very simple, fewer lines	Extremely extensive network
Food culture	Simple, design-focused	Diverse, international
Pace	Slower, quieter	Faster, more dynamic
First-time friendly	Excellent	Excellent

In Short:

• Denmark is perfect if you want a soft landing into Europe

• The Netherlands is ideal if you enjoy variety, movement, and energy

Together, they make a beautiful and balanced travel combination.

✨ Final Thought

If Europe feels intimidating — Denmark is not. It’s calm, safe, well-organized, and wonderfully kind to first-time travelers. Combined with The Netherlands, it creates a journey that’s both easy and unforgettable.