Route & Highlights
Denmark is just a short distance destination from Germany and yet so different. When I just got my RV in 2014 I wanted to go on a longer trip to get used to the vehicle but didn’t want to be too far from home in case something happens. So I picked Denmark with its islands also called as the “Danish South Seas” or Sydfynske Øhav in Danish.
Ferry from Fehmarn to Rødby
If you have read my blog post about the Northern Coast of Germany and Fehmarn, you know where to start from. I took the ferry from Fehmarn to Rødby followed by more and more smaller getting ferries and windy bridges throughout the Danish South Sea.
There are more than 55 islands on this spectacular piece of earth. Can you believe it? Als, Langeland, Ærø, Lolland, Falster, Møn are just some examples of islands in this area. Here is my route in detail:
Explore & Discover
Rød Pølse
If you are in Denmark you need to try the HotDogs or Rød Pølse as they are called locally. Of course, Fiete and I couldn’t spare to have a couple already right after the border from Germany.
Danish HotDog
There are HotDog Stands all around and they are definitely a must have on your food list. Check. Yum.
Møn Cliffs
Denmark offers very varied landscapes. The Baltic coast is a bit wilder than the West coast. Nature reserves dominate the landscape and is therefore perfect for nature lovers, beach lovers, hikers, cyclists and also birdwatchers.
Møn Cliffs in Demark
There are also a couple of breathtaking cliffs in Denmark, as is the case in the Møn region.
Fiete digging at the Cliffs
Klintholm
Klintholm Havn is a small seaport located at the easternmost point of the island of Møn. I fell in love with this place because there are breathtaking beaches and mudsands. You feel like being on a loney planet.
Klintholm Havn beach parking
Tremendous mud flat
Fiete and I found a little farm close to the harbor. We literally camped right on the farmer’s meadow surrounded by cows and horses. They were so curious what kind of breed we were that they were standing right infront of the RV door in the morning waiting for us to come out. This quiet and peaceful was surely one of a kind.
Meadow Camping
Copenhagen
Copenhagen or Københaven as Capital of Denmark is worth a visit. Fiete and I stayed at the city campground which is very convenient as you are close to the center to explore all the important sightseeing spots. We decided to run the full tourist program including Hop on – Hop -off bus tour.
At Langelinje Pier you will find one of Copenhagen’s most famous tourist attractions: The Little Mermaid.
The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen
Over 100 years ago, The Little Mermaid was a gift to the City of Copenhagen. They say she swims every morning and evening to the surface from the bottom of the sea up to the rock to catch a glimpse of her beloved missing prince. That’s romance!
We also went on a boat trip to Nyhavn, which is this beautiful ancient harbor in the middle of the city.
Nyhavn
Look at all those bright colors and lovely details decorating the houses along the water.
Dogs & Law
You might hear nightmare stories about travelling with your dog to Denmark. Rumors from you can never take your dog off-leash to I heard from owners that their dog has been shot just because they couldn’t show any papers. Don’t let yourself get distracted or turned down by these myths as there are concrete legal facts that one should follow in order to have a chilled vacation with a dog in Denmark.
Yes, it’s true: According to the Danish Act on Dogs, the police is obligated to euthanize dogs, which savage a person or attack another dog. However, there have been recent amendments made in July 2014 to introduce a new, more specific definition of ‘savaging’ and therefore protect owners and dogs better than before.
Should a dog (no matter which breed) attack a person, cause significant harm to others, or if there are other reasons to suspect that the dog is dangerous to the environment, the police may order a leash, muzzle or both, as well as an euthanization of the animal decide.
Dogs of vacationers were in the past, anyway, never in the eyes of authorities, but now any doubt should be excluded.
However, the holding and thus the importation and / or entrainment of thirteen breeds classified as particularly dangerous remain forbidden. Offenses are punished with a fine or a prison sentence of the dog owner, as well as with the euthanasia of the dog.
1) Pit Bull Terrier
2) Tosa Inu
3) American Staffordshire Terrier
4) Fila Brasileiro
5) Dogo Argentino
6) American Bulldog
7) Boerboe
8) Kanga
9) Central Asian Ovtcharka
10) Caucasian Ovtcharka
11) Southern Russian Ovtcharka
12) Tornja
13) Sarplanina
The ban also applies to crossbreeds of the breeds in question. It is up to the owner of the dog to document the breed or the type. All other dogs are allowed in Denmark.
I strongly advice – especially if your dog is a mix – to always keep a copy of a the breed certificate with you in case you have to show evidence that your dog is not on the list of above 13. For Fiete for instance I make sure to always carry the result of a voluntary DNA test with me, as he comes from a shelter with no background history or information on the exact breed. You can find providers here: http://www.canix-dna.com
You can find more information about holidays in Denmark with a dog at the Danish Embassy or on the official Denmark website: http://www.visitdenmark.com
Summary
Fiete and I loved Denmark. Beaches, mud flats, ferries, bridges, HotDogs and very friendly people. If you expect a lot of action from your vacation, this is not the place of first choice. But if you need to clear your head, feel free and enjoy the breeze, this is the perfect destination.
Don’t worry too much about Danish Act on Dogs. If you are 100 % sure not to have a breed from the list of 13, and you are able prove it, then you can enjoy a wonderful vacation in Denmark with your dog as everywhere else. However, you should be aware that dogs can only be off-leash at beaches from November through March – just as in other European countries, especially Germany.