• Norway!

    Norway: Sunnylvsfjord. Go Now!

    Norway
    Known for its natural beauty, Norway is home to isolated villages, fjords, and mountains that create a culture and landscape without compare. Begin Your Journey!

  • Vatican City!

    Vatican City: Vatican Museums. Go Now!

    Vatican City
    The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

  • Macedonia!

    Macedonia: Traditional architecture. Go Now!

    Macedonia
    Macedonia is a country still finding its unique identity, but its architecture is already one of a kind. Explore Macedonia!

  • Austria!

    Austria: Belvedere Palace. Go Now!

    Austria
    Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and incredible history & food. Go Now!

  • Spain!

    Spain: Guell Park and Gaudi architecture. Go Now!

    Spain
    Fusion foods, lively music, historic ruins, and cultural events like the Running of the Bulls and La Tomatina make Spain and Barcelona (pictured) a favorite tourist destination. Explore Spain!

  • Ukraine!

    Ukraine: Traditional Village. Go Now!

    Ukraine
    Ukrainian culture is based on village life, particularly that found in the Carpathian Mountains (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

Social Life in Denmark

Behavior

The Danes are very well aware of the world around them as well as the differences in opinions and behaviors. Because of this they are quite understanding of various cultures and foreigners so odd behaviors are generally accepted (but not encouraged).

Your behavior should begin with modesty as being loud, rude, showing off wealth, or dressing provocatively will get you stares. Likewise, placing yourself above others or boasting is viewed negatively, whether that be in your attitude, talking about finances, making others wait for you at a meeting, polluting their environment, or even in personal relationships. Putting others down gets the same reaction; Danes view men, women, minorities, and people of all sexual orientations as equals and not doing the same can be very offensive.

As a visitor to Denmark, try to follow the lead of the locals by being modest, dressing in like manner (see below for details), dining in the local etiquette (see our Denmark Dining & Food Page), and avoiding sensitive conversation topics such as politics, finances, and business unless initiated by your local counterpart.

Dress

Denmark has a long and powerful history, during which time the dress significantly changed based upon location and time. Today when the Danes think of their traditional, or national dress the clothing from the 1700s and 1800s are often imagined. Although these clothes differed from region to region, there were multiple commonalities. Women generally wore homemade skirts, which were quite long, a blouse or jacket, often times with a bodice, and a headpiece similar to a bonnet. Men also wore simple homemade clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, jackets, breeches, or knee-length pants, tall socks, and clogs or boots.

Today these traditional outfits are rarely seen, except at important festivals and events. Modern western-styled clothing rules Denmark today and nearly everyone wears whatever style they prefer. As a visitor to Denmark, you are also welcome to wear nearly any western-styled clothing, but remember to dress for the weather and the occasion. Seasonal variations in Denmark can be great, as can the require dress depending on the situation. In generally try to stay on the more conservative side though; although the Danes are fairly liberal, they are also fairly modest so don't wear anything that will make you stand out significantly. Lastly, sunbathing naked or women sunbathing topless is only permitted in certain places so always be sure to know where this is allowed before doing so.

This page was last updated: November, 2013